Here we take a look at some of the La Sportiva collection and see what our guides have to say, so you can pick the right shoe for you when tackling the trails.
Anyone who has ever trail run in more than one place knows that not all trail shoes are created equal. Here at Run the Wild with a squad of over 20 guides, there is a wealth of knowledge covering different distances and different sorts of terrain, and which shoes suits best.
La Sportiva have come up the ranks in trail running, with many more familiar with their prominence in the climbing shoe and mountaineering boots worlds. The initial formation of the company was in Italy in 1928 when Narciso Delladio produced hand crafted leather work boots for lumberjacks and farmers in the Dolomites. During the second world war, he also produced boots for the Army. His son introduced the name ‘La Sportiva’ in the 1950s. The company transitioned from mountaineering boots, to focus more on specialist climbing equipment in the 1980s, and is now known for ski, climbing, mountaineering, and trail running gear. The emphasis remains on the production of technically high performing equipment. Anyone who is looking for a La Sportiva trail shoe, is already moving away from a generalist shoe and looking for a more specific feel and specific type of trail.
Trail running shoe features
It’s always difficult when comparing trail shoes, as the conditions you can be out in vary so much even day to day, on the exact same paths. At Run the Wild we have been fortunate enough to try out these shoes with a testing group of 20 guides both in summer and winter conditions, these have really been put through their paces! Before we look at the individual shoes, let’s give a bit more explanation about some of the features we see in trail shoes.
Lacing system: Boa, standard central lacing, and side lacing.
Lugs: Both depth and pattern, and the position of the lugs (Impact Brake System) allows as many of them as possible to come into contact with the ground, to maximise impact absorption.
Sole: La Sportiva use a trademarked FriXion rating to describe their shoes. FriXion white is the stickiest/grippiest sole, which is least hardwearing. The FriXion red is medium grip/medium hard wearing, and the FriXion blue is the least grippy, but most hardwearing.
- Black – Super sticky (9.2/10 for grip), ideal for climbing shoes, 2.8/10 in hardiness
- Eco – Recycled, super sticky (9.2/10 for grip), again 2.8/10 in hardiness.
- Blue – Softer (5.6/10), long lasting compound (7.1/10), great for trail running.
- Red – Dual mix combination of good grip (6.7/10) and long lasting (6.7/10)
- White – Super sticky (7.5/10) leave no trace, good for performance mountain running (5.1/10)
Drop: The difference in thickness of the sole between the forefoot and the heel.
Gaiter: Some shoes have a built in gaiter.
Fit: The more precise the fit, the better the feel of the ground, but the less impact absorption.
Distance/Volume: All La Sportiva shoes are categorised into high, medium or low volume shoes, and ultra long, mid long, and short distance shoes.
Weight: Generally described as weight for a men’s size 9 or women’s size 7. Studies have indicated that actually us runners have pretty poor accuracy in weight perception using our feet, in comparison to handheld. Ie you have to try the shoe to see how they feel. Also note that if you size up in certain models, or brands, you are crudely increasing the weight by 2.6% each half size.
Technical data, and shoe description from the La Sportiva website.
Trail Shoes from short to longer distance
HELIOS III
Described as their “Door to trail” running shoe designed for training and running on hard off-road terrain, the Helios III is notably lighter and with less aggressive lugs than the majority of the La Sportiva collection. Designed for a snug fit to cover shorter distances, and normal volumes.
Sole: FriXion® Blue with Impact Brake System
Drop: 4mm
Weight: 219 g (half pair)
What our guides say
Lynda: A lightweight and nimble shoe superb for shorter runs and races (such as parkrun). Fairly narrow precision fit, not good for deep mud, but very flexible and great for mixed terrain.
Mark: As someone who likes to keep things ‘simple’ when I run – enjoying the sense of freedom and connection with the wild – the Helios III is my absolute go to trail shoe! Light and nimble, the Helios III offers the perfect balance of feel and cushion with any surface – encouraging ‘light’ running and good form (as nature intended). Added to that, the low ankle cut – perfect for my knobbly ankles – helps further that minimalist feel. I’ve worn my Helios on all surfaces and in all conditions – and yes, they’re not made for the real wet or slippy stuff – but for me that’s just part of the fun! Up to half marathon these will easily deliver a spirited experience – but depending on your running form and fitness, for anything longer and you may want to consider a more cushioned shoe.
