Shoe advice needed: Hoka Clifton II equivalent needed for trail running

Triathlon Forum
1

Having been injury prone with repeated achilles tendonopathy in the past I am very happy with the Hoka Cliftons (II even better than I) road shoes plus custom insert.
I am injury free since switching about one year ago.

For the winter season I am now looking for some good trail running shoes that give me the same fit and cushioning but add trail features like sole and water resistance etc. that a trial shoe needs.
I have looked at the Hoka Speedgoat online but haven’t had a chance to try. Also trying in store only tells you so much.

So I am looking for some insight of someone with injury history who has actually tried that shoe or any trail shoe that worked for him or her.

This will be my first trail shoe.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

2

I’m pretty sure the Challenge ATR is basically the Clifton with a mor durable tread. I’d start there…

3

I’m pretty sure the Challenge ATR is basically the Clifton with a mor durable tread. I’d start there…

Yep - Challenger ATR is what you want. Don’t think it’s been updated, so it still has the thinner tongue (like Clifton I) which I prefer. They aren’t bad for on road running either - probably a tiny bit more durable than the Cliftons as well.

4

Speedgoats are nice but zero water resistance. You have been warned.

5

I have both Speedgoats and Challenger ATR.

Challenger ATR is going to be more equivalent to the Clifton. Depends on the running you are doing, but Speedgoats are for rougher terrain.

I havnen’t noticed any water issues with the Speedgoats. I did 50 miler back in November with many trail crossings and had no issues with the shoes being water logged.

6

I’m pretty sure the Challenge ATR is basically the Clifton with a mor durable tread. I’d start there…

Yep - Challenger ATR is what you want. Don’t think it’s been updated, so it still has the thinner tongue (like Clifton I) which I prefer. They aren’t bad for on road running either - probably a tiny bit more durable than the Cliftons as well.

Another vote for the ATR… It is being updated for 2016, the ATR2 should hit the stores in January. Update is basically a padded tongue and new upper; sole remains the same as current model. You can probably find the ATR on close out sales, it’s worth a try but know that it’s a bit firmer than the Clifton and definitely not waterproof. From what I’ve read the Speedgoat also has a lightweight upper so also not a shoe that keeps out water.

7

Well, maybe the water resistance was a little misleading. I meant more water management i.e. drain holes.

But thank you for all your advice. The Challenger ATR is on sale right now probably bcz they will introduce the successor in January as one poster commented.

I will give it a shot.