Many trail shoes attempt to integrate this style of tongue, but few actually work.

The Jackal also features a booty-like gusseted tongue. The toebox gets a little extra attention with an added protective toe bumper. These overlays are lighter and less noticeable than a traditional sewn-in overlay. Much of the upper is wrapped in heat-applied overlays for durability, and it creates a very secure fit.

A very secure and comfortable fitting upper cradles the foot nicely. TAYLOR: Slip these on out of the box and you’ll know you have something special. The Jackal showed up to my door unannounced, and the box read, “Mountain Running.” I knew I was in for a treat. And if La Sportiva is good enough for the likes of Anton, Western States Champ Clare Gallagher, and the world’s best big wall climber Tommy Caldwell, we might as well see what they’re all about. Based out of Italy, this company lives, eats, and breathes mountains. They’re new to us at BITR, but not new to the trail world by any stretch. On the feet of that stud of a mountain athlete are always La Sportiva shoes. I like to channel my inner Anton Krupicka sometimes (who I do see from time to time on this particular trail). It’s one of the few places where I feel completely comfortable to rip my shirt off and shred some mountain miles. It’s both close enough and far enough to keep many locals at bay in the summer months. TAYLOR: My family and I have a particular camping spot near town where I feel a little extra freedom.

An aggressive trail beast that’s in it for the long haul.

Full-length EVA midsole and PU inserts give gobs of cushion.

Strong and supportive upper has your back in the wilderness.

La sportiva jackal