How to Choose a HOKA Trail Running Shoe

If maximum comfort is your priority, the Speedgoat is your perfect match. With a nearly 40 mm stack, the Speedgoat is the most cushioned shoe in HOKA's trail line. This would be a great fit for a variety of runners, from the ultra-marathoner to the casual runner wanting a plush experience in a relatively lightweight package. Carrying the nickname of Karl Meltzer, the record holder for winning the most 100-mile trail races, the Speedgoat is designed for tackling technical trails and going the distance.

While the Speedgoat offers more cushioning, the Challenger still provides a high amount in a package that offers the versatility to be used on both the road and the trail. You can expect a soft and smooth ride from this "Clifton of the trails", and many runners find that the Challenger meets the sweet spot of being neither so soft that the ride is mushy, nor too firm. Featuring durable 4 mm lugs, it delivers a smooth ride on both singletrack and pavement, which is a nice bonus!

If you want something you can use for everything from speed work to long runs, it's hard to go wrong with the Torrent! The definition of "torrent" is a rushing stream of fluid, and you'll surely feel like you're flying down the trails in this shoe. Even with its nimble nature, the Torrent provides a soft landing at impact. With a grippy, aggressive outsole, this shoe inspires confidence on a variety of trails making it a viable candidate for best all-around HOKA trail shoe.

If you're looking for a speedy, bouncy, and responsive option, reach for the zippy Zinal. With a lower stack height than other trail models, you can expect more of a connected-to-the-ground experience. Yes, this is getting to be a far cry from the the max cushion, "marshmallowy" shoes HOKA is known for! The Zinal, which features a durable Vibram outsole, will really thrive on faster, shorter runs on technical terrain.

The Tecton X is a trail racing shoe developed for speed and comfort. The shoe has the new ProFlyX midsole that is light and responsive. The ProFlyX is aided in propulsion by parallel carbon fiber plates contained in the midsole. Together these features give the shoe a responsive yet cushioned ride, ready to take on trails at speed. The upper of the shoe is an engineered jacquard mesh that provides an excellent hold through uneven terrain. The Tecton X is an exciting new trail shoe that will propel your trail runs to new heights.