La Sportiva Jackal review

La Sportiva Jackal review

The La Sportiva Jackal is a killer trail runner with great support and amazing tread to keep you on the trail and upright. La Sportiva FriXion® XT 2.0 rubber outsoles make these shoes ready for any terrain, in any weather. Not only do these shoes do the job, but they look good doing it, sporting a sleek design that doesn’t stand out off the trails. 

Solid comfort with good grip

Based on my wear tests of this shoe, I can confidently say that this shoe is ideal for you if want:

• Lab test results
• Cross country shoes
• a grippy, cushioned trail shoe

Who should NOT buy it

Don’t buy the La Sportiva Jackal if you:

• Want a regular toebox and not a narrow one. In that case, look at the La Sportiva Mutant. 
• Need something for mild overpronation and a bit more protection (rock plate). Check out La Sportiva Bushido II then!

Lab test results

The Jackal is not wide feet friendly shoe, so if you have a wide foot, beware. I have a relatively narrow foot, so these didn't really kill me, but wide-footed runners should beware.

Solid comfort with good grip

Foot to ground connection with the La Sportiva Jackal is good. While you have plenty of cushion on these shoes when your feet are in them, you still get a good feel for the ground beneath you when you're pounding away, be it a treadmill, sidewalk, or a dirt path. 

Hit the trail in comfort with the Jackal

These shoes were amazingly plush. With a dual-density rock guard in the outsole, it prevents you from feeling much on trail, which is great if you want a smooth run. They have plenty of cushion so even the heavy-footed runner doesn’t kill their knees.

Moderate break-in time

I wouldn’t say these come ready to run, but after you get out there a few times, they feel much better on the run. They can be a little stiff on the foot and have some minor discomfort the first few runs, so maybe scale back a bit at first.

Want a regular toebox and not a narrow one. In that case, look at the

These shoes tip the scales at approximately 10.6 oz (298g) in a men's US size 9, which is pretty competitive. The shoe uses light materials in both the upper and the sole. It does not feel bottom heavy at all.

Great durability

Weight is not an issue La Sportiva shoes, they feel just as great as the first day I put them on. Obviously, depending on weather and trail conditions, they may get a bit more wear and tear on a case-by-case basis. 

Great lockdown in the La Sportiva Jackal

The La Sportiva Jackal gives a great lockdown pretty much immediately. They have a fixed tongue, which makes a big difference for a trail shoe and when you get tread to trail, there is little to no wiggle in your foot with the laces tight. I am a big fan of a solid lockdown, so these felt great to me.

Also built for speed

The La Sportiva Jackal was built with comfort as the primary focus, and it really shows in the fit. With that said, for a trail runner, they are not built like a hiking shoe, so you can get a good speed in them and feel quick-moving down the trails. 

Breathable

Breathability was not in question for the Jackal, with the construction of the shoe, it provides amazing airflow to your foot, allowing your feet to stay cool, even on warm days or during intense workouts.  

The price point may put some people off

These trail runners ring up at $140, and that can be a pretty hefty price for some. You are paying for a lot of bells and whistles to make your trail run as comfortable as possible. It definitely pays off if you have the money to spend. 

Conclusion

If you're looking for a trail shoe that is going to last you, then the La Sportiva’s Jackal is a good fit for your needs. Buy it a half a size too big, because they run small, and avoid it if you have wide feet. But if you want a solid trail shoe with grip for days, a cushioned feel, and weather resistance for anything nature feels like sticking in front of you on your run, look no further.