Review: LA SPORTIVA Akasha
Written by Kohei Tsushima
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 a hard TPU, so it is sturdy and won't even dent when pushed with your fingers. This reduces the twist when landing, allowing for a stable ride. The ankle area is also well supported, so the risk of sprains is greatly reduced.
Despite its heavy appearance, the upper material stretches just right when you put your feet in, and wraps around the entire foot for a good fit. The midsole is thick and has excellent cushioning, and it significantly reduces the impact when landing on hard ground such as 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 this trail rocker system (red parts on the toes and heels).
I was surprised that the toes were shaped to catch on, and when I put my feet on the rocks and it seemed a little shallow, the toes remained and supported my body. This part is made of a hard material, so it is also highly durable. During the test run, I almost fell from my butt on the muddy road, but again, I was able to hold my feet firmly on the last part of my heel. Although we cannot overconfident, this is a part that allows you to feel a difference between them and not.
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.
