La Sportiva VK Boa

The La Sportiva VK Boa is a lightweight vertical‑kilometer trail running shoe with BOA® Fit system, bi‑elastic Sock‑Like mesh upper, and FriXion® White outsole designed for uphill and VK competitions.

La Sportiva·Shoes

5 video reviews

$170

Pricier than 57% of shoes · category average ≈ $167

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Key specs

Weight: 180 g
Drop: 4 mm
Heel Stack: 15 mm
Forefoot Stack: 11 mm

Best for: Vertical Kilometer races and uphill trail competitions

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Strengths

Lightness

Weak points

CushioningGrip

Cushioning
15 mm
Lightness
180 gTop 1%
Grip
3.5 mm
Drophigher isn't better or worse
4 mm
Affordability
$170

Technical Specifications

Compare features between La Sportiva VK Boa

Essentials

$170

2020

180 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

steep uphill trails, vertical kilometer racing

Vertical Kilometer races and uphill trail competitions

Cushioning

4 mm

15 mm

11 mm

High‑density compression EVA with rock‑guard insert

3D Heel design for fit and comfort

Grip & protection

FriXion® White Mix compound with minimal tread

Lightweight TPU toe cap

FriXion® White compound lugs placed only where needed

Upper & fit

Bi‑elastic mesh with Sock‑Like™ construction for freedom of movement

Ortholite® Hybrid Mountain Running® ergonomic insole

BOA® Fit rapid closure system

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On the terrain

How La Sportiva VK Boa should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.

Pick a ground							Average
La Sportiva VK Boa							58

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

La Sportiva VK Boa80

Cushioning20/40
Lightness35/35
Smooth roll25/25

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

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Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 5 video reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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Is the La Sportiva VK Boa a good investment for trail running in 2026?

At $170, the La Sportiva VK Boa represents solid value for 2026, especially for trail running enthusiasts.

When was the La Sportiva VK Boa released?

The La Sportiva VK Boa was released in 2020.

Looking for alternatives to La Sportiva VK Boa?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives

The North Face Altamesa 500 v2

The North Face

$170Score 91+19

Better than La Sportiva VK Boa at:

A higher overall score (91 vs 72)
More cushioning (44 vs 15 mm heel stack)
Deeper lugs for grip (4 vs 3.5 mm)

Compare with La Sportiva VK Boa

NNormal Tomir 2

NNormal

$170Score 90+18

Better than La Sportiva VK Boa at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 72)
More cushioning (33 vs 15 mm heel stack)

Compare with La Sportiva VK Boa

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Merrell

$170Score 85+13

Better than La Sportiva VK Boa at:

A higher overall score (85 vs 72)
More cushioning (23.5 vs 15 mm heel stack)
Deeper lugs for grip (5 vs 3.5 mm)

Compare with La Sportiva VK Boa

Popular Comparisons

Compare the La Sportiva VK Boa with other top trail running shoes from leading brands, including La Sportiva for the ultimate trail running experience.

Shoes

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Strengths

Lightness

Weak points

CushioningGrip

Cushioning
15 mm
Lightness
180 gTop 1%
Grip
3.5 mm
Drophigher isn't better or worse
4 mm
Affordability
$170

Pick a ground

Average

La Sportiva VK Boa

La Sportiva VK Boa

Spec profile