First impressions

Based on Hoka’s Clifton 3 shoe, the Challenger ATR 3 shares all the versatile lightweight cushioning as its road running partner.

The ATR 3 is Hoka’s off-road running offering all you’d expect from Hoka and the shoe doesn’t disappoint. It is blend of lightweight performance mixed but soft, springy, responsive cushioning. All this with added grip, nice!

Initial impressions? They look good to us and we all liked the colourways. Sliding the shoe on and they fit like the Clifton 3, the no-sew construction of the synthetic mesh upper felt sock-like and there was more than enough room in the toe box. There are plenty of strengthening structural overlays on the ATR 3 and these are all fuse-welded on to the upper which reduces weight and prevents stiffness.

The Compression Molded Ethylene vinyl acetate foam or CMEVA is used for the entire length of the Hoka One One Clifton 3’s platform. It’s a durable material that delivers sure cushioning that’s responsive and springy. Its thickness brings reliable impact protection and long-lasting performance. The Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry is a rocker design that’s made to assist the foot in achieving a faster and more effective performance. It is likened to the actual mechanics of the foot when taking each step, rocking from the heel to the toe in a single, fluid motion.

The Full Ground Contact design of the outsole provides a good wide base for your foot to land on, which in turn (due to the surface area) means you can drive off more efficiently in delivering traction. It also assists the foot in achieving a smoother and more natural transition through the gait cycle. In the case of the Challenger ATR 3, the traction is provided by 4mm hard wearing lugs sitting on a podular design. The shoe offered good grip on a wide variety of surfaces and due to its soft nature, we felt well protected running along stony trails.