Excellent Pair of shoes. I have worn these about 9 times over the last 3 weeks and I would second buying a half size up European from your regular footwear (fits great). The shoe really fits like a sock with the life changing stretchy sock thing built in typically found in climbing shoes. I've had problems with other shoes rubbing the side of my feet and giving me blisters, but these have shown no signs of rubbing so far. I usually get pretty hot feet when I run, and these are a little toastier than my other shoes, but its not a big issue. These honestly might be the most comfortable pairs of shoes I've worn.

Great friction. Runs small

There is a recommendation to always size up with La sportiva these were extra tight had to size up! Several times. This would be a good shoe to try on first before committing.I do enjoy running in them, and using as an approach shoe for moderate

Great quality. But runs small.

It'd be nice if the company would disclose that these shoes (their shoes in general, from what I'm now learning) run small and narrow. I purchased these a half size larger than my usual size, and they still we're snug, though they felt incredibly high quality. So I bought a second pair, a full size up, and it was better. However, my feet run just slightly wide, so I've never bothered ordered wide models. Midway through the first run, the sides of my feet were aching. I realized the sides were too tight. After loosening the laces a bit, they now feel a lot better. So far I've run four trails and they kickass. I really want to love these shoes with all my heart, but I'm a bit embittered by the fact I can't tie my shoes up nice and snug like I usually do. I'm looking ... MoreIt'd be nice if the company would disclose that these shoes (their shoes in general, from what I'm now learning) run small and narrow. I purchased these a half size larger than my usual size, and they still we're snug, though they felt incredibly high quality. So I bought a second pair, a full size up, and it was better. However, my feet run just slightly wide, so I've never bothered ordered wide models. Midway through the first run, the sides of my feet were aching. I realized the sides were too tight. After loosening the laces a bit, they now feel a lot better. So far I've run four trails and they kickass. I really want to love these shoes with all my heart, but I'm a bit embittered by the fact I can't tie my shoes up nice and snug like I usually do. I'm looking for a wider version now, however, I'm a little over $200 dollars in the hole trying to get the perfect fit. My recommendation: Go a full size up (e.g., if you wear US10, get US11). If you have even slightly wide feet, go for the wider version as well.

Great, but durability issue(s)…

Bought this shoe 5-6 weeks ago, only wear trail running shoes for grip and stability walking (6 R knee surgeries have made me hyper-careful about slipping), they fit great, a little wonky getting them on, but the padding on the tongue of the R shoe has delaminated from the tongue/body of the sneaker. I will work w/ Backcountry to figure an amenable solution/compromise to fix/remedy because they are a great company, other than that, the shoes are solid.

Ground Feel Scramble Monster

I've been mountain running and scrambling in Boulder's Flatirons using the Mutants for several years now. Recently I decided to give the Kaptivas a try as a lower-profile alternative. I find that they feel much lighter and more minimal, which encourages speed, but they're significantly less cushioned, requiring more precise foot placement and providing a lot of ground feel. In terms of scrambling, they seem quite similar, with a slightly better lug pattern (shorter lugs) and the same ultra-grippy material. They also have more of a slender profile, which allows for a little bit higher precision in your footwork. The forefoot is slightly less stiff right out of the box, which could be an upside (for smearing) or a downside (for what little edging these sorts of shoes ... MoreI've been mountain running and scrambling in Boulder's Flatirons using the Mutants for several years now. Recently I decided to give the Kaptivas a try as a lower-profile alternative. I find that they feel much lighter and more minimal, which encourages speed, but they're significantly less cushioned, requiring more precise foot placement and providing a lot of ground feel. In terms of scrambling, they seem quite similar, with a slightly better lug pattern (shorter lugs) and the same ultra-grippy material. They also have more of a slender profile, which allows for a little bit higher precision in your footwork. The forefoot is slightly less stiff right out of the box, which could be an upside (for smearing) or a downside (for what little edging these sorts of shoes can do).I like the sock-style upper, and much prefer it to La Sportiva's thin tongues on similar shoes like the Bushido II. I haven't experienced any discomfort, and the tongue can't migrate around during a run like I've experienced with the Bushidos.The final note is that the toebox allows a surprising amount of toe splay considering how slender the shoes are overall. That's a pleasant surprise.For me, these are short-distance mountain shoes for runs where I know I'll be scrambling. For a more straight-forward trail run or on a longer outing, I'm going with my Karacals for the added cushioning and comfort.