Lucy: The Helios are a really great summer shoe. The lugs are shallow and wider, more like a wave than individual lugs which give a decent tread for summer trails and feel nice and light. Even though they look more narrow and streamlined than some of the other la sportiva shoes there’s still plenty of space in the toe box. Good for all distances, as they are light and feel quite cushioned. You do need a stable ankle as they are narrow under the heel
Katie: A really smart, lightweight shoe. Great for grassy trails and well ventilated with a super light fabric construction. Good grip in light mud, I haven’t tested them in heavy mud yet but not sure I would as other shoes are really well suited to that (Cyklons). Comfortable padding around the heel makes the foot feel well supported. I would wear these for short and mid distance runs by as well as for walking.
BUSHIDO III
Head guide Karin’s personal favourite in a newer format, the Bushido III. Described as a remake of the iconic shoe dedicated to the art of sky running: grippy and fierce, it is designed to guarantee perfect stability on all types of off-road terrain.
Sole: Bi-compound FriXion® Red
Weight: 295g (half pair)
Drop: 6mm
What our guides say
Karin: I’ve worn the Bushido II for a few seasons in the Alps, as I’ve not found another shoe as yet that can compete with the grip on technical and gravelly ground that we get a lot of. The lugs feel slightly more aggressive on the remake, no complaints here, and still did a fantastic job on slick wet rock when tested on their first 20km run with over 1800m of vert up and down. A more minimalist shoe within the La Sportiva range, but one I still find very comfortable over many hours on the trail. I think the III is cut slightly higher up around the ankle, but this didn’t cause any problems. Due to the shoe hugging the foot, I find I get much less slippage even on very angled and narrow rock climbs than with a more substantial shoe. Despite being on the heavier side according to technical data sheets, this doesn’t feel like a clunky shoe in any way. It will now be a weigh up between the Prodigio and these for my next summer of Alpine racing!
Simon: This shoe sticks to rock and gravel like glue, you’ll never slip and slide on a rocky trail ever again, it’s an absolute game changer for running technical downhills in alpine terrain, and definitely my go-to shoe.
MUTANT
Back to one of La Sportiva Classics, the Mutant. Extremely stable and versatile Mountain Running® model suitable for trail and sky-race races and training over medium-long distances and on technical terrain. With 6.5mm lugs, these are a more aggressive shoe for muddy conditions.
Sole: FriXion® White ultra grippy
Weight: 320 g (half pair)
Drop: 10mm
Our guides said
Lucy: The Mutants are a brilliant winter shoe. The lugs are very deep and perfectly placed to give full confidence over even the muddiest, wettest terrain! I’ve run every distance in these, including 2 days in the Scottish Isle of Arran and they performed great. Decent width in the toe box and under the heel, they are comfortable over the longer distances. The side lacing system is a bit of a challenge but fine once you get use to it!
Harriet: A medium-long distance shoe that’s super grippy in mud. The side lacing system makes them more challenging to get on, but this means they stay on even when in thigh deep mud (Ultra Tour of Arran). A cushioned and supportive shoe, but not for speed just due to the bulky/protective nature.
CYKLON
Next we take a look at the distinctive built in gator shoe/Boa lacing system of the Cyklon. Described as the performance shoe for skyraces and off-road races on technical terrain at medium distances, this shoe offers stability and precision.
Sole: FriXion® White ultra adherent
Drop: 7 mm
Weight: 315g (half pair)
What our guides say
Wes: Heavy duty shoes that will get you through the muddiest of conditions…. And might even keep your feet dry if it’s not too boggy. Their prime recommendation are the deep and powerful lugs and unique Boa lacing system that mean you can constantly adjust in wet conditions. So they’d be suited to longer runs where conditions are tough, though I have used them for shorter muddy winter runs simply because of their excellent support in those conditions. Deep lugs that get you up any muddy slope the English hills can put in front of you. Certainly a case of two steps forward no steps back! Unique lacing system means you can tighten or loosen on the run as your feet change shape. Small gator keeps tight right your ankle which means they keep splashes out and means your feet are more likely to stay dry (or at least drier!) The gator means they are challenge to put on… and I’ve even been known to use a shoehorn! I wore them on the early season classic: the 43 mile country to capital. They were, as expected, excellent on the first 22 miles of Chiltern mud. But I was nervous as to how they would treat my feet on the final 10 miles of paved canal towpath. Truth is that they were as good as could be hoped for and much better than I expected. The grinding impact of all that concrete did not overwhelm the excellent construction and support of the shoe. And the lugs were not worn down by it. Truly a shoe for all your winter running.
