Hoka Challenger

[Sally Forester]

Hi All,
I have decided to go with Hoka Challengers for my May Frances camino. I've liked them so far and have put about 200 miles on a pair. I've noticed some wear around the tongue of the shoe already. For those of you who used Hokas, did you find that they held up for the entire 500+ miles? Also, where can I find replacement HOKA laces- regular laces don't fit in the shoe...
Thanks all!
Sally

 

[Bajaracer]

Since HOKA's are based off of running shoes, don't expect the pair you are using with 200 miles on them to live another 500 miles on top of that, the midsole cushioning will be compressed by the halfway mark and the soles will have considerable wear.
My advice would be to keep training with shoes you have now and buy a new pair to start your Camino with.

 

[BrienC]

Since HOKA's are based off of running shoes, don't expect the pair you are using with 200 miles on them to live another 500 miles on top of that, the midsole cushioning will be compressed by the halfway mark and the soles will have considerable wear.
My advice would be to keep training with shoes you have now and buy a new pair to start your Camino with.

I completely agree with baja. HOKA's are great shoes, though from my experience they show their wear a bit quicker than other brands. That said, I used a pair of Asics trail running shoes for the Camino Frances last July which had less than 100 miles on them when I started in St. Jean. And when I arrived in Santiago, they were fully depreciated. Newish, just broken in shoes--and socks--are the cat's meow.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Most Hokas have a very porous sole, hence why they don't last very long. But new models with a Vibram sole just became available, including a treking boot in three different heights.

I bought a pair of Bondi 3 a month ago for the super price of 45C$. At that price I don't care how long they last and since I normally walk for 300-350km at a time I should be fine. Bit a word to the wise, these shoes are not ultralight by magic: the material my pair is made with is practically mesh, so not rain proof, not windproof, and in the late fall here in Montreal they do lead to chilled feet.

 

[HuffyCane]

Hi. I bought a pair of ATR to train in, then bought another pair about three days before we left. I'm glad I did.

By the time we got to Leon, the soles had begun to wear down. If it had been raining, it could have been an issue.

By the time we got to Finisterre they were ready for the fire. Completely shot.

Do not get on the plane with Hokas with more than 50 miles on them or you will regret it.