This was my first La Sportiva running shoe, though I have had many pairs of their climbing shoes. About 100 miles in them up til now and they are great. They have been durable so far. I am very impressed by their comfort. True to size based on my sizing with the brand from climbing shoes (meaning I am the same size in running shoe and climbing shoe). I love how fast they dry, super key when trails have many river crossings. Hard for me to believe, but I can't come up with a single complaint about the shoe so far.

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.

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.)

Lightweight performance and protection

For a shoe that is so light and flexible, the Kaptiva’s offer excellent cushioning, support, traction and protection from rocks. I’ve loved the slipper like feel of them and go without socks most of the time with never a concern about blisters or hot spots.When I first tested the shoe, I was thinking that I’d only be using them for shorter trail runs or speed work, but I’ve been amazed at how much I’ve enjoyed them for all runs, including longer runs too.DerrickLa Sportiva Running Ambassador

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.

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.