Head-to-Head
Challenger 8vsCloudspike XC
The Challenger 8 is a daily trainer shoe while the Cloudspike XC is a xc spike shoe. The Challenger 8 retails for $155 while the Cloudspike XC comes in at $160 — a $5 difference. The Cloudspike XC is the lighter shoe at 5.6 oz versus 9.7 oz for the Challenger 8. In our ratings, the Challenger 8 edges out the Cloudspike XC — 9.0/10 versus 8.8/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 8.8 / 10 | |
| Price | $155✓ | $160 | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz | 5.6 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | XC Spike | |
| Terrain | Trail | Trail | |
| Cushion | High | Low | |
| Softness | Soft | Balanced | |
| Drop | Medium | Low | |
| Drop (mm) | 8 mm | — | |
| Stack | 42 mm | — | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Narrow | |
| Energy Return | Low | High✓ | |
| Breathability | Breathable✓ | — | |
| Traction | Medium✓ | — | |
| Shock Absorption | High✓ | — | |
| Durability | Very Good✓ | — |