Katie: A very professional and classy looking shoe! I was a little sceptical about the boa fastening but that was completely unfounded. The fastening ensures a really comfortable and secure fit…these shoes are never going to be pulled off in even the stickiest of mud conditions! A very comfortable, hard worker that is great for short and long runs. Deep lugs mean you stay stable and upright in any amount of mud. The high, fitted, ankle cuff keeps debris out which is brilliant on trails and the sole is well padded for stony and rocky terrain. I have a very high instep and find the shoes a bit tricky to get on with the cuff but I use a shoehorn which has solved that issue successfully!
Harriet: I love the combo system of the gaiter and boa lacing system to keep a secure fit, and also keep trail debris out. This does make them challenging to get on and off as the compromise. Perfect for 10km up to half marathon for me, on technical terrain.
KARACAL
Onto another classic, the Karacal. A training shoe rather than a racing shoe, the Karacal is a lightweight and flexible shoe.
Sole: FriXion Blue durable
Weight: 250 g (half pair)
Drop: 7mm
What our guides say
Katie: A fantastic all-rounder and one of my favourites. Easy and comfortable to wear, manages well in dry and light mud but struggles with effective grip in very heavy mud conditions. Great off road shoe which supports feet over long runs offering comfort with a thicker, protective sole over rocky and stony terrain. A robust, hard wearing shoe that shows little wear despite many miles being covered.
JACKAL II
Back to a revised version of La Sportiva’s ultra shoe, the Jackal II. Version II of the model dedicated to the world of ULTRA races and long distance training, characterized by exceptional cushioning, thanks to the innovative INFINITOO ™ high energy return technology. New materials of the upper with Eco-Friendly contents and new constructions for the heel and tongue that ensure grip, enveloping and breathability, significantly reducing its weight.
Sole: Dual compound FriXion® Red with lateral IBS lugs
Weight: 275g (half pair)
Drop: 7mm
What our guides say
Adrian: Amazing durability. These are super solid at just eating the miles. Grippy soles that cope really well in moderate to deep mud. The laces bite and hold all day with just a single knot. The tongue looks too short but actually isn’t – the laces rest just at the top and stay there. These hold the heels down well into the shoe so they never feel sloppy as you lift out of deep and sticky mud.
Karin: A real comfy shoe. I have run ultras in these in the UK (Shires and Spires, Rose of the Shires), and the shoe has most definitely survived the test of time. I like this as a good mid range shoe, when conditions are mixed and not too extreme either way.
JACKAL II BOA
For those that like the Boa system, the Jackal II comes with Boa lacing for a precision fit. A different sole, with the FriXion white, and slightly lighter shoe.
Sole: FriXion® White with Impact Brake System
Weight: 270g (half pair)
Drop: 7mm
What our guides say
Adrian: “Can’t go wrong” shoe for pretty much any trail. The tread is deep enough for moderate mud, and you get a lot of confidence from how the sole grips onto wet rocks. They’re tough enough that you’re protected from pointy underfoot rocks on the trail but cushioned enough that on flat hard surfaces (even roads) you can keep running all day without getting tired feet. The elasticated gaiter keeps all the bits out when you’re running over gravel, and the grip pattern crunches in well so you don’t roll along on top of those small stones. Great rand around the front deflects glancing blows from any sharp edges well. The twin BOA laces give a precise fit that you can adjust really quickly, and of course there’s no lace end to snag on the undergrowth. They work just as well when caked in mud. The upper is really light and – for me – splits a bit on the medial flex point, but that’s only after lots of miles and doesn’t really affect how they perform in any case.
Harriet: A great shoe for all distances and multi day runs. The dual Boa system allows better adjustments and makes any amendments mid run quickly and easily. Very grippy on gravel and rocks. This will be my shoe of choice for ‘The Lap’ Windermere.
