I come from a background in soccer where the only real cushion you get out of your shoe are 14 sharp little wedges on the bottom of a leather cleat. So I was a little disappointed when I didn't fit into the Bushidos, but VERY pleasantly surprised with how much I like the Akyras. It doesn't matter if it's a long hike with 45 lbs of junk for a couple days of backpacking, or if I'm trying to work on my time and pacing running up Olympus or along the Bonneville Shoreline trail - I love the Akyras. I have a semi narrow foot but a medium arch and instep, and I fit into the Akyras like a glove (with a comfortable fraction of extra room for comfort - that's supportive but not tight - in the heel pocket and a little bit of wiggle room for pivoting coming downhill and my feet swelling in the toe box).
I love these shoes so much I ended up buying 2 pairs for down the road when I burn through the first one. These are my 'goldilocks' shoes; they're perfect when it comes to durability and they're light enough for me to feel comfortable hiking technical terrain in them or running and trying to beat my previous time on a route.
If you're looking for a really comfortable pair of distance shoes that still let you feel the trail, but also give you protection like a hiking boot (without the weight) this is what shoe I'd point you to!
We all have hurdles in life to clear. As trail runners sometimes those hurdles are literal mountains. If you're lining up a whole bunch of hurdles throw on some Akyra's from La Sportiva and get hoppin'! The Akyra is built for rugged mountain running with an outsole that is just as stable as it is aggressive. The tight lug pattern conforms to any terrain including the rockiest scree field you can find. Equipped with a toe wrap and high levels of underfoot protection you can open it up on that shale, or rocky road to glory. Steep ups are usually followed by steep downs, but no worry, the Impact Brake System will keep you under control. Think of La Sportiva's Akyra like armor for your feet, only comfortable for all-day battle.
SkyRun Fit Tip - We advise going with your typical European shoe size. If you're not sure of your Euro size, we suggest sizing up by one-half US size.
- FriXion XT 2.0 outsole is protective and competent in the toughest terrain to keep you on trail and on track.
- Trail Rocker2 profile makes for easy motion while climbing and descending.
- Injection-molded MEMlex EVA midsole featuring La SpEVA is protective yet provides cushion for ultimate on and off-trail comfort.
- Air Mesh upper with Flex Guard Inserts is breathable and protective at the same time.
- Impact Brake System lug pattern keeps your momentum under control on descents.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
387g |
| Weight (pair) | 774g |
|
Lug |
5.0mm |
| Drop | 9mm |
| Stack Height | 25mm |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
| Outsole | FriXion® XT 2.0/ Trail Rocker2 |
| Fit | Medium / High Volume |
| Last | Medium / Wide |
| Cushion | High |
| Protection | High |
| Lacing System | Traditional |
| SkyRun Says | |
| Usage | Mountain running, fastpacking |
| Notes | Outsole is built to take on technical terrain |
| Bottom Line | A true beast of the shoe world, take on the gnarliest terrain with these bad boys |
| Compare to other Mountain Running Shoes | |
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Questions & Reviews
Comment on this review:
4/19/2021
I've been a long-time fan of the Wildcat. Curious to know what of the newer LaSportivas you'd like as a combination approach shoe, hiking shoe, and heavier trail runner. I like this and the Mutant, but would appreciate some guidance.
4/19/2021
Hey Thomc, several of the current La Sportiva models would definitely fit the bill quite nicely including the Akyra. While having slightly less sticky rubber than the Mutant and Ultra Raptor the Akyra has a burly outsole that stands up to just about anything along with a sizable amount of cushion. The Mutant has a quite aggressive lug pattern and a wider than average toe box to accommodate longer days with just a great amount of cushion and protection too. While the Ultra Raptor has the same sole compound as the Mutant that will perform excellent on rock slabs but with less aggressive lugs and is quite stiff. All three of these shoes would be up to the task for longer days or an approach shoe/fastpacking combination shoe so I think it would definitely come down to what fits best!
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Used these for 180 out of 210 miles at Tor des Geants. Took them off for a section in the middle, and then out them back on for the remainder of the race. Excellent support and grip. Not a fast shoe, but a shoe for when you're moving slow and steep. Very good foot protection as well. And when I finished the race, I hosed them off and they still looked almost brand new. Pic is recent, as I still use them long after finishing the race
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