Kaptiva Mens CUSHIONED TRAIL/MOUNTAIN Running Shoes Black/Yellow

Light, excellent grip for a very sure-footed feeling. Moving to these from Hoka shoes means they feel quite a bit less cushioned, but in a good way, especially for longer runs on rough ground, and they' aren't bad on the inevitable bits of road running either. I also like the way the shoes grip the middle of your foot firmly so that your toes don't slide forward uncomfortably when going down hill. And they seem to be pretty tough, but can't really judge that yet. ( And they aren't too garish either, which is a plus.)

Perfect!

These shoes are comfortable, durable, light, and quick-drying. Everything I was looking for in a trail runner for backpacking.After a few shorter backcountry trips, they were put to the test at Killarney's La Cloche Silhouette trail and the Western Uplands trail in Algonquin. They excelled in a wide range of conditions over the course of the 85km Killarney loop and 40km in Algonquin - rocky terrain (dry/wet, smooth/jagged), scrambling up and down steep hills, muddy conditions, crossing beaver dams, hopping from rocks to branches along flooded trails, etc.I was able to keep my feet comfortable and found stability in all situations. When they got wet, the shoes were very quick to dry. No blisters or hot spots.Just note that the sizing tends to run quite small if ... MoreThese shoes are comfortable, durable, light, and quick-drying. Everything I was looking for in a trail runner for backpacking.After a few shorter backcountry trips, they were put to the test at Killarney's La Cloche Silhouette trail and the Western Uplands trail in Algonquin. They excelled in a wide range of conditions over the course of the 85km Killarney loop and 40km in Algonquin - rocky terrain (dry/wet, smooth/jagged), scrambling up and down steep hills, muddy conditions, crossing beaver dams, hopping from rocks to branches along flooded trails, etc.I was able to keep my feet comfortable and found stability in all situations. When they got wet, the shoes were very quick to dry. No blisters or hot spots.Just note that the sizing tends to run quite small if using the North American scale. I would definitely recommend trying them on before purchasing (I normally wear size 10.5 to 11, and found 12 to be the best fit in this shoe). If you have a very wide or high volume foot, they may be too snug and/or need a solid break-in before any serious adventures.

Quality shoe if it fits your foot

Out of the box I LOVED this shoe. It exudes quality. Put it on and it felt amazing. Love the rubber and lug pattern. Then I stood up. Had to return it as it has loads of heel slip. Walking on flat ground was like flip flops. I had this issue with the original Bushidos too but I wore those for a many outings and lacing styles to see if I could get used to them. I had constant blisters and didn't want to repeat that. If these had a better heel for my foot I would probably own 2 or 3 pair.

Solid shoes

I own two pairs of these shoes. But I didn’t love them at first because I thought they felt a little snug. But after I wore them on a few hikes and they broke in they are my constant go-tos. They run a 1/2 to whole size small. For example, I wear 11.5 in new balance and I’m 12 to 12.5 in these. Most people in my circles are all about the Altra lone peaks and hoka speedgoats and those are nice and I do own those as well, but I keep going back to the kaptivas! I should let viewers of this review know that The hikes and trail runs I do are usually 12 miles or less. I’m not sure the performance these shoes beyond that mileage.

light & fast trail boot

just retired my first pair of Kaptiva's!. This is a lightweight low profile training/racing shoe. tight sock like fit. bit slim in the toe box. great ground feel without being too sensitive on the rough technical terrain. this boot is on the soft/light end of the spectrum so they dont last forever. Great grip in mud & loam & granite. bit slippery on the roots, but what isnt. feet breathe nicely in the mesh, but get soaked if there is any moisture.I put 470km on these before they were totally pooched. Great boot for the steep & technical trails of the northshore. from grouse grind/bcmc repeats to the HSCT. keep the legs moving fast all day with these kicks. low profile on the heel which may take some getting used to.Overall its a great light & fast low profile ... Morejust retired my first pair of Kaptiva's!. This is a lightweight low profile training/racing shoe. tight sock like fit. bit slim in the toe box. great ground feel without being too sensitive on the rough technical terrain. this boot is on the soft/light end of the spectrum so they dont last forever. Great grip in mud & loam & granite. bit slippery on the roots, but what isnt. feet breathe nicely in the mesh, but get soaked if there is any moisture.I put 470km on these before they were totally pooched. Great boot for the steep & technical trails of the northshore. from grouse grind/bcmc repeats to the HSCT. keep the legs moving fast all day with these kicks. low profile on the heel which may take some getting used to.Overall its a great light & fast low profile trail boot.