La Sportiva Helios – Shoe Review
Since I bought my first pair on July 20, I’ve run 285 miles in that pair, plus 55 miles in a second pair. Yes, I really like this shoe.
Before I started running in the Helios, I’d been running for months in the
Skechers GObionic Trail. That shoe treated me really well, but after using them for the second half of
San Diego 100, I decided I wanted to try something different. After reading reviews of a bunch of different shoes, I ordered a couple pairs of trail shoes. I’d never worn La Sportive shoes, but after reading a few favorable reviews (
iRunFar and
Runblogger/Dirty Runner), they sounded like shoes I would like.
I tried on four different shoes and out of the box, the Helios were far and away the most comfortable shoe. It’s a very subjective standard – and one I use all the time – but the Helios fit my feet the best. The toe box is wide without being sloppy and the midfoot hugs the foot comfortably snug. They’re relatively light weight (Running Warehouse says 8.5oz for size 42) and have a 4mm drop. They look a little bulkier than they feel. I usually wear an 11.5 or 12 in running shoes and I ended up in the 46.5 in the Helios. The 46 might have fit, but the 46.5 allowed a little more room for my toes. As you can see in the “after” pictures below, I decided on “heel lock” lacing to get the heel a little more snug.
The mostly-mesh upper is nice and breathable, which is something a heavy sweater like me needs! The gusseted tongue helps wrap the foot and keeps dirt and sand out of the shoe.
One of the things I was looking for compared to the GObionic Trail was a little better protection underfoot from rocks and other sharp things on the trail. Evidently, the Helios don’t have a rock plate, but the outsole plus midsole combine good protection, while at the same time offering some ground feel. My guess is that the rubber ridges and the foam indents in the sole (you can sort of see them in the picture above) help keep your foot just above anything too sharp. I’m sure that if you step on something just “right” and it goes into the foam, you would probably feel it, but nothing too bad like that has happened to me in my 340 miles.
One of my other requirements in a shoe right now is that while it needs to be lightweight and flexible, it also has to have a little cushioning. I need a shoe that will help keep my feet comfortable for those 6-8 hour training runs and hopefully for a 100 mile race. But it can’t be too soft because then I won’t feel good trying to race with the fast kids during our mid-week training runs. The Helios strikes that balance really well. You can feel the cushioning but it’s still really responsive.
The sole has great traction. I’ve run on soft dirt, hard rocks, wet mud and technical trails covered in roots and rocks and never had an issue. I feel like the grippy sole plus the way the Helios hugs my midfoot and heel makes me a better downhill runner (definitely not my strong suit).
My first pair of Helios now has 285 miles on them and they still feel great. I wish they were still bright orange, but dirt will do that!
There aren’t any tears in the upper or even any really worn spots.
The foam in the indents in the outsole is showing some wear, but the rubber is still in great shape. I expect to get at least another 150 miles out of that first pair.
I got the second pair in anticipation of Run Rabbit Run 100, knowing that even if the shoe still looks and feels great, I’ll be happier in a relatively new pair on raceday. And I will definitely be sporting these shoes at the race. I think that the combination of light weight, reasonable cushioning, snug fit around the mid-foot and great traction will hook me up well for 100 miles in the Colorado mountains! (Which is now just 17 days away, in case you’re counting…)
Nice review!
I’m a 11.5/12 shoe size as well. Initially went for a 46 but they quickly went back for a 46.5, so good choice.
By the way, what size did you end up in with your Kiger’s?
And do you rotate any other shoes at the moment?
Best,
Nick
Hi Nick, thanks for your comment! The size 12 Kiger is perfect for me. I would bet the 12 would be the right size for you too. Right now, the Kiger is the only trail shoe I’m using. Since I’m training for Badwater, I’m spending more time on the road than I used to so 1 trail shoe is enough. On the other hand, I’m rotating 3 pairs of road shoes – 2 pairs of Skechers GOrun3 (size 11.5) and one pair of Hoka Bondi 2’s (size 11.5). happy running!