For years, I have been hearing about the love for Hokas by my ultra-running friends. I have to admit I was at first frightened by the whole “moon shoe” concept, but I later realized Hokas come in a few shapes and sizes. This meant there was a way for me to give them a try without going “Full (Hoka) Retard“. It was suggested to me by my local Hoka rep that the Hoka One One Challenger ART 2 would be great for both road and trail.
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2 Features
Tons of cushioning – Shock absorption to the max. Hoka calls this wide and thick part of the shoe -“The Marshmallow”. It’s what gives Hokas that whole moon-shoe look that they are famous for.
The “Meta Rocker”– Another feature unique to Hoka that is a massively curved bottom of the shoe. As you can see in the photo below, the front of the shoe comes up quite a bit. This supports a “rocking chair” kind of movement as you run.
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2 Usage
The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2 shoes are advertised as road or trail, so I have tested them on everything. I’ve done lots of short neighborhood jogs on pavement. Since they don’t have giant lugs, they are a great shoe for concrete runs. They are very padded and feel like you are running on clouds. Despite the cloud like feeling you can still feel the details in the surface you are running on.
In addition, I’ve also used them on many a long trail run. On trails they can be a little tricky on more technical sections since they have you up on a platform. The higher sitting foot rolls a little easier if you don’t pay attention. They have been through every kind of “every day usage” terrain one could imagine. I took the Hoka ATR2s on rocks, mud, single track, and anything else you might find in your favorite local trail run.
Unlike so many popular running shoes, these shoes run true to size, without being too narrow in the toebox. After many many miles, I have no blister or hot spot issues.
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2 Durability
I have run 190 miles in these to date. No holes or other specific damage to the shoes, just general wear and tear. If this pair of shoes is in the trunk of my car, I am set for a run pretty much anywhere. My guess is I will be ready for a new pair around the 250-275 mile mark , which is standard for me with any running shoe.
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great for road or trail.
- Tons of support.
Cons
- NOT an OCR shoe.
- Standard lacing verus Speed Lacing.
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Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2 Conclusion
It’s so nice to have a pair of shoes that I can use anywhere. Most street shoes suck on trails, and all of my other OCR deep lugged trail shoes are awkward at best on the street. The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2 have become my go-to pair for a standard trail run, or any time I do a quick run around the block.
I will be ordering additional Hokas pairs as I am now one of the Hoka converted.
Matt B. Davis
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