Field Tests Overview:

During the field-testing period of two months, I have worn the La Sportiva Rajas primarily for trail running and day hiking. Trails have included everything from utilizing single track mountain-bike trails, maintained hiking trails, old road beds to bushwhacking through forest and rocky outcroppings. Elevation changes have been constant but moderate. Most terrain was between 800 ft (240 m) and 1200 ft (370 m). Temperature ranges were from 10 F (-12 C) to approximately 60 F (16 C). Rain, snow and clouds prevailed.

Trail runs were primarily between 6 and 7 mi (10 km and 11 km) in length while day hikes were mostly in the 6 -10 mi (7 km -16 km) range. I wore a waistbelt (Ultimate) complete with hydration, snacks and emergency gear during trail runs. I hiked with a lightweight backpack (Gregory G Pack) with normally about 15 lb (6.80 kg) of gear.

Comfort/Fit: The Women's Rajas have been one of the most well fitting and comfortable trail shoes I have ever owned. As I explained in my initial report, they were comfortable right out of the box.  During my first few trail runs and day hikes, I didn't have any problems whatsoever. This remains to be true. Wearing them for a few months hasn't decreased the comfort level. There is still plenty of shock absorption in the midsole even while wearing them in cold temperatures that sometimes reconfigure the qualities of certain materials used in footwear.

The  fit of the shoe is remarkable. The lacing system ensures a good fit throughout the length of the shoe. The lace system starts closer to the front toes of the shoes than any other trail shoes I have owned (2.25 in /5.72 cm) from the end). This innovative feature allows any extra room in the toe box to be tightened if needed. I would suggest that the shoe in general has a low-volume profile.

Traction: Did the Rajas provide enough traction for different surface conditions? The soles of the Rajas are made with FriXion compounds for stickiness and they have a Trail Bite decoupled heel that is supposed to help in maintaining a position without slipping. During the early part of the field-testing period, I had plenty of opportunity to test the Rajas on both aggressively-positioned dry rock outcropping as well as wet and slippery surfaces including rain-slicked rock and trails heavy with thick layers of fallen autumn leaves. I was somewhat apprehensive at first as to how far I should trust the soles of the Rajas to keep me from slipping. I was overcautious at first but then I became more confident in their holding power. I am never totally carefree while I am trail running as there are too many obstacles, but the Rajas gave me more security than I am used to having. The traction was more dependable than other trails shoes that I have worn ( I have been trail running for close to 20 years now. Initially I wore just regular running shoes until trail type shoes began to be marketed).

What about snow? Running on snow is somewhat of a different sport. I have always adjusted my foot plant to be more secure (more flatfooted).  Snow is a bit tricky as the moisture content and type varies tremendously. A thick layer of very wet snow is still very slippery and I don't feel very confident in adjusting my style. I have found that dry snow or powdery snow is easier to run in as it displaces the snow as I go. I prefer using the Rajas with my running snowshoes (Redfeather Titanium) to get a better or more secure workout.

Ventilation: I have normally worn Gortex-lined trail shoes in the winter months so I was concerned about the Rajas not providing enough protection from the elements. Would my feet be cold? So far, it hasn't been an issue. Since my trail runs don't take more than 60-80 minutes, my feet don't get a chance to be cold. The snow of course makes the shoes wet as well as my socks. I have worn both thin SmartWool running socks and thicker cushioned wool Darn Tough Socks and I have found little difference during the run itself in comfort. The key is to remove the wet shoes and socks as soon as I get back to the car at the trailhead or I quickly chill. I replace them with a dry pair of socks and shoes.

Care: To be perfectly honest. I haven't done anything special to clean the Rajas. Running through snow cleans them for me. The only thing I have to do is let them dry naturally between outings. I remove the thin footbed insert to let them dry quicker. The uppers are very quick-drying and they are normally ready for the next day if needed.

Concerns: The only thing that has been bothersome so far is that the heel area likes to fold inward while I am putting the shoes on my feet. I do use the heel tab (that measures 0.625 in (1.59 cm) in width and 1 in (2.54 cm) in length but many times the heel still likes to fold inward. I usually try to adjust that by inserting my fingers into the back of the heel area and pulling that section back outward. Perhaps I need to start loosening the laces more to prevent that from happening. My other dislike is only cosmetic. After many years of buying trail shoes, I can't figure out why women's trail shoes are normally always made in light colors (sometimes even white). Trails are naturally dirty so it doesn't make sense to me to make a trail shoe in a light color. The Rajas came in the color of Apricot that is more like a light peach color. One of the only places that the color would work is in the reddish sands of northern Arizona or at the local mall. I sometimes wonder if the later is what shoes are marketed for. I often look at Men's trail shoes and the colors are much more appropriate for trail use. They often come in colors of dark charcoal gray or deep shades of other colors. I know this is only my opinion but in reality the light colors are quickly ruined by mud and dirt. Luckily I am running in the snow season now, so they actually look quite respectable.

Likes:

• No pressure spots
  
• Extremely comfortable
  
• No slippage inside shoes
• Great traction on rock
• Great fit
• Availability in a size 10.5 US (42.5 EU) - This half size is often unavailable in many shoe models for women

• Color
• Heels of shoes often fold inward when I am putting the shoes on my feet