La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain footwear, today announces that for the first time in the brand’s history, it will offer wide sizing. Available in the Nucleo High II GTX and the Ultra Raptor Mid II GTX hiking boots initially, the new wide sizes will accompany traditional widths to appeal to a broader customer base. Additionally, La Sportiva introduces the Aequilibrium line of lightweight, technical mountaineering boots, two new mountain running models, four new climbing shoes, and an expanded approach shoe lineup for an extensive new product offering available Spring 2021.
“For years we’ve believed that we could appeal to a broader North American audience by offering a wider fit in some models, particularly hiking boots,” says Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “The new Nucleo High II GTX and the Ultra Raptor Mid II GTX hiking boots are the first two models and we expect that customers will appreciate the additional sizing options. La Sportiva has always appealed to core users and that will never change but by adjusting our sizing in some categories, we can give more customers the opportunity to experience our brand.”
Both the Nucleo High II GTX and the Ultra Raptor Mid II GTX hiking boots will be available in Spring 2021 in traditional sizes and a wide version. The Nucleo High II GTX is a Nubuck leather hiking boot with Gore-Tex Surround technology that provides waterproof breathability around the entire foot and is available Nov. 1 at REI for $199. The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a true light and fast hiking boot inspired by one of La Sportiva’s most rugged trail running shoes, the Ultra Raptor. Designed to withstand the harshest conditions on unpredictable terrain, the stable, all-terrain cushioning is the perfect options for hikers who like to move efficiently on rough, wet trails. Available exclusively at REI in Spring 2021, the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX will retail for $175.
Long known for building superior mountaineering boots, La Sportiva introduces a new series for Spring 2021 called Aequilibrium. Achieving equilibrium between technical performance and the demands for modern alpinists and mountaineers is a perpetual challenge and La Sportiva has addressed it with three new models. Built from similar DNA on the same last and midsole package, each model addresses a specific need. Low density PU inserts in the midsole deliver high cushion and allow the sole to deform around terrain features to improve traction and grip. The Aequilibirum Top GTX is a 4-season mountain boot with a built-in ergonomic gaiter and Boa fit system on the internal gaiter. The Aequilibirum ST GTX is a lightweight 3-season boot with a synthetic upper while the Aequilibrium LT GTX is also a 3-seaon boot with leather uppers. The Aequilibirum Top GTX will retail for $479, the Aequilibirum ST GTX will retail for $329 and the Aequilibrium LT GTX will retail for $299.
In Mountain Running, La Sportiva brings two new models to the market, the Karacal and the Cyklon. With its high volume fit and sublime cushion, the Karacal delivers performance on the most technical trails with a comfortable feeling underfoot. The 10-ounce, 7mm drop shoe builds on the success of 2020’s Jackal model with a higher volume fit that appeals to more runners. Available in Spring 2021, the Karacal MSRP is $130. Through extensive R&D between La Sportiva and Boa, the Cyklon was designed for sky races and off-road technical terrain for short to medium distances. The 11-ounce, 8mm drop shoe utilizes a BOA lacing system, aggressive traction and a precise fit to deliver stable, comfortable ride. The Cyklon MSRP is $160.
Adding to the already impressive rock shoe offering, La Sportiva introduces a versatile and comfortable shoe for mid-level climbers looking to upgrade, called the Kubo. The Kubo utilizes subtle asymmetry with a modern down-turn to hold the foot in a comfortable position that supports power and precision. The unlined uppers are soft and comfortable to endure long sessions while a sticky patch of toe rubber is integrated into the rand for durability and improved jamming and hooking. The Kubo will retail for $150. Additionally, La Sportiva celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Mythos model with a special limited-edition run of the classic purple colorway that will retail for $155. The Zenit and Aragon models that were introduced for Fall 2020 will now be available in Spring 2021 for $125 and $99 respectively.
Last but not least, the rapidly growing approach category is rounded out with the addition of the TX Guide Leather. The TX Guide Leather combines nubuck and roughout leather, which increases the adaptability and abrasion resistance while maintaining the speed, comfort, and performance of the TX Guide. Available for both men and women, the TX Guide Leather will retail for $149.
The full line of Spring 2021 La Sportiva products, including footwear and apparel for climbing, hiking, mountaineering and mountain running, will be available at outdoor retailers and www.sportiva.com in early 2021. For more information or to request media samples, please contact Cory Lowe at cory.lowe@backbonemedia.net.
