La Sportiva Karacal Shoe Review

La Sportiva Karacal in the wild

La Sportiva Karacal Women’s shoe review

Karacal on the left. I also ordered a pair of Bushido’s that I will be using for speedwork on the trails and post a review later on. Currently my training has me on flat and single track trails, doing speedwork for a fall race I am planning to run (stay tuned!)

I spent the winter months training for endurance on single track trails in preparation for Crown King 50k. As my mileage increased I started to crave a shoe with a moderate cushion that still allowed a good feel for the trail. I researched specs on many popular shoe brands and landed on the La Sportiva Karacal as the shoe I felt would work for my needs.

I wear a size 11 women’s, which is the same size I wear in all running shoes. This is a size 43 in LaSportiva. I do not have wide feet, or have a need for an overly wide toe box. I prefer a traditional fit shoe.

I placed an order online and was so excited to open my new shoes when they arrived. We are always told that we should not care about what our run shoes look like, but let’s face it…it is important to most of us to like the way our shoes look. Out of the box I loved the style of these. The colors are gorgeous in grey and turquoise with a pop of orange that looks so fresh. The shoes are beautifully shaped. It has nice lines that add length to your legs. They look like rugged trail running shoes that are not overly bulky. I prefer a traditional fit shoe and these fit me to perfection.

Running at the Warren Dunes with Friends- If you want to hear about our trip I blog about it on this post LINK

When I slipped on the Karacal it was clear it is a high quality, great fitting shoe. I loved the feel of the arch support. The cushion is perfection. It was just what I was craving in a trail running shoe. I could not wait to get them out on the trails!

I have been exclusively training in the Karacal now since the end of March. I train on a variety of dirt trails 5 days a week so I have a good feel for this shoe. I am so confident in these shoes that I have already ordered a second pair in the same color and design. My son also bought a pair since we are both training for Javelina Jackass 32k. I think this shoe will be perfect for both of us.

Things I love about the Karacal while running trails:

  • They glide over rocks and roots without a big bulky toe box catching obstacles and causing me to fall (if only I had wore these to Crown King :-)

  • The cushion is amazing! I can feel the trail while still having a bouncy ride.

  • The color stays looking nice even as they get dirty on the trails.

  • I like how it sits higher on my foot, and gives me more stability around my ankles while still feeling comfortable.

  • The tread keeps me feeling stable for any terrain I encounter during my Midwest technical trail running. Rocky, muddy, sandy, roots, rocks, dirt….these handle it all.

Specs from La Sportiva website:

$155.00 price (they are on SUMMER SALE right now for $116.00, scoop them up!) LINK TO PURCHASE Women LINK TO PURCHASE Men

****I am not being paid for this review. I write about what I think may help others. These are the a great all around trail running shoe.

Specs from website:

Take your training to the next level with the Karacal Women's, a Mountain Running® shoe that will keep you smiling mile after mile. With its high volume fit and sublime cushion, the Karacal will deliver performance on the most technical of trails and on race day.

• Thermo-Adhesive toe cap is lightweight with high impact protection
• External medial and lateral counter allows for easy entry into the shoe and added trail stability
• 3D Seamless Mesh Upper paired with the Thermo-Adhesive framework provides a lightweight and breathable feel
• Dual Density Compressed EVA provides high cushion and trusted stability
• Frixion® AT 2.0 Rubber Compound and varied lug depths provide durability and traction on both wet and dry surfaces
• High-density co-molded rock-guard throughout the shoe for ultimate underfoot protection
• Cushioned tongue is comfortable for all-day training

ITEM: 46V
SIZES: 36 - 43 (half sizes)
WEIGHT: 8.8 oz / 250 g
LACES: 100% Recycled Polyester
UPPER: 3D Seamless Mesh & No-Sew Upper / Cushioned Tongue / Thermo-Adhesive framework / Thermo-Formed toe cap
LINING: Abrasion Resistant Micro-fiber
INSOLE: Ortholite Hybrid with 5% recycled rubber + 15% production waste foam
MIDSOLE: Compression Molded EVA / 1.5mm Dual-Density EVA Rock-Guard underfoot
SOLE: FriXion® AT 2.0 with Impact Brake System™ / FLEX Inserts / 3mm lugs
DROP: 7mm • Stack: Heel: 29mm / Toe: 22mm
CUSHIONING: Midsole - 35A (heel) & 32A (forefoot)
LAST • FIT: Women’s Tempo Ultra • Wide

Michele Hartwig