| Gender | Men , Women |
| Cushion | Neutral |
| Year | 2017 |
As the name says, the La Sportiva Unika shoes are truly unique in terms of their design and the innovative technologies that the company has developed specifically for this edition, such as the new Infinitoo midsole and the sock-like design that make them more adaptable for trail running.
The upper of these shoes is made of a synthetic material that resembles a canvas which is able to provide durability and ventilation. The construction is asymmetrical, which allows the upper to better accommodate the foot and its movements. Some heat seals have been added which increase the shoe's durability by reinforcing specific areas such as the contour of the forefoot.
The main detail in the upper design is a lateral layer that joins the heel cup and the lacing system. Thanks to this system, the sides of the shoe can be adjusted according to the width of the user's foot. The asymmetrical opening in the upper better accommodates the anatomy of the foot, while the thin, round laces are adjusted by a quick lacing system.
The interior of the shoe is another key feature. A sock-like construction has been chosen for the design to provide a better fit and greater comfort to the foot. It has also been chosen not to place an internal insole so that the feet will have direct contact with the midsole. While this detail may give us the impression that the shoes will not be as comfortable, the truth is that the characteristics of the new midsole mean that we do not miss the feeling of softness in our feet.
As we have mentioned, the midsole of the La Sportiva Unika features a new material developed by the firm which has been named Infinitoo. The main quality of this material is its excellent energy return, as well as its durability. Being a softer and more adaptive material than traditional EVA rubber, it is able to maintain its cushioning characteristics for longer.
While using the shoes we will notice how the material adapts to the shape of the foot when it presses on the midsole, but we can also perceive how the material returns to its original position in the take-off phase, this translates into a better energy return that will make the transition from the heel to the toes smoother.
On the outsoles we also see a new material, a new version of the Frixion compound, this time called Frixion White which offers more grip than previous editions of the same material, this way the outsoles will be able to offer more traction on technical terrain.
The lugs have a multidirectional design that adapts to the different movements during the race; the sole has some holes through which we can see the midsole, these holes are intended to provide greater flexibility to the shoe while decreasing the weight of this. A novelty with respect to the material of the sole is that we can choose the color to create more customized versions of the shoe.
With their characteristics, the La Sportiva Unika shoes are ideal for medium and long distance races on technical terrain. The grip and comfort will be remarkable, in addition to a totally innovative style that will not go unnoticed.