La Sportiva Kaptiva
Buy La Sportiva Kaptiva at today's best price (men's/women's)
7 minute read
Overview
The La Sportiva Kaptiva is a trail running shoe designed for technical terrain and long distances. This shoe is known for its precise fit and excellent grip, making it a reliable choice for runners tackling rugged trails.
Key Features:
- SLIP-ON Construction: The upper features a knitted fabric that provides a snug, sock-like fit.
- FriXion XF Rubber Outsole: Offers exceptional grip on rocky surfaces.
- Impact Brake System: Enhances cushioning and protection on rough terrain.
The La Sportiva Kaptiva is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize a secure fit and superior traction for technical runs. Its advanced outsole technology offers excellent grip, making it suitable for challenging terrains.
Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 30% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the La Sportiva Kaptiva
The La Sportiva Kaptiva is a versatile trail running shoe that excels in technical terrain. Reviewers praise its precise fit, which is snug but comfortable, making it ideal for runners with average to narrow feet. The shoe's FriXion XF rubber outsole provides exceptional grip on rocky surfaces, while the Impact Brake System enhances cushioning and protection. However, the narrow fit may not be suitable for those with wider feet, and the shoe is slightly heavier than some competitors. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Kaptiva offers excellent performance for both short and long distances. Overall, the La Sportiva Kaptiva is a top choice for trail runners seeking a reliable and grippy shoe for technical terrain.
Comparable Shoes
The La Sportiva Bushido II is a good alternative to the Kaptiva, offering increased sensitivity, comfort, and a lighter weight. While the Kaptiva excels in technical terrain with its precise fit and exceptional grip, the Bushido II provides a more cushioned and responsive feel, making it suitable for a wider range of trail running conditions.
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is another popular trail running shoe that offers excellent grip and stability. While the Kaptiva is designed for technical terrain with its precise fit and FriXion XF rubber outsole, the Speedcross 5 features aggressive lugs and a more cushioned midsole, making it a better choice for runners who need extra traction and comfort on softer surfaces.
The Hoka Speedgoat 4 is a trail running shoe known for its plush cushioning and comfort. While the Kaptiva offers a precise fit and exceptional grip for technical terrain, the Speedgoat 4 provides a more cushioned ride and is better suited for runners who prioritize comfort over a snug fit.
Special versions of La Sportiva Kaptiva
The La Sportiva Kaptiva GTX is a special version of the Kaptiva, designed for wet and cold conditions. It features a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane, providing protection against the elements while maintaining breathability. The Kaptiva GTX retains the same precise fit and exceptional grip as the original Kaptiva, making it an excellent choice for trail runners who need a reliable shoe for all-weather conditions.
6 La Sportiva Kaptiva Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the La Sportiva Kaptiva features a SLIP-ON construction with a knitted fabric, providing a snug, sock-like fit. This design reduces volume and enhances the shoe's overall performance. The elastic collar ensures a secure fit around the ankle, preventing debris from entering the shoe. The upper also includes a TPU plastic toe bumper for added protection against rocks and other obstacles.
Midsole
The midsole of the La Sportiva Kaptiva is designed to offer stability and flexibility. It includes a 1.5 mm layer of EVA rock guard (a protective layer made of ethylene-vinyl acetate) which provides firm underfoot protection and absorbs impacts from sharp rocks. This design ensures that the shoe remains stable and responsive, even on technical terrain.
Outsole
The outsole of the La Sportiva Kaptiva is made from FriXion XF rubber, known for its exceptional grip on rocky surfaces. The hexagonal lugs, varying in depth from 3.5 to 4.5 mm, provide excellent traction on various terrains, including steep grass, snow, and mud. The outsole also features the Impact Brake System, which enhances cushioning and protection.
Size/fit
The La Sportiva Kaptiva has a low volume, narrow fit, making it ideal for runners with average to narrow feet. The snug fit ensures that the shoe and foot move in unison, providing a secure and responsive feel. However, runners with wider feet may find the fit too tight and may need to consider sizing up.
Comfort
The La Sportiva Kaptiva offers a comfortable fit with its sock-like sleeve that hugs the midfoot and forefoot. The minimal padding in the tongue and heel provides sufficient cushioning without adding bulk. The snug fit and elastic collar prevent debris from entering the shoe, ensuring a comfortable run even on technical terrain.
Cushioning
The cushioning in the La Sportiva Kaptiva is firm and protective, thanks to the 1.5 mm layer of EVA rock guard in the midsole. This design absorbs impacts from sharp rocks and provides a stable underfoot feel. The Impact Brake System further enhances cushioning, making the shoe suitable for long-distance runs on rugged terrain.
Breathability
The knitted fabric upper of the La Sportiva Kaptiva offers good breathability, keeping the foot cool and dry during runs. The sock-like fit ensures that the shoe remains comfortable even during extended use, while the elastic collar prevents debris from entering the shoe.
Stability
The La Sportiva Kaptiva provides excellent stability, thanks to its snug fit and firm midsole. The 6 mm heel-to-toe drop offers a smooth transition from heel to toe, while the FriXion XF rubber outsole provides exceptional grip on rocky surfaces. The shoe's design ensures that the foot remains secure and stable, even on technical terrain.
Durability
The La Sportiva Kaptiva is built to last, with a durable knitted fabric upper and a TPU plastic toe bumper for added protection. The thin film overlays on high-wear areas of the upper enhance the shoe's longevity, while the FriXion XF rubber outsole provides long-lasting grip and traction.
Grip
The FriXion XF rubber outsole of the La Sportiva Kaptiva offers exceptional grip on rocky surfaces. The hexagonal lugs, varying in depth from 3.5 to 4.5 mm, provide excellent traction on various terrains, including steep grass, snow, and mud. The Impact Brake System further enhances grip and stability, making the shoe ideal for technical terrain.
Flex
The La Sportiva Kaptiva offers a good balance of flexibility and stability, thanks to its knitted fabric upper and firm midsole. The shoe's design allows for smooth transitions and responsive performance, making it suitable for technical terrain and long-distance runs.
Who should buy the La Sportiva Kaptiva?
Runners who enjoy tackling technical terrain and need a shoe with excellent grip and a precise fit will find the La Sportiva Kaptiva to be an ideal choice. Its snug fit and FriXion XF rubber outsole make it perfect for those who prioritize stability and traction. The shoe is also suitable for runners with average to narrow feet who need a reliable and durable trail running shoe.
Who should not buy the La Sportiva Kaptiva?
Runners with wider feet may find the La Sportiva Kaptiva too narrow and uncomfortable. Those looking for a lightweight trail running shoe may also want to consider other options, as the Kaptiva is slightly heavier than some competitors. If you prefer a shoe with a more cushioned and springy feel, the Kaptiva's firm cushioning may not be the best fit.
La Sportiva Kaptiva: What's it good for?
The La Sportiva Kaptiva is excellent for trail running on technical terrain, thanks to its precise fit and exceptional grip. It is also suitable for 10k and half marathon distances, providing the necessary stability and protection for longer runs. The shoe's durable design makes it a reliable choice for off-road adventures and challenging trails.
5 La Sportiva Kaptiva FAQs
Is the La Sportiva Kaptiva suitable for long-distance runs?
Yes, the La Sportiva Kaptiva is designed to handle long-distance runs on technical terrain. Its firm cushioning and protective features make it a reliable choice for extended trail runs.
Does the La Sportiva Kaptiva have good grip on rocky surfaces?
Yes, the La Sportiva Kaptiva features a FriXion XF rubber outsole that provides exceptional grip on rocky surfaces, making it ideal for technical terrain.
Is the La Sportiva Kaptiva suitable for runners with wide feet?
The La Sportiva Kaptiva has a narrow fit, making it more suitable for runners with average to narrow feet. Runners with wide feet may find the fit too tight and uncomfortable.
What is the weight of the La Sportiva Kaptiva?
The La Sportiva Kaptiva weighs 261 g for the men's model and 224 g for the women's model, making it a lightweight trail running shoe.
Does the La Sportiva Kaptiva offer good protection against rocks?
Yes, the La Sportiva Kaptiva features a 1.5 mm layer of EVA rock guard in the midsole and a TPU plastic toe bumper, providing excellent protection against rocks and other obstacles.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| released | ReleasedFeb 2019 | Nov 2017 | May 2019 | Jun 2019 | Feb 2020 | May 2022 |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users+6   |  |   |  | ||
| Weight | WeightM: 261 g W: 224 g | 230 g | M: 247 g W: 207 g | M: 179 g W: 150 g | M: 241 g W: 213 g | 289 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot11 mm | 7 mm | 19 mm | 12 mm | 18 mm | 23 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop6 mm | 6 mm | 4 mm | 6 mm | 4 mm | |
| Heel | Heel17 mm | 13 mm | 19 mm | 16 mm | 24 mm | 27 mm |
| Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | Trail | Trail | Trail | Snow/iceTrail |
| Brand | BrandLa Sportiva | Inov-8 | Altra | La Sportiva | Merrell | Saucony |
| Support Type | Support TypeNeutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | NeutralStability |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe Type | Lightweight | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow drop | Lightweight | Low drop |
| Rock plate | Rock plate | |||||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Techs | Techs | Vibram | BOA | |||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsVegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | Sustainable | |||
Common characteristicsNeutral pronationHigh arch |
