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

Product Information

ounces, but the deeper lugs and aggressive tread pattern give it the clear edge in softer surfaces like mud and snow. The upper is made of friction-resistant and breathable mesh fabric, perfect for use in all conditions.

Ultra Raptor Mid II GTX is the mid-cut version of the Ultra Raptor II trail running model, ideal for fast hiking and excursions with a light load. Sometimes you just know; and on the strength of my long and happy relationship with the shoe version I took a gamble for my fist outing with the boots, on the remote peak of Baosbheinn. 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. But even after they stretched a bit, the boots still felt a little tight and prohibitive at the front.

This high-performance technical hiking boot is a jacked-up trail running shoe, giving it the quick-footed nimbleness of a low top while providing Our testers also appreciated the added comfort from the padding that wraps around the entire ankle and the tongue of the shoe and the soft comfort collar with a pull-tab feature whose material is soft to the touch and makes it easy to pull on.

And for those of us that lack a little grace on the trail and are prone to stubbing our toes on the occasional stump or rock, this hiking boot also features an anti-shock rubber toe cap for a more enjoyable experience on trail.Weight: When I threw these boots on my kitchen scale, I was stoked to discover that they are the lightest pair of hiking boots I’ve demoed to date — weighing in at a scant 1035 grams or 2 pounds 4.

La Sportiva makes some of our favorite climbing shoes, and that technical expertise has translated nicely to their hiking boot lineup. The Men's Ultra Raptor II Mid Wide GTX will suit everything from dog walks in the woods, to day-long hikes and fast-packing adventures in the mountains.His boots became known for their quality and he began producing mountain boots for the Italian army during World War II. The designers also ensured the area of the boot that meets the Achilles tendon was made from a soft, flexible, elastic material. 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. Being soft and slightly stretchy, it does not significantly limit ankle mobility, so in essence this is a very shoe-like boot.

The Nubuck leather uppers are reinforced with compression lines that guarantee foot wrapping and high stability. The sock-like upper and one-piece tongue also help immensely with locking things down and providing a snug all-around fit, and there are minimal seams along the interior to reduce hot spots and rubbing. Taking this great shoe and adding a cuff to create a light and bouncy boot could have been seen as a bit of a gamble. He’s based in Snowdonia and last year thru-hiked the Cambrian Way, which runs for 298 miles from Cardiff to Conwy, with a total ascent of 73,700ft (that’s nearly 2½ times the height of Everest). A mountain running shoe with a carbon plate - an idea that's crossed over from road running - the Kima RT is designed to reduce fatigue over long distances.

A shoe with less drop may be more nimble on rough ground, while a bigger drop can mean more cushioning for hard surfaces and long distances, so it's pretty clear where the Ultra Raptor Mid is positioned. It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the. The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX features an affordable and lightweight design, as well as a comfortable and supportive fit that is waterproof and built to last.