I’m still a rookie in terms of gear review. I won’t review all the different pieces of gear I own, I’ll just focus on some which seem to be more interesting than the average. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

What we talk about:

La Sportiva Anakonda trail runners. A shoe designed for trail running and cross training. It is basically an upgrated version of the well known X-Country.

It is what we might call a minimalist shoe. Lightweight, not waterproof, no soft lining or big comfy tongue. As trail running shoes, they’re supposed to be used in rough and challenging conditions: rocky, wet, muddy terrain.

My personal use:

I’ve been using these shoes for about six months, and I must confess I’m giving them some hard time. I wear them mostly when hiking and packrafting.

I used them during my last Lapland trip which consisted mostly in bushwhacking and packrafting. They’ve been wet all trip long. They’re not waterproof at all and that’s the point. They drain water easily and dry super fast. The removable insole doesn’t absorb water so much and dries very fast as well. They’ve been wet all trip long because I didn’t care going through swamps, streams as well as going in and out my packraft in knee-level water. They worked just great with a pair of TEKO socks (which are my new favorites).

I also like the look of them. I own a pair of Salomon Speedcross 3 which look awful with their agressive style compared to the Anakonda (don’t take my word for it, those are great shoes too).

In use:

After a few months of quite intense use they’re still in good shape. I was a little bit concerned about the “mesh” on the vamp, but so far so good: no holes or serious scratches.

When I headed for the outdoor retailer 6 months ago with the idea of  getting a new pair of trail shoes, I was first going for some Inov8 shoes.  I tried some and then switched to the La Sportiva. What convinced me was the roomy toe box and the super thin collar (it dries faster). But don’t be afraid of this last point, they are really comfortable.

The reinforced counter is a great feature too. It has more than useful on wet rocky terrain and protected me well.

The outsole has a good grip, even after six months of use.

Conclusion:

I’m in love. These shoes are versatile, efficient and look great. I couldn’t ask more. I used them in different conditions: above 30°c and around freezing, in dry and wet environment and they handled it. They’re not necessarily cheap but quality has a price. Above all it’s a tough shoe (albeit minimalist) you feel secure with, then it’s a great value.

Technical specifications: (stolen from La Sportiva website)

WEIGHT:  10.00 oz  / 286 g

UPPER: AirMesh/ Poly Grid™/ TPU Transkinetic Heel Stabilizer

LINING: EZ-in™ Heel Pocket/ Wicking EVA AirMesh

MIDSOLE: MEMlex/ UltraGuard™ EVA Insert

DROP (MM):  4mm

CUSHIONING: Midsole 45A

SOLE: FriXion® XF/ Impact Brake System™ V-Groove™

 

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