AKASHA II
Another classic La Sportiva shoe is the Akasha. Technical and aesthetic re-design for the super-cushioned endurance mountain running shoe designed for long-distance routes, Ultra marathons and prolonged use during training.
Sole: FriXion® Red dual-compound with Trail Rocker ™
Weight: 260g (half pair)
Drop: 6mm
What our guides say
Celine: My new mountain must-have. I’ve always been a big fan of the La Sportiva Bushidos—they were my go-to shoes during my time in the sunny French Alps. But when I set my sights on the wilder White Mountains of New Hampshire, including an ascent of Mount Lafayette, I decided to try the Akasha II. They promised to deliver on the rocks, but I was still a bit worried about how they’d handle in wet conditions. Turns out, I had nothing to worry about—they were awesome right from the start. The grip on wet rocks? Absolutely spot on. Whether I was scrambling up slippery boulders or navigating tricky ridges, these shoes didn’t miss a beat. Admittedly, with 4.5mm lugs, they’re not really made for deep mud, but they still held their own in the shallower stuff we had to wade through. I never felt like I was losing my footing, which was a huge relief, especially on the descent.
When it comes to comfort, they’re extremely plush, which is perfect for those long days out in the mountains. Even after hours on the trail, my feet felt great—no blisters, no weird rubbing, just solid support and comfort. These shoes have definitely earned their spot as my new favourites for mountain trails. They might not be my first pick for racing, but for all-around mountain adventures, they’ve totally won me over.
LEVANTE
Next we take a look at the athlete-approved, long-distance women’s running shoe, the Levante. New XFlow™ super foam for cushioning, reactivity, stability and protection thanks to the upper constructed to encase and support without constricting the foot. The Trail Rocker™ encourages the athlete to strike a natural stance with a harmonious roll, while the flex grooves ensure flexibility and agility even for the most demanding runners.
Sole: FriXion® White
Weight: 210g (half pair)
Drop: 6mm
What our guides say
Lynda: I would wear these over any distance – even for an Ultra. Suitable for any conditions except super deep mud. However, I think they would cope if they had to. I haven’t had any grip problems. They work well as a road to trail shoe – perfectly comfortable on a hard surface. The lugs are multi-directional 4.5mm. They are very comfortable, cushioned, lightweight and flexible, with a built in gaiter so I would recommend wearing a quarter sock with them for protection. I find the toe box to be plenty roomy enough (I size up 0.5 size in La Sportiva).
PRODIGIO
Also in the new shoe collection, we take a look at the Prodigio. Dedicated to Ultra running, the large toe box and breathable upper provide comfort even after several hours of running, while the construction ergonomics of the heel ensure stability and protection.
Sole: Bi-compound FriXion® Red
Weight: 270g (half pair)
Drop: 6mm
What our guides say
Wes: These are a dry weather shoe, perfect for dry trails. Equally good on gravel, dried mud or grass. Just know that the shallow lugs won’t help you when it gets soggy and sticky. Super comfortable which doesn’t fade as the miles clock up. I ran my first 50 miler in them in May – the North Downs Way 50 and my feet finished in (almost) as good condition as they started. They were solid, reliable and just what needed from the first mile to the last. (But I’ll happily put them on for an easy mid week five miler too!) Light under foot on harder surfaces thanks the shallow wide lugs. From getting me through my first 50 miler to quick spins round the woods and roots of Ashridge, they have been my go to shoes throughout the summer. Can’t recommend them highly enough.
Len: Perfect shoe for dry trails, and gravel paths for everyday use over any distance. The lugs feel a little on the shallow side for wintery mud, but great comfortable, light, versatile show.
Karin: As a huge fan of the Bushido for alpine race season, I wanted to test out the Prodigio and its promise of coping well over the longer distances. They got me through an 80km race in Austria in terrible weather, and survived equally well in the heat of a 40km in Chamonix. The roomy toebox maintains comfort, while also protecting the foot. I did find the softer fabric around the ankle did allow in some trail debris, but a minimal issue. My go to shoe for longer distance now.
Disclosure: La Sportiva generously supply the Run the Wild team with trail shoes to try and test out.
First published November 2021
