La Sportiva Karacal

Conforms well to a slightly narrow foot with average arch height. Lacing system stays in place, which benefits those who prefer laces that don't adjust while in use. Lugs on sole are tall enough for grip, but low enough to still feel the ground on harder surfaces.

These shoes fit well for a slightly narrow foot. I prefer a shoe that envelopes my entire foot and then flexes with it as I land in different positions. Wide toe box shoes are not for me. I prefer a narrow toe tip that only contacts the ground where my foot is. Wider boxes result in my foot being awkwardly torqued in very rocky areas.

I prefer a shoe that contacts a large section of the top of my foot. This shoe does that, which seems to help me avoid blisters from my foot moving around too much. Breathability seems fine, but I live in a dry climate so it's unclear how these would work on the East Coast.

The lacing system seems secure and robust with two tongue loops to keep the tongue from shifting to the side.

I run smooth and technical rocky trails, 5-15 miles, 2k-5k elev gain.