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Head-to-head · Best Trail Running Shoes

Adidas Terrex Agravic SL vs HOKA Challenger 8

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

HOKA Challenger 8 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Heel strikers seeking maximalist cushioning — read the strengths below before deciding.

Adidas Terrex Agravic SL
Ranked #9 in Best Trail Running Shoes
Adidas Terrex Agravic SL
6 sources1 derived$224.95as of Sep 4

The Adidas Terrex Agravic SL offers a comfortable, versatile trail running experience that simplifies the high-performance Agravic Speed Ultra 2 for everyday training. Reviewers praised its Lightstrike Pro midsole for cushioning and energy return, as well as its engineered mesh upper for breathability and durability. The fit is described as more accommodating than previous Agravic models, with reduced heel rub and toe irritation. While it retains some of the dynamic ride of its race-day counterpart, it's less extreme and more suitable for training. This shoe appeals to runners seeking a balance between performance and comfort on mixed terrain.

Strengths
  • — Lightstrike Pro midsole provides cushioning and energy return
  • — Engineered mesh upper offers breathability, quick-dry capability, and durability
  • — Comfortable fit with improved toe box and heel collar padding
Watch-outs
  • — Slightly bottom-heavy feel compared to other models
  • — Rocker profile is less dynamic than the Agravic Speed Ultra 2
$224.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
HOKA Challenger 8
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Trail Running Shoes
HOKA Challenger 8
10 sources$155as of Sep 4

The HOKA Challenger 8 represents a refined update to the popular road-to-trail shoe series, offering enhanced cushioning, a more accommodating fit, and improved traction. Reviewers noted its suitability for heel strikers and versatility across various terrains, while acknowledging the outdated CMEVA foam that lacks energetic bounce. The shoe's redesigned lugs provide better grip, and its breathable upper contributes to overall comfort. It's ideal for runners seeking a maximalist, stable ride but may not satisfy those wanting a more dynamic or terrain-connected feel.

Strengths
  • — Excellent cushioning with improved SA scores
  • — Flexible for a max-stack trail shoe
  • — Roomier toebox than previous version
Watch-outs
  • — Outdated CMEVA foam with low energy return
  • — Slightly heavier than version 7
$155 · Buy at adventurealan.comFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Adidas Terrex Agravic SL

The Adidas Terrex Agravic SL offers a more comfortable fit than the Saucony Peregrine 16, but lacks the dynamic rocker profile of the Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL. While it provides good stability with its forefoot shank, it's less cushioned than the Hoka Challenger 8 and doesn't match the energy return of the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro. The Agravic SL is best for everyday training runners wanting a versatile, comfortable trail shoe.

HOKA Challenger 8

The Hoka Challenger 8 provides better cushioning than the Saucony Peregrine 16 and Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL, but it's less responsive than the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro and lacks the traction of the Hoka Speedgoat 7. While it offers a roomier toebox than the Altra Experience Wild 3+, it's not as natural or flexible as the Altra Lone Peak 9. The Challenger 8 is best for heel strikers seeking a maximalist, stable ride.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAdidas Terrex Agravic SLHOKA Challenger 8
Weight9.4 oz (268g) for US M9/W10.59.5 oz / 269g
OutsoleContinental rubber—
Upper Materialengineered mesh100% recycled
MidsoleLightstrike ProCMEVA foam
Stack Height39mm in heel, 33mm in forefoot—
Drop6mm10.1 mm
Lug Depth3.5 mm to 4.0 mm3.7 mm
Toe Box—Wide
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