Altra Timp vs Hoka Challenger
Comparing the current Timp 6 and Challenger 8. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
Drop is the real difference: 0 mm on the Timp 6 against 8 mm on the Challenger 8. Coming off the Challenger 8, the Timp 6 loads your calves and Achilles harder for the first couple of weeks. Both sit in the same role (trail). The Challenger 8 lists $10 lower.
- Altra Timp 6Men's at AmazonWomen's
- Hoka Challenger 8Sizes running outMen's at AmazonWomen's
Availability last checked Sep 10, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.
Every spec, side by side
| Spec | Timp 6 | Challenger 8 |
|---|---|---|
| FIT AND WEIGHT | ||
| Weight | 10.2 oz | 9.5 oz |
| Widths | D | D, 2E |
| Upper | Soft rolled mesh, 85 percent recycled PET, with fewer midfoot overlays and a semi-rigid toe cap | Recycled jacquard mesh |
| CUSHIONING GEOMETRY | ||
| Heel stack | 30 mm | 42 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 30 mm | 34 mm |
| Drop | 0 mm | 8 mm |
| MATERIALS | ||
| Midsole | Altra EGO MAX, updated formula | CMEVA |
| VALUE | ||
| List price at launch | $165 | $155 |
Which line changes its ride more often?
The Timp has done it 2 times in 5 versions, most recently with the Timp 5 in 2024, and the Challenger has done it once in 3 versions, most recently with the Challenger 8 in 2025. If you want a shoe you can rebuy without reading a review first, the Challenger has the steadier record.
Buy the Timp 6
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Sep 10, 2026.
Buy the Challenger 8
Sizes running outDiscontinued at retail. Amazon carries what remains, so treat an in-stock size as a closing window, and expect prices to swing.
Availability last checked Sep 10, 2026.
Chasing a specific older version rather than choosing between the current two? The Altra Timp lineage and the Hoka Challenger lineage track every version and what changed in each update.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Altra Timp or the Hoka Challenger lighter?
- The Challenger 8, by 0.7 oz in a men's US 9 (9.5 oz against 10.2 oz).
- Can I switch from the Altra Timp to the Hoka Challenger?
- Yes, but ease into it. The drop moves 8 mm (0 mm on the Timp 6, 8 mm on the Challenger 8), which changes where your foot loads at landing. Give it two weeks of easy running before a hard session.
- Which is more cushioned, the Altra Timp or the Hoka Challenger?
- The Challenger 8, on stack height: 42 mm under the heel against 30 mm. Stack is not the whole story, though; the foams differ too.
- Which comes in more widths?
- The Challenger 8. The Timp 6 runs in D for men's sizes; the Challenger 8 runs in D, 2E.
- Which costs more, the Altra Timp or the Hoka Challenger?
- The Timp 6, by $10 at list ($165 against $155). That gap narrows once either one gets a successor.
Updated September 10, 2026.