La Sportiva Mutant
La Sportiva's grippy mountain trail shoe — sticky rubber and a locked-down fit for serious terrain.
Specs
- Weight (g)
- 320
- Cushioning
- Balanced
- Stability
- Neutral
- Plate
- None
- Surface
- Trail
- Price
- Premium
- Lifespan (km)
- 700
- Released
- 2022
Lifespan is our editorial estimate — no manufacturer publishes one — as is any figure the linked source does not state.
Best for
The Mutant is La Sportiva's shoe for steep, loose mountain ground, and nearly everything on it points at traction and hold. The outsole is the stickiest FriXion XF rubber, FusionGate lacing locks the midfoot down, and a stretch scree guard deals with debris. At 320 g it is sturdy rather than quick, which is the cost of an upper built to stay put.
It suits you if your runs are steep, loose and technical and you want a balanced shoe that grips and holds your foot rather than floating it. Mountain days and rough routes are its ground, on an Ergo last with an Ortholite Hybrid insole.
It is not a road shoe, and it is not a light, fast-turnover racer. On smooth paths the traction is wasted, and the protective upper costs you some lightness.