Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Take your training to the next level in the women's La Sportiva Karacal trail-running shoes. With sublime cushion and a high-volume fit, they're ready for technical trails and long days on your feet.
Imported.
View all La Sportiva Women's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
---|---|
Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum 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 | Mesh |
Lining | Microfiber |
Midsole | Compression-molded EVA/1.5 mm dual-density EVA |
Support | Thermo-adhesive framework heel stabilizer |
Outsole | FriXion AT 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 was excited to get these shoes for a great price. They’re a good brand and just what I need for hiking and walking. I read the 2 reviews and decided to order EU size 40.5 instead of my usual size 39. The size 40.5 arrived today, tried them on, and am very disappointed. They’re not just a little tight, but are much too small. This is probably why they’re on sale. Just know that if your usual size 8.5–9, the size 40.5 will be too small.
The best La Sportiva yet. The day after I received my pair, I went for a 11-mile walk. These didn't need to be broken in. It was the most comfortable walk in years! No blisters to talk about, and my feet did not tire out. I wear a stiff orthotics ever since I tore my plantar fascia ligament 30 years ago. This Sportiva accommodated the orthotic very well. The height of the orthotics takes away some room in the shoes, but they still felt comfortable. My toes did not hit the uppers of the shoes. I had several other pairs that caused bruised toe nails because of this issue. I had a comfortable wiggle room in the toe box. I am super happy with my new pair. La Sportiva runs small, so size up. I wear size 8 in Saucaunies and Salomons. Size 8 equivalent in La Sportiva is 39.5. However, 39.5 feels tight overall. 40 feels just right.
La Sportiva has become my go-to hiking shoe and boot brand, and these are almost great. Light weight, good tread, nice arch support, and everything fits perfectly in my usual size--except that my big toes immediately rubbed against the shoe, so there's no way these can work for casual walking let alone down-hill trails. Something is a bit off with the build here. Something tells me that going up a half size Euro isn't going to solve the problem, sadly.