Head-to-Head
Challenger 8vsGel Cumulus 28
The Challenger 8 and Gel Cumulus 28 are both daily trainer shoes built for trail running. The Challenger 8 retails for $155 while the Gel Cumulus 28 comes in at $145 — a $10 difference. The Gel Cumulus 28 is the lighter shoe at 9.1 oz versus 9.7 oz for the Challenger 8. In our ratings, the Challenger 8 edges out the Gel Cumulus 28 — 9.0/10 versus 7.9/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 7.9 / 10 | |
| Price | $155 | $145✓ | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz | 9.1 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Trail | Road | |
| Cushion | High | Medium | |
| Softness | Soft | Balanced | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 8 mm | 8 mm | |
| Stack | 42 mm | 38.5 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Medium | |
| Energy Return | Low✓ | Low✓ | |
| Breathability | Breathable✓ | Medium | |
| Traction | Medium | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | High✓ | Medium | |
| Durability | Very Good✓ | Good |
