La Sportiva Jackal 2 and Jackal 2 Boa: Two Trail Runners for Every Kind of Mountain Day

Introduction

La Sportiva’s Jackal has long been one of the more versatile all-around trail shoes in the brand’s lineup: comfortable enough for a hundred-mile effort, capable enough for a technical day in the mountains. The spring update brings two versions, and they now serve slightly different runners. The Jackal 2 refines a formula that already worked, while the new Jackal 2 Boa swaps laces for a dual-dial closure aimed squarely at technical terrain.

La Sportiva Jackal 2: The Comfort-First All-Rounder

The Jackal sits on La Sportiva’s Comfort last, which means a wider forefoot paired with a snug midfoot. That combination makes it an easy shoe to recommend to a wide range of runners, especially those who find speed-oriented trail shoes too narrow up front. The outsole delivers grip across a variety of surfaces, and polyurethane inserts in the midsole keep the ride responsive rather than flat, so the shoe does not feel dead after twenty miles.

It is one of the few shoes that works equally well for a hundred-mile race and a quick technical outing, which is a rare balance to strike.

What Changed in the Jackal 2

The biggest updates are in the upper, with the midsole largely left alone. The heel area is more comfortable and more secure, and a lighter, more breathable mesh drops the weight by roughly an ounce, bringing the men’s shoe to 9.7 ounces. That is genuinely light for a shoe that still offers plenty of cushion and protection underfoot.

The original Jackal’s midfoot lockdown was already a standout, and that character carries over. If you need a wider trail shoe that does not sacrifice control, this is the version to look at first.

La Sportiva Jackal 2 Boa: Precision for Technical Terrain

The Boa version shares the same midsole and outsole as the standard Jackal 2 but wears a slimmed-down upper designed to handle technical ground better. The fit is more precise than the standard model, and a higher collar adds security when the trail gets demanding. If the wide comfort fit of the Jackal 2 is not your priority, this is where the Boa version earns its place.

The dual-Boa setup is the key differentiator. On climbs, you can ease the tension for comfort and forefoot splay; on steep descents, you can crank it down over the midfoot and through the heel for a fully dialed fit. That level of adjustability is exactly why La Sportiva went with two dials instead of one, and at $185 it undercuts many other dual-Boa shoes on the market.

Which One Should You Pick?

Both shoes launched February 1st. The standard Jackal 2 runs $165 and suits runners who want a comfortable, wider fit that can still handle serious mountain days. The Jackal 2 Boa runs $185 and rewards runners who spend most of their time on rough, technical terrain where fit precision matters most.

If your trails mix smooth and technical sections and you value all-day comfort, the Jackal 2 is the safer pick. If you are constantly descending loose, steep slopes and want to adjust fit on the fly, the Boa version is worth the premium.

Conclusion

La Sportiva kept the Jackal’s best qualities and split the platform into two clear paths: a lighter, more comfortable all-rounder for long days on varied terrain, and a dual-dial technical option for runners who want maximum security in the mountains. Either way, the Jackal family remains one of the most well-rounded trail offerings in the brand’s lineup.