The la sportiva karacal trail running shoe is designed for long distance trail running and features dual density compression-moulded EVA midsole and rock plate protection to take on any terrain you throw at it. With these capabilities, this shoe is ready to take on anything you throw at it.
The Karacal is 7mm higher than its predecessor the Jackal (RTR Review), providing added stability and protection on rocky or technical trails.
La Sportiva Karacal Review
La Sportiva has a longstanding reputation in the outdoor sports industry for creating durable, protective shoes. Their selection of trail running shoes is popular among trail runners across all terrains.
For long-distance training, the Karacal offers serious protection and durability in a lightweight package. They feature dual density compression-moulded EVA foam, a high density rock plate, and Ortholite insole for added cushioning.
These features enable you to run through even the toughest terrain without worrying about your feet. They also provide a good grip on rocky and soft ground.
This upper is breathable and comfortable, featuring a seamless construction that helps prevent blisters. Plus, you'll appreciate its structured heel cup and padded heel collar.
The La Sportiva Karacal is an adaptable shoe designed for short and long runs alike, whether on trails, dirt roads or pavement. They're stable and firm enough to tackle rough rocky terrain, talus slopes or steep off-trail runs with ease.
Best Hybrid Running Shoes
Hybrid running shoes are designed with a light weight, natural feel and excellent traction on hard and soft ground. La Sportiva Karacal offers all these attributes with excellent performance – making it perfect for long distance training.
Hybrid trail road running shoes tend to be similar to their traditional road counterparts in terms of fit and weight, but they feature beefier lugs for extra grip on muddy or rugged terrain. These are usually 4mm deep and spaced evenly so grit can't cling onto them and cause you discomfort while running.
Altra Lone Peaks are a great option for runners due to their minimal weight, natural feel and durable outsole. Plus, they have a new narrower midfoot that helps keep your feet locked in for increased longevity. Unfortunately, despite all these features they're not as durable as some of the other shoes on this list. While these may still be great options for long distance runs occasionally, those seeking everyday trainers may want to consider more durable footwear instead.
La Sportiva Brand
La Sportiva has a proud heritage of producing superior mountain boots, climbing shoes and hiking footwear. Their products are renowned for their superior quality, technical design and long-term dependability.
Narciso Delladio founded La Sportiva in 1928 in Italy's Dolomites mountains, handcrafting wooden clogs and leather boots for lumberjacks, farmers and other rural residents of the Dolomites region. Through word of mouth referrals from loyal customers who trusted in their product quality, La Sportiva quickly expanded rapidly.
Since then, the company has continued to create products that are incredibly innovative. Their Innovation Center, dedicated to developing new technologies, serves as a prime example of their commitment to continuous improvement.
The Karacal features a 3D seamless mesh that wraps the foot securely and comfortably. Plus, its dual-density EVA midsole helps cushion feet while adding stability on uneven terrain.
La Sportiva Karacal is an excellent shoe designed for use on various terrains. From rocky, icy, gravel-packed or muddy conditions, the Karacal provides superb traction. Mountain racers looking for an all-around climbing shoe will find that this model delivers on all counts.
La Sportiva Karacal vs Speedgoat
La Sportiva has long been known for creating high-performance trail running shoes, but the Karacal stands out from the competition. This shoe utilizes ultralightweight blown rubber to create the most flexible and responsive outsole available, allowing you to run faster without sacrificing support or comfort. Plus, it boasts the newest lugs as well as a sleek lace system to keep things tidy.
Running shoes that are lightweight yet provide ample support and durability should be the ideal shoes for long distance running. La Sportiva Karacal is an ideal option if you are new to trail running but the Speedgoat remains a great choice for serious runners looking to go the distance; this model has been one of our go-to models for many years now.
La Sportiva Trail Running Shoes
La Sportiva is a well-known brand for mountain climbing and hiking boots, but they also make excellent trail running shoes. Their European half sizes are smaller than US half sizes, so if your feet tend to run narrow, consider going up a size or two for a better fit.
The Karacal is a lightweight and flexible shoe designed for mid to long distance trail running. It's robust enough to handle rough terrain, mud sections, as well as icy sections of trail.
These shoes feature a premium mesh construction and use La Sportiva's FriXion rubber compound for the outsoles – an ultra-durable compound designed to last hundreds of miles.
They're comfortable and breathable, making them a great option for long days on the trails, especially those that involve lots of up and downhill climbing. Furthermore, these shoes are durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions. The Karacal's midsole is constructed with high-density foam which absorbs shock and reduces overpronation risks; making it an ideal shoe for those suffering from plantar fasciitis.
How Do La Sportiva Trail Running Shoes Fit?
If you're searching for a trail running shoe with some cushioning, La Sportiva has an impressive selection. These shoes can help reduce fatigue from long runs and enhance recovery after exercise.
These shoes offer great traction on a range of terrains, such as soft or wet trails. Plus, their lugs grip the ground beneath your foot, enabling you to move faster and safely over difficult terrain.
For lightweight and comfortable trail running shoes that will handle light mileage, the La Sportiva Karacal is an excellent option. They're also perfect for those transitioning from running on roads to trails.
Is it OK to Use Trail Running Shoes on Road?
Trail running shoes on the road can be an ideal way to keep your feet happy while training and racing. These shoes feature built-in shock absorption and cushioning, so you don't have to worry about pushing through long distances with much discomfort.
The Karacal is an ideal running shoe, feeling snug and secure on your foot. Additionally, it breathes well so you stay cool and dry as you explore trails or take on new mountain routes.
La Sportiva utilizes a lightweight dual density EVA midsole with thermo-formed toe cap for an incredibly flexible and light shoe. The outsole boasts durable FriXion blue compound featuring differentiated thickness Impact Brake System lugs in various depths for improved traction and braking even on tough terrain.
Are La Sportiva Trail Shoes Narrow?
The Karacal is an ultra-comfortable and high-performance trail shoe designed to go anywhere. Crafted with 3D seamless mesh that's thicker than regular mesh, its upper wraps around your foot in an embracing embrace.
This shoe is also highly breathable. It features a dual density compression-moulded EVA midsole and rock plate for protection.
Its sole is designed for maximum grip in wet, rocky, icy or gravel-packed terrains. Additionally, this shoe works great when hiking quickly in the mountains.
La Sportiva, as a manufacturer of approach shoes, understands the importance of sticky rubber and traction. The outsole's rubber compound, tread depth, and pattern all play an integral role in providing grip.
The FriXion AT 2.0 rubber is sticky enough for softer surfaces like granite slabs, yet its 3mm lugs are deep enough to grab mud and gravel as well. Coupled with excellent grip on dry rocky single track trails, these trail shoes make one of the best choices we've tested for long descents and technical climbs.
