ActiveHiking & WalkingLa Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX review: 400 miles later, still as agile as on day 1The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a superb boot for fast and light hiking adventuresWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matthew Jones)T3 VerdictDerived from the legendary La Sportiva Ultra Raptor trail running shoe, this mid-cut boot offers similar flex and cushioning in a comparatively lightweight package whilst also adding a little more all-round protection and ankle support, as well as reliable Gore-Tex waterproofing. The result is a great three-season boot for fast and light summit-bagging missions or lightweight backpacking trips.Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Superb traction+Structured and supportive for a mid-cut bootReasons to avoid-Sole can wear away quickly-Narrower fit may not suit everyoneWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
ActiveHiking & WalkingLa Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX review: 400 miles later, still as agile as on day 1The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a superb boot for fast and light hiking adventuresWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matthew Jones)T3 VerdictDerived from the legendary La Sportiva Ultra Raptor trail running shoe, this mid-cut boot offers similar flex and cushioning in a comparatively lightweight package whilst also adding a little more all-round protection and ankle support, as well as reliable Gore-Tex waterproofing. The result is a great three-season boot for fast and light summit-bagging missions or lightweight backpacking trips.Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Superb traction+Structured and supportive for a mid-cut bootReasons to avoid-Sole can wear away quickly-Narrower fit may not suit everyoneWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a superb boot for fast and light hiking adventures
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)T3 VerdictDerived from the legendary La Sportiva Ultra Raptor trail running shoe, this mid-cut boot offers similar flex and cushioning in a comparatively lightweight package whilst also adding a little more all-round protection and ankle support, as well as reliable Gore-Tex waterproofing. The result is a great three-season boot for fast and light summit-bagging missions or lightweight backpacking trips.Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Superb traction+Structured and supportive for a mid-cut bootReasons to avoid-Sole can wear away quickly-Narrower fit may not suit everyone
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
T3 VerdictDerived from the legendary La Sportiva Ultra Raptor trail running shoe, this mid-cut boot offers similar flex and cushioning in a comparatively lightweight package whilst also adding a little more all-round protection and ankle support, as well as reliable Gore-Tex waterproofing. The result is a great three-season boot for fast and light summit-bagging missions or lightweight backpacking trips.Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Superb traction+Structured and supportive for a mid-cut bootReasons to avoid-Sole can wear away quickly-Narrower fit may not suit everyone
T3 VerdictDerived from the legendary La Sportiva Ultra Raptor trail running shoe, this mid-cut boot offers similar flex and cushioning in a comparatively lightweight package whilst also adding a little more all-round protection and ankle support, as well as reliable Gore-Tex waterproofing. The result is a great three-season boot for fast and light summit-bagging missions or lightweight backpacking trips.
T3 Verdict
Derived from the legendary La Sportiva Ultra Raptor trail running shoe, this mid-cut boot offers similar flex and cushioning in a comparatively lightweight package whilst also adding a little more all-round protection and ankle support, as well as reliable Gore-Tex waterproofing. The result is a great three-season boot for fast and light summit-bagging missions or lightweight backpacking trips.
Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Superb traction+Structured and supportive for a mid-cut bootReasons to avoid-Sole can wear away quickly-Narrower fit may not suit everyone
Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Superb traction+Structured and supportive for a mid-cut boot
Lightweight
Superb traction
Structured and supportive for a mid-cut boot
Reasons to avoid-Sole can wear away quickly-Narrower fit may not suit everyone
Sole can wear away quickly
Narrower fit may not suit everyone
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and featuresPerformanceVerdictAlso consider
Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and featuresPerformanceVerdictAlso consider
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Boots deals
77 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
77 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
☆☆☆☆☆
$198.95$124.60View$218.95$144.32View$219$159.73View
$198.95$124.60View
$198.95$124.60View
$198.95$124.60View
$198.95$124.60
$124.60
$218.95$144.32View
$218.95$144.32View
$218.95$144.32View
$218.95$144.32
$144.32
$219$159.73View
$219$159.73View
$219$159.73View
$219$159.73
$159.73
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In this La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX review, we’ll look at this popular lightweight boot from the renowned Italian footwear brand, considering its overall design, features, performance and comfort.
The mid-cut Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX hiking boot is derived from the highly regarded Ultra Raptor mountain running shoe. That trail shoe is a bit of a legend in the mountain running world, much loved for its near-optimal balance of cushioning, support, protection and traction.
