La Sportiva Jackal

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76%
🏅 Highly Rated
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Clare GallagherJohn Kelly

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La Sportiva Jackal: Review

“A durable and protective trail running shoe for technical terrains.”

Overview


The La Sportiva Jackal is a trail running shoe designed for rugged mountain adventures. This shoe is known for its durability and protective features, making it ideal for technical terrains.

Key Features:

  • Frixion XT 2.0 Outsole: Provides excellent traction on various surfaces.
  • Rock Plate: Offers superior underfoot protection from sharp rocks.
  • Mono-Burr Mesh Upper: Ensures breathability and quick drying.

The La Sportiva Jackal is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize durability and protection for technical terrains. Its advanced outsole offers reliable grip, making it suitable for challenging mountain runs.

With an average review score of 76%, it's in the lowest rated 30% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 30% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the La Sportiva Jackal


The La Sportiva Jackal is a robust trail running shoe designed for rugged mountain terrains. It excels in providing traction and foot protection with its Frixion XT 2.0 outsole and embedded rock plate. The shoe's Mono-Burr mesh upper ensures breathability, although it may saturate quickly in wet conditions. While the Jackal offers stability with its snug heel cup and wide toe box, it lacks plush comfort, making it less suitable for long-distance runs. The shoe's weight is manageable, but its rigid midsole may not appeal to those seeking flexibility. Overall, the Jackal is a reliable choice for technical trails, but runners should consider sizing up due to its narrow fit. For those seeking a durable and protective trail shoe, the La Sportiva Jackal is a solid option.

Comparable Shoes


The Salomon Speedcross 6 is a good alternative for those seeking a mountain-ready shoe with aggressive lugs. It offers excellent traction and protection, similar to the La Sportiva Jackal. However, the Speedcross 6 provides a more cushioned ride, making it a better option for longer runs.



The Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 is an equally capable trail running shoe with solid traction and a bit more comfort. It offers a more cushioned and flexible ride compared to the La Sportiva Jackal, making it suitable for longer distances and varied terrains.

The Saucony Peregrine 13 is a traditionally-shaped trail running shoe with strong traction and well-rounded comfort. It provides a more cushioned ride compared to the La Sportiva Jackal, making it a good option for runners seeking a balance between protection and comfort.

6 La Sportiva Jackal Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Excellent traction on various surfaces.
Highly protective underfoot with rock plate.
Durable construction for rugged terrains.

3 Cons

Runs small; sizing up is recommended.
Lacks plush cushioning for long-distance comfort.
Rigid midsole limits flexibility.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the La Sportiva Jackal is made from Mono-Burr mesh, which ensures breathability and quick drying. This material helps keep feet cool and deflects sand and trail debris. However, it can saturate quickly in wet conditions, but it dries fast, making it suitable for summer runs where wet feet are inevitable.

Midsole

The midsole of the La Sportiva Jackal features a combination of compressed EVA foam (ethylene-vinyl acetate, a type of cushioning material) and Infinitoo PU (polyurethane) inserts. This design provides excellent cushioning and stability, making it ideal for long-distance runs. The dual-density foam and rock plate offer superior foot protection, ensuring a comfortable run on rocky terrains.

Outsole

The Frixion XT 2.0 outsole of the La Sportiva Jackal offers exceptional grip and durability. The aggressive lugs provide excellent traction on various surfaces, making it a reliable choice for technical terrains. The outsole's rigid and durable rubber ensures stability and confidence on high-alpine adventures.

Size/fit

The La Sportiva Jackal tends to run small, and many reviewers recommend sizing up. The shoe is designed with a wide toe box, providing ample space for toe splay, which enhances stability. However, the fit can be narrow, and the heel cup may feel uncomfortable for some runners. It's advisable to try the shoe on before purchasing to ensure the right fit.

Comfort

The La Sportiva Jackal is not known for its plush comfort. The shoe features a hard-compact insole, a scantily plush tongue, and a rigid toe bumper. While it excels in providing protection and stability, it may not be suitable for runners seeking a cushioned and comfortable ride for long distances. Thick running socks or sizing up may help mitigate some discomfort.

Cushioning

The cushioning in the La Sportiva Jackal is provided by a combination of compressed EVA foam and Infinitoo PU inserts. This setup offers excellent shock absorption and stability, making it suitable for long-distance runs on rocky terrains. However, the cushioning is not as plush as some other trail running shoes, which may affect comfort on extended runs.

Breathability

The Mono-Burr mesh upper of the La Sportiva Jackal ensures excellent breathability, keeping feet cool during runs. This material also dries quickly, making it suitable for summer runs where wet conditions are expected. However, the upper can saturate quickly in wet conditions, so it's important to consider this if running in consistently wet environments.

Stability

The La Sportiva Jackal offers strong stability with its snug heel cup and wide toe box. The shoe's design allows for natural toe splay, enhancing intrinsic stability. The lacing system creates a comfortable locking sensation, adding to the overall stability. The rigid midsole and heel cup shape further contribute to the shoe's stability on technical terrains.

Durability

The La Sportiva Jackal is built to last with its durable Frixion XT 2.0 outsole and robust upper materials. The shoe's construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of technical trails and rocky terrains. The rigid midsole and protective features contribute to its overall durability, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.

