Personal Data:

Name: Gail Staisil
Age: 53
Gender: Female
Height: 5'9" (1.75 m)
Weight: 132 lb (60 kg)

Shoe Size: 10.5 US (42.5 EU)
Location: Marquette, Michigan USA
Email: woodswoman2001@yahoo.com

Photo Album Website: http://community.webshots.com/user/isleroyalegirl

 

Backpacking Background:

For the last 15 years, backpacking has become a passion. I am a four season backpacker and an off-trail navigator. Although I do take yearly trips to the American West or Southwest, the majority of my trips are in Michigan and Canada. My pack weight varies considerably, but my base weight is under 20 lbs (9.1 kg). I am primarily a tarp camper, who averages over 50 nights a year backpacking in a huge variety of weather conditions, including relentless rain, wet snow and sub zero temps.

Product Information:

Manufacturer:  La Sportiva N.A., Inc.

Website: http://www.sportiva.com

Phone: 1.300.443.8710

Model: Women's Rajas # 308

Model Year: 2005

Size: 10.5 US (42.5 EU)

Manufacturer Weight: 1 lb 12 oz (0.79 kg)

Actual Weight: 1 lb 12.2 oz (0.80 kg) 

Color: Apricot

MSRP: $90 US 

 

Manufacturer's Product Data (Tester's Interpretation)

According to the hangtag that I received with the Rajas, La Sportiva makes a range of footwear for rock climbing, mountain running, hiking and backpacking, and mountaineering. The Rajas belong to the mountain running category which were created for extreme or difficult terrain. Since that describes most perfectly many of the trails that I often hike and run on, I was delighted.

 

The La Sportiva Trail Runners that arrived at my home are the women's version of the Rajas. Specifically designed for a women's foot, they have a different last (Women's Tempo) than the men's selection. They seem to have a number of features that make them ideal for trail running and hiking.  A combination of types of FriXion rubber compounds are used in the sole of the shoe. According to the manufacturer, these sticky compounds were developed for extra grip or traction on rocky surfaces. For additional traction, the aggressive-looking sole has lugs that measure approximately .14 in (3.5mm). It also has a separated or "decoupled heel" that the manufacturer designed to aid in traction. There are also built-in flex areas on the sole - there are actually two channels in the sole that run laterally to presumably increase flexibility, as the sole bent easily when I flexed it with my hands. The midsole offers multiple layers to protect the feet from bruising while running or hiking on rocks.

 

The Raja's upper is composed of an apricot-colored AirMesh material and gray and black synthetic leather with a dark gray FriXion rubber toe cap. The later has almost a sand paper type feel to it. The lining of the heel of the shoe is also made with a breathable mesh material in a lighter apricot color. A simple thin removable footbed is provided. The upper is fitted with a snug fitting lacing harness on top of a semi-gusseted (partially attached) tongue. The lacing starts close to the toe box end and finishes at the ankle. There are double eyelets at the top to facilitate different lacing styles. There are also two web loops, one on either side midway between the top eyelets and the back top of the shoe. I assume these could be used to draw the lace through to tighten the heel area with a mechanical advantage. A single wider loop is located at the back of each shoe, to make putting on or removal of the shoe an easier process. 

 

 

 

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After a quick initial inspection, I couldn't wait to try the Rajas on my feet. I was already dressed for trail running as the shoes were delivered minutes before my departure to the trails that I frequent. I was happy to find out that they fitted perfectly and that there were no uncomfortable areas or construction issues. The first thing I noticed when I put the Rajas on my feet, is that the lacing system is much longer than any trail runners that I have owned - it extended from the toe to the ankle area. This allows much greater lacing options for snugness in the forefront of the foot. I have normal or medium-sized volume feet that tend to run a bit towards the narrow side, but not enough to wear narrow sizes. There are also double eyelets at the top of the lacing system which allow me to use my favorite lacing technique (looping the laces through both eyelets on the same side and pulling the opposite lace though the loop).

 

I also immediately noticed the FriXion compounds sticky-like grip when I walked across my ceramic tile floor. I looked forward to testing this out on rocky and wet trails.

 

The Rajas come in European sizes with US equivalents. As I normally wear an in-between or half size that is often not available by many manufacturers - Women's 10.5 US (42.5 EU), it was a true bonus that the Rajas came in the exact size that I needed. I decided that I would inspect the shoes further before wearing at this point, so I departed for the trails.

 

The next morning, I had some errands to do in town. I donned the Rajas as I felt this would give me a quick clue to their overall comfort. They easily passed the test, so I planned an afternoon trail run. I usually have little to no trouble with initial comfort of trail runners as I have no feet problems, so I was anxious to begin my first real trail test with them. I headed over to the steep, hilly, rocky and now slick leaf-covered trails a few miles from my home.

 

My initial trail run with the Rajas consisted of a five mile (8 kilometers) trail run. It has rained a lot recently but the trails were now mostly covered in a heavy layer of dry leaves with some wetness underneath. The trail is very rocky single-track trail, there are a lot of hidden hazards underneath the covered trail so I cautiously proceeded. I knew the worst part of the trail for me is the last mile and a half  where several steep switchbacks are located. There is a very rutted groove down the switchbacks which has become partially filled with acorn-scree. The oak trees have dropped their acorns and running on them is much like running on marbles. I was amazed at how well the Rajas performed,  my grip held firm and I was completely comfortable. I had no slippage during descents inside the shoe. The traction I experienced with the sole of the shoes was amazing.

