La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0 Review
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True to its category name called “Mountain Running”, La Sportiva introduces the Crosslite 2.0. If you’re looking for a trail running shoe that only needs to cruse gravel paths, this shoe might not be for you. However, if you’re running technical trails with rock, ruts, mud, ice, snow, or other gnarly obstacles, this shoe is a match made in heaven.

New balance 915 lugs vs. La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0 lugs
One of the features in the La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0 that sets it apart from many other trail running shoes on the market is its lug system. The lugs on the Crosslite 2 provides amazing traction if you find yourself on technical terrain. I tried to find terrain in the Rocky Mountains that would give this shoe a challenge, but I was unsuccessful. Whether it was snow, ice, mud, rocks, etc, the Crosslite 2.o provided great stability and traction. What most amazed me about the traction on this shoe was that it handled great downhill on snow and ice. I personally have never come across a trail shoe with such great grip without using Yaktrax or screws. As I mentioned above, if you are running gravel paths, these shoes would be overkill.
The upper of the La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0 is made of a tightly woven mesh that keeps pretty much all debris out, while still allowing for breathability. One area in which trail runners get a lot of dirt and debris in their shoes is along the tongue and lacing system. To prevent dirt and debris from getting in, La Sportiva uses a flexible fabric that covers up to the top 2 lacing holes. While running through mud, snow, and dry dusty trails, it was rare that I would get small stones and dirt in my shoe.
As “Mountain Runners” are often tough on the toe box of a trail shoe, it is important to have a reinforced toe box to keep you from losing toe nails and getting bruised toes. There is lightweight layer of rubber covering much of the toe box to keep out mud and water and a thicker rubber that spans about two inches wide on the tip of the shoe. With all these layers, I had no fear what-so-ever of damaging my precious toes. The midsole of the La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0 is best for neutral runners as there is no posting in this shoe. To allow for a small amount of stability, the shoes does use a small piece of hard plastic that wraps the shoe from the back of the heal to the midfoot.
If I had a complaint on this shoe, it would have to be the width of the toe box. I found the toe box to be a little narrow, especially on longer runs. For shorter runs, I didn’t notice the narrow toe width as much as I was doing a lot of bobbing and weaving and didn’t have much time to think about the room in the toe box. For longer runs, I felt like my toes were being smashed together at times and the shoe became uncomfortable. This did not happen much, but if you have wide feet, I would definitely try the Crosslite 2.0 on before buying. If you have narrow feet, you should have no problems.
Overall, I was very impressed with the mountain running performance and look of the La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0. This shoe not only performs for hardcore runners, it also looks pretty hardcore. For more information Crosslite 2.0 and other La Sportiva footwear, please visit www.sportiva.com.
Is this a review of the “Raptor Trail” (as pictured), or of the “Crosslite Trail” as referenced in your excellent review.
I am asking because I want a “Neutral” shoe and am wondering if they are each “Neutral” shoes – the “Crosslite” and the “Raptor”.
Thanks
Hi Thomas,
This review is of the Crosslite 2.0 and the shoes pictures are of the Crosslite 2.0. I can see how you might mix them up as they look very similar. As a neutral runner myself, I really enjoy the Crosslite 2.0. Hope this helps!
have put about 50 miles on the 2.0 before they started to tear at the toe fold, both sides of both shoes. wore through two pairs of the crosslites without any problems. haven’t heard of any other tear issues, perhaps i got a lemon.
I would definitely reach out to where you bought them or reach out to Sportiva Customer Service. Historically they have made high quality products.
Heck of a job there, it aoblsuetly helps me out.
Hi Active Gear,
Would you use this pair of shoes for a ultra trail running like 100 mile???
I am actually using the Wildcat on utral trail it is awesome. The crosslite 2.0 have good caracteristic and would like to try in on ultra trail.
@ Scott:
I am having the same problems with the skylite 2.0…tearing up in the front where the rubber toe bumper meets the fabric.(crosslite 2.0 and skylite 2.0 have the same upper construction). I think it is an issue that needs to be addressed by La Sportiva.
Other than that they’re great shoes!
I had the same problem as Scott: I put about 40 miles on a pair of skylite 2.0 (same upper as the crosslite 2.0) and the fabric is starting to tear in front where the toe bumper meets the fabric, on the inside of the shoe. Durability is an issue.
I read other reviews mentioning this problem as well.
I don’t know I want to risk having the same problem buying a pair of crosslite 2.0.
Eddy
We’ve been running in the Crosslite 2.0’s for a few hundred miles and the shoe has been solid thus far with no durability issues. @Eddy, I would call or email La Sportiva customer service about the shoes, they have a good customer service program.
I won the skylite 2.0 in a online contest, so they were free and I don’t think another pair would be any different and I don’t want the hassle of returning things. But I still would like to try the Crosslite 2.0…I’m sure the fit, feel and cushioning is perfect….but the durability is not….what to do.. what to do..? 🙂