Customer Reviews La Sportiva Kaptiva GTX

I bought these shoes for spring hiking but already wore them in the snow! Ive used them w snowshoes & clamp ons and they were absolutely perfect. My feet stayed dry and warm. When the snow was deep I added gaiters. The tread is very stable on ice. I wish Sportiva would make more. If you can find a pair do not hesitate to purchase.

The shoe to have in your closets for snow-lined days or for mud weather ... to keep feet dry. An aggressive shoe, with good ankle support, which I recommend taking with a half size up so that you can put on a thick sock while maintaining amplitude.

Just crossed the 200 mile mark on these shoes and felt that I needed to share how much I like them. I have been running in the Kaptiva since it came out in February and love the shoe overall. I was a bit skeptical of the Gore-tex version as waterproof running shoes generally don't function that well and run even worse. That is not the case with the Kaptiva GTX. It runs and feels almost identical to the non-Gore-tex version, but it excels in wet conditions. Several recent runs have been in a couple inches of very wet early season snow and my feet could not have been happier. Dry feet despite sloppy conditions. They are holding up very well to rough trail miles. The fit is identical to the standard Kaptiva and traction is superb. *Disclaimer I am a member of the La Sportiva Mountain Running Team.

I've loved the non-GTX Kaptiva ever since it came out so I was very excited to see a GTX version for the upcoming winter season. There is a very little noticeable difference between the GTX and non-GTX versions - the same great traction, cushion, slip-on fit, and stellar performance on varied terrain in a lightweight package (the GTX is merely 0.50 oz heavier, but I don't notice it). I especially like the wraparound tongue which stays in place and provides the sock-like feel. In the past wet trail conditions meant either rapidly soggy feet or a clunky shoe (I usually opted for wet feet), but that is no longer the case. The Kaptiva GTX feels like the culmination of an evolution in waterproofing for trail running footwear to the point it doesn't feel much different than the non-GTX version. I look forward to taking on wet, muddy, technical trails with the confidence I expect from Kaptiva but now with the added comfort of dry and warm feet. Bring on the rain!

Straight out of the box, the Kaptiva GTX will fit very similar to the standard Kaptiva. No need to re-size thanks to the Gore-Tex Invisible Fit and TRUST-FIT technology. The sock-like fit also helps keep the shoe snug and works with the Gore-Tex to keep your feet dry and warm. This shoe will be my go-to for the shoulder season weather here in Colorado. I also love that Sportiva stuck with the same aggressive outsole for the GTX as the regular Kaptiva; perfect for digging into slopping conditions!

This particular shoe has a wider toe box than others in the line. The lugs/traction is incredible. I found the shoe to perform super well on more technical trails with the heel sitting low and well supported.

My go-to for winter or wet conditions. Keeps feet surprisingly dry and warm and I get very cold feet.

Disclosure: I'm on the La Sportiva Mountain Running Team. I don't often review products, but I'm pretty excited about these becoming my go-to daily shoes. Most of my miles now are spent running through fields in the UK, which more often than not are filled with we grass. I used to try to maneuver my way through them to stay dry, only to inevitably end up completely soaked through. Now I can charge straight through without even worrying about it, and do it with the same great feel that I got running in drier places with the non Goretex version of the Kaptiva. I haven't noticed any difference in feel compared to the originals.

I've always been a bit of a sceptic of goretex in running shoes because it seems to add weight and reduce breathability, and water can still get in the tops of your shoes. However, the Kaptiva GTX has made me reconsider this position. The non-goretex Kaptiva has quickly become my go-to shoes from Sportiva. I think it strikes a really good balance between weight, protection and grip. Like most shoes from Sportiva, it's at home in technical mountainous terrain. However, it still feels like a fast and agile running shoe. What impressed me about the goretex version is that it's basically indistinguishable from the non-goretex Kaptiva. If I were blindfolded I'm not sure I'd be able to discern any difference in weight or feel between the two. So with the Kaptiva GTX you get all the good things about the Kaptiva plus it won't soak up water. Of course, the goretex won't help if you step ankle-deep into a puddle or are running for hours in slushy snow (in fact it won't drain as well). However, I think there is a range of conditions where it's wet but not soaking where the Kaptiva GTX will be lighter (since it won't be wet) and more comfortable than a non-goretex shoe. If you run in those sorts of conditions, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend checking out the Kaptiva GTX.

Prior to the Kaptiva GTX, it's been difficult finding a Goretex/waterproof trail running shoe that is lightweight, has good cushioning, rock protection, traction; and is responsive and agile! I just love the ride! I've also been really impressed with how well they've gripped wet rocks, roots and muddy trails so far, all while keeping my feet dry. These will definitely be my go-to winter shoes once the snow flies!

This is a great shoe! I do feel the goretex liner doesn't allow the stretch in the top and sometimes can aggravate the top of my foot compared to the non GTX model.

I bought this a month ago and it already has a hole.