Head-to-Head
Novablast 5vsChallenger 8
The Novablast 5 and Challenger 8 are both daily trainer shoes built for road running. The Novablast 5 retails for $150 while the Challenger 8 comes in at $155 — a $5 difference. The Novablast 5 is the lighter shoe at 9.0 oz versus 9.7 oz for the Challenger 8. In our ratings, the Novablast 5 edges out the Challenger 8 — 9.1/10 versus 9.0/10.
| Rating | 9.1 / 10✓ | 9.0 / 10 | |
| Price | $150✓ | $155 | |
| Weight | 9.0 oz✓ | 9.7 oz | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Road | Trail | |
| Cushion | High | High | |
| Softness | Soft | Soft | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 8 mm | 8 mm | |
| Stack | 41.5 mm | 42 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Medium | |
| Energy Return | Medium✓ | Low | |
| Breathability | Medium | Breathable✓ | |
| Traction | Low | Medium✓ | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium | High✓ | |
| Durability | Decent | Very Good✓ |
