La Sportiva Men's Ultra Raptor Ii Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Product Information

That said, unless you’re covering serious ground, we consider the X Ultra 4 the more well-rounded and approachable design for most. He is a backcountry expert, long-distance backpacker, rock climber, kayaker, cyclist, wannabe mountaineer, and the world’s OK-est guitar player. I felt like I was hiking through the fucking mangrove and convinced I was going to stumble across a dead body. For the next 43 minutes, I stupidly persisted along this tangled, junky, murky, oh-so-not-fun mile of river.

The further I went, the worse it got, but I was convinced the beach would open up again … just … around … the … next … corner.Having worn the Ultra Raptor Mid GTX on sunny spring days I'd say that while they are defintiely warmer than an unlined shoe or boot, they do seem pretty breathable as these things go, and until recently I'd yet to find them sweaty. Thanks to their non-insulated construction, they are the ideal solution for people who value outstanding climate comfort and heat release.

Zooming out, the larger Ultra Raptor collection includes several low-top variations, from non-waterproof models to Gore-Tex-equipped leather and synthetic styles (see our in-depth review of the non-waterproof women's shoe here).Our testers noted this lightweight design allowed for more agility on the trail when compared to other classic hikers, which can weigh up to 2. La Sportiva is a climbing company first, but that expertise has transferred over nicely to the hiking footwear market. Other notable features include a nylon shank that provides great torsional stability for off-camber terrain and TPU overlays along the mesh upper, which create a nice, snug fit around the heel and cinch down when laced tightly, locking my foot in place and minimizing any play in the boots. La Sportiva makes some of our favorite climbing shoes, and that technical expertise has translated nicely to their hiking boot lineup. The Ultra Raptor II Mid is one of the most supportive lightweight hiking boots that we tested, shedding weight but not skimping on the innovative technology which allows for stability.

These are definitely one of the most comfortable pairs of mid boots around and have excelled on everything from short walks to long multi-day trips. A cross between a running shoe and hiking boot, the Ultra Raptor is our go-to for fast and light missions without sacrificing comfort, stability, or waterproof technology.The La Sportiva FriXion series consists of 5 rubber compounds, which are used for mountain running and climbing.

I've worn mine as much for hillwalking, backpacking and crag approaches as for running, and for me they are hard to beat as a do-it-all shoe. But even after they stretched a bit, the boots still felt a little tight and prohibitive at the front. So whether you're a fair-weather hiker who mostly sticks to the trails or someone who likes to power through cross-country terrain in suboptimal weather and wet conditions, the aggressive outsole and incredible traction of the Ultra Raptor II Mid won't disappoint.Keeping our items in circulation for longer is key to reducing environmental impact, and resoling your shoes/boots when the soles start wearing out can help you to hang onto them when there's otherwise a lot of life left in them. Out of the box, they were pretty comfortable, and that comfort increased after I got them completely soaked wading through a river. Maximum wearing comfort thanks to the insole ventilation and the highly breathable PU foam cells: the foot is always dry and kept at the perfect temperature.