Finn and Brett, much obliged for this review. Have run in both and raced a 55 K (Grand Mesa Ultra) in the BOA hightop. “It isn’t a daily trainer” for sure. Likewise agree that for me it’s a marathon distance shoe and no more. Personally I love the product and the company. In 2016 got an FKT in the LaSportiva Akasha. The upcoming Prodigio may be THE shoe for BORN TO RUN adherents like me who prefer a more natural feel for ultras.
Great stuff, massive La Sportiva fan. Not tried a Boa running shoe, (although had a Puma disk back in the day). Can't wait for the Prodigio to be released, maybe more of a daily trainer ?
I got to hold them at TRE in november, and both of those shoes feel so incredibly well built and thought out. Very excited to try both of those as well.
As soon as the skimpy gusset of the Jackal was pointed out I scoffed, as the Kaptiva meets or beats both of these Jackals in all respects: Lightest of the 3, the tongue is part of the upper with only the ankle to let in gravel, mid/outsole comparable or better, very generous toebox (enough room to put in a thinner PEBA insole), and $50 now at amazon ($50?! I bought another pair just now!). I'm doing a hillclimb repeat challenge soon on steep rocky terrain, and right now the Kaptiva is the shoe: Stable, protective, grippy, and my feet feel great after 3hrs. I've used the Kjerag on the same terrain, and it mostly succeeds (at a much lighter weight), but the narrow toebox and low forefoot cushion become a problem for me as the foot swells (perhaps sizing up and putting in an insole would solve these, but too late now. Kjerag2 needs more forefoot cushion and slight toebox widening anyway, please inform killian for me) (I just weighed both: Kjerag 9.4oz vs 13oz: 3.5oz lighter per shoe, shocking how far behind LaSp is. The Kjerag is a total failure at letting gravel into the shoe however) LaSp is frustrating to follow. We've waited for years for lighter weight and updated midsole. I'm leery of the Prodigio, but I guess we'll see. The women's 'Lavante' actually looks more interesting to me: lower stack and more nimble. The Helios 3 is also aging, overpriced, and needs an update. Where is the Bushido 3 !?
Definitely all good points for the Kaptiva! I am also interested in trying out that women's Lavante. There is a Bushido update coming this year, but It's barely an update. We've got the Prodigio in and are just starting to run in it. Will have a full review of that one soon when we can. Thanks for watching!
Really interesting stuff - size wise for me I always use EU sizing when buying running shoes. I’ve found over the years it’s just a more consistent way of finding the right size. I’ve worn La Sportivas and love the burly build quality but can’t get away from the narrow for me fit and not grippy enough outsole.
Nice review nearly bought the BOA Cyklon from them but couldn’t get my size! Always wanted to try BOA.Speedlands probably better dial but too expensive ended up getting the Mont Blanc BOA on sale $A160 on your review except the heel issue love the BOA for the reasons Brett stated loose lower tights upper think BOAs the way to go it just has to be the best BOA dial. It’s on the Chinese brand Kailas also $$$ !
Thanks for watching! yeah I agree, I think the dial type as well as the placement are going to be critical for proper fit. For me, it's been the Speedland GS:TAM boa system that has worked best for my foot. Hope you enjoy those Mont Blancs!
Another great video. I have the lace version of the Jackal 2 and I just cannot get a good heel lockdown at all. Mid foot and toebox are perfect in the Jackal 2, but oh my god, the heel is awful (for me). Interestingly, I also have the Mutant (you need to review those bad boys!), but this in an EU43 to get a proper fit. They are definitely a brand you need to try on different sizes...
i’ve worn a lot of La Sportiva shoes in the past, even across different models, you might have to go up or go down. Some models I am a 43.5 and others I’m a 44. Climbing shoes it's even worse….all over the place pending if it's leather or synthetic. 😂 Non boa with the Jackal I'm a 44
Scarpa is definitely one of the most direct competitor brands to La Sportiva regarding brand heritage and what they design their shoes for. I'll have to check out that Kalibra!
I have both the Jackal 2 Boa and the Scarpa Ribelle HT (also Boa). For all I love about the Scarpa, it has one fatal flaw for my use (Sierra peak bagging). The forefoot upper mesh is SO open (can see right through it), it lets in Sierra sand like crazy. Simply can't keep dirt out of it. Unless I can take them off and wash my feet every few miles, the sand between my toes accelerates the blister process. I can only pull it off the shelf after a rain that settles the dirt.