 

With such an impressive first outing, I decided to try hiking in them the next day. I headed out for an eight mile (13 kilometers) trail hike complete with a lightly loaded 15 lb (6.80 kg) backpack. Trail conditions varied with wet mucky areas covered with a thick layer of leaves, loose rock sections, rock escarpment and moderate terrain. With the added weight on my back, the Rajas were just as comfortable. I wore a very light pair of socks and I experienced no pressure spots,  plus I didn't need to make any adjustments to the lacing system. I did slip and fall once, but that was mostly due to the fact that I caught a root with the runners, that I didn't see under the layer of leaves - no fault of the Rajas.

 

Right now, I am very happy with the superior performance that I have experienced with the Rajas so far. I will continue to test them under a variety of conditions for both trail running, light backpacking and later trail snowshoe running as winter arrives in the very near future here in these northern climes.   

 

During the next few months, I will extensively test the Rajas utilizing them both as a trail runners and as hiking shoes. Most of my trail running is done locally on an expansive system of hilly, rocky, rooty and steep terrain. These are trails that circumnavigate the sides and back of a local downhill ski facility. They are essentially narrow single track bike trails through heavy forest cover. There are steep switchbacks with loose scree. Fallen autumn leaves and wet conditions make trail running more difficult. As fall turns in to winter, I will continue to run in the La Sportiva Rajas with the addition of running snowshoes when the snow depth exceeds 8 in (20 cm).

 

I will also be doing extensive day hiking and backpacking during this time period. As conditions permit, the Rajas will be used in a variety of scenarios including several backpack trips. These day hiking and backpack trips are mostly to the vast state and federal forests in the state of Michigan. The testing conditions will be at low elevation or altitude 600 ft (183 m) to 2000 ft (610 m), with mostly cold conditions and mid range humidity (50-90 percent). The amount of time in the field will far surpass the minimum requirements for this test.

 

Rampant temperature changes and much precipitation is expected during the four month testing period. Testing location temperatures will range from the average low in January of 3 F (-16C) to the average high of 37 F (3 C) in November. These are only averages,  I have been on several trips where the temperatures have dipped much lower. Average precipitation for this time period is approximately 13 in (33 cm).

 

I will address the following concerns and more:

Comfort/Fit:

• Will the trail runners be comfortable and supportive at the same time?
• Will I be able to use thin socks (my preference) with the Rajas even in the winter?
• Will the Rajas be fairly consistent size-wise with other manufacturers?
• Will the runners stay comfortable after a lot of use?
• Will there be any pressure spots that would develop in to blisters?
• Will they be fairly comfortable even when they are wet?
• Will there be adequate room in the toe box?
• Will the forefoot area have an adequately snug feel?
• Will the lacing system be easily adjusted?
• Will knots stay tied easily?
• Will I want to wear the runners long term after the testing period because I liked them so much?
• Will the runners have a break-in period or will they be comfortable from the first outing forward?
• Will the Rajas support my feet adequately?
• Will the thin footbed be comfortable enough so that I won't have to replace it with another kind? (I always just use the thin footbeds that come with shoes.)

Design:

• Will the design of the shoe facilitate easy movement through rocky areas?
• Will the toe area be sufficiently protected when jamming between rocks or plowing dead on in to a rock?
• Will there be any rough edges on the toe box and the sides of the runners to catch on rocks or roots?
• Will the runners flex properly and not be too stiff?

Shock Absorption:

• Will there be adequate shock protection from running/hiking on rocky surfaces?
• Will the shock absorption decrease with colder temperatures? (this is often a problem when certain materials that are used become rigid).
• Will the thin footbeds provide enough internal shock absorption?

Durability:

• Will the Rajas take repeated episodes of getting wet?
• Will they dry quickly so that they are ready for the next day?
• Will the uppers withstand normal rough conditions or will the AirMesh uppers disintegrate easily?
• Will the runners hold up longer than most other brands and styles that I have used?
• Will the stitching on the shoes fray or remain intact with repeated trail use?
• Will the advanced mid sole design of multiple layers endure more than a few months of hard use?

Traction:

• Will the FriXion sole help maintain stability on rocky surfaces?
• Will the FriXion sole prevent common slippage problems?
• Will the sole work easily on wet leaves or snow?
• Will the Trail Bite Heel help grab loose scree and prevent sliding?
• Will the sole adapt to a variety of surfaces?

Care:

• Will all the materials used in the Rajas need any special care?
• Are there any specific cleaners needed or can ordinary soap and water be used?

Ventilation:

• Will the runners have too much ventilation in colder conditions? - Or will I have to wear heavier socks or a vapor barrier? 
• Will sweat dissipate quickly to the outside air in normal conditions?
• Will the shoes retain odors easily because they poorly ventilate?

I will gladly address all these issues and any additional pertinent issues, as I continue to test the La Sportiva Rajas Trail Runners.

 

Thanks to La Sportiva and BGT for this great opportunity during the next four months.