La Sportiva

Jackal II Mountain Running® Shoe

La Sportiva Jackal II Mountain Running® Shoe

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Overall

#154 in

Trail Running Shoes

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Sentiment score83% positive
5
1
0
Last updated: May 16, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Iconbrandonblack
11 months ago

I loved the Jackal 1 (haven’t tried the newer model but it looks great) and currently am in the Mutants for seriously rocky/bouldering/loose gravel and they’re like I have gecko feet on lol. I did have an issue with the Bushidos however; the middle of the sole doesn’t have any grip on the bottom, literally just a plastic plate with branding on it. I found myself slipping on rocks right jn that section of the sole which led to some of my biggest spills.

Reddit Icon72mtn
11 months ago

A durable trail running shoe for all hiking, unless you’re trudging through snow. LaSportiva Jackals have served me well.

Reddit Iconbartleby_borealis
11 months ago

Light and sturdy shoes with decent grip and cushioning will do. I used La Sportiva Jackal II trail running shoes

Reddit Iconcandogirlscant
9 months ago

I've had the Jackal II, the Prodigio, and now the Prod Pros. Loved them all. Really excellent, rugged shoes with good hiking mileage left after they're done as runners.

Reddit IconCreative_Impress5982
7 months ago

Ah okay that makes sense! It could be the shoes then. Or, more likely, you just need practice. I remember years ago when my city-boy of a husband moved to the mountains near my family, he fell down a lot just walking around. He was early 20s, an avid hiker and rock climber, but had never lived somewhere persistently hilly. It took him a while. My family and I laughed at him a lot, but eventually he got his footing, so to speak. I think you just need to slow way down. Also look at trail runners with sticky rubber on the bottom. I run in La Sportiva Karacals or Jackals and they're very grippy. I still have to have common sense and not step on a slanted wet root at top speed, but sticky rubber makes a big difference.

Reddit Iconelectrolitebuzz
10 months ago

I also live in the Alps. I'd give a try with La Sportiva Lycan. They are basically like soft sneakers, but with the excellent La Sportiva sole. Snuggy but very comfortable. La Sportiva Jackal II are similar but a little more roomy in the forefoot and from what I understand from their website they are designed for hiking/running on rocky terrain and longer distances, while the Lycan are more for dirt, mud, snow. I only own the Lycan, I tried the Jackal II but there wasn't my size available. The brand has more shoes I didn't try but I know are very loved, like Akasha and Prodigio. They are from the Italian Alps so they should be perfect :) I also own Salomon Genesis but I find them even a bit too comfortable – which may actually make them what you're looking for from your post. I guess it's subjective. I like some room for my toes, but also love a snuggier feel around my heels and to feel my foot is firmly wrapped and supported, and while the Genesis have a very good grip and a sturdy sole (and a very good protection around the forefoot ) the feel under and around the foot is like having a squishy comfy shoe and it doesn't make me feel as secure and agile as the La Sportiva shoes do. But again it may be subjective and I also have very thin feet. Maybe it's exactly what you need. In Salomon, I much prefer the XA Pro for the snuggier, a little more firm feel, but I'm not sure they would be good for you if you want a very cushioned shoe. They are more a hybrid between a trail running shoe and a low ankle hiking shoe. But they are very reactive nonetheless. I ran down a very hard and steep terrain of dirt, wet leaves and rocks just a couple weeks ago and I felt super safe with the XA Pro. I have the GTX version and my feet were completely dry even after crossing two streams of water and walking across a field that had a couple inches water from a recent flood. They may be too rigid for you, but you may try them in a store. I also suffer from plantar fascitis and had to return a pair of Garmont Pulse shoes recently because my feet were crying after a 2 hours test walk. I am totally ok with full day hikes and runs with the Xa Pro and Lycan. In case you want to go for one of these brands, La Sportiva is usually a little shorter than Salomon in the same size. I am a EU 41 in urban shoes, a 42 in Salomon and a 42.5 in La Sportiva.

Reddit Iconjmct16
11 months ago

For me in wet terrain with rocks, the best is Asicsgrip (6). After that, probably Vibram (tried in Hoka and Nike shoes), Contagrip in Salomon Speedcross 4 and Continental in various Adidas models. Here, some variation between them (for example, Continental in Adidas Terrex Two Flow is better than in Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2.0 (so a 4 for them). After those, probably the outsole by La Sportiva (in Jackal model) and various Nike outsoles (Kiger 8, Wildhorse 6, Pegasus 4 TR) in wet terrain (btw, in mid Spring to mid Autumn, Nike are pretty nice shoes here)

Reddit Iconjosipwins
3 months ago

UK13 tried a bunch of shoes, from Salomon to NNormal to Inov8 and La Sportiva. The old Wildcross, if you can still find them, were great for muddy English trails. Never versions not so much. I'd steer clear of NNormal and their Kjerag as their (lack of) cushion doesn't suit heavier runners. Killian is 60 kilos, you and I aren't :) La Sportiva Jackal did wonders for me, very stable like all their shoes. Probably because their DNA is mountaineering. I've tried the Prodigio Pro for last year's CCC but had heel pain - could've been from training in Korean, though. Last but not the least - Inov8 G270 is a great local catch, if your Achilles can handle zero drop. Plenty of cushion and graphene traction to go.

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