la sportiva ultra raptor ii mid gtx womens boots review
The La Sportiva Women’s Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a great choice for long trips requiring limited packing. Thanks to their clever lacing, you’ll be able to adjust their shape to fit your feet, so an excellent fit without any pressure points is ensured. Plus, thanks to their waterproof and breathable upper, the walking boots will be able to take on adverse weather conditions.
Pros
- Lightweight and agile boot
- Comfy right away, no break in needed
- Stellar waterproofing even snow covered trails
- Great for wet conditions thanks Grip design
- Grippy with heel brake design
- Offers lateral stability on descents
- Supportive and cushiony
- Strong build
Cons
- Takes longer to dry once it gets wet
- Tight women’s version, but Wider option are offered.
Comprehensive analysis
The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is our pick for the best overall hiking boot. A great fit, comfortable feel, and low weight make this boot a favorite among hikers. It also hits a great price point.
What We Liked
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a high-quality, lightweight, and comfortable hiking boot. Its minimalist design and low weight make it a favorite among those who want the best of both worlds. On the trail, the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a true all-around performer, excelling in all conditions. The Gore-tex waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry in wet conditions, while the aggressive rubber outsoles provide excellent traction on all surfaces.
The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a great choice for those who want the best of both worlds: a lightweight hiking boot that can handle all conditions.
Who Should Buy It
The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a versatile, lightweight hiking boot that can handle all conditions. Excellent stability, traction, and comfort make this boot a top choice for day hikes, backpacking trips, and even light winter use. The tall collar and elastic-like gaiter at the top are designed to seal out moisture and debris
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is not a good choice for those needing a more robust boot for extreme conditions. It’s also not a good choice for those with very wide feet (Narrow toe box).
Performance: Get an edge on the competition.
Comfort: “The most comfortable shoes you’ll ever wear!”
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a lightweight hiking boot that is comfortable and has ample cushioning. It has a sock-like upper and one-piece tongue that help with locking things down and providing a snug all-around fit. There are minimal seams along the interior to reduce hot spots and rubbing. It is light and has extra padding around the ankle and tongue. The lacing system is helpful in distributing tension evenly.
Weight: best lightweight waterproof hiking boots
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor is a lightweight, high performing hiking boot that will give you the stability and comfort you desire on the trail. With a women’s size 40 EU weighing in at 1.68 pounds and a men’s size 44 EU weighing in at 1.78 pounds, it is one of the lightest boots on the market. Combined with its durability and comfort, the Ultra Raptor is a great choice for day hikes, multi-day hikes, and backpacking.
Water Resistance: Keep your feet dry in any weather
The Ultra Raptor is a waterproof hiking boot that is lined with Gore-tex Extended Comfort. This allows your feet to release excess moisture without losing the waterproof component. The boots were tested in the Teton Crest Trail in March, often moving through patches of snow and multiple creek crossings. While the Raptor kept our feet completely dry, we recommend using an additional gaiter if your hike or alpine mission takes you through snow that exceeds the height of the ankle. In short, the boots have a waterproof and breathable membrane, tall cuff and laces that go all the way up the ankle, and a good amount of coverage when stepping in puddles and streams.
Build Quality and Durability:
The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX boots are a hard-wearing design that are expected to last for a long time. It features a high-weave AirMesh material that is resistant to abrasions, and a rubber toe cap for protection against shocks. An anti-shock rubber toe cap, a durable sole, and a microfiber mudguard. The boots are protected by robust reinforcements, and also fitted with a friXion outsole that works well. The shoes are made for use in rugged terrain.
Fit and Sizing: The right fit for your body and your lifestyle.
If you have narrow feet, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a great option for a versatile, all-around hiking boot. But if you have wide feet, you might want to go with the wide version of the boot, that has a comfortable fit and plenty of support or try a different model altogether. A strong ankle cuff makes faster maneuvers possible. Especially when going down on a steep or a hill.
Stability, Traction and Support: The perfect combination for a successful Hike.
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX hiking boots are a great choice for backpackers who want a boot that is both lightweight and supportive. The high collar provides great ankle support, and the nylon shank gives the boot good torsional stability. The TPU overlays along the mesh upper create a snug fit around the heel, and the boot cinches down when laced tightly, locking the foot in place.
The Ultra Raptor II Mid is an impressive all-around hiking boot that offers great traction and support on all types of terrain. The support from the Impact Brake System X-Axis also gave us the confidence to rip through steep descents on loose and variable terrain.
Our Verdict:
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is made for hiking, and offers protection from the elements while moving quickly through technical terrain. It has a comfortable, streamlined design that sheds weight without sacrificing performance. The mid-sized boot offers stability and traction over varying terrain, all at a reasonable price.
