Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide
Valyermo, California
La Sportiva Wildcat Trail-Running Shoes - Men's
$160.00
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For neutral runners wanting superb cushioning on their trail runs, look no further than the La Sportiva Wildcat trail-running shoes.
Key Details
Trail-Running Shoe Type
Rugged-Trail
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm)
12
Running Shoe Cushioning
Moderate Cushion
Rock Plate
No
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- 1-piece nylon mesh uppers are highly breathable and lightweight; external thermoplastic urethane stabilizers provide support for heels
- Dynamic tongue construction works with the lacing harnesses for a secure, snug fit; nylon mesh linings on tongue and back half of shoe wick moisture to help keep feet dry
- Dual-density midsoles and 2.4mm thick EVA lasting boards provide ample cushioning
- Midsoles also have nylon molded shanks to modulate toe spring and offer additional stability
- Sticky FriXion® AT rubber outsoles deliver excellent traction and a smooth, resilient ride on and off the trail
- Impact Brake Systemâ„¢ helps reduce impact forces while improving traction via the multidirectional, offset lug pattern
Imported.
View the La Sportiva Wildcat Product LineView all La Sportiva Men's Trail-Running Shoes| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 12 |
| Heel Stack Height (mm) | 29 |
| Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 17 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | Nylon mesh |
| Lining | Nylon |
| Midsole | EVA |
| Support | Nylon shank |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Rock Plate | No |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 9 oz. |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Neutral Certified brand |
La Sportiva Footwear - Men's
| 34 EU | 35.5 EU | 36.5 EU | 37 EU | 37.5 EU | 38 EU | 38.5 EU | 39 EU | 39.5 EU | 40 EU | 40.5 EU | 41 EU | 41.5 EU | 42 EU | 42.5 EU | 43 EU | 43.5 EU | 44 EU | 44.5 EU | 45 EU | 45.5 EU | 46 EU | 46.5 EU | 47 EU | 47.5 EU | 48 EU | 48.5 EU | 49 EU | 49.5 EU | 50 EU | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Men's | 2.5+ | 4 | 4.5+ | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 6.5+ | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 8.5+ | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 10.5+ | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 12.5+ | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 15.5 | 16 |
| U.S. Women's | 3.5 | 5 | 5.5+ | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 7.5+ | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5+ | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 11.5+ | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 13.5+ | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 15.5 | 16 | 16.5 | |
| EU | 34 | 35.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 47.5 | 48 | 48.5 | 49 | 49.5 | 50 |
| Mondo | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 |
Sizing Notes
For boots: Add one half size to your street shoe size. You should be able to slip one finger behind your heel when you are standing up with the boot unlaced and your toes touching the front. If the boot is too short, your toes will get smashed walking downhill. Too long and your heel will slide up and down and give you blisters.
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
My feet loved these
Bigtino8 years ago
After trying two other trail shoes that caused blisters and hot spots .. I didn't know what to expect with the LaSportiva wildcat .. but I summited mt baldy w 40lbs pack and up to mt Whitney to 12,500ft with absolutely no issues, lightweight, great grip, dry fast, no break in needed...
Bigtino
La Verne, CA, United States
29 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Tongue pulled off after four runs.
DCrunner7 years ago
I had a previous pair of these that were great but wore out after a few months of trail running (90 miles/month). I was happy with that and bought a new pair, but the left tongue pulled off after the fourth run with them. Looked like it had just been glued on. Wonder if they changed their construction methods.
DCrunner
San Diego, CA, United States
13 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
BernieR
Portland, OR
Great shoes, would buy again!
5 years ago
Great trail or everyday shoes. Very comfortable, but buy 1/2 size bigger. They are made very well look like they will hold up.
Yes , I recommend this product
Bigtino
La Verne, CA, United States
My feet loved these
8 years ago
After trying two other trail shoes that caused blisters and hot spots .. I didn't know what to expect with the LaSportiva wildcat .. but I summited mt baldy w 40lbs pack and up to mt Whitney to 12,500ft with absolutely no issues, lightweight, great grip, dry fast, no break in needed...
Yes , I recommend this product
Air Quotes
Hiking
1 year ago
After testing several hiking shoes, I settled on the Wildcats to wear during my AT thru hike. I am extremely satisfied with the durability and comfort of these shoes. I wore through four pairs, each lasting about 600 miles through rugged conditions. After that distance, the mesh tore near the pinky toes and the tread wore bald. I normally wear US size 11.5 but for these shoes I wear 12.5.
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on lasportiva.com
wsanders
SF Bay Area CA
One of the few that fits my very narrow heels
6 years ago
One of the few shoes REI carries that fits my very narrow heels. The heel counter is not very high and stiff, and there is a minimal heel satbilizer, so my heel fits nicely down in the shoe and it doesn't feel like it's rattling around inside a cage of hard plastic. The shank is not super stiff, so my heel comes up only on the steepest uphills. I don't see the camber problem reported by USMC2311A1 - mine are straight. The first pair of running / hiking shoes I had in a while that didn't give me heel blisters without having to overtighten the laces. No word about wear, I've only had them a few weeks but I've been running in them every day.
