Published June 1, 2018 04:41PM
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First Look: La Sportiva Lycan
La Sportiva Lycan
Weight: 9.3 oz, size 8.5 / 41
Drop: 6mm
Stack height: 18mm heel, 12mm toe
Price: $115
The new Lycan by La Sportiva raised immediate interest around the Trail Runner office, with its bright-blue midsole, bold SPORTIVA logo, black mesh upper, techy overlays and matching blue laces. Out of the box, the fit was comfortable with a roomy toebox and cushy mesh upper. It runs about a half size small, which is typical for many people in La Sportiva shoes.
The shoe has a bit of an exoskeleton design, leaving a uniform, almost seamless inner. This feature seemingly decreases blister potential on long runs that involve quick transitions over various terrain like rocks, sand, slickrock and trail. The lacing system locks in the fit and accommodated this tester’s high-instep well.
The midsole is pronounced, cushioned and protective. The relatively low-profile outsole lugs provide security, and the practically seamless inner is excellent.
—Mike Benge is the Editor of Trail Runner Magazine.