Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide
Valyermo, California
La Sportiva Jackal II GTX Trail-Running Shoes - Men's
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If you're looking for plush cushion, plenty of grip and a roomy fit, the men's La Sportiva Jackal II GTX trail-running shoes will help keep your feet steady on rough, technical terrain.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Trail-Running Shoe Type
Rugged-Trail
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm)
7
Running Shoe Cushioning
Moderate Cushion
Rock Plate
Yes
- Ideal for trail runners looking for mid- to long-distance shoes with increased cushion and volume for runs and races on more technical terrain and in inclement weather
- Updated design features recycled upper materials, new heel/tongue construction and enhanced breathability and is lighter weight than the previous model
- Medial and lateral mono-burr mesh increases breathability for maximum ventilation
- Updated lacing design allows for a higher level of forefoot volume adaptability
- Recycled laces
- No-sew thermoadhesive TPU reinforcements and TPU toe caps for added durability
- GORE-TEX Invisible Fit waterproof/breathable membranes with Gore-Flex
- Combination of EVA midsoles and Infinitoo polyurethane inserts (10 mm heel and 5 mm forefoot) provide a balance of long-distance cushion and on-trail stability
- 1.5 mm dual-density compressed EVA rock guards underfoot for added protection
- FriXion XT 2.0 rubber outsoles with Impact Brake System, FLEX inserts and 3.5 mm lugs provide a balance of traction and durability
Imported.
View the La Sportiva Jackal 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) | 7 |
| Heel Stack Height (mm) | 29 |
| Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 22 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Upper | Recycled sandwich mesh/mono-burr nylon |
| Lining | Microfiber |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA |
| Outsole | FriXion XT 2.0 rubber |
| Rock Plate | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 5.5 oz. |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials From a Climate Neutral Certified brand |
| Type of Waterproofing | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit waterproof/breathable membrane |
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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Guy A
Received free product
Georgia
Decent, but size up or try on in store
1 year ago
I would rate these trail runners as ok, but La Sportiva has better. I’ve had multiple types of La Sportiva trail runners, boots, and climbing shoes over the years so I’m familiar with and love the brand as a whole, but these trail runners are probably my least favorite of any of their shoes that I’ve acquired. Cons: 1. The sizing is way off and it’s a very narrow shoe. In 95% of men’s shoes I wear a US 9 men’s, but La Sportiva typically run small so I ordered a 9.5 and it was still pressing on the sidewalls near my little toe and during downhills my front toe was touching the front of the toe box. 2. Weight: Slightly heavier that my other Sportiva trail runners which are also Gortex Pros: 1. Grip/rubber is fantastic as you would expect from a company that makes climbing shoes. 2. Tread pattern was more moderate so could be uses for combination trail/gravel/paved. 3. Waterproofing was adequate up to mid top laces, but don’t plan on deeper water crossings unless you want a bucket on your foot.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 9
Running Experience:Experienced
No, I do not recommend this product
DaveV
Received free product
Severn, MD
Solid Performer, But Not for Tender Feet
1 year ago
These shoe's, while not perfect, have a place in any trail-running shoe arsenal. As you would expect from a company like La Sportiva, these shoes have excellent grip. I never felt afraid of slipping even on wet rocks. The midsole is rather firm, so if you like a lot of cushion, this shoe probably isn't for you. But the benefit of this firmness is great terrain feel. Combine this with the excellent grip and you will be sure-footed for any run you do. I've found that the La Sportive shoes run on the small side. In almost any other brand, I wear a size 11.5 but I need a 12 for the Jackal II to fit right. Overall, a great shoe. One that I will use whenever slick trails are on the menu.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11.5
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product
Rendezvous
Received free product
Texas
Look Great, fit small.
1 year ago
“I received this product for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review.” First off, I love the look/style of the Jackal II GTX. The aggressive styling looks like they belong on trail and the color scheme works for everyday wear. The tread is really aggressive and you can feel it grip while walking on mixed terrain (trails, grass, sidewalk). For a waterproof shoe, they are incredibly light - at first I thought they were a non GTX version. Unfortunately, I was never able to put them through their paces in a rain storm but I did a hose test for 10 minutes and my feet were nice and dry. As for comfort/feel the Jackal II did not pass by my standards. These shoes fit really small for size (9) and that likely accounts for the majority of the comfort issues. If you have high arches, I would recommend a different insole as the standard one did not provide enough support for my feet. The cushion was good, but not great. The Jackal feels stiff on my feet and the outsole is a bit more stiff, almost ‘boot like’. I love the tread pattern, but for me, a bit softer feel would have been appreciated. I’m not sure if it’s the stiffness of the sole or the material, but the Jackal is a squeaker. They squeak really bad on every floor surface I’ve tried them on (hardwood, tile, etc.). This was not a problem outside on the track, trail, or sidewalk so not a big deal for the purpose they were intended.
