Backpacker Magazine – Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2010

Gear Review: La Sportiva Crossover GTX Trail Runners

Have the best protection in any weather with these all-season runners.

by: Berne Broudy

Tags:
• Trail runners
|
• Gear
|
• Boots
|

---

Rain? Mud? Scree? No matter how nasty it gets, this all-season runner will keep your feet dry and debris-free. The low-cut mesh upper has a Gore-Tex liner, while an integrated, above-the-ankle, water-shedding gaiter seals out everything without trapping sweat. Testers never got hot feet. “The gaiter is the best I’ve used,” says one tester. “The slightly diagonal toe-to-ankle zip never impeded lace adjustments, and the elastic cinch cord at the top let me create a snug seal without cutting off circulation.” A double layer of Sportiva’s proprietary blend of EVA and rubber from the heel to the arch added extra cushion and protection. Testers said their feet felt supported and stabilized while running and hiking in all trail conditions. “Traction on hardpacked snow is exceptional,” said our tester after dozens of trail runs in Vermont’s Green Mountains. Credit aggressive, concave, sticky rubber lugs that gripped well on slippery surfaces, and easily shed mud and snow. The Crossover has no spikes, so it didn’t grip on hard ice like the Attla (above right), but testers said they’d choose this one for year-round running in wet or debris-prone conditions. $150; 1 lb. 4 oz.; m’s 36-47.5; sportiva.com




Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter