La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
Review Score
🏅 Highly Rated
Your rating
Price band
Base model
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTXBuy La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX at today's best price (men's/women's)
6 minute read
Overview
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a mid-cut hiking boot engineered for those who seek a blend of speed and protection on technical trails. This boot stands out for its lightweight design, which does not compromise on stability or traction, making it a solid choice for a variety of outdoor activities.
Key Features:
- Lightweight Construction: Offers agility and comfort without the bulk.
- Stability and Traction: Provides a secure grip on varied terrains with its rugged outsole.
- Gore-Tex Waterproofing: Ensures feet stay dry with its breathable and waterproof membrane.
- Comfortable Fit: Features a padded ankle collar and a speed lacing system for a snug fit.
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is an ideal choice for hikers and backpackers who prioritize lightweight agility and waterproof protection for day hiking or moderate backpacking. Its stability and traction offer benefits in challenging conditions, making it suitable for technical trails and mountainous terrain.
With an average review score of 86%, it's in the highest rated 30% of similar hiking boots. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 20% of hiking boots today.
Verdict
The consensus on the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX has garnered praise for its comfortable fit and lightweight design, making it a top choice for hikers who need to move quickly through challenging terrain. Its waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane is highly effective, keeping feet dry without overheating. The boot's traction is also a standout feature, providing a secure grip on a variety of surfaces. However, it's important to note that the boot may not be as supportive as traditional leather hiking boots and has a somewhat narrow fit, which could be a concern for those with wider feet. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is that the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX offers excellent performance and value for its price point.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX: Base model
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a specialized version of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX, offering a mid-cut design for additional ankle support. It retains the core features of the Ultra Raptor line, such as the stability element for the heel and the TPU welded section for midfoot stability, while adding a gaiter to prevent debris entry and a flexible Achilles area to reduce abrasion.
Comparable Boots
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is a more robust boot compared to the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX, offering greater durability and the ability to accept a crampon for mountain climbing. It's a better option for those expecting to encounter snow and tougher conditions.
The La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX is another technically-minded boot that provides more of a focus on mountain climbing. It's more suited for harsher conditions and offers a higher level of durability than the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX.
8 La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Pros & Cons
5 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is crafted from durable fabric material, providing both abrasion resistance and breathability. This design choice contributes to the boot's lightweight feel and helps to keep the feet well ventilated. The inclusion of a large toe bumper adds protection against trail debris, though it may feel rigid to some, especially after long distances.
Midsole
The midsole of the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX features injection-molded MEMIex and a nylon molded TPU shank, offering a surprising amount of structure and support for a boot that appears minimalistic. This combination allows for both stability on rugged terrain and the flexibility needed for side-hilling and navigating steep sections.
Outsole
The outsole's Frixion XF 2.0 rubber compound is both durable and sticky, providing confidence on exposed scrambles. The lug pattern is uniquely designed with a mix of thin, narrow lugs for loose terrain and larger, broad lugs for smearing, making it well-suited for technical trails.
Size/fit
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX runs narrow and slightly small, suggesting that buyers consider ordering a half size up for optimal comfort. A wide version is available, accommodating those who need more room, particularly in the heel area.
Comfort
Comfort is a highlight of the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX, with testers noting the boot's immediate out-of-the-box comfort. The padded panels around the ankle and the boot's speed lacing system contribute to a snug and comfortable fit, reminiscent of a running shoe rather than a traditional hiking boot.
Cushioning
The boot's EVA midsole provides cushioning that balances comfort with ground feedback, allowing for a responsive hiking experience. This cushioning is particularly beneficial for those who spend long hours on the trail and require a boot that can mitigate fatigue.
Breathability
Thanks to its Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane and Airmesh upper, the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX offers excellent breathability. It keeps water out while allowing moisture from the feet to escape, ensuring a dry and comfortable hike.
Stability
Despite its lightweight build, the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX does not skimp on stability. The tall ankle collar and secure lacing system provide ample support to prevent ankle rolls on uneven surfaces, while the TPU shank adds torsional stability.
Durability
Constructed with synthetic materials, the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is surprisingly durable. The microfiber mudguard and rubber toe bumper protect against trail abrasions, ensuring the boot can withstand moderate to hard use over multiple seasons.
Grip
The aggressive lug pattern and heel brake on the outsole of the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX provide exceptional grip, allowing hikers to confidently navigate muddy slopes and soft soil without the fear of slipping.
Who should buy the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX?
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is well-suited for hikers and backpackers who seek a boot that combines the nimbleness of a trail runner with the support of a traditional hiking boot. It's particularly beneficial for those who engage in technical trails, rocky summits, and off-trail travel, where a lightweight yet supportive boot is essential.
Who should not buy the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX?
Hikers who prefer the classic support and durability of leather hiking boots may find the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX less suitable. Additionally, those with wider feet or who prefer a more spacious fit might consider other options, as this boot tends to run narrow and small.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX: What's it good for?
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is excellent for day hiking and moderate backpacking trips. Its lightweight design and waterproof capabilities make it a strong contender for wet conditions and technical terrain. The boot's grip and stability are also well-suited for those who enjoy fastpacking or moving quickly through rugged landscapes.
4 La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX FAQs
Is the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX suitable for wide feet?
The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX runs narrow, but a wide version is available to accommodate hikers with wider feet. It's recommended to try the wide version for a better fit.
How does the waterproofing of the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX perform in wet conditions?
The boot features a Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane, which provides excellent waterproofing while maintaining breathability, making it suitable for wet conditions.
Can the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX be used for backpacking?
Yes, the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is lightweight and supportive, making it suitable for day hiking and moderate backpacking trips.
What type of terrain is the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX best suited for?
The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is designed for technical trails, rocky summits, and off-trail travel, offering excellent traction and stability on varied terrains.
 Now viewing | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | |
| released | ReleasedFeb 2021 | Jul 2023 | Aug 2022 | Jul 2018 | Mar 2018 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 471 g W: 394 g | M: 476 g W: 380 g | M: 439 g W: 405 g | M: 490 g W: 411 g | M: 408 g W: 343 g | M: 575 g W: 459 g |
| Cuts | CutsMid cut | High cut | Mid cut | Mid cut | Mid cut | High cut |
| Shoe Types | Shoe TypesBarefootLightweightMinimalist | Lace-to-toeLightweight | Lace-to-toeLightweight | Lace-to-toeLightweight | Lace-to-toeLightweight | Lace-to-toe |
| Antimicrobial | Antimicrobial | |||||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Wide toebox | Wide toebox | |||||
| Techs | TechsGore-TexOrthoLite | Gore-TexOrthoLiteVibram | Gore-TexVibram | Gore-TexOrthoLiteVibram | Gore-TexOrthoLiteVibram | Gore-TexVibram |
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Eco-friendly | Eco-friendly | Vegan Ⓥ | ||
Common characteristicsHeel brakeWater repellentWaterproof |
