La Sportiva Akyra
Buy La Sportiva Akyra at today's best price (men's/women's)
7 minute read
Overview
The La Sportiva Akyra is a trail running shoe designed for technical terrain and long distances. This shoe is known for its stability and durability, making it a reliable choice for ultra-distance runners.
Key Features:
- Stability System: Offers a rigid construction that enhances stability on uneven terrain.
- Three-Layer Upper: Provides ventilation, comfort, and some level of waterproofing.
- FriXion XT Red Outsole: Ensures excellent grip and durability with its multi-terrain design.
The La Sportiva Akyra is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize stability and protection for ultra-distance running. Its durable construction offers long-lasting performance, making it suitable for technical trails.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 20% of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the La Sportiva Akyra
The La Sportiva Akyra performs exceptionally well on technical trails and ultra-distances. Its stability system and rigid construction provide excellent support, while the three-layer upper ensures comfort and breathability. The FriXion XT Red outsole offers outstanding grip on various terrains, making it a reliable choice for challenging conditions. However, the shoe's weight may be a drawback for some runners, and the lack of a rock plate might be a concern for those seeking maximum underfoot protection. Overall, the Akyra is a durable and stable trail shoe that excels in long-distance running. Its stability and durability make it a top choice for ultra-distance runners.
Comparable Shoes
The La Sportiva Bushido is a good alternative for runners seeking a lighter and more flexible trail shoe. While the Akyra offers superior stability and durability, the Bushido provides a more responsive and agile experience on technical trails. Both shoes excel in grip and protection, but the Bushido may be a better choice for those who prioritize speed and flexibility.
The La Sportiva Akasha is another option for trail runners, offering a balance between cushioning and responsiveness. Compared to the Akyra, the Akasha is lighter and provides a more cushioned ride, making it suitable for runners who prefer a softer feel underfoot. Both shoes are durable and stable, but the Akasha may be a better fit for those who want a more cushioned experience.
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is a popular trail running shoe known for its aggressive grip and lightweight design. While the Akyra offers better stability and durability, the Speedcross 5 excels in providing a more nimble and fast-paced experience. Runners who prioritize grip and speed on technical trails may prefer the Speedcross 5 over the Akyra.
Special versions of La Sportiva Akyra
The La Sportiva Akyra GTX is a special version of the Akyra that features a Gore-Tex upper for enhanced waterproofing. This makes it an excellent choice for runners who frequently encounter wet and snowy conditions. While it retains the same stability and durability as the standard Akyra, the GTX version offers additional protection from the elements, making it suitable for all-weather trail running.
8 La Sportiva Akyra Pros & Cons
5 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the La Sportiva Akyra is designed with three layers of material, providing both ventilation and comfort. The outer layer features MicroLite Skeleton and Flex-Guard technologies, which use synthetic layers to enhance the shoe's structure and protect the foot. These layers are thermo-sealed for a seamless and soft surface. The upper also offers some level of waterproofing, although it is not its strongest feature. This design helps keep loose materials out, ensuring a comfortable fit during long runs.
Midsole
The midsole of the La Sportiva Akyra features injected EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) rubber, which adapts to the pressure exerted by the foot and provides a good energy return for a smoother take-off. The heel area includes a TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) reinforcement for added impact resistance. With a heel-to-toe drop of 9 mm, the midsole offers a safe and comfortable surface for the foot, protecting it from rocks and other sharp elements on the trail.
Outsole
The outsole of the La Sportiva Akyra is made from high-strength rubber and features a multi-terrain design. The FriXion XT Red compound, used in two densities, ensures durability and abrasion resistance. The hexagonal lugs are arranged in a pattern that provides excellent grip and flexibility, even on flatter and harder surfaces. This design makes the Akyra suitable for various trail conditions, offering reliable traction and stability.
Size/fit
The La Sportiva Akyra offers a surprisingly wide fit, accommodating various foot shapes. The upper's flexibility ensures a comfortable fit, even for those with wider feet. The shoe's design prevents the foot from sliding around, providing stability on steep slopes and uneven terrain. This makes the Akyra a versatile option for runners with different foot sizes and shapes.
Comfort
The La Sportiva Akyra provides ample cushioning and support, making it comfortable for long-distance runs. The upper is breathable, allowing for ventilation on warm days and quick drying. While the shoe is heavier, its comfort and support make it suitable for extended wear during ultra-distance runs. The fit is excellent for various foot types, ensuring a secure and comfortable experience.
Cushioning
The La Sportiva Akyra offers ample cushioning with its injected EVA midsole. The heel provides 25 mm of cushioning, while the forefoot has 16 mm. This cushioning ensures a comfortable ride, absorbing impact and providing support during long runs. The cushioning is responsive, offering a good energy return for a smoother take-off.
