La Sportiva Men's Jackal II Trail Running Shoes

The La Sportiva Jackal II is a top-tier mountain running shoe, excelling in comfort and protection, which are both crucial for tackling long and ultra-distance trails. The fit is great, providing a secure and comfortable experience even during extended runs. The toecap and TPU toecap and overlays shield the foot effectively from rocks and debris, giving confidence on technical terrain. The heel counter has been lowered, supposedly to address heel issues with the previous model, though I never had any issue with either version. However, the tongue could benefit from increased padding, like on the of the original Jackal, to enhance overall comfort. The 3.5mm lugs offer reliable traction, but a slight increase to 4.5mm and the adoption of the stickier Frixion White rubber across the entire outsole would definitely elevate performance on challenging surfaces. For ultra-endurance enthusiasts tackling 100- and 200-mile races, a 'Max' version with added cushioning and even more aggressive traction would be a welcome addition. Overall, for me the Jackal II is a highly capable and comfortable shoe, but a few minor tweaks could significantly enhance its already impressive performance.

Great trail shoes, but they run VERY small. For context: my other La Sportiva are EUR44 in Ultra Raptor and Wildcat for a snug fit (mountain hiking and scrambling), EUR44.5 in hiking boots, and EUR45.5 in mountaineering boots. I wear Asics US10.5 for running. I ordered Jackals in EUR44.5 (listed as US11) and EUR45 (listed as US11.5). The EUR44.5 are way too short (toes touching the front), and the EUR45 pair feels about right when walking around the house. We shall see how they behave on trails. I like the amount of space in the toebox as there's enough room to wiggle the toes, but the shoes are not bulky at the same time. The soles are typical La Sportiva awesome.

After I finally had literally run through all of the Montrail Rogue Racers I had purchased in 2014, I went on search of a new trail shoe (specifically a 100 mile trail shoe) in 2020. Took some time but had found the Jackal and making a few adjustments to sizing was confident it could be my new shoe. Since 2020, I've had 8 pairs of Jackal v1. I'm always skeptical of changes and subsequent versions but was happy to try the Jackal v2 this year. Broke them in for about 10 days before a 100 mile race so they only had about 35-40 miles on them for the race. While I felt they were a little "sloppier" feeling (and going down 1/2 european size from v1), I had a mostly successful run on technical and wet trails without ever having to take my shoes off. However, I did notice they were significantly worn (pictures attached) in heel cup and other areas circled. This was only after about 140 miles. In comparison, I was able to get through 3 100 mile races in the same pair of Jackal v1 in 2021. I am writing because this past week I unpacked the Jackal v2 with 140 miles on them for another 100-mile go around. I figured mostly cosmetic issues with the wear in heel cup and upper and would be able to get me another 100 miles. I was wrong. Fortunately, this race starts with a 35 mile loop (and was a relatively local race to which I drove (so I had a pair of Jackal v1 (with 250 miles) in my car)). I needed the v1. When I had filled my water bottles and was about to head back on to the course without any other support, I felt like I had mud on one of my shoes. I was wrong, part of the sole had come unattached and was flapping. Ugh. Fortunately, I had the v1 and switched into them and was able to finish the last 65 miles of the race in the v1. Very disappointed in the quality of Jackal v2. Maybe just an anomaly but will be hesitant to purchase another pair and I guess the quest for a trail shoe will continue.

Purchased after trying on every trail shoe in the store. Forefoot fit is deceptively accommodating, and after the first break in run the heel is snug. I've already been clocking in faster runs do to the security I have running downhill, and the flow running uphill and flats. As always with La Sportiva, I had to get one full US size larger than my normal trail shoe (bought a 45/11.5, normally a 10.5).

I love the cushion on these, they have a really springy response. I have about a C width and these are actually a little wide for me, but snug enough in the forefoot that I'm not sliding around in them. Really looking forward to how that space works when my feet swell on long runs. I was happy to see that Sportiva fixed the heel from the first one, it was way too high and really rubbed my achilles. This new model fits my foot like a dream. I'm going to be putting a lot of miles on these

I'm happy with how this runner has performed so far. It's super breathable on the sides which is nice on hot days. You do need to size up like a whole size from your normal trail runners though, the length is short, but the overall toe-box is big and roomy. Traction is solid on these, in muddy conditions too. I would buy these again.

Jackal II is unstable, not safe for anything, in all, very disappointing when compared to the older version that fit like a glove. The Jackal II eliminated the heel pocket by adding extra foam. This foam changes sizing and fit by pushing the foot forward narrowing the toe box, and makes the heel want to slip out. Better off spending half the money on junk shoes or wearing flip-flops.