Head-to-Head
Challenger 8vsGel Kayano 33
The Challenger 8 and Gel Kayano 33 are both daily trainer shoes built for trail running. The Challenger 8 retails for $155 while the Gel Kayano 33 comes in at $170 — a $15 difference. The Challenger 8 is the lighter shoe at 9.7 oz versus 10.5 oz for the Gel Kayano 33. In our ratings, the Challenger 8 edges out the Gel Kayano 33 — 9.0/10 versus 8.1/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 8.1 / 10 | |
| Price | $155✓ | $170 | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz✓ | 10.5 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 | 39 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Stability | |
| Fit | Medium | Medium | |
| Energy Return | Low✓ | Low✓ | |
| Breathability | Breathable✓ | Medium | |
| Traction | Medium | High✓ | |
| Shock Absorption | High | High | |
| Durability | Very Good✓ | Good |
