La Sportiva Akasha and Lycan II are two of the four models currently available in Thailand. In fact, La Sportiva has a wide range of trail running shoes. If every model were available in Thailand, you might not be able to choose!

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Last September, I took these two models out for a run and would like to share their characteristics with you. I should mention beforehand that the Akasha really surprised me.

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I will start by describing the characteristics of each model, beginning with the Akasha and then the Lycan II. At the end, I will summarize which model is best suited for different types of trail runners.

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La Sportiva Akasha 

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This model is pronounced "Ah-ka-sha." It is one of the brand's most popular models. The brand describes it as a trail running shoe with excellent impact support, a grippy sole, and deep, sharp lugs that can handle all terrains... so I wanted to try it!

Appearance

As for its appearance, I think the colors are very striking and the shape looks sleek. It is quite a stylish pair. The upper material feels good and looks strong and durable.

First time wearing before running

When I tried it on in the store, it felt very secure. The midfoot structure wraps around the foot, providing a good sense of stability. The forefoot area is fairly standard for trail running shoes—slightly narrow, but neither too tight nor too wide... Personally, I prefer trail shoes with a slightly wider forefoot. It feels more comfortable when running downhill, and my toes don't get squeezed.

Actual trail run at Khao Phang, Chumphon

This is my hometown. I often come here to train for trail running. There are loose rock trails, steep dirt paths, and concrete sections below... It happened to rain on the day I trained, which was perfect for testing trail running shoes.

Cushioning while running

The midsole thickness is 31 mm at the heel and 25 mm at the forefoot. For me, this feels agile—neither too thin nor too thick. Running on concrete, it didn't feel particularly harsh. It felt firmer than soft. I ran for three hours in this pair without any foot fatigue. For me, it passes the test if you encounter trail courses with a lot of paved roads and concrete.

Grip

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The brand calls its outsole rubber FRIXION. There are several grip levels, distinguished by different colors, and this Akasha model is red... The lugs are 4.5 mm deep.

After trying it out in a real run, I was genuinely surprised by its grip—10 out of 10. I even came up with a slogan for the Akasha: "If it's grippier than Vibram, it's gotta be the Akasha."

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It didn't slip on wet rocks at all! It also didn't slip on steep, wet paved roads or concrete! It gripped wet dirt paths very well because the lugs are both deep and sharp... This kind of sole is very hard to find! My only regret is that I wish the toebox were a little wider. Then it would be perfect!

Outsole durability

I want to mention this because after running about 35 km, the sole started to show some wear... It is not as durable as a Vibram sole, but compared to typical trail running soles, its durability is average.

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Water drainage

In our country, we experience heat and humidity, frequent rain, and often run through streams, so water drainage is important. Otherwise, your feet can easily get waterlogged... In the Akasha model, water can drain out through the sides of the shoe. It doesn't pool inside. Excellent!

 

La Sportiva Lycan II

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This is a trail running shoe designed by the brand for mid-distance running and speed. It does not offer as much support, but the forefoot is slightly wider than the Akasha model.

Appearance

After seeing how stylish the Akasha is, this model falls short by comparison. To be honest.

First time wearing before running

It feels slightly more comfortable around the forefoot. This is because the Lycan II toebox does not have a TPU cage, so the fabric is more flexible than the Akasha model... The midfoot also has less TPU coverage than the Akasha, so it does not feel as secure, but it is not loose. Once you tighten the laces, it fits normally. I think this model is better suited for people with wide feet and high insteps.

Cushioning while running

The midsole thickness is 26 mm at the heel and 20 mm at the forefoot, which makes it feel slightly firm. The sole is firm rather than soft, and it feels clearly more agile than the Akasha... On concrete roads, it feels harsher than the Akasha. However, compared to trail running shoes with lugs and soles of this thickness, the Lycan II is quite comfortable!

Grip

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It uses blue FRIXION rubber... The lugs are 6.5 mm deep, which is very deep. It grips wet dirt on steep paths well, but you need to apply a little extra pressure because the lugs are not very sharp. Once you can dig into the dirt, the grip is excellent.

However, on wet rocks and wet roads, it was very disappointing—it was extremely slippery. You have to take it slowly and be extra careful when it rains.

Outsole durability

I think it is about the same as the Akasha.

Water drainage

This model does not drain water as well as the Akasha because the shoe's structure encloses it. Water cannot drain out through the sides and must drain out through the top instead.

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In conclusion, who are the Akasha and Lycan II best suited for?

La Sportiva Akasha 

Its characteristics include good support, suitability for long distances, and an extremely grippy sole that can handle any course.

• Suitable for those who enjoy trail running in Northern Thailand, on steep mountains, and in frequent rain. 
• Suitable for courses with roads, footpaths, rocks, and muddy dirt.
• Suitable for those who do not need extremely soft shoes but prefer a grippy sole.

La Sportiva Lycan II

Its characteristics include decent support, excellent agility, good grip on dirt, and a comfortable forefoot.

• Suitable for those running shorter distances, such as 40 km, who want to improve their time.
• Focuses on speed and climbing steep dirt paths.
• For those who like the La Sportiva brand and prefer a more comfortable fit around the forefoot and heel.

That concludes our review of these two trail running shoes. I hope the characteristics I have described help you visualize them and assist in your decision. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to contact us through our page or the store's Line account.

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Those interested in either of these La Sportiva trail running shoes can purchase them at

Website: Click

Shopee: Click

Lazada: Click

Runnercart store, Sukhumvit 22, Bangkok: Click

#Thank you to all the runners who have always supported us at Runnercart.

#We are serious about trail running.

#The most complete trail running equipment in Bangkok.