Review: La Sportiva UNIKA ~The first "European-made" trail running shoes from a prestigious Italian shoe brand have finally arrived~

What criteria do you choose your trail running shoes?

First of all, the width of the legs. Also, I think the priorities are different, such as shock absorption, rebound, lightness, fit, grip, protection, etc. that suit your running ability, but I think they will judge whether they are larger or smaller. If you have the desired performance as much as possible, you can achieve the balanced performance you want...

So I've been interested in Sportiva's first made-in-European train run shoe, "UNIKA." Since they landed in Japan this spring, I actually put them on and tested them in the field. A pair of Sportiva's best shoes that bring together the techniques of trail running and climbing shoes. What is the result? ?

Test environment

The area around Takamizuyama, Ome City, Tokyo, and Mt. Nokonomiyaki in Konan Town, Chiba Prefecture.

Both were relatively well-maintained fields, and Takamizuyama had a dry trail that felt easy to ride. On the other hand, Mt. Noboriyama was slightly wet, with rocky areas that were noticeable, and there were steep slopes here and there. Overall, both were pretty cool fields to test "UNIKA."

Evaluation items

• 
  It evaluates comfort (fitting, breathability, hold), This is especially true for the upper, the end, and the heel.
• Usability (trail adaptability, grip, ease of kicking off, distance)
  Adaptability to trail conditions, gripability, ease of kicking off, and the appropriate range of mileage were evaluated.
• Cushion (repulsion force, shock absorption, stability)
  Cushions are essential parts for shock absorption and repulsion. The cushioning performance and stability are judged in total.
• Material performance (lightness, durability)
  We evaluate material performance, including its lightness and durability of trail running shoes for mid- and long distances.

Main Specifications and ratings

Detailed review

Comfort: A combination of trail running shoes and climbing shoes

Once you put your toes in the shoes, pull up the heel hook to make the heel fit firmly into the heel area. As the elastic shoelaces are gradually tightened from the toes, the shoelaces hold is pulled up and the outer band fits in the way that the upper is tightened. It's truly a bag-like structure.

The sides also provide protection, allowing for firm hold while softly wrapping your feet. The sense of unity with the shoes is quite comfortable. The towbox is a little wider. In fact, it wraps around my feet like socks with a certain level of tension. Even though I have bunions, I don't feel any pressure at all. The heel part gives a more close hold, similar to climbing shoes than conventional shoes. The insole has a comfortable support shape that pushes up the arch. It also has breathability that won't make you feel stuffy even when worn for a long time.

The upper has a bag-like structure that gently wraps around the instep of your feet and provides solid protection. A comfortable sense of unity is GOOD!

Heel counter and heel hooks. Sportiva's unique technique is also well-versed in climbing shoes.

As the shoelaces are tightened, the band also tightens, wrapping and protecting your feet.

Usability: A reliable all-around model with a medium and long

A slightly thick sole that is stable enough to stick to the ground when landing. The sole pattern is an all-round type, and can be used in a variety of trail conditions, including not only ordinary mountain trails, but also scuffed rocky areas and muddy rough roads. It looks like it can be done in a wet or dry way. I feel like soil and other substances are likely to clog up slightly in the pattern, but it does not affect functionality.

You can even feel a sticky grip on hard roads such as asphalt, slippery stones, or sloped descent trails. This model is likely to allow you to experience Sportiva Shoes' unique impact braking system (an innovative system that absorbs impact on road surfaces, increases frictional force and increases grip on slopes).

Sportiva's FRIXION system has an outsole that enhances both grip and durability, but UNIKA features Frixtion White Super Sticky, suitable for mountain running and indoor climbing.

The drop difference between the toes and heels is 8mm, giving the impression that it is easy to kick out. The soft upper is also nice, making it easy to move around even when flexed.

Regarding adaptive distances, short courses under 30km are those with weight and have a strong cushioning effect. There may be individual differences, but the mid-range of around 50km and long distances of over 100km will likely showcase their abilities to a great extent.

The outsole uses the same all-round pattern as Akira and BUSHIDO2.

Cushion: Excellent shock absorption and forward rebound

As it looks, it absorbs shock when landing is pretty good. It's not a big deal, but rather the strain on the knees and lower back is reduced than usual. These shoes are sure to be worn with confidence even for those who are new to training or those who are targeting long distances. The midsole is the only new material "INFINITOO" that is highly stable and has excellent shock absorption and keeps the prototype of the midsole. However, I think it depends on the field, but sometimes the cushion feels like it sinks in just a few cushions. It's probably due to the cushion material. Some people may get used to it. However, hats off the fact that it has excellent shock absorption and rebound power, and the cushioning performance that allows for sustainable flexible movement.

It has excellent shock absorption even on trails such as stones and scuffs!

Material performance: Lightweight and strong durability that will make you want to drive

Although the sole is slightly thick, the 43 models are lighter than they look, and the actual measured 375g (320g is 320g in the catalogue, as it weighs 42 sizes). If we picked out only the weights, "BUSHIDO 2" has a catalog value of approximately 305g. The Captiva, which is suitable for mid-distance, costs approximately 280g. All of them are categorized as "Mid long." Also, considering that AKASHA, which weighs approximately 330g, is positioned as an Ultra long, it is not suitable for long distances. The protection of the tip of the towbox and the side protection that can be pulled up by tightening the shoelaces are both extremely durable. I feel like the soft side of the upper part makes it easy to get dirty. The outsole is made of Frixtion White Super Sticky, a highly durable material. It is also resistant to friction and has excellent durability.

Summary: Recommended for people like this

"UNIKA" is the main European country that has arrived in Japan for the first time. As it is a shoe that combines the techniques of climbing and trail running shoes, the result is quite innovative. The feeling of unity with your feet the moment you put them in. It's hard to describe how comfortable you can't get with other shoes. As you tighten the shoelaces, the bag-like upper fits perfectly to your feet really feels so comfortable. It also has a high score and a balanced fit, shock absorption, grip, and protection. It's all-around and perfect for middle and long trails. This is a slightly plump toe box, so if you have a slightly wider foot width, this is a must-try shoe. It can be said that this is the most diverse and multi-training shoe right now.