Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide
Valyermo, California
La Sportiva Wildcat Trail-Running Shoes - Men's
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For neutral runners wanting superb cushioning on their trail runs, look no further than the Wildcat from La Sportiva.
Shop newer versionKey Details
Trail-Running Shoe Type
Rugged-Trail
Running Shoe Cushioning
Moderate Cushion
Rock Plate
No
- 1-piece nylon mesh uppers are highly breathable and lightweight; external thermoplastic urethane stabilizers provide support for heels
- Dynamic tongue construction works with the lacing harnesses for a secure, snug fit; nylon mesh linings on tongue and back half of shoe wick moisture to help keep feet dry
- Dual-density MEMlex midsoles and 2.4mm thick LaSpEVA lasting boards provide ample cushioning
- Midsoles also have nylon molded shanks to modulate toe spring and offer additional stability
- Sticky FriXion® AT rubber outsoles deliver excellent traction and a smooth, resilient ride on and off the trail
- Impact Brake Systemâ„¢ helps reduce impact forces while improving traction via the multidirectional, offset lug pattern
| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | Nylon mesh |
| Lining | Nylon |
| Midsole | EVA |
| Support | Nylon shank |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Rock Plate | No |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 9 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
The shoe that saved my AT Thru-Hike
endoplatypus11 years ago
I began hiking the AT with another pair of trail runners had problems and then tried boots. They didn't work either. I found these around day 25 of the journey in Erwin, TN and wore them every day between there and Katahdin. I don't know if I would have made it without them. Super cushioned, super comfortable, grippy, all around excellent shoes. Lighter than boots, quick drying, and well fitting. After a week in the first pair I ordered four more at once knowing I'd be going through a pair every 500 miles. Bottomline: excellece not just for running, but hiking and backpacking too.
endoplatypus
Mesa, AZ
16 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Great Comfort, but falls apart quickly
BillInVT13 years ago
These were my second pair of Wild Cats, 1st was gore tex outer (which held up much better). These fit awesome right out of box on long rocky/rooty and wet Northern New England trails. Comfortable on long runs without any break in period and I never got blisters with these. BUT... they fell apart quickly, more quickly than any trail shoe I've had. The outer on the outside of both shoes, near the front of the shoe, just ripped apart and this lead to lack of forefoot stability. Also, I do not think the cushioning lasted long. I have to retire these after only 250 miles.
BillInVT
VT
27 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
BillInVT
VT
Great Comfort, but falls apart quickly
13 years ago
These were my second pair of Wild Cats, 1st was gore tex outer (which held up much better). These fit awesome right out of box on long rocky/rooty and wet Northern New England trails. Comfortable on long runs without any break in period and I never got blisters with these. BUT... they fell apart quickly, more quickly than any trail shoe I've had. The outer on the outside of both shoes, near the front of the shoe, just ripped apart and this lead to lack of forefoot stability. Also, I do not think the cushioning lasted long. I have to retire these after only 250 miles.
No, I do not recommend this product
chris bemis
Upstate New York
Great for trails, pavement, and lounging
14 years ago
After a long bout of cheap sneakers, I decided to upgrade to some decent running shoes. After trawling REI reviews, I came upon a favorably rated pair: La Sportiva Wildcat Trail-Running Shoes. Upon receiving my shoes, I noticed how light they were, with an average weight of 25 ounces. My concern was that they would be too flimsy, but the sole held to substantial hand pressure, from ball of foot to heel. The heel is reinforced with an external urethane stabilizer. It looks too thin to be of any effect, but again I was surprised by the stiffness of the heel. On a test run, I was impressed by the comfort and cushioning, contrasted with the light weight of the shoes. I also liked the feeling of moving air passing through the nylon mesh uppers. This helped keep my feet dry. Though well ventilated, these shoes take on water faster than a sponge, but the flip side is that they dry more quickly. The sole is dotted with lugs. These lugs take the brunt of force from a footfall, leaving a cushioned step. However, the aggressive tread can hold a decent amount of muck that wiping on a place mat doesn't quite clear. Also, the shoes don't hold as well on slick rock as my Merrell's or Keen's. My ankles are pretty bad from repeated sprains, but these running shoes take off a lot of stress, so I can go the distance even on bad days. They work well on pavement, trails, and around the house. Although I would use them on a day hike on tough trails, I'm not sure they're the right footwear for loaded backpacking. Overall, I recommend them highly.
Yes , I recommend this product
endoplatypus
Mesa, AZ
The shoe that saved my AT Thru-Hike
11 years ago
I began hiking the AT with another pair of trail runners had problems and then tried boots. They didn't work either. I found these around day 25 of the journey in Erwin, TN and wore them every day between there and Katahdin. I don't know if I would have made it without them. Super cushioned, super comfortable, grippy, all around excellent shoes. Lighter than boots, quick drying, and well fitting. After a week in the first pair I ordered four more at once knowing I'd be going through a pair every 500 miles. Bottomline: excellece not just for running, but hiking and backpacking too.
