La Sportiva always stands out as a reliable choice for adventure, combining sleek Italian design with rugged trails’ needs. One pair I recently tested was the La Sportiva Wildcat, and they didn’t disappoint.
This trail runner gave me a reliable companion as I took on the Tour du Mont Blanc in France and the demanding Alta Via 1 trail in Italy over a two-month period.
Our Verdict
La Sportiva Wildcat
The new Wildcat surpasses its previous versions despite an initial bump over a longer-than-expected break-in period.
Once I put these hiking shoes to the test, they delivered admirable performance. They provided reliable traction on technical terrain, slippery surfaces, and steep descents—qualities that make them an ideal choice for a trail runner.
I thoroughly evaluated their adherence, stability, and overall performance. If you’re considering investing in a top-notch trail runner, join me as I review the La Sportiva Wildcat, sharing the advantages and disadvantages this version brings.
After extensive testing, I believe the La Sportiva Wildcat truly deserves its high rating. Slipping into a new pair felt both enclosing and liberating—a conflicting sensation that only serious hikers can appreciate.
Whether it’s slushy mud, deceptive scree, debris-covered ground, or even the occasional shopping run, the Wildcats served me well.
However, I did notice that the shoe offers more protection around the arch while leaving the ankles slightly less supported than I’d prefer.
But what the Wildcats might lack in ankle protection, they make up for in other areas. The precise fit, suitability for long mileage, and traction that feels strong enough to tackle dangerous talus were all delightful surprises.
Plus, at only $145, the value was impressive during those long miles.
To conduct a thorough review of the La Sportiva Wildcat, we rigorously tested the shoe across diverse terrains such as flat, rocky, muddy, and gravelly paths. We evaluated its waterproof capabilities in rainy weather and its performance in heat. Our team, along with independent experts, spent several days assessing the shoe’s break-in period and comfort level. The La Sportiva Wildcat was rated on key aspects including fit, cushioning, tread, and breathability. We compiled an in-depth review by averaging these test scores and integrating user feedback and the manufacturer’s warranty information.
Product Features
- Sticky FriXion® AT rubber outsoles
- Dual-density midsoles
- Multidirectional lug pattern
PROS
- Frixion® Green rubber compound provides excellent grip, great for a variety of terrains
- These shoes can withstand extensive usage and rough trails
- Cushiony sole and ergonomic design allow for a comfortable experience
- Upper AirMesh design ensures steady airflow, keeping feet comfortable on long hauls
CONS
- These shoes aren’t great for heavy downpours or water crossings
- The outer mesh layer is prone to snagging on sharp objects
Things We Tested When We Reviewed La Sportiva Wildcat
Traction
When I tested the La Sportiva Wildcat on various terrains, the Frixion® Green rubber compound outsole impressed me with its impeccable grip.
The balance of small and deep lugs gives the shoe an aggressive outsole that provides excellent traction.
On gravelly slopes or dirt trails, the Wildcat performed as expected.
The Impact Brake System engineered by La Sportiva notably reduced impact forces on descents, making it a standout trail running shoe.
I did observe that its traction slightly faltered on wet rocks and slippery surfaces. On the upside, the heel-to-toe drop was well-balanced, ensuring adequate foot protection.
So, while the Wildcat excels on dry surfaces, a bit more caution is needed on wet terrain.
Durability
La Sportiva Wildcats are one tough pair of trail runners, ideally suited for rigorous mountain running or hiking. Over my two-month testing period, I marvelled at the resilience of the shoes.
The upper, with its relatively solid support, remained in good condition even after my long runs. However, a small flaw was the upper mesh cover’s tendency to snag on sharp objects.
The toe box constructed with TPU and the rugged outsole contributed to the overall durability, reinforcing the shoe fit to the foot. Even after continuous wear, the heel cushion retained its shape, providing good shoe comfort.
It is fascinating to see this lightweight shoe perform on par, if not exceed, several other La Sportiva models and average feet boots in terms of durability.
Comfort
Take it from me – you don’t need to sacrifice comfort for ruggedness with this shoe from La Sportiva.
As soon as I slipped them on, immediately, it felt like the shoes had already formed on my feet, thanks to their excellent cushioning.
Heel strikers will appreciate the substantial foam pads in the heel, as I found them to offer great support.
The cushioning didn’t feel stiff or obstructive, but rather responsive and adaptive to my stride.
However, they are stiff at first and need a bit of wearing in – I’d suggest a couple of short hikes before you tackle a full day on the trail.
Weight
What’s really notable about the La Sportiva Wildcat is the blend of protective elements and a light build. My size 42 pair weighs just 720 grams, making them seem surprisingly light for hiking boots.
On tough trails, this lightness meant I could move my feet faster and keep up speed without getting tired too quickly. They were almost like normal running shoes in feel but tough enough for rough, uneven ground.
Just remember they might not seem as light if you usually wear very minimalist shoes.
Waterproofing
When testing the La Sportiva Wildcat, one aspect that required keen examination was its waterproof capabilities.
While it does not come with a Gore-Tex lining, the Wildcat shoe still performs well in light rain and dewy grass, preventing moisture from seeping in.
This is largely due to the incorporated waterproof membrane in the fabric of the shoe.
However, for heavy rain or crossing through rivers, you may find your feet getting wet. In comparison to purely waterproof alternatives like some models of Hoka trail running shoes, the Wildcat shoe may fall slightly short in extremely wet conditions.
