Head-to-Head
Challenger 8vsEllipse
The Challenger 8 and Ellipse are both daily trainer shoes built for trail running. The Challenger 8 retails for $155 while the Ellipse comes in at $145 — a $10 difference. The Ellipse is the lighter shoe at 9.6 oz versus 9.7 oz for the Challenger 8. In our ratings, the Challenger 8 edges out the Ellipse — 9.0/10 versus 8.4/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 8.4 / 10 | |
| Price | $155 | $145✓ | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz | 9.6 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Trail | Road | |
| Cushion | High | Medium | |
| Softness | Soft | Soft | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 8 mm | 8 mm | |
| Stack | 42 mm | 38 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Medium | |
| Energy Return | Low | Medium✓ | |
| Breathability | Breathable✓ | Warm | |
| Traction | Medium | High✓ | |
| Shock Absorption | High | High | |
| Durability | Very Good✓ | Decent |
