La Sportiva released its footwear line for fall 2023. The new collection is designed for runners, climbers, mountaineers, and skiers, representing an evolution in winter gear with advanced technologies.
“High altitude mountaineering is one of the most perilous activities that an athlete can embark on,” said Jonathan Lantz, president, La Sportiva North America. “The combination of frigid temperatures and a low concentration of oxygen makes for an incredibly inhospitable environment where warmth and reliability from your footwear is essential for survival. The new G-Summit is designed to meet the needs of the mountaineers that dare to tackle these treacherous objectives.”
Weighing in at 830 grams, the G-Summit “sets a new benchmark” for high-altitude technical mountaineering. La Sportiva set out to fulfill two needs in the climbing community with this boot. The first was to create a warm single boot for high-altitude climbing, and the second was to create a precise double boot for extended expeditions in challenging climates. To achieve this, the Italian brand included an additional liner that turns the G-Summit into a double boot for increased warmth in sub-zero temperatures. The G-Summit comes equipped with a Vibram Dura Step compound for grip in low temperatures and wet terrain. The boot includes an integrated Boa fit system for adjustment while wearing gloves in arctic temperatures.
The Jackal II GTX is a winter companion for runners. The cushioned trail runner features a wide, high-volume fit and a FriXion XT 2.0 rubber compound for grip on icy roads and snowy trails. The new iteration keeps what worked from the first version, adding an eco-friendly lightweight upper for increased breathability and helping the shoe to shed nearly an ounce of weight. A Gore-Tex Invisible Fit liner with Gore-Flex protects runner’s feet from the elements without altering the shoe’s fit, while a combination of EVA and Infinitoo PU inserts in the midsole provide responsive cushioning to propel runners over distances.
Built off the award-winning TC Pro platform, the TC Extreme is a performance climbing shoe for challenging routes in frigid conditions. It comes with added insulation and a weather-resistant gaiter. A supported midsole is combined with a P3 patented system to maintain the shoe’s shape, while a Vibram XS Grip2 rubber compound provides performance in cold conditions.
La Sportiva is releasing two lightweight ski boots for the 2023 season, the Stratos VI and the Raceborg II.
The Stratos VI, the reference point for the other products in this category, is a 530-gram full-carbon boot handmade in the company’s Italian factory. The construction reduces weight without sacrificing durability. Dampening inserts reduce vibrations in the shell at high speeds for performance in intense race situations.
The Raceborg II is a 735-gram hybrid Grilamid and carbon fiber boot. One of the “lightest boots on the market,” the Raceborg II offers high performance that combines light and elastic-plastic materials with responsive carbon fiber. The race-ready boot can be punched and stretched to accommodate a variety of foot shapes and includes a new locking system, derived from the Stratos VI.
Photos courtesy La Sportiva