Support
As I continued to review La Sportiva Wildcat, it came to me that this shoe has an excellent heel support structure to keep your feet stable and secure throughout your hike. Its midsole incorporates a nylon molded flex transfer shank for stability.
This, combined with a substantially cushioned heel, provides a comfortable and balanced ride.
There’s also a supportive forefoot TPU shank. This notably added to the shoe’s overall underfoot protection, reducing sharp impacts during my hikes. Nonetheless, if you suffer from ankle instability, you might prefer a hiking boot with higher ankle protection.
Breathability
If you’re one for long, exhausting trails as I am, the breathability of footwear is just as crucial as the reliability of the lug pattern.
La Sportiva Wildcat outshines many in this aspect. The upper is made of highly breathable fabric that helps keep feet cool without causing hot spots.
During my test hikes, even in warmer weather, I found my feet remained comfortably dry.
Nevertheless, while ventilation was top-notch, remember that some water resistance is inevitably compromised.
Fit and Sizing
The La Sportiva’s Wildcat shoe offers an ample toe box that allows your toes to spread naturally and comfortably, reducing the chance of blisters. It runs true to size but also appreciates the importance of half sizes, catering to a wider range of foot shapes.
The lacing system is also designed to provide a great fit, adapting well to my foot’s shape. However, a few people might find the heel relatively roomy since fit can be a matter of personal preference.
How Does it Compare with Other Products?
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II
While both options are La Sportiva’s trail runners, the $165 Ultra Raptor II has a stiffer heel and a tighter lacing system, providing a snug fit around the midfoot.
However, some might find it tight in the forefoot area compared to Wildcat’s roomier toe box.
Durability-wise, Ultra Raptor II’s upper material is tougher, making it resist more abuse on the trail, but this compromises ventilation, giving Wildcat an edge in warmer situations.
When it comes to weight, the Ultra Raptors are slightly heavier. Still, given their sturdy construction and superior underfoot protection, they can be an optimal choice for long-drawn backpacking, while Wildcat is better suited to quicker paces and shorter, more intense bouts of running.
Brooks Cascadia 16
Shifting to a comparison with the $130 Brooks Cascadia 16, it’s noticeable that the Cascadia focuses on cushioning and a soft underfoot feel, thanks to its DNA LOFT midsole.
Moreover, the extended layout of its 4-Point Pivot Posts offers enhanced stability on various terrains – a feature some users may find more desirable. However, they do not win out on traction, especially in muddy trails, where Wildcat’s Frixion® Green sole is better.
While the Brooks Cascadia 16 seems to prioritize comfort, it is heavier and less durable than the Wildcat – its mesh covers are prone to quicker wear in the wrong circumstances. So if you need something tougher, Wildcat surely steps up to the plate.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Coming to Hoka Speedgoat 5 ($155), this shoe aims for a plush, pillowy feel underfoot with a widened forefoot area that allows for normal foot splay, possibly making it more comfortable for broader feet.
The weight is similar to the Wildcat, yet its superior midsole cushioning translates into better shock absorption on rocky terrains.
They also boast a ‘sticky’ rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs, comparable in performance to the Wildcat’s Frixion® Green sole.
However, the seemingly softer materials used in its construction could raise questions about its long-term durability, especially under intense trail use.
Where La Sportiva Wildcat Performs Better?
The La Sportiva Wildcat truly excels in rocky paths, abrupt grades, gravelly slopes, or dry trails.
Its Frixion® Green sole provides excellent traction, along with a thick, cushiony underfoot that reduces the harshness of moderately rocky terrains.
Moreover, on abrupt descents, the Wildcat shines with its balance of stiffness and flex, offering control without losing comfort.
Despite the shoe’s substantial structure, its lightweight design ensures agility and speed without fatiguing the feet.
The Wildcat also performs well in warmer climates, courtesy of its AirMesh upper design – great for long treks where keeping feet dry and fresh is essential.
Where La Sportiva Wildcat Falls Short in Performance?
While the Wildcat generally excels in many areas, there were a few aspects where its performance could have been better.
For one, the waterproofing on the Wildcat doesn’t match the level of protection provided by other hiking shoes on the market.
During a hike in a damp valley, the AirMesh uppers, which provide superb breathability, also, unfortunately, allowed in the moisture, drenching my socks and reducing the comfort of my walk.
The soles, while offering impressive adherence, didn’t provide the desired grip and stability on wet rocks and slippery surfaces.
Notably, while walking downhill during a rainy event, I found my heels would occasionally slide, which affected my pace and decreased my confidence.
I also personally found that the laces don’t secure very well, which meant repeated tie-ups during a single hike.
Where to Buy?
| WHERE TO BUY? | FOR MEN | FOR WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| REI | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
| Amazon | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
| Backcountry | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
FAQs
Yes, La Sportiva trail running shoes are widely recognized for their quality and durable construction. They’re designed to endure challenging terrains and often come with specialized features, such as robust traction and excellent ventilation. The brand is favored by many outdoor enthusiasts.
La Sportiva models come in a variety of shapes and sizes, catering to different foot sizes. While not all models are specifically wide, some styles are noted for their spacious toe boxes.
La Sportiva trail running shoes generally provide a snug fit. They’re designed to hug the foot closely for stability on uneven terrains. However, they also prioritize comfort with cushioning and ventilation.
