La Sportiva Akasha

finding that “perfect shoe” is probably the hardest thing (along with the “perfect fitting” pack)

once youve tested it tried and true and you know its the “best”

wait for a sale and buy several pairs … because you knot some marketing stooge will discontinue it

theres a reason why i still have several new pairs of roclites and terrocs from 2 generations back (circa 2009/2010)

nothing else ive tried even comes close

;)

you’re spot on; I currently have 4 pairs of PI N2 Trails (two new sitting on a shelf)- it’s a great shoe (fit and otherwise), but not as sticky as I would like it to be in rocky conditions- hence my continued search :)

my Akasahas arrived yesterday, but am going to disagree with the reviews that it runs short. I ordered a 45 based on that info, but have too much room in the toe front to rear. The toe box is noticeably wider than the Mutant, more stack height (more cushion), similar outsole but less aggressive lugs. I’m sending them back for a 44.5 which should be just right

How are the Akashas working out for you now that you’ve had them for a little bit?

I like them :), definitely more roomy in the toebox vs the Mutant, outsole isn’t as aggressive, but as near as I can tell the compound is the same- nice and sticky

they are a little more padded than the Mutant, but no where near my Hokas

I’ve gotten in the habit of rotating my trail running shoes (currently PI N2’s, Hoka ATRs, Altra Olympus, Mutants and now the Akasha)- varying the drop, stack height, etc seems to help curb injuries, but I don’t have near as many miles on the Akasha if I was wearing them singly

but thus far, I only have good to say about them

Thanks for the insight, I’ll have to find a pair locally to try on. I wear a 13 and I tried on a set of Wildcats and while they fit well overall, there was not enough room at the front of the toe in them. Hopefully the Akashas run a little larger than the standard La Sportiva fit for trail runners, which from what I have found fit about a size to a half size small. The largest size La Sportiva makes in their trail runners is a 47.5 and that size was too tight in all the La Sportiva’s I’ve tried (Wildcats, Bushidos, and Ultra Raptors) My current go-to shoes are Altra Lone Peak 2.5’s

LaSportiva definitely runs a 1/2 size small over all the other shoes I own (or have owned). I think you’ll find more room in the toebox vs their other shoes- just a matter if there is enough length. If you can’t find them local there are a couple of online shoe outfits that have free return shipping

Well I took a big gamble and decided to to go with the Akashas  for the Bob Open, gamble because I had less than a 100 miles on them with the longest run of 15 miles.  I choose them as I was packing Hydroskin socks and the Akashas were the roomiest of my shoes.

They rocked!  I had NO foot issues over the 120 mile jaunt, feet were wet the entire day(s).  The wide toe box let my toes have plenty of room even as my foot swelled throughout the day.  The outsole did a good job in the mud and there was a lot of mud, also did great on rock- very good stick.  They drained well and the rock plate/cushion kept my feet happy (as happy as 30+ mile days can make your feet happy :)).  They have more reinforcement around the sides than most trail runners and had no issues w/ holes/tearing or the like (others did)- that’s with climbing over/around/under miles of nasty blow down.

In a perfect world, the outsole would be even a little more aggressive (the Mutant is more aggressive).  I would have a more stout toe bumper/rand (the added weight wouldn’t bother me).

Mike, You do have Irish toes :)

^ lol