La Sportiva Wildcat SKU: #7493098

Thomas D

from MD

The shoe looks sweet and the tread is nice and aggressive for off road work. The construction is very airy and will be a great shoe for adventure racing in the summer and will move water out of them rapidly. The fit is a bit tight across the tops after I put my orthotic in. I haven’t removed it yet, thinking that it will stretch out a little. The toe guard may rub my big toe on long runs, but hasn’t happened yet.

Brands I'd also recommend: La Sportiva TONIC was a great shoe - bring it back PLEASE!

Mark

from San Jose

Great shoes - These are probably the best sport shoes that I owned. The fabric and construction are very light. I can actually feel the breeze going in and out the shoes when I walk. The shoes are not for rainy weather though; they get wet very easily.

Brands I'd also recommend: Oakley Flak Jacket (when it rains)

Anonymous

Hands down one of the best trail shoes ever made. Cushion and support are awesome without creating bulk. Sensitivity is good for a cushion shoe and the sticky outsole is the best I've run on. My trails are rocky and hilly, have gone sub 5 minute pace on some downhills and these things fly! I also use the La Sportiva Skylite and love the shoe as well, just no cushion to those, but they're a fast shoe.

Ml

from phoenix

Great shoe. I have been a Vasque fan for years, but this shoe is tremendous. It simply felt like they got it exactly right for a trail shoe. Admittedly I would like to see a Gore-Tex version, but aside from that, it fits like a glove and has exceptional traction. The international size is a bit tricky, so getting the size right is important, but strongly recommend this shoe.

Brands I'd also recommend: vasque

Gunnar

I just ran in my new Wildcats today, and will NEVER run in them again. They KILLED my shins. I have had a difficult time finding good running shoes that don’t tighten my shins up, and these are definitely not good for me. I thought they would feel a lot more cushioned than they do. Not comfortable to run in at all. Being objective about it... they may be good of other runners... just not for me, with my shin problems. I’ve recently tried out New Balance 860s (Junk) GoLite Comps (OK... but not enough cushioning), and Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultras (definitely the best of the bunch, by FAR!). Needless to say, the Wildcats were VERY disappointing. BTW... if it helps... I’m 5’8” 170 lbs... very muscular legs, which tends to really hammer my shins and ankles. For lighter runners, these shoes may work great. Again, they just don’t work for me. They ARE very grippy... good rubber... but are probably better suited for real mountain running (lots of rocks, etc.) than for pure trail running.

Brands I'd also recommend: Salomon is much better

Anonymous

Best outdoor shoes I have ever had. It feels like you are floating in the air, well cushioned, great arch and balance.

Anonymous

Overall not a bad shoe but this is not a high performance shoe, if you have narrow feet it will slide from side to side as it does in my case even though I don't consider myself to have narrow feet at all. I am a consistent trail runner with already set expectations toward my shoes, therefore perhaps this is a personal review based on thousands of hours I spent on the trail annually. Biggest cons, the mesh on top of the shoe is too light and unstable, it gives away while flexing on the trail, being little sluggish, as the result the foot slides from side to side which can be dangerous, trail runners expect a bit of support in that area, this is not the case with La Sportiva. One of the reviewers said it is like walking on the clouds, that's certainly the expression; you don't want that when trail running. The shoe must fit tightly but with a bit of flexibility. The sole is way too high which again, takes used to it, on stones it is unstable, and you really have to watch out. I guess La Sportiva went the comfort way instead really functionality. I am curious if the Gore-Tex version on this shoe is more stable in the upper mesh area. A bit sluggish finish inside, you would imagine a better finish without threads sticking out and uneven cut. Pros, great traction, that you can't deny. Very comfortable and light. Appealing.

Brands I'd also recommend: Salomon

Kenny

from Italy

Great shoe! I do have to say that it took about a week of "breaking in", before my feet actually got adjusted (had some ankle pain). Since then, I have been very happy. Will go for another pair soon. Word to the wise on sizes: I wear a European 43, thought that (since these are sized and made in Europe) this would pretty much be an accurate shoe size. Got one larger (44) and have to say, that I would have been a bit more comfortable with a 44.5 or 45.

Terry H

from Charleston, West Virginia

The La Sportiva Wildcat is an incredible shoe by all accounts. I think some of the runners who complain about this shoe are overly critical, and would be so with most shoes simply because there is no miracle shoe that heals injuries.

Brands I'd also recommend: Salomon, Asics,

Michael T

from Cedar Rapids, Iowa

First off, Zappos sent these to me in record time and the shoes arrived in perfect condition. I'm not an avid runner, in fact I wanted a shoe that fit better for the P90-X program. I did a lot of reading and looking around and fell upon these trail runners. When I first put them on, they were pretty tight, but the next day they formed better around my foot and were extremely comfortable. And, unlike some, I love the look. I just might take up trail running to see what these things can do.

Mark T

from Arkansas

I like my running shoes about a size bigger. I wear 45 street shoes and originally ordered 46 of the Wildcat. They were too big but no problem Zappos had the 45.5's on their way before the 46's were in the box. I really appreciate the ease of ordering/exchanging. OK, now for the shoes. They are not the new style minimalist trail runners, and as an avid 52 year old trail runner, that's a good thing. They are very stable and not squishy like my road shoes. I get great traction on the uphill, great foot protection from jagged rocks, yet still pretty good trail feel. I'm not sure how they do it. The materials are tough, light and first rate. There is no foot fatigue after a long day on the trail. They are also a good pick for a light weight hiker, and recently I was scrambling up the snowy ridge-line on Mt Ventoux in Provence and was as happy and comfortable as a chamois deer, however keep in mind that they are not weatherproof. I like them that way. Good breath-ability and I add wool socks to adjust for climate. Finally don't be put off by the La Sportiva graphic on the side of the shoe it's actually pretty subtle and adds to the looks. I highly recommend them.

Martin S

from Southeastern PA

Overall, this is an excellent fitting, fast and comfortable trail shoe. The upper offers surprisingly good protection from sticks and stones given its lightweight, breathable nature and the slip-on nature of the design grips comfortably around the ankle and keeps debris from sneaking in. I've used these for two seasons worth of runs now on the rocky trails of Eastern Pennsylvania and my only complaint is that wet traction on rocks in almost nonexistent. They grip well in the dry on all surfaces and I'm pleasantly surprised by their mud shedding ability, but rocky creek crossings and dewy or wet mornings on the rocks are quite tentative. I've taken to using this shoe for dry runs and pairing it with another brand for the wet days.

Anonymous

from New York

Love when the performance stands over the looks. Fabulous shoes, no break in required at all, as I grew into appreciating them more and more each time. Sticky sole is a plus, I wonder how they do it? Also, great on the street, I use them instead of my New Balance.