When i bought my current trail shoes i also tried on the Jackal 2 and boy was it a firm shoe. i can see how it's a great shoe for very technical terrain both for running and hiking, but not for what i was looking for ;) I tried the laced version and i am very curious about the boa, but they did not have that one in store.
Seems like the Boa version would make a great winter running shoe with its higher top and more tacky outsole. How was the grip in snow or on anything icy?
On snow, it was alright, and only ok on Ice. It's hard for a rubber outsole without any studs or additional traction devices to do great on ice. The BOA version does have stickier rubber than the laced version
@@ConversationalPace For ice I just tried the VJ Ice Hero. Super light with 18 studs. For my short 4-8 miles runs it is plenty of cushion with great traction. They are unfortunately replacing that model with a heavier one with Gore-Tex and more midsole. If you need a lightweight racer with studs I don’t see anything coming close to the VJ Ice Hero. I am normally a 10 in VJ shoes and went. 0.5 size down in the Ice Hero.
Yeah definitely a small list to choose from for lighter weight studded shoes. Definitely not lightweight, but if I were in the market for a studded shoe, I'd probably find myself in the Speedgoat Spike just because the SG has been such a reliable shoe for me
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Lol that voice over . We need more of that in future episodes 😂
Hahaha well glad to know it works, if I ever forget something😂
Finn and Brett, much obliged for this review. Have run in both and raced a 55 K (Grand Mesa Ultra) in the BOA hightop. “It isn’t a daily trainer” for sure. Likewise agree that for me it’s a marathon distance shoe and no more. Personally I love the product and the company. In 2016 got an FKT in the LaSportiva Akasha. The upcoming Prodigio may be THE shoe for BORN TO RUN adherents like me who prefer a more natural feel for ultras.
Agreed, it's a niche shoe, but a very fun one. We've got the Prodigio review in the queue, and are stoked to log some miles on that one!
Great stuff, massive La Sportiva fan. Not tried a Boa running shoe, (although had a Puma disk back in the day). Can't wait for the Prodigio to be released, maybe more of a daily trainer ?
The Prodigio is definitely putting off some daily trainer vibes for sure! We'll have a full review once we get our miles on it 👍
Since you brought up the different options of uppers, I’m so excited to try the new matryx uppers coming out in the merrell skyfire and long sky 2!
I got to hold them at TRE in november, and both of those shoes feel so incredibly well built and thought out. Very excited to try both of those as well.
“The width was wider” is the new “the depth is deep”
There's always room for both!
As soon as the skimpy gusset of the Jackal was pointed out I scoffed, as the Kaptiva meets or beats both of these Jackals in all respects: Lightest of the 3, the tongue is part of the upper with only the ankle to let in gravel, mid/outsole comparable or better, very generous toebox (enough room to put in a thinner PEBA insole), and $50 now at amazon ($50?! I bought another pair just now!). I'm doing a hillclimb repeat challenge soon on steep rocky terrain, and right now the Kaptiva is the shoe: Stable, protective, grippy, and my feet feel great after 3hrs. I've used the Kjerag on the same terrain, and it mostly succeeds (at a much lighter weight), but the narrow toebox and low forefoot cushion become a problem for me as the foot swells (perhaps sizing up and putting in an insole would solve these, but too late now. Kjerag2 needs more forefoot cushion and slight toebox widening anyway, please inform killian for me) (I just weighed both: Kjerag 9.4oz vs 13oz: 3.5oz lighter per shoe, shocking how far behind LaSp is. The Kjerag is a total failure at letting gravel into the shoe however)
LaSp is frustrating to follow. We've waited for years for lighter weight and updated midsole. I'm leery of the Prodigio, but I guess we'll see. The women's 'Lavante' actually looks more interesting to me: lower stack and more nimble. The Helios 3 is also aging, overpriced, and needs an update. Where is the Bushido 3 !?
Definitely all good points for the Kaptiva! I am also interested in trying out that women's Lavante. There is a Bushido update coming this year, but It's barely an update. We've got the Prodigio in and are just starting to run in it. Will have a full review of that one soon when we can. Thanks for watching!
