La Sportiva Men's Akasha II Shoe

About This Item

Design:

  • Fit: Medium
  • Upper: AirMesh / TPU Exo-Skeleton / Dynamic ProTechTion™ Reinforcements / Thermal adhesive microfiber / TPU Toecap
  • Lining: AirMesh (heel only)
  • Midsole: 3mm LaSpEVA / Dual-Injection Shock Absorbing MEMlex EVA / Cushion Platform™ / TPU STB inserts
  • Sole: FriXion® XT 2.0/ Trail Rocker™ with Impact Brake System™
  • Cushioning: Midsole: 30A

In-Shoe Comfort:

  • Highly breathable 3D AirMesh upper is very accommodating and snugs up to any volume foot
  • STB stabilization technology on both sides of the midsole reduces torsion and increases stability for precise control on any terrain

Durability & Traction:

  • Dynamic ProTechTion™ HF overlays on the forefoot provide lightweight, flexible protection
  • Dual-injection MEMlex EVA reduces shock as you run over rocky, tough terrain, while the cushion platform assures a springy feel underfoot mile after mile
  • FriXion® XT outsole and trail rocker not only provide traction but also promote a smooth and rolling heel-to-toe motion for an unimpeded stride

Additional Details:

  • Weight: 10.9oz (310g)
  • Laces: 100% Recycled Polyester
  • Insole: Ortholite Hybrid with 5% recycled rubber + 15% production waste foam
  • Lug Depth: 4.5mm
  • Drop: 6mm; Stack: Toe: 25mm / Heel: 31mm
  • Brand : La Sportiva
  • Country of Origin : Imported
  • Web ID: 21QPDMKSH2BLKYLLWMNS

REVIEWS

4.3
84%
Recommended

24 Reviews

Good Low Volume Option But Material Issues 1st Use

Good fit for lower volume feet, but concerned about durability. After one outing of just under 8 miles, the toe cap on the right shoe is starting to peel off. Agree with another comment about a lower heel fit, but you get used to it. Definitely need to size up. Usually where size US 13 sneakers, sometimes a 12.5 is best, but needed 47.5 for these.

All Around Greatness

Jesus people how long do you expect a pair of shoes to last? Whining about durability issues is just crying. I put these through so much for two years and just now I'm buying a new pair. This is absolutely the best all around shoe they make when it comes to comfort vs. performance. Don't believe that whiny babies trying to score a free pair of shoes. They're dorks.

Fits Like A Glove - Best Trail Runner

Best trail runner I have owned! As someone with long, skinny feet (EU 49), I have never had a pair of shoes that properly fit around my foot properly. Always way too much material because I guess manufactures assume long foot = wide foot? But this shoe... WOW. Perfect fit all around. Solid grip for scrambling too.

Great Mountain Shoe

This is a great shoe for the right purpose. It is not my favorite running shoe. Too much drop and too narrow for me. However, it is my favorite crossover running/scrambling shoe. For big mileage days in the mountains with lots of 4th class scrambling, this is my go-to. Please make these shoes forever.

Park City, Utah - Daily Drivers

These are great for running on trails and walking around town in Utah.

Trail-tested Review: La Sportiva Akasha Ii (500+m)

As someone who’s relatively new to trail running—with just a few years under my belt—the La Sportiva Akasha II was my first dedicated trail running shoe, and it has exceeded all expectations. I currently have over 500 miles on this pair, and it’s been my go-to for all training runs and races, including 25-mile, 50-mile, and even 100-mile distances. I live and train in the Rocky Mountains, where the terrain is rugged, technical, and constantly changing. The Akasha II handles it all brilliantly. The grip is phenomenal, offering reliable traction on steep ascents, loose descents, and everything in between. Cushioning is comfortable enough for long distances without feeling overly soft or unstable. It strikes a nice balance between responsiveness and protection, especially on rocky, uneven trails. I ordered the same size I wear in all my other shoes, and the fit was just right—secure through the midfoot and heel, with enough room in the toe box to handle long-distance foot swelling. In short, the Akasha II is a workhorse—ideal for newer trail runners like myself and experienced ultra-distance athletes alike. I’d highly recommend it to anyone tackling technical terrain or aiming for high-mileage training and racing.

Solid Fit And Responsive Rebound

I bought these a week ago just took them out on my first run with them I do my uphill trail path near my house not necessarily trying to sprint and literally from almost a month ago I shaved off a minute from my previous runs with no prior attempts amazing rebound from the shoe with no insole added so I truly love the shoe already can’t wait to eventually set a new PR

Great Shoe But Let Down By Durability Issues Now.

I have loved the Akasha shoe and it's the main shoe I do all my trail running in. I have done UTMB in Chamonix in them and they are almost perfect. Super grip in all conditions, so comfortable. Work great on the tar as well as muddy trails in the UK. I had 5 pairs of the original Akasha which were built tougher and soles wore down before holes developed in the uppers. However the new Akasha 2 is very undurable. The upper develops holes at the toe box usually within 250/300km. Sadly my current pair lasted less then 150km before this started. I have had 3 pairs replaced by La Sportiva importer but time to switch shoe brands sadly. Think I've had about 8 pairs of the new Akashas and as much as I love them time to switch brands. I still have 4 other la sportivia trail shoes in my quiver for now though. 😅

Grippy!

Great Shoe! Just as described. Where others slip slide and fear. I do not. A pleasant surprise on ice and snow as well. My best times in the mountains , running the jetty guantlets, you name it, other than when I need my Qubes, are with these shoes.

Love These Shoes!

These are the best trail shoes. I hike. I hike a lot. I put hundreds of miles on these and they are fantastic. This is my third paid of them and don't see myself switching them out for a long time. Comfortable. Stable. Breathable. I did GC Rim2Rim as a day-hike in these. Mt Whitney day-hike. All over Joshua Tree and the San Bernardino Mountains. White Mountains, Death Valley, and much of the Mojave Desert. Durable and tons of grip, especially when scrambling. Some LS shoes are narrow in the toe box but these have a lot of room. Only thing I'd add is a rock plate. Love. These. Shoes.

Great Shoe!

These are a fantastic shoe. I've been running in these shoes since 2022 and go through about 2 pairs per season. I was previously running in Hoka Speedgoats but I wanted something with better lateral stability while still being cushioned. I've never had a shoe fail on me and only needed to replace once I wore down the lugs.

Great Grip, But Little To No Pronation Control

Great grip, but little to no pronation control. Tread is really soft, so they will wear very quick if you touch any kind of concrete. Had to stop using these due to the lack of stability, just how they are with me.

No Longer Offers Narrow Sizes

I have purchased 5+ pairs of La Sportiva running shoes for trail running. It now looks like they are no longer catering to ruuners like myself that have narrow feet. The shoe size is for wide feet only so I’m going to look at alternatives.

Different Sizes In Colors

Amazing long distance shoe. However, it should be a crime the size difference between the two color ways. I thought I was gtg out of the box going from one color to the other in the same size. Not the case. The blk/ylw was huge for me.

Best Mountain Shoe Ever For Real Distance And Terr

I have been a mountain runner/hiker for over 20 years and have literally run in over 100 different shoes and styles. I have never had a shoe with the comfort, durability, precision, and simply greatness as the Akasha. This is without a doubt the best longer distance mountain shoe for real terrain that is out there. It’s not surprising that this shoe has finished the Barkeley Marathons on more than one occasion. This is the shoe I would own if I only could own one for everything.

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