Gear Review: La Sportiva Helios 2.0 Trail Running Shoes
Value Rating: 8.3
Durability Rating: 8.75
Overall Rating: 8.65
Location of Test: TRAILS
Duration of Test: ~1hour/day
Product Name: Helios 2.0 Trail Running Shoes
Product Brand: La Sportiva
Best Use: Trail Running!
Sizes: In store availability includes most women's sizes.
Light, minimalist running shoe featuring a neutral profile and a quick lace system. Quick drying material and great grippy tread perfect for every level of trail running!
The Full Review:
I am very picky about my running shoes. You have to be! With trail running they are your single most important piece of gear. If any piece of your kit can help reduce the risk of an injury it is your running shoes. I was hesitant at first to purchase a pair of shoes that hadn't been pre-approved by a former teammate turned running shoe guru. I was running in a pair of Saucany Kinvara 7 shoes for a couple years and they had faired me well for the most part. Aside from slippy trails I was happy with the performance. I grew used to the 4mm drop and loved the support. Switching over to the La Sportiva Helios, with a similar 4mm drop, was not a huge jump to make. In fact, they have stood the test of mud and I am really enjoying their performance!
I live close to a very hilly section of forest park where I take my morning runs. My route features 15 minutes each way of steep, switch-back trails. Other shoes left me fearing that I would go hurdling down a ridge. Wearing my Helios, I'm not afraid to open up my stride and fly downhill. I mostly trail run but will occasionally wind up running on sidewalks near my house. While the Helios feel fine slapping concrete, they are more suited to kicking up dirt.
The arch support is helpful but not overbearing, the footbed is nice and cushy, the lacing system is quick and easy. It's taken some time to get used to the quick lace system coming from traditional laces, but I think with patience I will get the hang of it. Overall, this is an excellent trail runner.
The Full Review:
I am very picky about my running shoes. You have to be! With trail running they are your single most important piece of gear. If any piece of your kit can help reduce the risk of an injury it is your running shoes. I was hesitant at first to purchase a pair of shoes that hadn't been pre-approved by a former teammate turned running shoe guru. I was running in a pair of Saucany Kinvara 7 shoes for a couple years and they had faired me well for the most part. Aside from slippy trails I was happy with the performance. I grew used to the 4mm drop and loved the support. Switching over to the La Sportiva Helios, with a similar 4mm drop, was not a huge jump to make. In fact, they have stood the test of mud and I am really enjoying their performance!
I live close to a very hilly section of forest park where I take my morning runs. My route features 15 minutes each way of steep, switch-back trails. Other shoes left me fearing that I would go hurdling down a ridge. Wearing my Helios, I'm not afraid to open up my stride and fly downhill. I mostly trail run but will occasionally wind up running on sidewalks near my house. While the Helios feel fine slapping concrete, they are more suited to kicking up dirt.
The arch support is helpful but not overbearing, the footbed is nice and cushy, the lacing system is quick and easy. It's taken some time to get used to the quick lace system coming from traditional laces, but I think with patience I will get the hang of it. Overall, this is an excellent trail runner.