Gear Review: Akasha II Trail Running Shoes by La Sportiva
We put the La Sportiva Akasha II to the test across the Southwest. Here’s why it’s our go-to summer shoe for trail running, hiking, and backpacking.
For those long, sun-soaked days in the mountains, deserts, and canyons, the La Sportiva Akasha II is the ultimate do-it-all trail runner. Whether you're trail running, backpacking, or just moving light and free on rugged terrain, this shoe offers plush cushioning, standout traction, and a dialed-in fit that makes it one of the most comfortable long-distance trail shoes we’ve tested.
La Sportiva sizing can be a little bit chaotic. The Akasha II has the most true-to-size fit of any of their shoes I've tried. I wear a women's 10.5, which means that I wear the Akasha II in men's sizing. They fit me really well and are hands down my most comfortable shoe for hiking and backpacking.
Standout Features
- Cushioned comfort for high-mileage days – Max cushioning with great energy return.
- Frixion® XT outsole with Trail Rocker™ tech – Smooth heel-to-toe transition with grippy performance on a variety of surfaces.
- Breathable upper – Keeps your feet cool on hot desert trails or exposed alpine ridgelines.
- Toe and heel protection – Burly enough for rocky trails, cactus dodging, and scree fields.
- Roomier forefoot – Perfect for long days when your feet swell and need space to move.
Trail Tested in the Southwest
The Akasha II has been my summer ride-or-die shoe across the Southwest for years. I’ve worn them for full-day hikes in the San Juans, slickrock running in Moab, and long, long trail missions through the Sonoran Desert. They excel on mixed terrain and offer that rare combo of cushion + security! Perfect for when your day ends up being 5 miles longer than planned.
They’re airy enough to keep feet from overheating in the sun, but secure and protective enough that I never hesitate to take them on rugged terrain or toss them in for an impromptu backpacking trip. These are the shoes I grab when I don’t know what I’ll get into, but I know I’ll be out all day.
Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.2 oz (women’s) / 10.9 oz (men’s) |
| Drop | 6mm; Stack: Toe: 25mm / Heel: 31mm |
| Outsole | FriXion® XT with Trail Rocker™ and Impact Brake System |
| Midsole | 3mm LaSpEVA / Dual-Injection Shock Absorbing MEMlex EVA / Cushion Platform™ / TPU STB inserts |
| Upper | AAirMesh / TPU Exo-Skeleton / Dynamic ProTechTion™ Reinforcements / Thermal adhesive microfiber / TPU Toecap |
| Fit | True to size with a slightly wider toe box |
| Best For | Long-distance trail runs, backpacking, summer hikes |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cushioned enough for all-day comfort | Not the best for cold, wet conditions |
| Excellent grip on both dry and loose surfaces | Outsole can wear down faster with lots of rock use |
| Breathable and lightweight upper | |
| More room in the toe box than most La Sportiva shoes | |
| Feels stable under light packs for fastpacking |
Packing It Out
If you want a reliable shoe that eats up miles, handles rocky trails and scrambles, and keeps your feet happy all summer long, the La Sportiva Akasha II is it. I keep coming back to these because they’re dependable, forgiving on long days, and they just feel good when you’re out in the wild. Whether you’re scrambling across sandstone or cruising high-alpine singletrack, these shoes bring the comfort and performance you need to keep going.
My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
