The laminate overlay spans from heel to forefoot, providing durability, protection, and structure. The upper on the La Sportiva Jackal is built using a breathable ripstop mesh layered underneath a laminate overlay. My size 46.5 Jackal weights in at 12.6oz (357g), which is incredibly light when you consider the amount of cushion and underfoot protection on this shoe. This sizing is very similar to La Sportiva’s latest model shoes, as I also wear a 46.5 in the Bushido II and Lycan. For the Kaptiva, I wore a size 46, but needed to size up to a 46.5 for the Jackal. This puts me in between their 46 and 46.5. I normally wear a size 11.5 US shoe, but wear a full size up to 12.5 for La Sportiva. I will be detailing all of the positives and a few negatives in this review.īuy on Backcountry Buy on REI Buy on Zappos Despite a mostly positive experience, some fit and comfort issues with the upper have left me a little disappointed. Well, I’ve put the Jackal through their paces, and I’m sad to say that my expectations may have been a little too high. What more could a mountain hiker and trail runner ask for? Everything about the Jackal seemed perfect for my use and preferences, with a reported wider fit, a softer yet stable midsole, and a sticky and well protected outsole. I really enjoyed the new La Sportiva Kaptiva in 2019, and the Jackal looked like a more cushioned version of that shoe. When La Sportiva first announced the Jackal at trade-shows last year, I had it pegged as the shoe I most wanted to review in 2020. Designed with max cushion and a roomy upper, the Jackal is built with ultras and long distance hikes in mind. The Jackal is La Sportiva’s newest mountain running shoe.

La sportiva jackal