Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide
Valyermo, California
La Sportiva Akasha II Trail-Running Shoes - Men's
$195.00
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Delivering a blend of cushion, response and traction, the men's La Sportiva Akasha II trail-running shoes excel on technical terrain and high-mileage outings.
Key Details
Trail-Running Shoe Type
Rugged-Trail
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm)
6
Running Shoe Cushioning
Moderate Cushion
Rock Plate
No
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- In addition to aesthetic modifications, this season's updates focus on increased durability, protection and breathability
- Highly breathable 3D AirMesh uppers are very accommodating, and can snug up to feet of any volume
- Dynamic ProTechTionâ„¢ HF overlays on the forefoot provide lightweight, flexible protection
- Uppers also feature a TPU exoskeleton, thermal-adhesive microfiber and protective TPU toe caps
- 3 mm LaSpEVA and dual-injection MEMlex EVA reduces shock as you run over rocky, tough terrain
- Cushion Platformâ„¢ ensures a springy feel underfoot, mile after mile
- STB stabilization technology on both sides of the midsole reduces torsion and increases stability for precise control on any terrain
- FriXion® XT 2.0 outsoles with 4.5 mm lugs, Impact Brake System™ and Trail Rocker™ provide traction and promote a smooth, rolling heel-to-toe motion for an unimpeded stride
Imported.
View 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) | 6 |
| Heel Stack Height (mm) | 31 |
| Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 25 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | AirMesh/TPU exoskeleton |
| Lining | AirMesh (heel only) |
| Midsole | 3 mm LaSpEVA/dual-injection MEMlex EVA |
| Support | TPU STB inserts |
| Outsole | FriXion XT 2.0 rubber |
| Rock Plate | No |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 5.5 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
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss
Stuke Sowle3 years ago
This review is mostly directed at those of you who like me, were pretty dang bummed to see the Akasha discontinued. The original iteration was my favorite all around trail (and off trail) shoe and I never found a worthy replacement.
So it was with absolute glee and some trepidation when I pushed the order button on these. Would they have gone through a major overhaul or were the changes only going to enhance what was already a near perfect shoe? I am happy to report it is the latter! I ordered the size I wore on the original Akashas and as I slipped my feet it to these, it felt like home. I would say that the only thing I noticed was that the toebox might be a bit roomier on the material is a bit stretchier in that area.
Anyway, long story short, a few 10-15 miles with 4-6k of gain in these and I still feel no noticeable difference than the original model. What changes I see are mostly on the exterior of the shoe, a different tongue, more robust toe cap, the wrap around the rear of the shoe has been changed and the lacing is a bit different. Most of these changes look to build on the robustness of the shoe which was already great (all my Akashas made it at least 600 miles).
So rejoice old Akasha fans, we are back in business!
For those of you looking at these the first time...
This shoe is an absolute beast on and off the trails. When looking at a long day in the Cascades, these are the shoe I turn to. Buffed out trails, technical trails, boulder hoping, scree surfing, class 3-4 scrambling and even low class 5... these shoes handle it all. Burly traction, great durability, significant cush but not that soft and squishy kind which annoys me on technical trails. The outsole is stiff and the shoe is on the heavier side but given what I use them for, that is just fine with me.
Sizing can be tricky. I have to size up in La Sportiva as compared to other companies but the fit is consistent for me with other La Sportiva models. Best to try and get a pair on your feet to be sure.
So glad to see these back and improved. Now hopefully La Sportiva will keep them around!
Stuke Sowle
Issaquah, WA
14 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Excellent shoes, narrow tow box
Jerrod2 years ago
Received free productThese shoes are super comfortable, with rugged lugs and a nice, firm holding upper. The only complaint I had is that the toe box feels somewhat narrow, and the arch feels narrow for my foot too. I wish they made a wider-foot version of it because it was super stable on trails and had great traction, springiness and didn’t feel too big/clunky. But it just pinched my toes a bit too much, to the point that even after 5-6 miles I started developing hot spots. Definitely would have been a problem on longer runs. But if you like narrower shoes this is an excellent option.
