La Sportiva Skylite 2.0 Review
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The La Sportiva Skylite 2.0 trail running shoe is a no-nonsense speed machine! La Sportiva is specialized in off-road footwear. They even refer to trail running as ‘mountain running’, because trail running sounds like something your grandma might be able to do.
The Skylite 2.0 builds on a long tradition of rock-solid off-road shoes. These are some of my favorite trail shoes due to super fit and unparalleled traction. This model is built on the same upper as the X-Country but with a less aggressively-lugged outsole for groomed trails and road/trail combo runs.
It sports a built-in lace cover that you’ve seen on other Sportiva shoes in this family- a feature that polarizes runners. I think the feature works better here than in some of their other models, due to the round, low-friction laces. The lace cover definitely keep trail dust and grit out and reinforces the very secure fit of the Skylite 2.0. The rest of the upper fits the M.O. of the shoe, wrapping your foot in a single piece of seamless mesh that is not super breathable, but very durable and supportive. Some of the lower portion of the upper is laminated in a water-resistant rubberized overlay like some other Sportiva models, and it is effective to keep puddles out. The toe os reinforced by a substantial rubber toe wrap that does a great job of protecting the toes from impact. One awesome feature of the Skylite 2 is the heel pull tab- a simple, rubber tab that flips up for use, then securely flips down to stay out of the way. Simple. Effective.
The base of the Skylite is fittingly built for speed. The midsole is firm and responsive, not cushy. This combined with the Skylite’s low (6mm) heel to toe drop, creates a great platform for fast trail dashes. The midsole is firm enough that the Skylite is not very comfortable for long stretches on concrete or pavement, but shines on trail. The footbed is highly sculpted and has a rather large rise under the arch. This caused some irritation with certain socks, and I have rather high arches, so be sure to try this shoe on before buying if you have low to average-height arches.
The outsole of the Skylite 2.0 has lower-profile lugs but is made of the same sticky Frixion compound which gives the shoe great traction on its intended surface. I had no trouble on smooth dirt trail or grass. For those looking for something more conducive to super-aggressive terrain, look to Sportiva’s X-Country or Crosslite.
Overall, the Sportiva Skylite is a super-effective training and racing shoe for fast running on less-aggressive off-road terrain. With its 9.5oz. weight, super fit, and firm base, it wont let you down the next time you’re bombing your favorite descent looking to crack your PR.
MSRP $105 For more information on the Skylite 2.0 and other La Sportiva footwear, visit www.sportiva.com or www.amazon.com/lasportiva.
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From La Sportiva:
- Slip lasted upper on the ergonomically sculpted midsole creates super responsive performance
- Low profile lightweight outsole for runners looking for a more minimalist feel
- AirMesh upper is highly breathable while protecting your feet from trail obstacles
- IDEAL TERRAIN: trail racing and running in technical terrain
- WEIGHT: 269g./ 9.5 oz.
- UPPER: AirMesh/ Uretech
- LAST/FIT: Tempo 2
- LINING: Mesh
- MIDSOLE: MEMlex/TPU stabilizer
- SOLE: FriXion® AT/ Impact Brake SystemÔ2-LiteÔ
- DELTA H: Heel 21mm Toe: 15mm Delta H: 6mm
- CUSHIONING: Midsole 32A
- SIZES: 37-47.5 (half sizes)
