La Sportiva Levante

In this mountain shoe product review I want to share with you my experience with the La Sportiva Levante, a trail running shoe designed specifically for the female foot. If you're like me, passionate about middle and long distance running on technical terrain, I know you understand how important it is to find the perfect running shoe. After all, our feet are our best allies in the mountains, right?

In my constant search for the balance between comfort and performance, I came across these trail running shoes from La Sportiva Levante and decided to put them to the test. I'll tell you all about them so you can decide if they're right for you. Here we go.

First impressions running with La Sportiva Levante

When I took the La Sportiva Levante out of the box, the first thing I thought was, wow, these shoes promise a lot. Their design gave me confidence from the very first moment. You know that feeling when you see something and know it's going to perform well? Well, that's what happened to me.

What caught my attention the most was the sock-like design. The ankle area has a fit that at first glance already anticipated a good support. I tried them on and, indeed, they fit my foot like a glove.

Another detail I noticed immediately was their lightness. When I held them, I was surprised at how little they weighed. I thought: "With these I'll be able to run fast". And I wasn't wrong, but we'll get to that.

I found the overall design to be very attractive. La Sportiva has done a good job of creating a shoe that not only promises performance, but also looks good. And let's face it, even if it's not the most important thing, we all like to feel like we're wearing nice shoes, right?

What we liked most about the La Sportiva Levante

After several kilometers with the Levante, I can tell you that there are many things that I loved. Let's break them down:

Fit and comfort.

The sock-like design is not just aesthetic. It provides an exceptional fit, especially in the ankle area. This translates into increased stability and significantly reduces the risk of sprains. If you've ever had to abandon a run because of a sprained ankle, you'll know how important this is.

Lightweight and fast

As I mentioned, these trail running shoes are surprisingly light. On fast and technical terrain, this lightness is very much appreciated. They allow you to maintain an agile pace without feeling like you're dragging extra weight.

Responsive cushioning

The Xfoam midsole is a marvel. It provides shock-absorbing cushioning, but at the same time it is reactive. The result? A "bouncy" feel that propels you through each stride. After several miles, I noticed that my feet felt less fatigued compared to other shoes.

Megagrip outsole

Grip is critical in trail running, and the Megagrip outsole more than delivers. In dry and technical terrain, which is where I've tested these shoes the most, the grip is excellent. It gives you the confidence to attack technical descents without fear of slipping.

Women's specific design

It is not common to find trail running shoes designed exclusively for women. La Sportiva has done its homework in this regard, and it shows. The midfoot and heel fit is especially good.

La Sportiva Levante Opportunities

Being honest, not everything is perfect about the La Sportiva Levante. There are a few aspects that I think La Sportiva could improve on:

• Upper protection: while the upper is lightweight and breathable, which is appreciated on hot days, it lacks protection in key areas. In very technical terrain or with a lot of loose rock, I missed more reinforcement in the forefoot and lateral part of the foot. If you are one of those who like to get into very rough terrain, keep this in mind.
• Performance in wet terrain: In my experience, these shoes shine in dry terrain. However, on wet or muddy trails, their performance drops off a bit. The grip is not optimal in these conditions, and the upper, being so light, gets soaked easily.
• Tight sizing: Keep an eye on this. The Levante size smaller than other La Sportiva models. Also, being designed specifically for the female foot, they can be narrow for some foot types. I recommend that, if you can, try them on before you buy them or order half a size up from your usual size.
• Upper durability: Related to the first point, the lightness of the upper comes at a price. On very aggressive terrain, it could be prone to tearing. If you are someone who sacrifices your shoes for adventure, keep in mind that these may not be the most durable shoes on the market.

Why do I recommend La Sportiva Levante?

After all that's been said, would I recommend the La Sportiva Levante? The answer is a resounding yes, but with some nuances.

I recommend these La Sportiva shoes if:

• You're a technical, lightweight runner: If your running style is based onagility and speed on technical terrain, you're going to love these shoes. Their lightness and reactivity will allow you to fly on this type of terrain.
• You like medium to long distances: Xfoam cushioning shines especially over long distances. If you enjoy spending hours in the mountains, your feet will thank you for it.
• You're looking for comfort without sacrificing performance: The sock-like fit and responsive cushioning make this shoes an excellent choice if you prioritize comfort but don't want to compromise on speed.
• You run primarily on dry, technical terrain: In these conditions, Levante are in their element. The grip is excellent and the lightness will allow you to move with confidence.
• You have a narrow or "typically feminine" foot: Designed specifically for women, if your foot fits this profile, you will find the Levante an exceptional fit.

However, you may want to consider other options if:

• You frequently run on very wet or muddy terrain: As I mentioned before, this is not their strong point.
• You need a lot of foot protection: If your usual routes include very rough terrain or loose rocks, you might miss more protection.
• You have a wide foot: The fit might be too narrow.

The La Sportiva Levante is a shoe that has won my running heart. They are the perfect era for those days when you want to feel light, agile and comfortable in the mountains. They have their weaknesses, like everything else, but in my opinion, their virtues far outweigh them.

If you decide to try them, I'm sure you'll notice the difference. And who knows, maybe La Sportiva Levante will become your new best companions for those long outdoor outings. Because in the end, what are we all looking for? Trail running shoes that allow us to enjoy our passion without worrying about our feet. And in that respect, Levante meet and exceed expectations.

See you on the trails!