Saucony Guide TR vs HOKA Challenger 8

Saucony's Guide TR brings the broad-based design of its road Guide to mixed routes, aimed at runners who move from pavement onto gravel, packed dirt and light trails. Where the Guide 19 is a road stability trainer, the TR version adds a lugged outsole and a tougher upper. Alongside it, the Ride TR3 offers a PWRRUN+ cushioned road-to-trail option, and the Peregrine 16 covers more technical trails.

The midsole is a broad base of PWRRUN foam, which Saucony pitches for maximum cushioning and high energy return. A PWRTRAC outsole with 3.5 mm lugs is designed for grip from asphalt to dirt, and a toecap rand protects the front of the shoe. The high-tenacity mesh upper is built to be breathable and to add lightweight protection in high-abrasion zones while keeping debris out. It is not waterproof, has a removable insole and comes in a standard width.

Specs and features from mec.ca, roadrunnersports.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.

Designed to move between pavements and easy trails, the Challenger 8 is effectively a trail adaptation of the Clifton, built on the same compression-moulded EVA used in the Clifton 10. Compared with the Clifton 11 it adds lugs, and it is lighter and less heavily built than the hybrid Stinson 8, making it the nimbler of HOKA's two road-to-trail shoes.

This version is much taller than the Challenger 7, with a 42 mm heel stack, and the drop rises to 8 mm. The rocker is more pronounced than before and the lugs more aggressive, with Durabrasion rubber applied to the lugs themselves while much of the foam stays exposed. A jacquard mesh upper made from recycled PET and twin tongue loops complete the build, and the toe box is roomier than on the previous version. Wide fittings and a waterproof Challenger 8 GTX are both offered.

Specs and features from runrepeat.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.