Head-to-Head
Challenger 8vsNeo Zen
The Challenger 8 and Neo Zen are both daily trainer shoes built for trail running. The Challenger 8 retails for $155 while the Neo Zen comes in at $150 — a $5 difference. The Neo Zen is the lighter shoe at 8.5 oz versus 9.7 oz for the Challenger 8. Both score 9.0/10 in our ratings.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 9.0 / 10✓ | |
| Price | $155 | $150✓ | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz | 8.5 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Trail | Road | |
| 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 | Medium | |
| Energy Return | Low | High✓ | |
| Breathability | Breathable✓ | Medium | |
| Traction | Medium✓ | Low | |
| Shock Absorption | High | High | |
| Durability | Very Good | Very Good |
