La Sportiva Jackal II BOA Mountain Running Shoes – Awesome Trail Running Shoes

Paul Gallaher

Recently, La Sportiva and BOA Fit System recently teamed up to make these mountain running shoes – the La Sportiva Jackal II When the opportunity to test these came, I was eager to get my hands on (and feet IN) these and put them through the ringer to see how they compare to previous trail running shoes I’ve used.

La Sportiva Jackal II – Paul Gallaher of Engearment.com

La Sportiva Jackal II Review

Design:

La Sportiva already has a great reputation for serious mountain gear, including trail running shoes. That pedigree and reputation already makes these shoes a great candidate for rugged mountain trail running, or hiking for that matter.

• A double BOA Fit system allows for customizable fit across the shoe. You can snug the heel tighter with the back dial or tighten the front of the shoe with the front dial. La Sportiva and BOA Fit system have collaborated to use rugged materials that still breathe well and provide stability in the shoe.

• The “SpiyralFit” tongue and collar system provide both ankle stability and helps to keep out rocks and debris.

• Rock guards placed in the midsole help protect your foot from sharp roots, rocks or other objects that could injure your foot

• Tough, breathable uppers keep feet cool yet secure in the shoe.

• A very cushioned sole with excellent tread keeps you on track and comfortable when you’re putting long days in on the trail

La Sportiva Jackal II – Paul Gallaher of Engearment.com

Performance:

• I’ve tested these shoes out in various conditions. I wore these on steep hikes with a light pack, and running on both pavement and trails, some with uneven rocks and roots across the trail.

• Hiking: For the type of long day-hikes I do, these performed admirably. They’re lightweight and comfortable. I did have to mess with the dials a few times on my first hike to literally dial in the fit, but once I figured out the best way to optimize the settings for me, I never looked back. I may not wear hiking boots on any more hikes this year. I feel very secure hiking in these!

• Running on pavement: These are probably not as light as some running shoes, the very breathable upper and maximum cushion and secure traction on the sole are just fine for running on paved surfaces. I may not set PRs, but they work just fine to put some miles in.

• Trail running. These shoes really shine when running on mountain trails. Whether running on uneven surfaces with roots and rocks, dusty trails or loose rock these performed well. The only spill I’ve taken wearing them was going down a steep incline and my foot landed on about five small pinecones. Nature’s marbles… Fortunately, I was not injured and was able to keep on truckin’.


La Sportiva Jackal II BOA Mountain Running® Shoe

Final thoughts: The La Sportiva Jackal II BOA is a wonderful mountain trail running shoe. The more I hike, the more I choose trail running shoes over hiking boots for the weight-savings and to keep my feet cool. I find I can go a longer distance hiking when I’m wearing this shoe over my sturdy, yet heavy, very nice hiking boots.

Truth-in-lending, I’m not using these for backpacking with a heavy pack. But for hikes up to 10 miles or more with a hydration backpack, I’d have the utmost confidence in wearing these. Sometimes I combine my hikes with trail running (It is hard for me to run UP mountains above 10,000’ of altitude in the high Rockies of Colorado) as I’m not yet the cardio-beast I long to be.

Once I truly figured out how to custom fit these for the perfect feel, they have become the shoes I leave at the top of my list when I’m heading out to the mountains.

Paul Gallaher

Paul Gallaher

Paul grew up in Minnesota where he learned to love the outdoors, riding his bike, fishing and canoeing in the summers and skiing in the winters on Minnesota’s 300 foot-tall “mountains”.

Paul Gallaher

After finishing college, he was commissioned as an officer in the USAF eventually becoming a special operations and reconnaissance instructor navigator flying and serving around the world for twenty-two years.

Paul Gallaher

Living and traveling around the world has given Paul opportunities to explore outdoor passions. He is an advanced scuba diver, a pilot, a sailor and has skied in the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.

Paul Gallaher

Paul Gallaher

Paul Gallaher