The Brooks Cascadia 20 is a trail running shoe and the Hoka Challenger 8 is a neutral road running shoe with balanced cushioning. The Cascadia 20 has a lower heel-to-toe drop (6 mm vs 8 mm). The Challenger 8 is 1.1 oz lighter (9.7 oz vs 10.8 oz) and is rated higher by buyers (4.5 vs 4.3 out of 5).
Specs side by side
| Spec | Cascadia 20 | Challenger 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160 | $155 |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 (134 reviews) | 4.5 / 5 (189 reviews) |
| Weight | 10.8 oz | 9.7 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm | 8 mm |
| Cushioning | Balanced | Balanced |
| Support | — | Neutral |
| Surface | Trail | Road, Trail |
| Available for | Men & Women | Men & Women |
Specs and prices from Brooks and Hoka, checked 2026-10-11. Weight is usually for a men's size 9–10.
Which should you get?
Get the Cascadia 20 if…
- you land on your midfoot or want a lower drop
Get the Challenger 8 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you land on your heel and like a higher drop
More comparisons
- Brooks Cascadia 20 vs Hoka Speedgoat 7
- Brooks Cascadia 20 vs Saucony Peregrine 16
- Brooks Cascadia 20 vs Nike ACG Pegasus Trail
- Brooks Cascadia 20 vs ASICS TRABUCO 14
- Brooks Cascadia 20 vs Altra Lone Peak 9
- Hoka Challenger 8 vs Hoka Speedgoat 7
- Hoka Challenger 8 vs Saucony Peregrine 16
- Hoka Challenger 8 vs Nike ACG Pegasus Trail
- Hoka Challenger 8 vs ASICS TRABUCO 14