La Sportiva Akasha long term use review - is this shoe good for Sport Walking?
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- Опубліковано 18 лют 2018
- We put the La Sportiva Akasha through it's paces as a Sport Walking shoe, quite literally... it survived 100k at Race to the Stones, 50k at Salisbury 54321, as well as six months worth of hard training on the trails.
Watch to find out what we thought.
You can also read the transcript of the review at www.sportwalk.net
Please give your thoughts and experiences of this shoe in the comments section. Do you agree with our findings or did you have a different experience?
Good comprehensive review iv ordered a pair can't wait to get them.
Thanks, hope they work for you!
That's a great review. What is your opinion on these vs the bushidos for hiking on rough rocky terrain? To give you an idea of the terrain I bought some altra timps which were destroyed after a single use. Hope to get a refund!
Dimitris, Hi. Sorry it looks like we missed your comment completely, apologies for that. Bushidos are best in our experience for technical ground like mountain ridges or for shorter distances in summer, on trails that don't offer too much difficulty - like woodland tracks. They're made for Sky running type environments, so excellent on rock but because they're quite lightweight, maybe not so good on 'rocky ground'. By that we mean, they won't give as much structural support as the Akasha when the ground is just rocky and disruptive. Hope that doesn't sound like a contradiction but for us, we'd use Akashas for any non-mountain type ground - even rocky ground that's just rough (because they give good support) and then we'd use the Bushidos for technical rock scrambling and also just as a really nice light shoe in hot weather on trails that are quite easy going. Again, sorry for missing your comment!
Great review. Is there much heel cushioning? I've found some La Sportiva shoes have very little cushioning in the heel.
Hi Alan. Thanks, glad you liked it. There’s plenty of heel cushioning in this one. It’s their ultra model so designed for long hard hours on the trail. I’ve used them for 100k & 100 mile non-stop challenges & didn’t even need to change socks! Models like Bushido are quite paired down but if you’re looking for a distance shoe you won’t be disappointed 🙂
@@sportwalk Thanks. I have a pair of Ultra Raptors which have very little heel cushioning. I actually drilled holes into the side of the heel to make it less harsh ( it actually worked ). Would you go up more than one size?
It depends on the model really, as I’ve found different models come up longer than others. For my Akashas I use a 45.5, whereas for normal shoes I’m 44 but with my Bishidos I’m a 45, so to be honest it’s a case of trial & error really. Good intel on the Raptors! I’ve not tried them but was looking at them as an option, so it’s good to know. 👍
@@sportwalk Thanks for your help.
Hello, thanks for the video! Have you had the chance to try the Saucony Xodus 10? I wonder which of these models (Akasha VS Xodus) have more cushion on the forefoot... Thanks!
Hi Antonio. We haven’t no but would be interested to see how they compare too. I’ve tried Saucony once before but found them too wide for my feet. Those were road shoes though. If you get a chance to try both before us, would be keen to hear what you think.
@@sportwalk Thanks for the quick reply. I'll probably get back to you on Wednesday with my thoughts on both models (when used for 'rucking,' not for running ;-) l'm saying Wednesday because it's when my new Akashas should arrive (I already got the Xodus 10).
@@sportwalk I received the La Sportiva and l really, really liked them. Unfortunately, even though my usual size is 8.5 - 9 UK, these are 'extra-short.' The width is fine (on the narrow side), but the length is just too short. I ordered size 9 UK and l don't think l'd have room for my toe nails when they grow ;-) I mean, they are so short that l'm considering ordering a size 10 UK so that l have a bit of room as it's often recommended. Crazy. Other than that, I thought these were a keeper.
Compared to the Saucony Xodus 10, the Akasha has significantly less cushioning (therefore they have a firmer ride) and are a much more snug fit, "glove like" feeling. The Xodus 10 have noticeably more cushioning and have a more 'relaxed' fit. The Akasha are more robust, protective and surprisingly agile (it's incredibly easy to walk in them, at least the few steps l took at home.
I wanted a trail shoe with extra cushioning in the forefoot and for that the Xodus 10 is the model to pick, no doubt. If l was a runner, l'd keep the Xodus 10 as they feel more like a running shoe to me. Since l'm a hiker and considering the hikes l have in mind in the short term (CWT), l think l'll give the Akashas a try as l won't be walking in hard surfaces with them (just a few kilometres here and there). For my future plans (CDT), l'll buy a pair of Xodus 10 as l'll be needing the extra cushioning and softer ride. The Akashas are really firm and their cushioning, although there, is also quite firm.
I hope my impressions of the 2 shoes help other people. Again, thanks for the video!
