A while ago we ran a competition to win a pair of La Sportiva Anakonda running shoes. The lucky winner was Mark from West Yorkshire and he’s kindly sent us a review of his shoes now he’s had chance to get out on the moors and fells and test them out. Here it is:
The La Sportiva Anakonda is manufactured to a high standard. My foot sits low into the shoe which means my foot is feels stable whilst running on uneven ground e.g. tussocks or rocky tracks.
In wet muddy conditions the tread gives good grip and due to the sticky rubber sole it grips better than other fell shoes I have worn. It is breathable and lets water in which for me is not a problem because it drains out well too.
It has a rubber rand around the toe which gives protection if you stub your toes on a stony Lakeland track, especially good when you are tired and can’t seem to lift your legs as high. Even though the midsole is thin it felt reasonably cushioned and I could not feel many stones under them.
On a negative note the heel cup is high without any cushioning which rubbed a blister on both feet at first. The heel tab is getting softer with use so this may not be a problem the more the shoe is worn.
Overall I was impressed with the quality of the product and one of the better pure fell shoes I have used. I would recommend them for Lakeland races over mixed terrain.