La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0
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La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0
$100, 10.7 oz, www.sportiva.com
The Dirt. Debuting about three years ago, the original Crosslites quickly gained an avid fan club for their comfortable fit, sleek, low-to-the-ground feel and stellar all-around trail performance, particularly in wet, muddy conditions. While many devotees might say, Why mess with a good thing?, La Sportiva debuts the significantly altered Crosslite 2.0 (never fear: the original Crosslite is currently still available).
Slip lasted with an injection-molded midsole and thicker (4mm more than the original) forefoot cushioning, the 2.0 provides a noticeably softer ride than the original Crosslite, although testers noted they felt slightly higher off the ground. The elevated ride was somewhat ameliorated by the 2.0’s 8mm heel-to-toe drop versus the Crosslite’s 10mm.
On the trail, testers praised the 2.0’s ability to eat up rough ground, more stable heel pocket and deep-cleated outsoles (for their added cushioning and mud grip). One original Crosslite fan who has worn through numerous pairs noted the 2.0’s overall increased stability and comfort, but said the shoe was clunkier with less trail “feel.”
Fit. The 2.0 fits slightly wider in the forefoot than the original Crosslite, and gives more height in the mid-foot for those with high insteps. It fits narrow to medium feet best, and is one of the most comfortable shoes in our review.
Best For. All-around trail conditions, although some testers felt the lugs were overkill on smoother trails but excelled in mud and snow and gripped well on rock.
Tester-monial. “My favorite thing about the Crosslite 2.0 was its stability. The shoe hugs my foot in all the right places. I also appreciated the great tread; I never lost traction on loose rock, technical trails and snow. My confidence and speed increased the longer I ran in them.” —Blair Speed, Bozeman, Montana