Yes , I recommend this product
Watertreater
Minneapolis, MN
Favorite trail runner for many years in a row
8 years ago
I have owned multiple pairs of Wildcats and wear them almost every day for every activity, then buy a new pair and do the same thing all over again. There is a not a better fitting shoe from any brand. They perform just as well on the trail as on the road or standing all day at a trade show. The heel pocket fits perfectly with absolutely no slippage. I have sold many friends on the shoes and always heard positive responses after they bought and used them. I have hiked gnarly trails, ran some serious mileage and explored some wild places in my Wildcats. They build confidence on any terrain and let you go faster and father without foot or leg fatigue.
Yes , I recommend this product
gonrunnin
Seward,AK
Great shoe
15 years ago
I normally run in Brooks Adrenaline ASR but they didn't have them at my local REI during their 20% off sale this spring so on a off chance picked up the Wildcats. Wow! What a find. I truely am impressed by these shoes. They are so comfortable on the trail. They almost feel like they steer themselves. They wrap around your foot and make the shoe feel as if it is a natural extension of your foot. Can be a little slippery on wet rock but on dirt they are the best I have ever had for traction. They are light but seem to have plenty of support. Great shoe. Sorry Brook's, I have found a new shoe. Wasn't all that impressed with the new ASR anyway.
Yes , I recommend this product
Light hiker in Alaska
Anchorage Alaska
My favorite trail shoe - second pair I've owned
9 years ago
This shoe is a perfect combination of grip, stiffness, and cushioning. It fits as advertised and seems to have neutral pronation. I am size 44 6ft 180lbs. The grip is excellent and the back-of-heel cup is rigid, which I really care about on a trail shoe. The shoe breathes well and is refreshingly light weight. I also wear Nike Wildhorse and Terra Kiger 3 trail shoes, both of which are excellent for off pavement running but don't offer the same grip, sole stiffness, and back-of-heel protection on a true mountain trail that the La Sportiva does. I also own other La Sportiva footwear for other applications and am very pleased with the brand.
Yes , I recommend this product
Richard the old one
Denver, CO
comfortable and eye catching
12 years ago
I am in my 60's with one knee replaced and the other one headed there plus an arthritic ankle so I really needed something that would give me support and cushioning. These shoes have been great so far. My feet are slightly narrow and these seem to fit great. They are my favorite everyday shoes for just about everything. Heel is comfortable and snug with no slippage. Sole has jus the right amount of flex while being stable. Overall, I think they are a great walking shoe and my kids think I am cool too. I have even walked 19 holes of golf in them.
Yes , I recommend this product
ATsteve
Atlanta, GA, United States
Good shoe, not my fav, but good
10 years ago
The shoe is a bit narrower in the foot. I would recommend this for day hiking and trail running, but not for long hauls. Used two pairs of these on the Appalachian trail from Georgia to Black Horse Gap, Virginia the traction wears quickly and I ended up slipping a lot. The outer mesh drys super fast, but it did seem to get worn easily with snags and tears, granted I was wearing these every day in the woods. So if you looking for a shoe for the weekend warrior I would go with this, but If your looking for a shoe for a thru-hike, I would look for something with more durability.
Yes , I recommend this product
kreis
Jersey City, NJ
Started Falling Apart After a Month
8 years ago
Both shoes started to have fabric fray / come undone at the eye holes on the inside portion of the shoe after less than a month. They were incredibly comfortable and lightweight while I had them and wish that they did not fall apart. I used them for walking around town and on some short hikes, so did not even stress them very much. Another small note is that the gray coloring for the foam also began to wear away, and while not a big deal did not inspire much confidence in the build quality. I returned to the store where they were purchased with no issues.
No, I do not recommend this product
Jackie27
Western Washington
Breathes well
10 years ago
REI delivered at mi 266 on the PCT, Big Bear Lake. No break in--they felt fine the first day out when I did 15 miles. now, 547 miles later, they might go another hundred, but the cuffs have begun to wear a bit. Not so good for snow which has plagued us for the last 100 miles, but it's time to either put on the gallon freezer bags or just switch to a waterproof breathable. I wear my shoes just right, not too tight, nor too loose. Up hills or down, these were the greatest! The price of great breathability was fine dirt that would filter through the mesh, so hiking most trails we found the fine stuff on our forefeet almost daily, doing 15-25 mile days. No blisters on my feet, but maybe that's just me. Happy trails. Goldilocks
Yes , I recommend this product
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