La Sportiva Wildcat 3.0

Really a thoughtfully designed shoe that is perfect for long-distance days or backpacking trips. The sole of the shoe can handle conditions ranging from desert sand to patchy alpine snow. I would strongly recommend this shoe for anyone hiking or backpacking with less than 35 lbs of gear.

This shoe is ideal for someone who has a traditional foot shape and wants lightweight footwear, but still wants a shoe with structure and rigidity. Individuals with wide feet should consider other options due to the slightly narrow toe box.

I've owned five pairs and averaged 750 miles before significant blow outs occur on the outer edge of the shoe. The shoe fits snuggly between heel and toe and provides decent arch support, though I would recommend removing the stock insole and opting for SuperFeet or something similar.

The break-in period is minimal and I have yet to sprout a blister during the lifespan of any Wildcat pair I've owned. The shoe does not provide any more or less ankle support than other low-top trail runners and would not be ideal for individuals with loads of 36 pounds or more.

While the venting system is perfect for scorching days, heat escapes equally as well in cold conditions. The jagged and raised tread pattern works great in all conditions when new, however as the shoe ages and the raised pattern becomes uniform, the shoes can lose significant grip.

I've used these shoes to bike from Florida to California, hike the entirety of the PCT, and daily day hikes with my dogs. These shoes are very serviceable and seem to withstand punishment better than other trail runners.