Thanks for such a thorough review Antonio, really useful! Don’t worry too much about the Akashas feeling firmer. It doesn’t translate into soreness. I walked the 100 miles of the South Downs Way non-stop in them last year & never even took them off for the whole walk. I know what you mean about the length. I generally wear a 45 for my road running shoes but needed a 46 initially with the Akashas, although I’ve now gone down to a 45.5. I think they do take a little experimentation to find exactly the right size. I hope if you can get the size that fits best you’ll grow to love them as much as I do. Also worth looking at the Lycan too for shorter distances. I’ve been using the GTX version for all my winter training & they’re very good. Thanks for taking the trouble to share your thoughts on these shoes, it’s much appreciated! All the best. Roger
I’ve got the Xodus. They are like many Saucony...bit to much room for my average/maybe slightly narrower feet. The power run+ is fantastic, They are fairly cushy with a decent stack height, (Second only to Sauconies new canyon trail runner. So if you have a bit of a wider foot the Xodus are awesome. I still use them on packed dirt to medium soft flat dirt trails. Anywhere with lots of roots and rocks and they don’t hold snug enough on me. But may be perfect on someone else’s foot. Saucony Peregrines are a snugger fit than the Xodus, Xodus are between the Peregrine and Mad Rivers in terms of roominess.
Hello!
What is your opinion regarding Akasha vs Ultra Raptor? Which one would you recomend and why?
Thanks.
Hi. We’ve not worn or tested the Ultra Raptor so can’t really make a comparison but what we do know from the info about them & reviews we’ve read is that they’re a little more roomy in the toe area and slightly heavier than Akashas, although it’s not a big weight difference. We get the impression that the Raptors are more of a heavy duty shoe & the midsole & outsole certainly look that way. Looking at the tread on the outsole I don’t think there’s a big difference between the Raptors & Akashas, so the grip should be about the same. I think the Akashas are a bit more streamlined & what you could call ‘racy’. It’s a personal opinion but I’ve not seen anything in any reviews that would tempt me to switch from Akashas to Raptors for my ultra challenges & that’s not in anyway to say that I wouldn’t use them, I would if they filled a gap in my shoe collection! I think really, it’s a question of trying them if you’re tempted but if you’re looking at both shoes for the first time, I’d definitely recommend trying the Akashas first because if they fit you & you like them, you won’t find a better ultra shoe. Sorry I can’t give you more help but if you do try the Raptors let us know how you get on. All the best. Roger
@@sportwalk Hello! 🙂
After 2 years of using Ultra Raptor, I would say U.R. Is like a Hummer. H1, not H2. But with the seats taken from Bentley. 😃
Now I'm looking for an alternative, to try something else and Akasha is one of the options.
How relevant are Akira and Jackal, comparing with Akasha?
Thanks. ⛰️🏃♀️🌞
I like the Bentley seat analogy! 😆 The Jackal was rumoured to be the replacement for the Akasha but now they’ve brought out an Akasha 2, I think it’s just another option. From what I know the Jackal fits into the same ultra category as the Akasha, so it should be a good alternative option. The only thing that worries me a little about the Jackal is the achilles support at the back, as they’ve moved away from the v shaped achilles support & I’ve read a couple of reviews where they said this wasn’t as comfortable as the normal v shaped support. It may not be an issue & I’ve not tried them so can’t say for sure but Jackals are certainly a comparable option to Akashas.
The Akyra is a stability shoe so really mainly designed for people with over-pronation issues, although I don’t think that precludes using them if you don’t over-pronate. I know they’re also recommended for hiking, mainly because of that extra arch support. For me, the Akyra doesn’t offer anything over the other two unless you’re looking for a stability shoe.
So, overall, you could choose either of these three & have a good experience & much will depend on how each feels when you try them but I think all should tick the right boxes for an Ultra Raptor replacement. Be interested to hear how you get on. Cheers. Roger
As far as I can tell, they have discontinued the Akasha. Are you still using them, or do you have a new favorite shoe?
That’s news to me, maybe they’ve replaced it with a new model. Thanks for the tip off, as I need to get a new pair. I’m still using & it’s still my favourite ultra shoe, although the Lycan is probably my favourite marathon distance shoe now. I’ll have to investigate! Cheers
Just checked the website & they’re still in the range, so panic over! 😆
Final update! So, I think you’re right & it seems Akasha is being replaced by the Jackal. Seems like all the stocks online are the last. Managed to grab a pair direct from Sportiva, so that should last me this & maybe next season. It seems like the Jackal has been designed to take over all the key benefits of the Akasha although it looks like it might have a lower drop. I guess when the time comes I’ll find out!
@@sportwalk I tried Sportiva's website (in the U.S.), but the Akasha is gone. Thought I might give them a try. I'll take a look at the Lycan, though. Thanks!