Generally, Gore-Tex boots really suck after they get wet, but the Ultra Raptor IIs seemed to have a built-in bilge pump. The TPU shanks also provide cushion and support while absorbing the shock from impacting obstacles such as rocks and stumps during a quick descent.

The result is an mid cut hiking shoe that can be worn for many consecutive hours and suitable for off-road use on any type of terrain. As with all waterproof hiking boots, the membrane won’t help much if you happen to dunk them above the collar (and will take a while to dry), but the taller cuff and laces extending all way up the ankle provide a good amount of coverage when stepping in puddles and streams.

Whether you're just getting started or an experienced climber, whatever your adventure needs, we have the gear. The Ultra Raptor has long been a staple in La Sportiva’s lineup, spoken of with reverence by trail runners and hikers alike. We don’t conduct a separate review of ratings to check that the ratings displayed are actually from consumers. The boot has a five-inch flood line, which did a great job of keeping my feet dry until I plunged thigh-deep into the Potomac River.

It has a higher ankle cuff than most, with plenty of padding plus an elasticated rear panel that reduces pressure on the Achilles. But while I'm sure not every shoe design would be likely to justify such modification, the result in this case is quite simply brilliant. These insoles are designed for both men's and women's feet and have different thicknesses and materials depending on the average weight of the user. 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.One pound off the feet equals five pounds off the back in terms of energy expended, and these boots were light AF. La Sportiva's Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX builds on the success of the original Ultra Raptors by upping the collar height and making this a more versatile mid boot for general outdoor use. I really liked the Comfort Collar and integrated gaiter which ALSO had an integrated pull tab to help get the boots on — which was a nice surprise. With a lot of technology focused at the bottom of the boot, it’s no surprise that the Ultra Raptor II fared well on most surfaces. La Sportiva’s TX collection debuted as a series of approach shoes (the TX2, TX3, and TX4) and has since expanded to include a few hiking-oriented models.

I subsequently brought them to Patagonia and wore them for a 12+ mile hike to Laguna de los Tres on our first day, which included mostly level trail with a steep and rocky ascent to the lake. These charges are the sole responsibility of the recipient, who will have to pay the amount due to the forwarder or to the competent authorities. But aside from that shortcoming in terms of lifetime durability, this is still a great three-season boot for fast and light summit-bagging missions or lightweight backpacking trips.The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Men's Hiking Boots from La Sportiva is a mid-cut version of the well-known Ultra Raptor running shoe. Being soft and slightly stretchy, it does not significantly limit ankle mobility, so in essence this is a very shoe-like boot. Other distinctions include a more hardwearing leather upper and Gore-Tex Surround liner with Nano-Cell technology, which provide ventilation not only through the top of the foot but also along the bottom of the footbed. Initially sceptical, Dan Bailey found himself won over by these shoes, at least for shorter local runs on less demanding terrain. In trying on the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX for the first time, they felt much more like a mid-height trail runner than a true hiking boot.

Out of the box, they were pretty comfortable, and that comfort increased after I got them completely soaked wading through a river.If you anticipate hiking over this type of terrain frequently, I’d recommend opting for a boot with a more aggressive tread pattern like Salomon’s Quest 4 GTX or La Sportiva’s own Nucleo High II GTX. As I mentioned above, my toes pressed against the front of the shoes on steep descents, which caused a good amount of discomfort. As with most things the model has undergone various changes, but the core characteristics have remained constant (and explain my loyalty).