Head-to-Head
Wave Rider 29vsChallenger 8
The Wave Rider 29 and Challenger 8 are both daily trainer shoes built for road running. The Wave Rider 29 retails for $150 while the Challenger 8 comes in at $155 — a $5 difference. The Wave Rider 29 is the lighter shoe at 9.3 oz versus 9.7 oz for the Challenger 8. In our ratings, the Wave Rider 29 edges out the Challenger 8 — 8.7/10 versus 7.9/10.
| Rating | 8.7 / 10✓ | 7.9 / 10 | |
| Price | $150✓ | $155 | |
| Weight | 9.3 oz✓ | 9.7 oz | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Road | Trail | |
| Cushion | Medium | High | |
| Softness | Balanced | Soft | |
| Drop | High | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 10 mm | 8 mm | |
| Stack | 39 mm | 42 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Wide | Medium | |
| Energy Return | Low✓ | Low✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Breathable✓ | |
| Traction | Medium | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | High | High | |
| Durability | Decent | Very Good✓ |
