One of my other go-to shoes is La Sportiva’s Jackal. As I’ve said before, I am not a fan of the zero-drop shoes fad. Zero-drop shoes have a higher link to injuries in the lower leg and foot, and this is without the weight of a backpack. I’ve seen a lot of people end their thru-hike from jumping into a zero-drop shoe when their body isn’t used to one (just because the see the shoe on Instagram a lot *eyeroll*). Starting a thru-hike, especially for the first time, puts a lot of physical and mental strain on the body, and that’s without changing the way your body is used to connecting with the ground.
The Jackal has a 7mm drop with a stack of 25mm heel to 19mm toe. The Midsole is compression molded EVA with Infinitoo™ PU inserts, 1.5mm dual density compressed EVA, and a rock-guard underfoot. In addition, it has cushioning EVA – 35A and 32A – in the heel and forefoot, as well as PU inserts – 30A – also in the heel and forefoot. This is technical talk that means you’re not going to feel every pebble you step on, let alone talus, for atleast 600 miles (at least in my experience with this shoe). The sole is made with La Sportiva’s patented FriXion® XT 2.0 rubber – the same one they use with a lot of their famous rock-climbing shoes. Paired with their impact brake system, FLEX inserts, and 3mm lugs, you have amazing traction and stopping power on just about any surface wet or dry. Not falling while hiking is huge for me (as I’m sure it is for you) as I’ve seen many people end their season, or even their ability to backpack, after a bad or awkward fall.
The upper is sandwiched mesh in the toe and tongue of the shoe with no-sew thermo-adhesive reinforcements. I love this because they dry really fast after having to ford a stream, and, unlike other shoes that rip open and fray before the EVA has flattened out, the upper on these shoes looks brand new often long after the EVA and lugs have worn off. I’m talking about having had pairs last 1,100-1200 miles in some of the harshest conditions (where getting new shoes wasn’t possible). The shoe has a TPU toe cap which is nice because after a long day of hiking my effort and coordination are lacking, and I stub my toe a lot and trip often. Having a tough toe keeps me from yelling at rocks and roots late in the day. The lining is an abrasion resistant micro-fiber that I really like all over the shoe, except at my Achilles tendon, where sometimes it rubs excessively, especially when they’ve been in wet conditions for a prolonged period of time.
I typically go for the Karacal by La Sportiva, but I prefer this shoe in desert conditions. The Jackal’s last is wider than the typical La Sportiva shoe, as the brand is typically known for being narrow, so I get a nice fit without the shoe being sloppy on my foot like a clown shoe. Finally, the men’s shoe weighs in at about 10.5oz depending on the size, which for me is great when you think about all the features. Less weight on your feet means less exertion and wear on your body, which over the course of 800 – 3000+ miles – every little bit helps.
Again, for reference, I wear a size 46 IT and I usually wear a 12.5+ in US shoe sizes.