Yes , I recommend this product
USMC2311A1
Ohio, United States
Extremely Comfortable for Flatter Feet
7 years ago
I wear size 11 these day's, although my shoe size is 10.5-11. I tried the Akyra's first, and I needed a size 12 to stop my big toe from jamming in the front. The issue with the Akyra was the arch support. If you have a normal to moderate/high arch, they should work for you. My feet are almost flat and it hurt. The Wildcat felt amazing when I put it on in store, absolutely a home run, however after wearing them for about 4 days I see one major flaw with the shoe, and I posted a photo. The shoe "stance" naturally leans outward which is very very bad for my left ankle. My left ankle rolls a lot, and because of this design, I'm almost scared to try backpacking in these (yes I'm one of those people who gave up backpacking boots and puts up with wet feet, while rotating dry socks). I can't wrap my head around this design, but I might keep them and see how it goes just because the rest of the shoe feels like heaven..... The first thing I do with a shoe/boot is test the lateral stability. For example: my Scarpa Zen Pros take an insane amount of force to roll it. It's THAT laterally stable. This Wildcat, already wants to give out before even attempting to roll it/test it...... I couldn't knock it down a star because of my weak ankle... Breatheability is insanely good. I can feel the breeze on my feet.....Looking forward to setting a new record on how fast they dry out! They will probably work for most of you, but if you have any ankle issues, beware.. The Akyra, although too much arch support (and I'm not just referring to the insole...rather the build of the footbed) had very very good lateral stability.
Yes , I recommend this product
Rick B
Sacramento, CA
Best backpacking shoes...
4 years ago
My first pair of Wildcats have over to 100 High Sierra backpacking miles on them and they still look new. I have had NO issues, no blisters nor any sore spots on my feet. They wade through streams and dry out without any notice to me. They do not get "hot" like most every GoreTex shoe or boot and I have worn them all day without taking them off to let my feet "breathe." I write this review after buying my second pair to use on the John Muir Trail later this summer as I want a "fresh" pair of shoes to start out. I will be backpacking in the original ones from Happy Isles in Yosemite to Sonora pass in a few weeks (85 miles.) I have no doubt that my feet will be cradled in love. These shoes feel like part of your foot!
Age:65–74
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Average Weekly Mileage:0–10 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11.5
Yes , I recommend this product
RBUSMC
Tucson Az
The best so far...
3 years ago
These have been the best trail runners and hikers I've had in quite some time. I have done trail runs, day hikes and 3 day fully loaded backpacking trips in these and it's coming up on a year (March) since I purchased these. I have beat the $*it out of these and they have taken all of it without missing a beat. I've been through the sand, water canyons,chunky rock, slick rocks, jeep trails every type of terrain with no problems whatsoever. I actually have a new 2nd pair still in the box for when these finally die and I'll probably buy a 3rd pair soon to keep in the closet since I hate switching shoes because I've had so many problems in the past with fit.
Age:55–64
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 9.5
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product
Howie
Comfortable, no traction on smoother surfaces
5 years ago
Bought these for a trip to Costa Rica. It was odd, I slipped all over the place if I was in the airport or hotel floors. They were a little damp but no one else seemed to have that problem. Couple of times almost went down. Thought maybe it was just the surface. Lost traction a couple of times on the rainfall hikes and then again when I returned up in Pittsburgh NH on a short hike. Have hike in a number of different types of shoes, all 4000 footers, etc... Worst traction I've ever had. Returned and REI was great about it. First product I have ever returned to them. It doesn't appear many others had this problem so maybe defective sole??
No, I do not recommend this product
Jackie27
Aberdeen wa
Great for my dogs
3 years ago
I started the Pacific Crest Trail with a pair of Montrail Trail shoes which were like bedroom slippers at 266 miles. You can do the PCT with those for awhile, but the sheer length of the trail dictates a better shoe. The Wildcat fits the Bill. After six hundred miles in my Wildcats I was ready for another pair, just because I don’t like wearing shoes to the last thread on Trail — I’d rather do that after I get home. I still wear that pair casually. Very comfy and only one blister ever. The other shoes I liked a lot were the Altra Lone Peak, which I wore into Manning Provincial Park in BC, Canada. More toe room, and no heel rise. Super comfy.
Age:55–64
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Average Weekly Mileage:0–10 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11.5
Running Experience:Casual
Yes , I recommend this product
tugboat
Boston
Nice Shoe, Not for Me
3 years ago
I'll start right off by saying I'm not a runner (as much as I'd like to be). The two main reasons I use a trail running shoe are for fast Nordic walking (with poles) on local trails and for a flat bar gravel bike on some pretty gnarly trails. The shoes are great with great grip and traction. The problem for me is the fit. They run small and a size 9 really feels more like an 8.5. They are much more narrow around my arch than my Salomon Speed Cross and if I wear them for any amount of time my feet start to get uncomfortable around my arch and heal. About an hour into and 8 hour ride I start to wish I wasn't wearing them. There is also an internal squeak on one shoe that gets annoying. I think these might be great for a skinny, fit, narrow footed runner but for me they just don't cut it. I really wanted a change from the Speed Cross but it looks like I'll be going back. Hope this review is helpful to someone.
Age:55–64
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Average Weekly Mileage:0–10 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 9
Running Experience:Casual
Yes , I recommend this product
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