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 Field Testing Data

 

Field Tests Overview:

During the long-term testing period of two months, I have worn the La Sportiva Rajas primarily for snowshoe trail running and hiking. Locations have included snow-covered mountain bike trails to jaunts off trail in the open deciduous forests. 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 25 F (-4 C). Fair skies and cloudy skies were interspersed with scattered flurries of snow.

Trail runs and hikes were short in distance due to the addition of snowshoes. The typical length was approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers). I normally wore a waistbelt (Ultimate) complete with hydration, snacks and emergency gear such as a space blanket, headlamp, compass and map, and firestarter. I also usually tote a cell phone for these outings as they are typically only a few miles outside of town. The cell phone is turned off and would only be used for a true emergency.

Many of my initial questions for this test were covered in the field test period so in the long term testing period, I focused on the following areas:

Comfort/Versatility: I wondered how the Rajas would perform long term in a true winter environment. Winter provides a lot of different elements to deal with while staying active in the outside environment. Cold, wet, icy, and slippery are a few adjectives that come to mind. The Rajas are undoubtedly an uninsulated and non-waterproof shoe. With their open mesh panels and lack of a Gortex lining, cold and wet are easily encountered. To be perfectly honest, being outside in the Rajas for a mere five mile (eight kilometers) hike or run doesn't warrant any extra protection to my feet other than the Rajas. I create enough heat for that short distance to stay warm but I did want to test them with other options.  I tested them by wearing a very thin wool sock topped by a vapor barrier liner inside the Rajas. The temp was 20 F (-7 C).and the snow conditions were more than a foot (30 cm) deep. In addition I wore neoprene ankle gaiters to keep the snow out of the tops of the Rajas.  Because the Rajas are a close fitting shoe, I wondered if I could wear both layers but the key to it was that both layers needed to be extremely thin. Was it a good arrangement? Vapor barriers often are slick and slide inside the footwear but I didn't have any problem with this probably due to the fact that the Rajas are close fitting.

How were they compatible with snowshoes? I own a variety of snowshoes. I experimented by trying to see if I could adapt the lacing systems on several pair of them to fit the Rajas. The Rajas are just too small to fit in the bindings of my large backcountry snowshoes but they do fit well in the smaller trail runner styles of snowshoes that I own. Since I would primarily use them in this manner, it really isn't a concern for me that they don't fit in the larger style.

Cold weather care: Because winter is cold and wet here in the Upper Great Lakes Region, the Rajas are subject to repeated episodes of wet and dry. I normally just take the Rajas off and let them dry naturally indoors. The thin footbed is removed each time to facilitate drying. The mesh uppers dry quickly and the shoes are ready to go the next time I need them.

Durability: The Rajas have seemed to have handled the rotation of being wet and dry well as I haven't noticed any adverse effect such as shrinkage of the uppers or deterioration of the midsole. They are still extremely supportive and seemingly durable.

Concerns:  As I indicated in my field report, I have a bit of a problem with getting the Rajas on without folding in the back of the heel area at the same time. I've had to loosen the laces more than I normally would do with most shoes in order for my foot to enter the shoe unhindered. Although this is a bit of a nuisance, I have adjusted to the necessity. The overall fit and comfort outweigh this minor factor.

 

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