Jackal II BOA Shoe Review | BOA® Fit System

The Jackal II BOA is a highly competent and multi-faceted Mountain Running® shoe, designed to cater to diverse running needs, from short spurts to extended marathons. Its defining feature is the incorporation of the BOA® Fit System that contributes to a precision fit, which can be micro-adjusted while on the go. This dual dial performance fit solution promotes speed enhancement and improves ankle stability, especially crucial when traversing technical sections of trails. We took to the hills to test it out for ourselves and here's what we found!

Fit

The protective upper section of the performance shoe is noteworthy for its resilience and adaptability. It possesses an ariaprene collar and tongue, which are designed through a toxin-free, water-based lamination process, suggesting an environmentally conscious approach by the manufacturers. It was very comfortable to wear and super easy to slip on. It's a snug yet comfortable fit around the ankle and I can honestly say, the years of heels have done a number on my ankles so the added support was certainly welcomed.

Comfort

Another significant component of the mountain running shoe is its midsole that ingeniously blends Eva and Infinitoo™ PU inserts. This combination seems to strike the right balance between comfort and stability, ensuring that runners do not have to compromise one for the other. The shoe's outsole, made of dual compound Frixion® XT 2.0 rubber with varied lug depths, enhances traction and durability. I found La Sportiva Jackal II BOA to be highly agile in my experience and given the flexibility to adjust fit and tension with the L6 dial These features should make the Jackal II BOA robust and reliable across different terrains and under varying weather conditions. It's noteworthy that despite all these features, it weighs just 9.5oz, making it a relatively lightweight but high performance shoe.

Utility

The Jackal II BOA also offers a micro-adjustable fit and quick release L6 dial, crucial for runners who require swift adjustments during their runs. Simply turn the dial clockwise to tighten the lace, then pull the dial out to release tension. Another amazing feature is that the quality and durability of the shoe are guaranteed, which is a vital consideration for long-distance runners who need their footwear to withstand heavy and continued usage. As a citizen of the PNW, the performance of the shoe was subjected to a multitude of elements and we can attest to all weather and terrain conditions. Isn't that the best part about the west coast?

Overall, the Jackal II BOA performed as a well-rounded, versatile, and performance-oriented Mountain Running® shoe. The innovative design elements, with emphasis on comfort and stability, including the environmentally conscious manufacturing processes make it a strong contender in the realm of performance shoes. However, as with any footwear product, its true value can only be ascertained through individual user experience across varied environmental conditions and usage patterns.