Head-to-Head
Challenger 8vsCascadia Elite
The Challenger 8 is a daily trainer shoe while the Cascadia Elite is a race shoe. The Challenger 8 retails for $155 while the Cascadia Elite comes in at $275 — a $120 difference. Both weigh 9.7 oz. In our ratings, the Challenger 8 edges out the Cascadia Elite — 9.0/10 versus 8.7/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 8.7 / 10 | |
| Price | $155✓ | $275 | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz✓ | 9.7 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Race Shoe | |
| Terrain | Trail | Trail | |
| Cushion | High | Medium | |
| Softness | Soft | Soft | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 8 mm | 6 mm | |
| Stack | 42 mm | 40 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Narrow | |
| Energy Return | Low | High✓ | |
| Breathability | Breathable✓ | Medium | |
| Traction | Medium | High✓ | |
| Shock Absorption | High | High | |
| Durability | Very Good✓ | Good |
