Head-to-Head
Challenger 8vsMach 7
The Challenger 8 and Mach 7 are both daily trainer shoes built for trail running. The Challenger 8 retails for $155 while the Mach 7 comes in at $145 — a $10 difference. The Mach 7 is the lighter shoe at 8.3 oz versus 9.7 oz for the Challenger 8. In our ratings, the Challenger 8 edges out the Mach 7 — 9.0/10 versus 8.4/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 8.4 / 10 | |
| Price | $155 | $145✓ | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz | 8.3 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Trail | Road | |
| Cushion | High | Medium | |
| Softness | Soft | Firm | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 8 mm | 5 mm | |
| Stack | 42 mm | 37 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Narrow | |
| Energy Return | Low | Medium✓ | |
| Breathability | Breathable | Breathable | |
| Traction | Medium | High✓ | |
| Shock Absorption | High | High | |
| Durability | Very Good✓ | Good |