JerrodReceived free product
Washington, DC
5 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Stuke Sowle
Issaquah, WA
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss
3 years ago
This review is mostly directed at those of you who like me, were pretty dang bummed to see the Akasha discontinued. The original iteration was my favorite all around trail (and off trail) shoe and I never found a worthy replacement. So it was with absolute glee and some trepidation when I pushed the order button on these. Would they have gone through a major overhaul or were the changes only going to enhance what was already a near perfect shoe? I am happy to report it is the latter! I ordered the size I wore on the original Akashas and as I slipped my feet it to these, it felt like home. I would say that the only thing I noticed was that the toebox might be a bit roomier on the material is a bit stretchier in that area. Anyway, long story short, a few 10-15 miles with 4-6k of gain in these and I still feel no noticeable difference than the original model. What changes I see are mostly on the exterior of the shoe, a different tongue, more robust toe cap, the wrap around the rear of the shoe has been changed and the lacing is a bit different. Most of these changes look to build on the robustness of the shoe which was already great (all my Akashas made it at least 600 miles). So rejoice old Akasha fans, we are back in business! For those of you looking at these the first time... This shoe is an absolute beast on and off the trails. When looking at a long day in the Cascades, these are the shoe I turn to. Buffed out trails, technical trails, boulder hoping, scree surfing, class 3-4 scrambling and even low class 5... these shoes handle it all. Burly traction, great durability, significant cush but not that soft and squishy kind which annoys me on technical trails. The outsole is stiff and the shoe is on the heavier side but given what I use them for, that is just fine with me. Sizing can be tricky. I have to size up in La Sportiva as compared to other companies but the fit is consistent for me with other La Sportiva models. Best to try and get a pair on your feet to be sure. So glad to see these back and improved. Now hopefully La Sportiva will keep them around!
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Average Weekly Mileage:30+ miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product
Endless Mike
Received free product
Portland, Oregon
Cascade Cruiser
3 years ago
La Sportiva has made a great mid cushioned trail shoe for varied terrain. After about 25 miles and three good varied runs I am really enjoying this shoe. First off the positives. I'm a mid foot striker and even without a rock plate this shoe has great mid foot cushion for anything that you can throw at it. I tried to pick a good amount of rock and root heavy trails to see how my feet would feel after miles of running. typically after a ten plus mile run my feet are achy and sore. This shoe did a nice job of keeping the trail feel without compromising cushion. That being said, it doesn't have a lot of "pop" coming off of it. I never felt super fast, but I know that if I was doing a heavy mile run with rockier, harder terrain I would reach for these. These shoes maid me want to do a summer run on the Loowit Trail with its mix of boulders and packed earth. The shoe is super breathable, but they also did a great job at picking wear protection is needed. My toes hit a few times on roots, but I just kept chugging along with no issues. The small rocker in the heal helped keep me going when I began to tire and the grip across the tread is top notch. It excelled in slightly muddy to moist dirt trails. Never slipping and even on muddy downhill trails I felt secure in my footing. The lacing system worked well and once I adjusted a few miles in on my first run I had no pressure issues on top of my feet, which is common for me with other running shoes. My only issue is the heel cup. I did slide a bit, but I think with a bit more adjustment with the laces I could have fixed that problem. When I originally tried them on I was worried about blisters on the heel, but that never became a problem. It was more finding the balance between having my heel secure so I felt good on my run, and having it loose enough to not have heel slip and end up with blisters. All in all, I think this shoe will work great for some of my fastpacking adventures in the Cascades where I need extra protection and cushioning, but am not trying to break any speed records. I wish it was mid summer to really put some long miles in the mountains with these shoes. Anything technical and this shoe would feel at home. It could be a great trail shoe for long runs, but I would hesitate for using it in races because of the weight and it not having that springy "pop" I want to really go fast in a race. This is a great technical trail running shoe build for putting down long miles.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product
Tazman44
Received free product
Atlanta Georgia
Awesome trail running shoes!
3 years ago
Went out on the trail for several days in these La Sporta Akasha II trail running shoes. They fit my feet perfectly, just the right size and feel very comfortable. These shoes have plenty of ventilation to keep you feet cool and dry even on the warmest day long runs so you can go further in complete comfort. They have excellent toe protection from rocks and roots due to the very substantial toe caps which is very important when out on the trails and coming down hill your toes are not subjected to these trail hazards. The soles provide excellent traction on rocks, loose dirt , sand even on wet surfaces. The only thing that was a little challenging were wet leaves and deep pine needles but no shoe really does well on those surfaces. After many miles of rough trail use I can definitely see that these shoes seem to quite durable as well and they are really good looking trail running shoes! I would highly recommend these 2022 La Sporta Akasha II trail running shoes, they performed very well and very comfortable!