The boot version has a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex liner and is similarly agile, supportive and well-cushioned, even after 100s of miles I put in them. Why would someone who has access to all thebest hiking bootswould use one boot so much? Read my full review below to find out, as well as some more details on the versatility of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX review
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX review: price and availability
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is available now atLa Sportiva EUandLa Sportiva USin both fabric and leather variants, both equipped with a Gore-Tex Extended Comfort waterproof lining. In addition, the boot comes in two width fittings, so you can choose from regular or wide models. Prices from £180/ $199.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX review: specifications
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX review: design and features
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
The fact that this mid-cut boot is built on the Ultra Raptor trail shoe platform means it retains an agile, lightweight feel. The uppers feel as soft and forgiving as a trainer, even if you opt for the leather version. Underfoot, you get similarly high levels of comfort from a shock-absorbing EVA midsole. It feels noticeably more cushioned than more minimalist trail shoes or more substantial walking boots with firmer, PU-based midsoles. The 9mm drop is relatively generous, which makes this a good boot for hard-packed trails and long distances. Yet the streamlined build means they don’t feel imprecise or clumpy, unlike heavier boots.
Having said that, they still feel surprisingly structured and supportive. In particular, the sole has plenty of lateral stability, reducing torsional twisting that can stress or fatigue the foot. There is plenty of front flex for an easy walking action, though – and the fact that they’re built on a running shoe last means it’s even possible to really pick up the pace. On broken and uneven ground, the prominent toe bumper guards against painful impacts, as does the chunky midsole.
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
The boot also has an unusual heel cage and a lightweight rand for enhanced rear and midfoot support. Meanwhile, the lacing system is threaded through a series of webbing eyelets connected to an external TPU ‘skeleton’. It’s easy to pull everything in tight, ensuring a secure fit with no heel lift. The top set of lace hooks is also designed to minimise lace slip. It’s an excellent design.
The added height of the ankle cuff has two main benefits. Firstly, it delivers welcome additional support on trickier terrain or when carrying a bigger pack; and secondly, it adds an inch or two of extra flood height to keep out water and general trail debris. But since the neoprene collar and elasticated heel gaiter are both soft and stretchy, you still get good freedom of movement.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX review: performance
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
The first thing to note is that the fit of the standard boot is slightly narrow, especially at the toebox. This may or may not suit you, but it’s worth noting that the Ultra Raptors also come in a wide fit, which might be worth trying even if you normally take a regular width. We’d actually say that with this boot, the regular fit feels more like a narrow fit, whereas the wide fit is more like a regular. As ever, try before you buy.
Get the fit right, though, and in all other respects, this is a superb boot. All-day comfort is excellent. It has a higher ankle cuff than most, with plenty of padding plus an elasticated rear panel that reduces pressure on the Achilles. The uppers are lightweight yet durable, with a chunky toecap and heel counter. On the foot, the boot feels structured and supportive, inspiring confidence when moving fast on technical terrain.
The soft and tacky Frixion rubber outsole grips brilliantly on dry, rocky ground. However, this is also its drawback, in that it is so soft that it tends to wear quickly. Conversely, on very wet and sloppy terrain, traction isn’t quite so impressive, probably because the sole lugs aren’t the deepest or most aggressive. In short, it is better suited to mountain trails than muddy hillsides. Having said all that, we walked the entire 268-mile Pennine Way national trail in a pair of these boots, which crosses some of the boggiest moorland in the UK, and we were more than happy with their performance.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX review: verdict
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX review: also consider
If you’re after a similarly lightweight mid-cut hiking boot, then the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX competes squarely with various rival models from brands like Adidas Terrex, Inov-8, Scarpa, Mammut and Salomon. For more options, out T3’sbest hiking bootsandbest women’s hiking bootsguides.
Berghaus’ new VC22 GTX(external link) might also be worth a look. Just bear in mind that although there are even lighter mid boots than the Ultra Raptor II Mid, they tend to sacrifice overall protection and durability. On balance, we think the La Sportiva is the best all-around lightweight mid-boot we’ve tested.
If you want similar characteristics but are prepared to sacrifice a little extra weight for the sake of even more cushioning, then you could consider theHoka Anacapa Low GTXor Trail Code GTX, with their trademark oversized midsole. Of course, what you gain in on-trail bounce, you tend to lose in terms of precision and feel, which, in our opinion, makes the La Sportiva a better choice for mixed terrain.
On the other hand, if you need a sturdier, mountain-focused mid boot for scrambling over technical terrain, then the La Sportiva TX Hike or TX4 Mid GTX are stiffer and more structured alternatives, though arguably less versatile for walking on easier ground.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Boots: Price Comparison
77 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
77 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
☆☆☆☆☆
$198.95$124.60View$218.95$144.32View$153.21View$219$159.73View$198.95$180.32View
$198.95$124.60View
$198.95$124.60View
$198.95$124.60View
$198.95$124.60
$124.60
$218.95$144.32View
$218.95$144.32View
$218.95$144.32View
$218.95$144.32
$144.32
$153.21View
$153.21View
$153.21View
$153.21
$153.21
$219$159.73View
$219$159.73View
$219$159.73View
$219$159.73
$159.73
$198.95$180.32View
$198.95$180.32View
$198.95$180.32View
$198.95$180.32
$180.32
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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