La Sportiva Wildcat trail runner

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I use both the Wildcat and Wildcat GTX shoes dependent on weather. I prefer the regular Wildcats being more breathable. So far I have about 75-100 miles on them and no sign of any abnormal wear. I love the traction, stability, and comfort these shoes provide. Best trail runners to date. I wish I could give you an estimate on how long they would last but I would just be blowing smoke.

REI carries them. You know the drill.

Rock Creek has them currently for 74.95 less 10 percent with free shipping, FWIW.

http://www.rockcreek.com/la-sportiva/wildcat-trail-running-shoe-mens/

Just to report, I've bought them. I like the lacing system and the "bootie" feel.

Jack, I'd like to know what you think of them after you've had 'em on the trail for a bit.

Take care,

Doug

The Wildcat is my favorite shoe. I normally have horrendous problems with blisters, but none with this shoe. I used this model on a one-day 46 mile run/hike of the Rae Lakes loop in SEKI this last August, and my feet were very happy. The only things I would change would be to design the lacing at the top to cinch the heel down in the heel cup a little more (as it is now, it can put some localized pressure on the top of the foot if you crank down on the top of the lace), and to shorten the rubber toe bumper at the front slightly to avoid having any toenails catch on it. My pair has a little over 200 mi on it now, and is still going strong. No issues with the mesh at all. I'm going to be doing a PCT thru this summer, and this is the shoe that I'm starting with (I already bought a second pair for when my current pair wears out).

Sweet Chris, thanks for the review. Good luck on the PCT and have a superb time! I'm saving my Wildcats for the CDT this summer, gonna test em raw out there maybe.

Is the sizing accurate?

Seems like it to me.

"Is the sizing accurate?"

I have a 43 and it seems comparable to a size 10 in other shoes I have. The toe box is nice and roomy, which is great.

Have fun on the CDT this year, Jack!

these shoes were absolutely perfect for me (tall, hard footfall, high arches). They fit like a glove, cushioned like no other, and functioned perfectly. I could not have been happier with them.

Until I stepped on a pointy rock and injured a tendon under the ball of my foot a year ago. The injury is still nagging me.

These shoes have absolutely no rock plate/guard of any sort, not even a layer of higher density foam. The sole is entirely soft foam padding on a soft/sticky rubber outsole. The rock I stepped on wasn't big — I'm careful about where I put my feet — but I caught it wrong and it nearly ruined my summer. I'd thought I'd found my perfect shoe but will have to keep kissing frogs.

Anyway I sent a review to Rock Creek that basically said what I wrote here and they chose not to publish it to their site so figured I'd take a minute and share my experience.

no size 15 in these either. I'm cursed.

Montrails come in 15's and the AT Plus is coming out soon.. might be worth a try?

An update… The shoe is not for me. The hard rubber toe bumper bothers the top front of my toes. Too bad. But maybe a good thing after hearing your experience Henry. I too have had a problem with trail runners without rock plates. Broke my right foot stepping on a rock. Three days of waiting, and an $800 horse ride, I was back at my car.

What on earth am I going to do for my next trail shoe?

Thanks Brandon. I've given up on Montrails since they turned to crap over the last few years. I'm wearing Inov-8 terrocs now. But always looking for another pair. One benefit of wearing a 15 is that you don't become overwhelmed with choices.

Jack,

Sorry to hear about your foot. That is a tough way to learn a shoe is not for you. I wish you a speedy recovery!

The performance, fit and durability of New Balance has been consistent for me but everyone's feet are different.

Ken, I head you. Finding the right shoe for you can be a expensive endeavor when you have limitless options.

Jack, have you tried Brooks Cascadia running shoes? They are some of the most beloved trail running shoes out there, although all but ignored by the BPL folks it seems, but they feel great with some green Superfeet. Try them on at REI. They just came out with the Cascadia 5's so you might be able to get the 4's at a discount if you cant get them on a pro deal.

Brandon, spot on advice. I've tried the Cascadia 4s at REI (in fact, I was selling them at REI when I tried them on!) They seemed like a great shoe, but I didn't buy them at the time. I'll probably be picking up a pair, and I'm also waiting on the new Montrail line.

Jack, you might want to check out the La Sportiva crosslite's as well. I've had a pair for while now, with about 100 miles on them, and they fit my narrow, high-arched, low-volume feet quite well. Decent rock protection from what I've noticed, and though I wouldn't want to spend too much time on hardpack with them, I've done 40+ miles days in 'em on mixed trail with no abnormal issues. As long as you stay off concrete and asphalt, they should last at least 400 miles…

Well, now I feel guilty for recommending the Wildcat. I still love mine, but I'm sorry it didn't work for you guys!

Vincent, the crosslite isn't for me. Too flexible in the forefoot, even less protection than the wildcat. cool that you like it though.

I know this thread is a little old, but it is really not too bad.

I have owned these shoes for long enough to LOVE them. I wear these not for trail running, but for backpacking. I also do day hikes in them and occasionally wear them to work for a little added flair. The most comfortable shoes I could have asked for, especially after trying about 6 different actual boots that sucked. There is not much protection from rocks and things, which I assume is more of a problem for the runners, since us hikers have much longer to look where our feet are going. They don't have a built-up heel like a lot of shoes, so footfall is more natural and takes some strain off of your knees.

Great shoe for trails, but concrete and asphalt will wear out the tread in a hurry (the soft rubber and tread design wasn't intended for use on-road, so not a negative thing).

I have the normal version, but I would love to have a pair with Gore-Tex in them, too.

So, I bought the shoe. And I love it.

I'm on my fifth pair. Used them on the CDT this year. If anyone has any questions, I can try to answer them.

What was the mileage? I have 4 pairs cued up for the PCT. Or will I need 5?