Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Aggressive, durable trail runners with neutral support and sublime cushioning, the men's La Sportiva Mutant trail-running shoes use sticky, toothed outsoles for comfort and stability on rocky terrain.
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View all La Sportiva Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 10 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 26 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 16 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Polyester mesh |
Lining | Mesh |
Midsole | EVA |
Support | Thermoplastic urethane |
Outsole | Rubber |
Rock Plate | No |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 6.6 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | From a Climate Neutral Certified brand |
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 | |
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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 |
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.
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Got these in basically new condition from an REI Garage Sale for $88. They were used for about 310 miles and around 92,000 vertical feet in the Colorado trails and mountains. They ate up virtually everything that I threw at them - from muddy/slushy winter trails, to 25+ of the highest peaks in the state, to 4th class scrambles, to 20 mile off-trail sections. They dry very quick when wet and maintain very solid grip. The only 2 issues I had were that the white Frixion compound for the outsole is their most grippy BUT least durable version of Frixion. The outsole eroded very quickly at 310 miles. Also, if you’re a heavy pronator like me, this may feel potentially unstable. Eventually shoes seemed to have no shock absorption and left my feet and legs with some pain. YMMV.
This is the ideal shoe for technical mountain running. The fit is comfortable yet precise allowing for confident footing even on steep, off camber and rocky downhills, and the tread/sole has minimal slippage on a variety of surfaces both wet and dry. I have used them extensively on more traditional and smooth running trails in the Sierras, as well as on more technical hybrid running/climbing/mountaineering adventures in the high Sierra and the shoe performs well in both areas. Additionally, I have used them in 200+ mile mountain races in Europe and they kept my feet comfortable and confident in the steep trails in the Alps and don't seem to break down/compress even after multiple days and nights of continuous running.
I am not some extreme trail runner who owns 10 different pairs of running shoes, so I was looking for a great all-around option and I think I found it. I live in a rather hilly area and I feel like these are now my go to shoes for most trails, whether it be a day hike or a long run. I believe that heel-to-toe drop is a matter of preference - these are probably fairly extreme at 10mm but it works for me. I think the cushioning is great and the aggressive outsole is especially effective in steep terrain. I have a narrow/long foot and feel like these fit me fairly well. I was a little suspicious of the lacing system and upper design, but I have to say that it is pretty slick overall. I haven't put a ton of miles on them so I can't speak to their durability, but they are holding up well thus far.
These shoe rock! I have had them for the 9 months or so and they perform great! I can push 10 + mile days in the mountains on terrain up to class 3 and have very happy feet at the end of the day. They are not as stiff as the La sportiva ultra raptors, but they are lighter. All at the same time they have great rigidness to take very rocky trails with ease. These are not as light as the Bushido’s but they are stiffer and able to take rough trails longer before feet get upset. If you want a stiffer trail runner and want to hit class 4 and minor class 5 terrain with super long hiking approaches on super rocky trail the Ultra raptor is your shoe. If you want to stack super long mile days with class 3 and under with rocky trail the Mutant is your shoe. If you want a bomb super light trail runner and occasional peak the Bushido is your shoe. Hope this helps you find the difference in a few superb shoes. La Sportiva for life!
As an avid trail runner, I highly recommend the La Sportiva Mutants as an incredible trail shoe. As a huge fan of the La Sportiva brand, I have owned multiple pairs of La Sportiva Wildcats (finding them to be amazing for support and an excellent hiking shoe but too heavy for trail running) and La Sportiva Bushidos (a very fast and nimble trail shoe but a bit less support/rock protection and a faster wear period). Looking for the perfect shoe, I decided to try the La Sportiva Mutants based on strong reviews. The Mutant is a perfect blend of the great support/protection offered by the Wildcats and the light weight and agility of the Bushido. Even further, I have found that the upper is incredibly durable. The sole/tread of the shoe has also held up better than expected on very rough/rocky terrain. After approximately 300 hard miles on sharp/jagged rocky terrain, I am ready to order my next pair. I also recommend buying a half size larger than you are used to. I came across this suggestion in a number of reviews and found it to be the right choice for me as well. This is an amazing trail shoe and you will not be disappointed if you are looking to spend miles off the pavement.
A 6-1 210 and with flat feet this shoe is the best all around trail running shoe I have found. The 10mm drop is ideal for hilly terrain and reduces stress on the achilles. A little tricky to put on/off but that's no deal breaker at all
These shoe can handle anything and are very comfortable. After owning a few pairs the only problem I’ve found is that the pull loop that is used to get the shoe on is very fragile. I’ve managed to rip a few of them off.
This is a great fitting trail runner and was wonderful on hikes through the San Juan islands, but durability was the factor for the three star rating. The first pair’s rear finger hook on the heal started to tear. Not a big deal, but started after only two weeks. Took them back to rei who got me a new pair. After two weeks of easy hiking, the rubber in the heel started separating from the shoe. I’d love to find out from la sportiva what problems they’re having with quality control because I’m not the only one reporting on durability issues. Too bad, because it fits great and is really comfortable while hiking variable terrain.
I'm not a super intense trail runner, but I do about 7-10mi of semi-rocky trail a week. I've only taken them out twice on some of my regular foothill trails. Impressed thus far! Such great traction, and I love the lacing system. Zero rocks and dirt let in. Note: They do fit narrow, and small. I had to exchange for a euro half-size up, and honestly I could've gone a whole size, but I'm keeping what I've got to let them break in more. I have really narrow feet, so I can make it work. If you have wide feet, La Sportivas may not be the brand for you (I've been told this before from multiple sources)
I have never worn more amazing sneakers, hence buying a second pair now before they may get discontinued. the fit is incredible. their predecessor was my prior best shoe ever. I also wore it every day to work, around the park, for running. just like this one. they have a unique method of how the laces tie the shoe. it's off to the side and loops around in such a way that the final fit is so effective and tight, that after a year of owning the last one I still hardly intellectually understand how or why it works so well. but work well it does. I would say if we were to compare shoes to cars, this is more of a Lamborghini than a rolls Royce. very tight, hugs the road, grippy, steady, I feel safe on all surfaces with it. I would say its strengths are in this, and perhaps not something you'd want to wear for 12 hours straight, just like you'd probably want to drive from LA to denver in a comfortable car vs in a race car. different needs, different shoes. overall, very impressed.