Mountain shoes
Product 2018
Man
This new Hoka Challenger ATR 4 succeeds in offering two shoes in one. A product that as a very powerful grip on all types of terrain and especially in the mountains. But also shoes that offer spring in your step on more runnable tracks. Let’s take a look at the two characteristics.
On craggy ground where at this time of year mud mixes with dead leaves, stones roll, the Hoka shows good grip under forefoot and the heel. In the middle the lugs are wider and don’t fill up with mud. These soles really give confidence on technical terrain especially in the descent and they filter all the asperities that the ground throws up at you; true HOKA style.
The other side to the Challenger ATR 4, is that on faster terrain the heel cushioning disappears because you are naturally positioned in a forefoot strike position. Like a rocker, you move forward as soon as you start to run. You suddenly feel more aerial, at least to start with!
The transversal cushioning is of course present but less so than some of their models, yet we are pleased that it’s there if you do a bad foot strike, you are pleased to have a bit of cushioning to bounce off. The cushioning graduates from back to front. Your proprioception is more solicited in the lateral movements
and the strike is less precise than another model that is close to the ground (like the Salomon Sense 6 SG), but it’s the presence of the EVA and the height of the runner that creates this effect. You lose on lateral precision but you gain on cushioning. The drop is 5mm, 29mm at the heel to 24mm fore foot. So you have a limited drop yet you are positioned quite high.
Our testers loved the Hoka sole and the double mesh layer was pleasant and protected against any pressure points in the toe crease. They also really liked the integrated stone guard, which was thin, light but efficient.
The flat lacing is the correct length, they stay in position. You just need to lace up from the front of the foot. Once you remove the shoe the laces stay put as there are small loops that hold the laces in place. The shoes are breathable, comfortable, the foam around the ankles and heels is just the right thickness. The small loop at the heel aids putting on the shoes. The quality of the materials and finishing are excellent, serious stuff!
Lightweight, cushioning, grippy, fast, these Hoka Challenger ATR 4 are excellent shoes. Next you need to see the durability. Runners looking for precision, wanting proximity to the terrain will look for another model. Those who prefer more comfort and pleasure in the downhill will find that this Hoka is made for them.
24 mm5 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
Receive your answers by mail. Do you have a particular question concerning the design, use, durability or other about a tested product? We will answer your question personally.
