One of my go-to shoes is La Sportiva’s Karacal. 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 they see the shoe on Instagram a lot. 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. What I like about the Karacal is that it has a 7mm drop with a stack of 29mm heel to 22mm toe. The Midsole is Compression Molded EVA with a 1.5mm Dual-Density EVA Rock-Guard underfoot, meaning you’re not going to feel every pebble you step on, let alone talus, for at least 700 miles (at least in my experience). The sole is made with La Sportiva’s patented FriXion® AT 2.0 rubber, which is what they use for 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 a huge upside for me, as I’ve seen so many people end their season, or even their ability to backpack, after a bad or awkward fall.
The upper is made of 3D seamless mesh that has a no-sew upper with a thermo-adhesive framework. I love this because, 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’ve had pairs last 1,100-1200 miles in some of the harshest conditions, where getting new shoes wasn’t possible.
The shoe also has a cushioned tongue and thermo-formed 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. It’s easy on my feet and doesn’t give me hot spots or blisters like other shoes can. The Karacal’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 10.2oz 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.
For reference, I wear a size 46 IT and I usually wear a 12.5+ US in shoe sizes.