Age:45–54
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product
Paul D
Received free product
Long Island, NY
Limited utility
10 months ago
Typical high quality La Sportiva construction and design but limited utility in the Goretex version. I've been running in the non-GTX Jackal's since they first came out and love their performance on everything from hardpacked trails to moderate mud and snow. I've used them for everyday training up to 50K's so I was excited to try the GTX version. Unfortunately the GTX version was a disappointment. The upper being stiffer with the waterproof membrane makes it noticeably narrower and less comfortable. The low shoe collar means dirt and water still get in and with the waterproof membrane it doesn't drain as well as the non-GTX version. This all makes the shoe not very useful in wet conditions so I think the GTX version is not worth getting. I'm sticking with the good old non-GTX version. A higher collar or full high top shoe is needed for really wet conditions or the non-GTX version with vapor barrier or waterproof socks.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10.5
Running Experience:Experienced
No, I do not recommend this product
Glenn
Received free product
Bel Air, MD
Such a well built shoe!
1 year ago
Initial Impression: build quality appears to be excellent and the rubber seems very sticky. The fit is a little short, but the width seems inline with other popular trail shoes. I typically size up to 11 in my running shoes with a couple exceptions, this would be one of them. It may be my foot shape, but I would consider going up an additional 1/2 size in this shoe to 11.5. It's a well built shoe with a simple lacing system and sturdy construction, so I don't think going up a size will be problematic for most people when trying to get a secure fit. Waterproofing: the Goretex liner is unobtrusive and the interior of the shoe includes a gussetted tongue that keeps moisture out very well. No complaints at all. The pictures I posted are post swampy wet run, my feet were totally dry. Traction: the traction on this shoe from the lug design to the rubber compound is outstanding. Its hard to find a better compound than what LaSportiva uses, it equals the leading rubber for hire. Comfort: these are very comfortable with a bouncy middle compound that provides more energy return than I expected. The toe bumper is stout in this shoe, so you have to get the sizing dialed in or your toes might take some punishment. This is not a squishy max cushion shoe, but it's not punishing either. I'm actually surprised buy the level of comfort as compared to the stack height. Overall impression: for me, this is probably the best hiking shoe I've ever had and a good trail runner. I think the build quality is unmatched and I feel really secure in the Jackal II. Conclusion: This shoe is worth a try! The worst case scenario that I can think of is that you end up with a decent trail runner and amazing hiking shoe. With this much foot protection there is a tradoff, it just depends on what you need. Just a reminder, make sure you go up a half size more that you typically buy and you'll be happy!
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Average Weekly Mileage:30+ miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product
Eamon
Colorado
Good show, poor design in toe box
1 year ago
The shoe is great itself as far as it is waterproof, the lugs prevent mud build up pretty well, and it holds up well. However, and a big however… the sizing is way off and the toe box is super small and crowded. I wear a size 40.5 in the TX3. They fit perfect. I sized up a half size here with the Jackal and it’s still too small in the toe box. My big toes are crunched and hurt after a run. Sizing up a whole size makes the shoe feel long and sloppy. Everything else about the shoe is perfect. The tow box is simply of poor design and too small.
Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 8
Running Experience:Experienced
No, I do not recommend this product
Fast and light
Received free product
San Francisco, CA
Grippy, light, waterproof/breathable trail runner!
1 year ago
Iniitally quite snug, I intentionally laced the shoes loosely to allow some extra room for break-in. Incredibly lightweight, with great arch support. I took a 12 mile urban hike/run (sidewalks, singletrack, wooden and concrete stairs) to gather my thoughts for the review. I wore a midweight pair of merino hiking socks, and on a sunny 70F degree day, my feet never got clammy nor did the shoes feel hot -- they breathed very well. Traction is excellent.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 8.5
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product
Steve O
Received free product
Runs a bit small
1 year ago
I normally wear a 10-10.5, but depending on the shoe, I've worn up to an 11. This is one I think that I would want in size 11. The construction seems very sturdy and solid however, and I think they would give me plenty of miles of hiking/running.
Trail Runner
Received free product
Wichita Falls, Texas
A Trail Running Shoe with Potential
1 year ago
I used the Jackel II GTX on three runs. The first was a 5-mile run along the banks of a local river. The path was muddy, wet, and dotted with roots. The second was a 7-mile trail that was an abandoned railroad bed converted to a hiking trail covered in gravel. The last was a 4-mile mountain trail. The outsole of the Jackel is stiff but not too stiff to run in. The stiff sole protected my feet from the large stones, gravel, and the ever-present roots. The tread pattern is excellent. The distance between the lugs kept mud and small rocks from lodging between the treads. The placement of the lugs perpendicular to the sole provided excellent downhill breaking and uphill running. After my first run, I found that the large, aggressive tread pattern of the Jackel kicked water, dirt, and mud into the back of the shoe. On my subsequent runs, I wore a set of short gaiters with the Jackels and that alleviated the problem. While the shoe Goretex lining does protect from water infiltration into the shoe from wet grass or shallow puddles, water still entered over the top of the shoe. My only issue with the Jackel II GTX is the sizing. The sizing for the shoes runs short. I wear a size 9 trail running and running shoe and even with very thin socks, my big toe rubbed up against the top of the toe box and the front of the toe box making for an uncomfortable run. The size 9, at least in my case, was small. A half size larger would have made this review a five and a recommendation to a friend.
Age:65–74
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 9
Running Experience:Experienced
No, I do not recommend this product
Anonymous
2 months ago
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