La Sportiva Wildcat GTX Trail Running Shoes Review
I was sent a pair of La Sportiva Wildcat GTX trail running shoes (and other mountain running gear) from Backbone Media to test and review. If you haven’t heard, La Sportiva has been producing mountain running gear for over 80 years. Although I am not (yet) a regular mountain/trail runner, I would definitely like to become one in the future. Running outdoors and trying to tackle each hill is definitely a challenge in its own and very rewarding when you get to the peak (or a lesson on how to do it better next time if you fail). I feel that trail/mountain running is a completely different sport than regular road running. Besides having to worry about running fast, a trail runner has to focus on all the hills, rocks, streams/rivers, and not to mention the wild animals living all over. Definitely an adventure in itself!
Initial Thoughts
I have ran on enough hills and trails to know what to look for in a trail shoe and the La Sportiva Wildcat GTX trail running shoes definitely fits the bill. My initial thoughts on these neutral trail shoes out the box were, ‘these are way too flashy, what was La Sportiva thinking!?’ But once I got over it and actually put on the shoes, it didn’t matter what the shoes looked like if it felt this good. It fit very well and definitely felt lighter than it actually looked. Before trying it on, I was really afraid that it would have felt like I was lugging around bricks for shoes, but it wasn’t the case. Granted they are heavier than most running shoes I have had in the past (13.69 oz), but these aren’t racing flats that you’ll wear to your next 5K. These are trail running shoes to protect your feet and body from the obstacles and terrains you would run on for an ultra, for example.
From La Sportiva:
“A waterproof, stable neutral trail runner that fits just like the Wildcat
The Gore-Tex® version of the Wildcat keeps you dry in wet conditions with no compromise of fit or performance. The new stretch Gore technology we developed creates a gusset free membrane over the top.”
Waterproof Gore-Tex Lining
One of the newest features of the Wildcat GTX trail running shoes is the (waterproof) Gore-Tex lining that helps keep your feet dry from rain, snow, and rivers during your adventures. There have been more than one occasion where I decided to do some trail running the day after (even morning of) rain. Besides trying to keep my footing on the muddy trails, keeping my feet dry was a huge priority. This feature makes running in the winter a lot more bearable and fun. But another feature found in this shoe is the nylon mesh upper lining, which allow your feet to breathe and wick moisture in hot, uncomfortable situations keeping your feet dry. So you’re not limiting to using these trail running shoes just for one season, it can be a year-round shoe!
Cushioning and Support
Like I mentioned before, the features that make this trail running shoe heavier than others is the protection it will give you while running. The Dual-density MEMlex midsoles and 2.4mm thick LaSpEVA lasting boards provide more than enough cushioning for those long trail runs. The rubber outsoles are built to give runners traction to climb even the steepest hills but still stable enough to run on flat roads off the trail. One of the best technical features I think the La Sportiva Wildcat GTX trail running shoes offers is the Impact Brake System™, which helps reduce impact forces while improving traction via the multidirectional, offset lug pattern. This is great for runners who are reluctant to really take off during the downhills because they are afraid of slipping and falling, and this makes sense. But downhill running is where your legs recover from the beating it took during the uphills and where you will gain the most ground on with your competition. Having a pair of shoes that can protect you on the downhills is a huge plus for any trail runner. And this is why so many runners have been seen sporting the Wildcat GTX trail shoes on some of the toughest ultras in the country.
Overall
The La Sportiva Wildcat GTX trail running shoes are a perfect fit for trail/mountain runners and casual day hikers alike. They offer comfort and protection that all trail shoes should provide, but isn’t lacking in other areas like support and waterproof features that the Wildcat GTX is built with. Some of the comments for the La Sportiva Wildcat GTX neutral trail running shoes are that they are: comfortable, offers good traction, lightweight, but rugged and stable for the worst trail terrains. From what I can tell the general consensus is that runners love the La Sportiva Wildcat GTX trail running shoes.