Really interesting stuff - size wise for me I always use EU sizing when buying running shoes. I’ve found over the years it’s just a more consistent way of finding the right size. I’ve worn La Sportivas and love the burly build quality but can’t get away from the narrow for me fit and not grippy enough outsole.
oh wow not grippy enough outsole? What have been some of your favorite trail shoe outsoles?
Nice review nearly bought the BOA Cyklon from them but couldn’t get my size! Always wanted to try BOA.Speedlands probably better dial but too expensive ended up getting the Mont Blanc BOA on sale $A160 on your review except the heel issue love the BOA for the reasons Brett stated loose lower tights upper think BOAs the way to go it just has to be the best BOA dial. It’s on the Chinese brand Kailas also $$$ !
Thanks for watching! yeah I agree, I think the dial type as well as the placement are going to be critical for proper fit. For me, it's been the Speedland GS:TAM boa system that has worked best for my foot. Hope you enjoy those Mont Blancs!
Another great video. I have the lace version of the Jackal 2 and I just cannot get a good heel lockdown at all. Mid foot and toebox are perfect in the Jackal 2, but oh my god, the heel is awful (for me). Interestingly, I also have the Mutant (you need to review those bad boys!), but this in an EU43 to get a proper fit. They are definitely a brand you need to try on different sizes...
Super interesting! Thanks for the feedback.
i’ve worn a lot of La Sportiva shoes in the past, even across different models, you might have to go up or go down. Some models I am a 43.5 and others I’m a 44. Climbing shoes it's even worse….all over the place pending if it's leather or synthetic. 😂 Non boa with the Jackal I'm a 44
That's frustrating they aren't able to get a little more consistent with the sizing of the shoes. Makes purchasing them sight unseen very difficult!
Nice review. For BOA lovers Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra HT/ST is a far better mountain running choice IMHO. Very grippy and extremely durable upper.
Scarpa is definitely one of the most direct competitor brands to La Sportiva regarding brand heritage and what they design their shoes for. I'll have to check out that Kalibra!
I have both the Jackal 2 Boa and the Scarpa Ribelle HT (also Boa).
For all I love about the Scarpa, it has one fatal flaw for my use (Sierra peak bagging). The forefoot upper mesh is SO open (can see right through it), it lets in Sierra sand like crazy. Simply can't keep dirt out of it. Unless I can take them off and wash my feet every few miles, the sand between my toes accelerates the blister process. I can only pull it off the shelf after a rain that settles the dirt.
Hyped for the prodigio
Let’s go boyz!
When i bought my current trail shoes i also tried on the Jackal 2 and boy was it a firm shoe. i can see how it's a great shoe for very technical terrain both for running and hiking, but not for what i was looking for ;) I tried the laced version and i am very curious about the boa, but they did not have that one in store.
Out of curiosity, what shoes did you end up going with? Agreed, this Jackal 2 is a firm shoe. Thanks for watching!
@@ConversationalPace I bought the Salomon Ultra Glide 2. They fit my feet pretty well and i am happy with them!
Great choice!
Those laces...definitelty need to go!
Any word on when the Tomir 2.0 will go on sale? I see a preview that makes it look crazy good
I forget the exact day, but we're looking March 2024 for the Tomir 2
Seems like the Boa version would make a great winter running shoe with its higher top and more tacky outsole. How was the grip in snow or on anything icy?
On snow, it was alright, and only ok on Ice. It's hard for a rubber outsole without any studs or additional traction devices to do great on ice. The BOA version does have stickier rubber than the laced version
@@ConversationalPace For ice I just tried the VJ Ice Hero. Super light with 18 studs. For my short 4-8 miles runs it is plenty of cushion with great traction. They are unfortunately replacing that model with a heavier one with Gore-Tex and more midsole. If you need a lightweight racer with studs I don’t see anything coming close to the VJ Ice Hero. I am normally a 10 in VJ shoes and went. 0.5 size down in the Ice Hero.
Yeah definitely a small list to choose from for lighter weight studded shoes. Definitely not lightweight, but if I were in the market for a studded shoe, I'd probably find myself in the Speedgoat Spike just because the SG has been such a reliable shoe for me
North Face is a mess for us European runners. You have to buy in the US size, not the EU size else it's too big.
It'd be really nice if there was actually a universal sizing scale that all companies could use. Centimeters would be nice 😅
First and foremost, why did you change positions 😂
🤣 🤣 We changed recording software and it flipped us!