Gear Review
La Sportiva Wildcat Trail Running Shoe - Men's
Wildcat
By mtngoat
Ranked #468 - Men's Trail Run Shoes
June 2, 2009
I like the free feel of this meshy shoe for the flats, but if you are thinking about running any terrain with moderate to steep descent, I would recommend looking elsewhere. I have run this shoe for about a month 1/2, distances up to 26 miles. I think the traction is good as most La Sportiva's, but the translation to the foot is not secure. I got my first blister in 3 years running laps on Mt. Wire. The problem is on the descent, the forefoot is just not secure with exclusively mesh support. I would re-tie the shoe multiple times on runs and still feel like she was getting loose in the corners. Probably good for Midwest rollers, but not a mountain trail shoe. More Miles!
View Details: La Sportiva Wildcat Trail Running Shoe - Men's
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Change me.
3 Comments Last Reply: July 11, 2010 By: amv3673306
I tend to agree with the lack of stability. Even walking down hills is unstable on a flat surface. I want to like these shoes, but I don't feel safe in them. It seems that the top mesh moves with the foot, which causes the possibility of rolling and does not keep the foot secure. Running on track these are probably fantastic. My hiking is on moderate ground in Tennessee.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Hey Jeff, guess my experience is just different. I have a normal to wide forefoot so the width theory may not work, I just don't find them to support well. I know the minimal & barefoot is the current latest thing, but it doesn't cut it in where I run in the Wasatch. Run well.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I think that if you have an especially narrow foot then your comment about the forefoot would be true, but for those with D or normal width feet, the forefoot is great. I've put a ton of mileage both on and off trail on these shoes and found that they're great. I'm getting into more minimal shoe wear (moving to barefoot-like running) and find that they have just the right amount of support and stiffness for a trail shoe.
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes