La Sportiva Sizing Guide NZ — Do They Run Narrow?

URL: /blogs/hiking-gear/la-sportiva-sizing-guide-nz

La Sportiva footwear has a reputation for running narrow — and it's warranted. Understanding why, and how to size correctly, makes the difference between a boot or shoe that performs exceptionally and one that causes discomfort over long distances.

Why La Sportiva Runs Narrow

La Sportiva designs their footwear on a precision last — engineered for technical mountain terrain where a locked-down, snug fit improves performance. On steep technical ground, lateral foot movement inside the shoe causes hot spots, blisters, and reduced precision on foot placement. The narrow last eliminates this movement.

This is a design philosophy, not a manufacturing shortcoming. La Sportiva's trail runners and technical boots are built for people who prioritise technical performance over volume and comfort — the same reason high-performance cycling shoes and alpine ski boots run narrow.

How La Sportiva Sizes Compare

La Sportiva uses European sizing. Key points:

• La Sportiva runs true to EU size in length — the heel-to-toe length is accurate
• La Sportiva runs narrow in width — the last is narrower than most other brands at the same length
• Size up half a size if you're between EU sizes or if you have medium-to-wider feet
• Don't size up a full size for width — the toe box will be too long and cause black toenails on descents

Guidance by Foot Type

Narrow to medium feet: La Sportiva typically fits well at your standard EU size. The precision fit may feel snug initially but breaks in to your foot shape.

Medium feet: Try your standard size and half a size up. If the standard size feels tight across the ball of the foot, size up half.

Wide feet: La Sportiva runs narrow, but there are options. Women with wider feet often find they need to size up one full EU size rather than half, or purchase the mens equivalent — La Sportiva stocks mens models from EU 36 onwards on many styles specifically to accommodate this. The Ultra Raptor II Wide variant also provides more volume than standard La Sportiva models. If the ball of your foot is compressed even in a wider option, La Sportiva may not suit your foot shape — consider Salewa or Merrell as alternatives.

Model-Specific Notes

Ultra Raptor III: La Sportiva's widest trail runner in the range — still narrower than average, but the most accommodating La Sportiva trail shoe. The Ultra Raptor II Wide provides even more volume for wider feet.

Bushido III: Narrower and more precise than the Ultra Raptor — the fit is even tighter. Try before buying if you have medium-width feet.

Prodigio range: Slightly more volume than the Bushido, similar to Ultra Raptor. The cushioned construction adds a little more foot room.

Trango TRK GTX (hiking): La Sportiva hiking boots also run narrow — same sizing advice applies.

Trying On La Sportiva

Try on in the afternoon when feet are slightly expanded. Wear the socks you'll run or tramp in — sock thickness affects fit. When laced, your heel should be locked with no slipping. There should be 8–10mm of space at the toe. The ball of your foot should feel held but not compressed.

Walk and then jog if possible — La Sportiva often feels tighter walking than running due to the flex of the sole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I size up in La Sportiva trail running shoes?

Half a size up if you're between sizes. A full EU size up if you have wider feet — particularly for women who often find the mens equivalent in their EU size provides the width they need (mens sizing starts from EU 36 on many models). If even sizing up a full size doesn't resolve tightness across the ball of the foot, La Sportiva may not suit your foot shape.

My La Sportiva shoes feel tight on the first wear — will they break in?

Yes, but within limits. La Sportiva's technical construction softens slightly with use, particularly in leather models. Synthetic uppers break in less. If the shoe is painful or causes numbness on the first wear, it's the wrong fit — not a break-in issue. If it's snug but not painful, it will likely settle well with use.

Can I use orthotics in La Sportiva shoes?

Some La Sportiva models accommodate low-volume orthotics, but the narrow last and technical construction leaves limited room. If you rely on thick orthotics, La Sportiva's precision last may not work. Discuss with Dwights in-store if you use orthotics — trying the shoe with your orthotic is the only reliable way to know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do La Sportiva shoes run small?

Yes — La Sportiva footwear typically runs a half-size to one full size small compared to standard NZ/EU sizing. The last is also narrower than most brands. Most buyers size up 0.5–1 from their normal size. If you're between sizes, go up.

Are La Sportiva boots narrow?

Yes. La Sportiva uses a precision Italian last that is narrower than most New Zealand or American lasts. Wide-footed buyers often find La Sportiva footwear uncomfortably tight. If you have wide feet, try before buying — or look at brands with a wider last.

How do I measure my foot for La Sportiva sizing?

Measure your foot length in centimetres with socks on. La Sportiva publishes last length in centimetres alongside EU sizing — compare your foot measurement to the last length, not just the EU size number. Allow 5–7mm of room at the toe for tramping boots.

Should I size up or down in La Sportiva?

Size up. La Sportiva footwear runs small and narrow — going down a size is almost never the right call. For trail running shoes, 0.5 size up is standard. For hiking and mountaineering boots, 0.5–1 full size up is more common.

Do La Sportiva boots stretch over time?

Leather La Sportiva boots will stretch slightly over time with use, particularly in the width. Synthetic models stretch less. If boots feel uncomfortably tight at purchase, don't rely on break-in to resolve it — size up or try a different model.

Where can I get help sizing La Sportiva footwear in NZ?

Dwights stocks the full La Sportiva range and can advise on sizing. Browse at /collections/la-sportiva.