Review: LA SPORTIVA Akasha
Written by Kohei Tsushima
The Akasha is a trail running shoe with a voluminous upper and heel that seems to offer high levels of protection. Developed by Sportiva, a long-established Italian mountaineering shoe manufacturer, the shoe is closer to a climbing shoe with enhanced protection than the inov8 TERRACLAW250, which we introduced last time, which is a thin and lightweight running shoe. The Akasha's high level of protection can be seen from the fact that it was worn by Shogo Mochizuki, winner of the 2016 TJAR (Trans Japan Alps Race)
Although the purpose of trail running shoes is the same, running in the mountains, the running feel is completely different for each shoe, which is what makes them so interesting. This time, I ran about 50km in these Akasha shoes in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, as a test field, and I will review their comfort
table of contents
Detailed Review
Item Name
LA SPORTIVA Akasha
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | Specifications and reviews |
|---|---|
| weight | 330g (one foot) |
| Upper fabric | Air mesh / PU leather / Dynamic protection |
| Outsole | FriXion XT / Trail Rocker System |
| Comfort | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★☆☆☆ |
| grip | ★★★★☆ |
| protection | ★★★★★ |
| stability | ★★★★☆ |
| Overall score | ★★★☆☆ |
This is good!
Outstanding protection and stability for superior off-road performance
The greatest strength of these shoes is their excellent off-road performance. The outer sole is a friction sole that combines two types of compounds for durability and grip. The sharp, claw-like blocks firmly grip the ground, helping you move forward
The heel is covered with hard TPU, so it's sturdy and won't even dent when you press it with your finger. This reduces twisting when you land, allowing for a stable run. The ankle area is also well supported, significantly reducing the risk of sprains.
Despite their heavy appearance, the upper material stretches just enough when you put your foot in, enveloping the entire foot for a comfortable fit. The midsole is thick and provides excellent cushioning, significantly reducing the impact when landing on hard surfaces like rocks.
These elements come into play when descending mountains. When descending at high speed, you need to keep an eye on the rapidly changing road surface and make instant decisions about where to land, but the Akasha makes it difficult to get lost in such situations. It can easily move forward even on slightly rough roads and is not bothered by hitting tree roots or rocks. This sense of security allows you to attack downhill more boldly. This is a major advantage created by the Akasha's off-road capabilities
The trail rocker system provides extra support for your ride
What I found interesting was the trail rocker system (the red parts on the toe and heel).
The toe part is shaped to catch on, and I was surprised that even when I placed my foot a little shallow on rocks or other surfaces, my toes remained in the ground and supported my body. This part is made of a harder material, so it's also very durable. During my test run, I almost slipped and fell on my butt on a muddy road, but even here I was able to firmly brace myself with the last part of my heel. You can't rely on it too much, but it's a part that you can really feel the difference between having it and not having it.
This is a pity
The weight of this equipment
With all this equipment, the weight is quite heavy. This time, it started to rain towards the end of the run, and the thick upper absorbed the water, making it even heavier. It wasn't noticeable while my feet were lifting, but I felt the weight a little when climbing after running a certain distance. The upper material is soft and the kick-off is smooth, so I think the shoes are easy to run in, but they may not be suitable if you're looking for the lightness of road shoes
Summary: I would like to use it in these situations!
The Akasha boasts excellent off-road performance and is ideal for mid- to long-range trails. It offers a firm grip on roads, rocky terrain, and even wet surfaces. While not particularly lightweight, the high level of protection and stable grip make it a great choice for beginners. It's an all-purpose shoe that can be used by those just starting out in trail running or for light hiking
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