La Sportiva Wildcat.
It’s getting to be that time of year again…what I call “transition season”. Basically its’ the time between spring…and winter. Some people refer to it 
as summer, but I’m allergic to that word, so I made my own season…transition season. As the snow quickly disappears and grey clouds fill the sky, I’ve found myself lacing up the trail running shoes and getting my fix on the trails around Snow King quite a bit lately.
Recently, I’ve been testing out some new La Sportiva shoes called the Wildcat. At less than 12 oz, the Wildcat is a relatively lightweight shoe that offers lots of cushion and moderate stability. It’s not the lightest shoe out there, but most ultra-light shoes don’t offer squat for stability or cushioning, so an extra ounce or two is worth it in the long run. Your feet will love you on those hot days running in the sun, as the Wildcat has a full mesh upper that allows for impressive breathability and dries very quickly when wet.
Rubber toe-cap provides protection from rocks and roots.
On top, the Wildcat has a nice protective covering over the tongue, which helps keep dirt, pebbles and rocks from making their way into the shoe. A rubber cap 
over the toe protects them from roots and rocks that always seem to bite you when you least expect them. Inside, a honeycomb lining on the tongue and heel add to the wickabilitly of the fabric and give a nice soft feeling around you foot.
Lacing is what I would call minimal on the Wildcat. I usually prefer shoes with lacing a little bit further down towards the toe, as they seem to hold my foot in place better on downhill sections of trail. But, after one break-in run, my foot stayed put even on the steepest descents with the minimal lacing. Unlike many European based companies who tend to make narrowly lasted shoes, I found the Wildcats to fit on the wider side, which is good for most Americans that have big, fat, clown feet.
Transkinetic Heel Stabilizer increases stability.
In the heel area, the Wildcat has what La Sportiva refers to as the Transkinetic Heel Stabilizer. Basically it’s a plastic piece that fits around the heel, offering increased stability. Though the Wildcat is not a “motion control” shoe per-say, it does offer stability for a more neutral runner. The Wildcat also offers lots of cushioning with two layers of EVA, one being an ultra plush and durable LaSpEVA, running all the way from the toe to the heel, and sucks up impacts saving your knees.
For added traction, rubber studs or cleats stick out from the bottom of the sole.
On the bottom, the sole really shines on the Wildcat. With a little narrower platform than some shoes, the Wildcat finds flat surfaces easier than a wide shoe. Meaning it fits in between rocks…instead of getting all skewed on top of them. Another highlight of the sole is the tread pattern, which has little nubs or studs that stick out beyond overall plane of the sole and allow for great traction in loose and or muddy terrain, as well as having superior self-cleaning characteristics when things get sticky.
So far, I like the Wildcat for general running on any type of trail be it loose and rocky, or smooth and muddy. They are light, yet cushy and moderately stable without being over built. And when the temps really start o heat up, I know my feet will stay cool with the extremely breathable upper. Try a pair on…I think you’ll like them.
How is the sizing? I have a pair of LP Slingshots and Ultranords but have had issues getting the sizing correct.
La Sportiva rando boot on your foot this Winter?
I’m not even really sure that Sportiva rando boot is going to be in the states next winter Wick. Either the La Sportiva Stratos or the Dynafit DyNA sure would be sweet…but hard to come by I’m sure.
Chris, most people say that the sizing runs a bit small on the Sportivas. I guess I would maybe agree…just a little. I’m about a 8.5-9 US…26.5 mondo…and I’m using a 43 Wildcat. I could probably do the 42.5, but I tend to like extra room in front for steep downhills and toe bashes. The Wildcats I feel fit a bit on the wide side as well.
I know you said they are not a motion control shoe but have your heard of any one that overpronates using these? Only reason I ask is my current shoes, Addidas Supernova Trail, aren’t working out that well and this is one of the shoes they steered me to…any suggestions??
Funny you should ask…as I tend to over-pronate on one side…my left. I can’t really comment on how they affect my over-pronation though…as I’m not that savvy…but I’m not having any ankle/hip/knee pains from running in them either.
Time for a free ride mountain bike,but I prefer roller blades for training!
But it seems to be the faster rando racers are runners!
Good looking shoe!
Don’t tell that to Cary.
Rollerblades?…Seriously?
No on the roller blades!
durability is a serious issue with these shoes. the outer materials have proven to rip and shred when in contact with abrasive surfaces. also, La Sportiva has not seemed to dial their fit system yet, including the strange lacing system, and many trail runners have issues with the fit and feel, especially in runs over 10 miles. try Montrail, proven winners on the trail (especially for longer distances), and more durable than La Sportiva. Not as flashy looking, but more functional, and better fit and feel. in my opinion
Durability will be an issue for any all mesh, lightweight trail running shoe…so I wouldn’t just single out the Sportivas on that one. Also, fit is a personal preference…so it’s hard to say that since it’s not the right for you…then its wrong.
What’s so strange about the lacing system? Yeah…it doesn’t go down very far on the toe…but for flatter runs…that shouldn’t be a big deal. There are other options from La Sportiva that have more lacing to the toe.
you take 20 people, put a La Sportiva running shoe on their foot, and right out of the box it will likely fit and feel good to half, at most. you put a Montrail or Merrell on the same feet, and they will likely fit and feel good to 15 or more. these companies put more energy into creating lasts that fit more feet. the best and most sought after last builder in the world works for Columbia Sportswear, making Montrail lasts. that’s all i’m trying to say.
and no where in my initial comment did i say that since it’s not right for me, it’s wrong, as you stated. i simply said that their fit isn’t dialed yet.
the lacing system doesn’t allow much versatility in lacing. they are either tight, or loose, no in between. other shoes allow you to loosen the bottom laces while keeping the tops ones loose, or vice versa, depending on what you might need.
don’t get so defensive randosteve…
This shoe runs wide and is been a popular shoe where I work. The only durability issue I have seen yet is those yellow nobs on the sole tearing off. LaSportiva has many different lasts and if this doesnt work for you look at some other models…
IMHO the majority of Montrail shoes have gone to crap in the last few years…
Thanks Drew. Sounds like not everyone is as jazzed as Jamal about the Columbia lasts. To each his own though…eh?