Contents
La Sportiva Jackal II: Complete Review & Comparison Guide
In-depth review of the La Sportiva Jackal II. See how it compares to similar mountain ultra shoes, specs, pros, cons, and where to buy.
La Sportiva Jackal II: Complete Review & Comparison Guide
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support TrainingPlan at no extra cost to you.
Check your local running store or online retailers for availability.
Overview
The La Sportiva Jackal II is La Sportiva's long-distance mountain shoe—designed for ultra marathons and extended time on technical alpine terrain. With protective construction, aggressive FriXion rubber, and durable build quality, the Jackal II tackles the most demanding mountain races.
This is La Sportiva's endurance beast: built for mountain ultras.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Trail |
| Cushion Level | Moderate |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 7mm |
| Weight (Men's/Women's) | 10.8oz / 9.2oz |
| Stack Height | 30mm heel / 23mm forefoot |
| Pronation Support | Neutral |
| Width Options | Standard |
| MSRP | MSRP: $169 |
| Surface | Trail |
What It's Known For
The Jackal II's combination of grip and protection makes it a favorite for mountain ultramarathons. FriXion rubber provides exceptional traction on rocky terrain while the protective construction shields feet during long days on technical trails.
Runners appreciate the Jackal's ability to maintain performance through 50+ mile mountain races.
Why Runners Love It
Pros
-
Great Grip: FriXion rubber excels on technical terrain.
-
Protective: Shielding for rocky mountain trails.
-
Durable: Built to handle harsh conditions.
What Some Runners Don't Like
Cons
-
Heavier: Protection adds weight at 10.8oz.
-
Stiffer: Less flexible than lighter trail shoes.
Who Should Consider This Shoe
The La Sportiva Jackal II is ideal for:
- Mountain ultra runners (20-70 miles per week) on technical terrain
- Marathon to ultra mountain races
- Rocky alpine trails requiring protection
- All-day mountain efforts with varied conditions
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
Consider other options if you:
- Want lightweight trail shoes
- Run smooth, non-technical trails
- Prefer flexible shoes
- Need road-to-trail versatility
How It Compares: Cross-Brand Comparison
| Shoe | Cushion | Drop | Weight (M) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Sportiva Jackal II | Moderate | 7mm | 10.8oz | MSRP: $169 | Mountain ultra |
| HOKA Speedgoat 6 | High | 4mm | 10.2oz | MSRP: $175 | Cushioned trail |
| Salomon Ultra Glide 2 | Moderate | 6mm | 10.0oz | MSRP: $160 | Long-distance trail |
| Altra Olympus 6 | High | 0mm | 11.6oz | MSRP: $175 | Zero-drop ultra |
| Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3 | Moderate | 5mm | 9.4oz | MSRP: $150 | Wide toe trail |
La Sportiva Lineup: Same-Brand Comparison
| Shoe | Cushion | Drop | Weight (M) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackal II | Moderate | 7mm | 10.8oz | MSRP: $169 | Mountain ultra |
| Prodigio | High | 6mm | 11.4oz | MSRP: $189 | Max cushion ultra |
| Cyklon | Moderate | 6mm | 10.0oz | MSRP: $185 | BOA trail racing |
| Bushido III | Low | 6mm | 10.2oz | MSRP: $165 | Technical terrain |
| Karacal | Moderate | 6mm | 9.6oz | MSRP: $149 | Versatile trail |
Final Verdict
The La Sportiva Jackal II delivers protective mountain performance for ultra-distance trail running. It's for runners who tackle demanding alpine terrain over extended distances.
For mountain ultra running, the Jackal II is an excellent choice.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Check your local running store or online retailers for availability.