Grip

The La Sportiva Jackal excels in providing grip with its Frixion XT 2.0 outsole and aggressive 6 mm lugs. The multidirectional points on the outsole ensure excellent traction on various surfaces, including slick granite and rocky terrains. This makes the Jackal a reliable choice for technical mountain runs.

Flex

The La Sportiva Jackal has a relatively rigid midsole, which may not appeal to runners seeking a flexible shoe. The rigidity provides stability and protection but limits the shoe's flexibility. This design is suitable for technical terrains where stability is crucial, but it may not offer the same level of trail feel as more flexible options.

Who should buy the La Sportiva Jackal?


The La Sportiva Jackal is ideal for trail runners who prioritize durability and protection on technical terrains. It's a great choice for those who enjoy rugged mountain runs and need a shoe with excellent traction and stability. Runners with a preference for a wide toe box and snug heel cup will appreciate the fit of the Jackal. If you often run on rocky trails and need a shoe that can handle sharp rocks and uneven surfaces, the Jackal is a reliable option.

Who should not buy the La Sportiva Jackal?


The La Sportiva Jackal may not be suitable for runners seeking a plush and cushioned ride. If you prefer a lightweight and flexible shoe, the Jackal's rigid midsole and heavier weight may not meet your needs. Runners with wide feet or those who require a roomier fit might find the Jackal too narrow and uncomfortable. Consider trying the Hoka Speedgoat or the Altra Lone Peak for a more cushioned and flexible alternative.

La Sportiva Jackal: What's it good for?


The La Sportiva Jackal is well-suited for technical trail running and mountain adventures. Its durable construction and protective features make it ideal for rocky terrains and rugged trails. The shoe's excellent traction and stability are perfect for mountain running and scrambling. While it may not be the best choice for long-distance runs, it excels in middle-distance technical runs where protection and stability are crucial.

5 La Sportiva Jackal FAQs


Is the La Sportiva Jackal suitable for long-distance runs?

The La Sportiva Jackal is designed for technical terrains and middle-distance runs. While it offers excellent protection and stability, it may not be the most comfortable option for long-distance runs due to its rigid midsole and lack of plush cushioning.

Does the La Sportiva Jackal run true to size?

The La Sportiva Jackal tends to run small, and many reviewers recommend sizing up. It's advisable to try the shoe on before purchasing to ensure the right fit.

How does the La Sportiva Jackal perform on wet surfaces?

The La Sportiva Jackal features a Frixion XT 2.0 outsole with aggressive lugs, providing excellent traction on various surfaces, including wet and rocky terrains. However, the upper can saturate quickly in wet conditions, but it dries fast.

Is the La Sportiva Jackal suitable for runners with wide feet?

The La Sportiva Jackal has a wide toe box, but the overall fit can be narrow. Runners with wide feet may find it uncomfortable and should consider trying the shoe on before purchasing or exploring other options like the Altra Lone Peak.

What type of terrain is the La Sportiva Jackal best suited for?

The La Sportiva Jackal is best suited for technical terrains and rugged mountain trails. Its durable construction and protective features make it ideal for rocky surfaces and challenging trails.

La Sportiva Jackal alternatives



La Sportiva Jackal
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La Sportiva Jackal
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released
Released
Mar 2020
Aug 2022Mar 2018
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users

+2
Clare GallagherJohn Kelly

+5
Elov OlssonRyan Woods
Weight
Weight
M: 301 g
W: 249 g
11 g
M: 204 g
W: 170 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
19 mm
23 mm
M: 18 mm
W: 16 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
7 mm
8 mm
3 mm
Heel
Heel
25 mm
31 mm
M: 21 mm
W: 19 mm
Brand
Brand
La Sportiva
SalomonHokaSalomonSalomonScarpa
Support Type
Support Type
Neutral
NeutralNeutral
Stability
Pronation Type
Pronation Type
Neutral pronation
Neutral pronationNeutral pronation
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strike
Arch Type
Arch Type
High arch
High archHigh arch
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
MaximalistLightweightLow drop
Rock plate
Rock plate
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex
Waterproofings
Waterproofings
Waterproof
Waterproof
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan Ⓥ
0

La Sportiva Jackal: what the experts say (2 reviews)

La Sportiva Jackal: 2 Expert video reviews

La Sportiva Jackal: 1 Manufacturer video

La Sportiva Jackal characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainMud (+97)Snow/ice (+59)Trail (+533)
BrandLa Sportiva (+29)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1578)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1116)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1525)
FitMedium toe box (+855)
FeaturesRock plate (+127)
MaterialsMesh (+942)
Events10k (+711)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711)
ColorwaysBlack, Black / Yellow, Black / Yellow / Blue, Blue, Blue / Purple, Blue / Yellow, Electric Blue / Lime Punch, Grey, Hibiscus / Malibu Blue, Neon / Goji
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Mar 2020
Measurements
Weight
M: 301 g
W: 249 g
Heel to toe drop
7 mm
Heel
25 mm
Forefoot
19 mm

4 pro athletes who've used La Sportiva Jackal

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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