Akasha is a trail running shoe with a voluminous upper and heel that seems to have high protection. These shoes were developed by Sportiva, a long-established Italian mountaineering boot manufacturer, and while the last time I introduced it is more of a thin, light running shoe, Akasha is more of a climbing shoe with improved protection. This Akasha was worn by Mochizuki Shogo, who won the 2016 TJAR (Trans Japan Alps Race), showing his high protection ability.
The purpose of running in the mountains is the same, but the interesting thing about trail running shoes is that they each have a completely different feel. This time I've been running about 50km on Akasha in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture as a test field, so I'll be reviewing the comfort of the shoes.
table of contents
Detailed review
Item name
LA SPORTIVA Akasha
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| 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!
Excellent protection and stability create high off-road performance
The biggest weapon this shoe has is its excellent run-out ability. The outer sole is a friction sole that combines two types of compounds with emphasis on durability and grip. The pointed blocks, like key claws, hold the ground firmly and carry your body.
The heel is covered with hard TPU, so it's sturdy enough that it 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 to envelop your foot for a comfortable fit. The midsole is thick and offers excellent cushioning, significantly reducing the impact of landing on hard surfaces like rocks
These elements come into play on the descent on the mountains. When you are down at speed, you need to instantly judge where you land, looking at the rapidly changing road surface, but Akasha is unlikely to get confused in situations like this. You can easily go on even on rough roads, and even when you hit tree roots or rocks, you can't do anything about it. Thanks to this sense of security, you can attack the descent even more boldly. This is probably a huge advantage created by Akasha's off-road ability.
Trail locker system supports driving with plus α
What I found interesting was the trail rocker system (the red parts on the toe and heel)
The toe area 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 place and supported my body. This part is made of a harder material, so it's also very durable. During a test run, I almost slipped and fell on my butt on a muddy road, but even here, the last part of the heel helped me to brace myself firmly. You can't rely on it too much, but it's a part that makes a noticeable difference with or without it
This is a shame
The weight due to this equipment
This is just the case, so it weighs quite a bit. This time, it started raining in the second half, and the thick upper absorbed water, making it even more thrilling. It's not a concern as long as your legs are raised, but when you run a certain distance and climb, you can feel a little heavy. The upper material is soft and the kicking off is smooth, so it's easy to run in, but it may not be suitable for those looking for lightness like road shoes.
Summary: I want to use it in these situations!
Akasha, which has high off-road performance, is ideal for mid- to long-range trails. It grips firmly not only on roads and scuffs, but also on wet roads. It's not particularly lightweight, but the high protection ability and stable grip for driving are safe for beginners. This is an all-purpose pair of shoes that can be used for those who are just starting to run trails, or for light hiking.
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