La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX Review | Cyklon BOA

This week, I’m reviewing the new BOA-fitted La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX. The rain was relentless, coming down in near-biblical proportions since the early hours. After experiencing the hottest summer on record in the UK, readjusting to running in such wet conditions has been a challenge. However, I was excited to test the Cyklon Cross GTX. Without these, I would have used the La Sportiva Cyklon—a shoe I’ve enjoyed since its release—for a run along the riverbanks of Shotley Bridge. Testing the Cyklon Cross GTX in such extreme weather promised to be an interesting experience.

Despite its appearance, the Cyklon Cross GTX is not a boot but a lightweight, soft-ground trail shoe with a built-in gaiter. The shoe’s upper features a Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Membrane, making it both waterproof and breathable. The gaiter, which covers the shoe and extends above the ankle, is made from stretchy, water-resistant, and windproof material. This design aims to provide warmth without overheating. The gaiter’s only stitching secures the zip running over the shoe’s front, minimizing potential wear points and areas where water or cold could seep in.

The shoes use the BOA Fit System, like the mesh-upper Cyklon. This system allows the shoe to open wide, making it easy to slip on—even with multiple layers of socks. To tighten, you push the BOA dial in until it clicks, then turn it to secure the shoe snugly around your foot. The rubberized BOA dial is glove-friendly, ensuring usability in cold weather. Releasing the shoes is simple: pull the dial out to loosen the laces. The gaiter zips closed snugly over the shoe, sealing out the elements. The zip sits in a “garage” at the top to prevent rubbing against the leg.

The Cyklon Cross GTX’s upper has more padding than the mesh Cyklon, enhancing insulation and comfort. This snug fit feels ideal for winter running. During my initial run along the flooded trails near Allensford, some puddles nearly reached the gaiter’s height. Despite this, my feet stayed warm and dry. The snug fit ensured no water pooled inside, thanks to the BOA system securing the midfoot and leaving no space for water to accumulate.

In extremely wet conditions, the gaiter’s outer layer absorbed water, but the shoe remained warm and comfortable. In drier conditions, the Cyklon Cross GTX excels when temperatures dip below 5°C. On frosty mornings, the snug fit and warm insulation are especially welcome. The gaiter bridges the gap between my running tights and socks, providing added warmth for my lower legs—perfect for early or long winter runs.

The Cyklon Cross GTX is a winter-ready version of the Cyklon, designed for soft trails and broken mountain terrain. Its outsole features 6.5mm lugs made from La Sportiva’s FriXion White Cross rubber, their stickiest compound. This construction is ideal for soft, technical terrain but less suited for road-to-trail use unless your route begins directly on trails. I only need a short drive to access miles of farm fields and forest paths, where these shoes perform wonderfully. The midsole, made from injection-molded EVA, is firm and flexible, providing excellent trail feedback. A TPU plate in the heel adds stability during descents, while the forefoot flexes naturally to support ascents.

Durability is a key focus of the Cyklon Cross GTX. A thick, rubberized rand around the shoe resists abrasion, and the toe bumper offers substantial protection on rocky terrain. The 4mm Ortholite footbed adds cushioning to the firm midsole, enhancing comfort. While La Sportiva shoes are typically narrow, the Cyklon Cross offers enough room to accommodate two pairs of socks on cold days. The straight-toe design allows natural foot function and creates a sense of additional volume, particularly in the toe box.

Weighing 350g for a men’s UK size 8, the Cyklon Cross GTX is impressively light given its gaiter and protective features. Its flexibility makes it feel even lighter during runs. Other than added warmth, the ride is similar to the mesh-upper Cyklon.

Summary: The La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX is an excellent cold-weather trail shoe, ideal for soft, rugged terrain. It’s perfect for winter training runs in the Lake District, North Wales, or the Scottish Highlands, though it’s equally suited to wooded trails near Allensford in County Durham.

Other Considerations

La Sportiva Cyklon: If you don’t need warm and waterproofness then the Cyklon will do everything that the Cyclon Cross will do and be a lot more comfortable on warmer days. The water resistant gaiter is changed for a lycra gaiter. Designed to keep out grit and dirt. Here is a link to our review: https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/la-sportiva-cyklon-review-boa-lacing-system/

Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G: These are a very similar shoe. There is more cushioning and the shoes have a rocker so they don’t have the same feel for the ground. However, they could survive a bit of road to trail use. Here is a link to our review: https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scarpa-ribelle-run-kalibra-g-review/

Scarpa Ribelle Run GTX: If you think the isulation of the gaiter will make the shoes too hot for most of your winter runs then there is a version of the Scarpa Ribbelle Run that just has a simple Gore-Tex upper: https://www.northernrunner.com/search/shoes-c133/waterproof-gore-tex-running-shoes-c1401/ribelle

La Sportiva Urangano GTX: If you need a bit more cushioning with similar protection from the elements then the Urangano would be the shoe to consider. The midsole is thicker to give more cushioning and the outsole more versatile and durable so it can be used on firmer tracks and trails: https://www.northernrunner.com/shoes-c133/trail-running-shoes-c137/uragano-gtx-mens-waterproof-trail-running-shoes-black-yellow-p6081

Hoka Speedgoat GTX: If you prefer you shoes to have soft pillow like cushioning and much less ground feel then you could consider the Hoka Speedgoat GTX: https://www.northernrunner.com/search/hoka-speedgoat-gtx

The Speedgoat GTX is the GTX version of the Hoka Speedgoat 4. Here is our Speedgoat 4 review to give you some more information: https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-one-one-speedgoat-evo-review/