Age:55–64
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'2"
Average Weekly Mileage:30+ miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11
Running Experience:Casual
Yes , I recommend this product
leoandthefish
Received free product
Cary, NC
Nice but hard to compete with my "barefoot" shoes
3 years ago
If you are not accustomed to barefoot shoes (wide tow box and zero drop), these will probably work great for you. Heads up that they run small even for a narrow foot. They have fantastic traction, even on slippery-when-wet stone. This is a rugged, solidly built shoe that looks great. I would love to try a version of these that are closer to zero drop and have a wider toe base.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Average Weekly Mileage:0–10 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 9
Running Experience:Experienced
No, I do not recommend this product
Pizzasteve
Colorado/Wisconsin
Unreal fit & durability
1 year ago
I switched from Altras (because of constant redesigns and low-mileage expensive shoes as of late) and have worn these for years on rock, ice, & mud - they’re bomb-proof! The upper has the perfect amount of elasticity/hug to feel aggressive, but aren’t too tight for a wider foot to go the distance in 100 mile races and long efforts. The rubber compound is the grippiest I’ve encountered, though it does add a bit of weight. Multiple pair have lasted well over 1,000 miles of hard running and transitioned into great mountain biking shoes. Another benefit is the Akashas aren’t redesigned yearly like other brands and didn’t change much between 1 & 2, so you don’t have to rediscover which shoe will work each season. Finally, a super minor but under appreciated detail is the laces - they really help the fit. This review feels over the top, but I really want to see this design have a long life.
Age:25–34
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Average Weekly Mileage:30+ miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11.5
Running Experience:Competitive
Yes , I recommend this product
Ceeduck
Received free product
Eugene, OR
Excellent option for fast hiking
3 years ago
I've used these primarily for fast hikes of 6-12 miles on fairly technical trails with a lot of elevation changes. The midsole provides excellent cushioning for this application, and while the cushioning limits connection with the terrain, I found the Akasha II's more responsive than similar trail runners comparable cushioning. It's remarkably nimble for what it is. The outsole has fairly deep lugs and a mix of harder and more sticky rubber and I felt confident on loose gravel, grass, packed trail, and the outsole performed admirably on wet rock and logs. I generally struggle to fit into La Sportiva's due to the narrow forefoot. I have slightly wider than average feet and halux limitus which has caused some thickening in the big toe joint. The Akasha II is definitely snug ("sock-like" rather than "tight") around my foot, but it feels much wider and more flexible around my forefoot than other La Sportiva's I've tried in recent years. The underside of the tongue and the seam around the tongue gusset are imperceptible when worn. The seams are perfectly integrated into the upper in a way that, for me, eliminated risk of hot spots. The mesh around the upper is very accommodating and flexible. The toe bumper is not obtrusive. The upper is extremely comfortable, breathable, and felt fairly protective - for me, it's the highlight of this shoe. After two weeks and several hikes with this shoe, I can't find many negatives. It's not the prettiest shoe, but that's not a concern for me. Truly excellent shoe for fast hiking. I sized up half a size to 11.5.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11
Running Experience:Casual
Yes , I recommend this product
Jerrod
Received free product
Washington, DC
Excellent shoes, narrow tow box
2 years ago
These shoes are super comfortable, with rugged lugs and a nice, firm holding upper. The only complaint I had is that the toe box feels somewhat narrow, and the arch feels narrow for my foot too. I wish they made a wider-foot version of it because it was super stable on trails and had great traction, springiness and didn’t feel too big/clunky. But it just pinched my toes a bit too much, to the point that even after 5-6 miles I started developing hot spots. Definitely would have been a problem on longer runs. But if you like narrower shoes this is an excellent option.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'3"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 13
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product
Hike2fish
Received free product
Denver, Colorado
So far so good!
3 years ago
Try on before you buy! Duh, right. I am a size 12 in most of my shoes and wished I had gone to a 12.5 in these. I have managed to do a few 6-8 mile runs in these this week. Thanks to the recent snowfall in Colorado, I've gotten to test these in multiple terrain settings: dry dirt, snow/mud, and wet sand. So far the support has been good and feels stable. I am excited for the warmer weather to kick in to get into some higher elevation runs.
Age:25–34
Yes , I recommend this product
Warpoet
Received free product
Boise, ID
Good Trail Shoe - Just Not For Me
3 years ago
Overall a great trail shoe. I don’t do a lot of trail running, so I mostly use shoes like this for hiking/backpacking. The show was comfortable, has good cushioning, and the outsole seems durable and is very grippy for uneven and wet terrain. My only complaint is for. They felt pretty narrow for me and I have normal width feet. Also the heel feels a bit insecure, my foot never slipped out, but it just felt a bit funky. Overall I’d recommend to try them on for sure before buying and if they feel good and secure then send it!
Age:25–34
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Average Weekly Mileage:0–10 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10.5
Running Experience:Casual
Yes , I recommend this product
Anonymous
an old favorite still a favorite
3 years ago
Loved the previous version and love this version as well. It's just a great mountain shoe that can seemingly do it all, and is comfortable on pavement too. It's slightly on the heavy side, but doesn't feel like it too much. I have run in this for trail, off trail, very steep technical and flat non technical stuff, distances of 5 miles up to 100 mile races. I have both the Kaptiva and Bushido, and love the Akasha over both those. Each shoe has its purpose, of course, but for most things I would choose this over the other two.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Average Weekly Mileage:30+ miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10.5
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product
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