Breathability
The upper of the La Sportiva Akyra is designed to be breathable, allowing for ventilation during runs. This helps keep the foot cool and dry, even on warm days. The breathable design also ensures quick drying, making the shoe suitable for various weather conditions. This feature enhances overall comfort during long-distance runs.
Stability
The La Sportiva Akyra excels in stability, thanks to its rigid construction and stability system. The shoe's design prevents bending or rotating from the arch to the heel, providing a stable base for long runs. The wide fit in the front enhances balance on uneven terrain, while the stability harness connects with the laces to wrap the foot securely. This makes the Akyra a reliable choice for technical trails and ultra-distances.
Durability
The La Sportiva Akyra is built to last, with a durable construction that can withstand long-distance runs and technical trails. Reviewers have noted that the shoe remains in good condition even after 500+ miles of use. The high-strength rubber outsole and reinforced upper contribute to its longevity, making it a cost-effective choice for trail runners.
Grip
The FriXion XT Red outsole of the La Sportiva Akyra provides excellent grip on various terrains. The hexagonal lugs are designed to offer traction on technical trails, even in wet and muddy conditions. The outsole's design ensures reliable performance on different surfaces, making the Akyra a versatile option for trail running.
Flex
While the La Sportiva Akyra has a rigid construction for stability, it also offers some flexibility in the forefoot. This allows for a natural stride and better control on technical trails. The shoe's design balances stability and flexibility, providing a comfortable and responsive experience for long-distance runs.
Who should buy the La Sportiva Akyra?
Runners who prioritize stability and durability for ultra-distance running will find the La Sportiva Akyra to be an excellent choice. Its rigid construction and stability system make it suitable for technical trails, while the breathable upper ensures comfort during long runs. Those with wider feet will appreciate the accommodating fit, and the shoe's durability makes it a cost-effective option for frequent trail runners.
Who should not buy the La Sportiva Akyra?
Runners who prefer lightweight shoes may find the La Sportiva Akyra too heavy for their liking. The lack of a rock plate might be a concern for those seeking maximum underfoot protection on rocky trails. If you need a shoe with more flexibility and less rigidity, the Akyra may not be the best choice. Consider other models like the La Sportiva Bushido or Akasha for a lighter and more flexible option.
La Sportiva Akyra: What's it good for?
The La Sportiva Akyra is good for ultra-distance running on technical trails. Its stability and durability make it suitable for long runs, while the breathable upper ensures comfort in various weather conditions. The shoe's excellent grip and cushioning provide a reliable and comfortable experience, making it ideal for trail runners who need a stable and protective shoe for challenging terrains.
5 La Sportiva Akyra FAQs
Is the La Sportiva Akyra suitable for ultra-distance running?
Yes, the La Sportiva Akyra is designed for ultra-distance running on technical trails. Its stability and durability make it a reliable choice for long runs.
Does the La Sportiva Akyra offer good grip on wet and muddy trails?
Yes, the FriXion XT Red outsole provides excellent grip on various terrains, including wet and muddy trails. The hexagonal lugs ensure reliable traction.
Is the La Sportiva Akyra suitable for runners with wide feet?
Yes, the La Sportiva Akyra offers a surprisingly wide fit, making it suitable for runners with wider feet. The upper's flexibility ensures a comfortable fit.
How does the La Sportiva Akyra compare to the La Sportiva Bushido?
The La Sportiva Akyra offers superior stability and durability, while the La Sportiva Bushido is lighter and more flexible. Both shoes excel in grip and protection, but the Bushido is better for speed and agility.
Is the La Sportiva Akyra waterproof?
The standard La Sportiva Akyra offers some level of waterproofing, but it is not fully waterproof. For enhanced waterproofing, consider the La Sportiva Akyra GTX version.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| released | ReleasedAug 2017 | May 2022 | ||||
| Weight | WeightM: 329 g W: 278 g | 289 g | 326 g | M: 459 g W: 391 g | ||
| Forefoot | Forefoot16 mm | 23 mm | 16 mm | |||
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop9 mm | 4 mm | 4 mm | |||
| Heel | Heel25 mm | 27 mm | 20 mm | |||
| Terrain | TerrainTrail | MudSnow/iceTrail | Trail | Snow/iceTrail | Trail | Trail |
| Brand | BrandLa Sportiva | Scarpa | Saucony | Saucony | New Balance | Merrell |
| Support Type | Support TypeStability | Stability | NeutralStability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Pronation Type | Pronation TypeOverpronation | Neutral pronation | Neutral pronation | Neutral pronation | ||
| Strike Type | Strike TypeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | ||
| Arch Type | Arch TypeLow arch | High arch | High arch | High arch | ||
| Shoe Type | Shoe Type | Low drop | Low drop | |||
| Rock plate | Rock plate | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Techs | Techs | Vibram | ||||
| Cuts | Cuts | Mid cut | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsVegan Ⓥ | Sustainable | Vegan Ⓥ |
