Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Made to keep your feet steady on long runs and rough, technical terrain, the women's La Sportiva Jackal trail-running shoes boast grippy, rugged outsoles, plush cushion and a comfortable fit.
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View the La Sportiva Jackal Product LineView all La Sportiva Women'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) | 7 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 29 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 22 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Sandwich mesh/mono-burr nylon |
Lining | Abrasion-resistant microfiber |
Midsole | Compression-molded EVA |
Support | Infinitoo polyurethane inserts |
Outsole | FriXion XT 2.0 rubber |
Rock Plate | Yes |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 1.6 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | From a Climate Neutral Certified brand |
33 EU | 33.5 EU | 34 EU | 34.5 EU | 35 EU | 35.5 EU | 36 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 | |
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U.S. Women's | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 5.5+ | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 7.5+ | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5+ | 10 | 10.5 | 11 |
EU | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.5 | 35 | 35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 |
Mondo | 24 | 24.5 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 |
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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I bought these shoes to hike the 485 mile Colorado Trail. I have a low volume, narrow foot. I bought a whole size larger than my normal La Sportiva size, sizing to a 40 instead of a 39 (my in store exchange doesn't show in my purchase history correctly). Pros: - durable - they survived the whole trail (although they probably should have been retired at 400 miles) with just a small hole in the pinky toe area developing at 430 miles. - traction - the outsole lasted and provided reasonable traction on gravel and light mud - comfortable - the cushioning was reasonable and i had space for my foot to expand. i like a shoe that isn't sloppy Cons: - the back of this shoe is to high or stiff and it cut up my achilles. If I had leukotape on day 1, it probably would have been fine. But for the price of the shoe, I expect more from La Sportiva Sadly, I'll probably buy these shoes again because it's hard to get a reasonable fit with my feet and the shoes performed well and were comfortable. However, if another shoe felt similar, I would buy that instead. Photos are of shoes after 485 miles.
Terrible, I used two times and in both occasions hurt my feet. The first time it got blisters on my heels and the second occasion, I used protectors for blisters But I got blisters On my fingers. Not worthy for the price and especially for hiking.
I was hoping that the Jackyl would replace my beloved - and discontinued - Akashas (La Sportiva, please bring them back!!). The shoe is marketed by the brand as “exceptionally cushioned” and ideal for long trail days, but I unfortunately found this not super accurate. The Jackyl is really lightweight and grippy, both great qualities. But I found it to be a more responsive ride, and I could definitely feel the ground underfoot. At the end of a 14 miler, my legs felt more fatigue than I’d hoped with brand new shoes. Also, like other reviewers I got some gnarly heel blisters and I felt the heel cup was pretty rigid. I think the Jackyl could be a great option for shorter days on easy trail, but I’m still looking for that cushy, comfy out of the box feel for 20-30 mile days that I miss so much in the Akasha.
Nice shoe, but the fit is exceedingly short. I ordered a 42 1/2 (10 1/2) since this was mentioned in other reviews; my La Sportiva hiking shoes are a 42 (10) and fit well. This shoe is so short I could not straighten my toes! I would estimate that I need a full size larger than the 42 1/2, which they don’t offer. Quite annoying!
I run two ultra marathons a year and purchased these shoes for running in the mountains. I purchased a size 39 based on other reviews. Yes, they run smaller than other La Sportiva models and other running shoes. The shoes fit well and seemed like they were a good choice for trail running. However, the deeply cupped heel design causes rubbing on the achilles tendon. I tried running 6 miles in these shoes 3 different times and ended up with blisters on my achilles tendon every time. I had to return these to the store.
These are very comfortable shoes for indoor activities and hikes or trail workouts. I bought my second pair a year later but not because the first pair was worn out but instead to make sure that I have another pair when they do get worn out. I recommend.
Felt great in the store but, as others have said, the back of the shoe is too stiff. After 2 miles on a trail I had a horrible blister over my achilles. I couldn't even walk and had to take them off and walk out barefoot. I was so disappointed. I have the bushidos and those are great.
Ahhhhh.... I finally got a pair of shoes that are just right for my feet. I've had to return numerous pairs of shoes never quite fitting right. I have wider bony feet and I like to spread my toes out in my shoe and these shoes are totally perfect. They have a thin tongue so it doesn't rub on your foot great traction and all around comfort. Also the heel is not jacked up too high where it makes my Achilles heel hurt.
These shoes look to be a great trail runner for me - I run 6 to 10 miles on roads getting to trails. I have a narrow heal and these seem to really fit my feet well. But beware they do run very small. I ordered a 1/2 size up as recommended, but they are still too small. Joe at REI customer service was great and I was able to exchange these for a bigger size. Can't wait to get out and try them out!
Purchased this style due to the initial comfort when trying it on in store. Went for a hike and felt my 2 outer toes on both feet start to go numb. Wore these shoes a second time for another 5 mile hike and same thing happened but this time, I also strained my big toe. There is something odd about the construction of insole and they also run short. This shoe is not for me and I can’t recommend!