Males’s La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Mid GTX Evaluate

Backside Line

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Mid GTX combines the agility of a path runner with the reliability of a mountain climbing boot, making it supreme for quick, gentle hikes throughout technical terrain. These are the one all-synthetic boots to make the reduce on our Finest Mountaineering Boots For Males information because of their spectacular steadiness of light-weight design and technical efficiency options. We like them a lot, the low-cut shoe model can also be ranked on our Finest Mountaineering Sneakers for Males listing. 

Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has climbed dozens of Colorado mountains over 13,000 ft in these boots, and our testing reveals they excel on powerful mountain terrain like slippery boulder fields, sandy couloirs, and sharp ridges. The mix of a grippy lug sample and stiffer midsoles provides these high-top Raptor IIs stellar traction on steep climbs, braking on lengthy descents, and plenty of management on shifting rock. 

Constructed from robust artificial supplies and that includes a comfortable however versatile match, these boots are gentle at barely over a pound every – however they nonetheless supply top-tier GORE-TEX waterproofing and loads of safety because of their burly toe cap, thermoplastic exterior, and mid-height design. 

Nevertheless, the boots’ slim toe field and midfoot, in addition to restricted ankle help, will miss the mark for folk with wider ft or those that need extra ankle safety. The Extremely Raptor II Mid GTXs are additionally on the spendy aspect, so their price ticket and barely area of interest use as an off-trail, mountain-friendly mountain climbing boot could not suit your wants. And although we love their gentle weight, the artificial construct sacrifices some sturdiness in comparison with heavier leather-based boots, with the tread and uppers carrying out after 300 miles. 

However for anybody on the hunt for a supportive, 3-season boot that gained’t weigh you down within the excessive alpine, the Extremely Raptor IIs are price contemplating.

Consolation

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Mids really feel gentle and agile like a path runner however with the options of a boot. They’ve a comfortable however versatile match that’s constructed for agility on rugged, uneven trails. The plentiful mesh permits respectable breathability on hotter days, but it surely actually thrives in cooler temps under 70°F, the place the GORE-TEX booty provides a bit of heat and can maintain your ft dry. The lacing system successfully locks the foot into the boot and extends excessive up the ankle. The Raptor IIs have a slim match, however that immediately interprets to safe footing on most terrain and eliminates motion and sliding contained in the boot – important on steep ascents, descents, and technical terrain. 

La Sportiva makes use of a proprietary rubber mix for the outsole that’s each stiff however versatile for a trail-runner like really feel. We additionally respect soft particulars like a tall, mushy tongue to assist evenly distribute strain from laces, a soft heel and ankle cuff for straightforward on and off, and a burly toe cap to protect in opposition to all the pieces from brambles and brush to rocks and roots on path. We additionally just like the longer, versatile laces to customise the match simply with a lacing sample that works nicely for you – and so they keep in place as soon as tied. In case you’re trying to keep away from foot and leg fatigue, these aren’t solely one of many lightest boots we’ve examined – but additionally one in every of our high picks in case you’re on the lookout for pure motion with out sacrificing construction. 

The most important downsides of those boots? They’re a slim match with medium padding. La Sportiva’s earned a little bit of a status for slim footwear, and the Extremely Raptor II Mids are not any exception. We discover they’re a bit tight by way of the center and have a smaller toe field in comparison with a lot of the mountain climbing boots we’ve examined. This implies they might really feel cramped for wider ft and people who like a extra pure toe splay. Fortunately, these boots additionally are available a leather-based model with broad sizing.

La Sportiva makes use of a European sizing scale, which presents extra nuanced footwear sizing in comparison with American sizing, so you will discover a boot that’s precisely sized for a extra tailor-made match. We additionally discover the stiffer rubber soles, minimal ankle help, and thinner nylon uppers are much less soft than boots with extra padding, pure supplies, and foam midsoles. This works nicely within the mountains for glorious floor really feel and precision foot placement, however chances are you’ll wish to look elsewhere in case you desire softer sneakers or want higher help for carrying heavy packs or navigating rugged terrain. 

Ankle Help

In case you’re on the lookout for light-weight boots that transfer along with your ft and ankles, the Extremely Raptor II Mids are for you. This mannequin prioritizes agility over intense help and rigidity. People preferring to maneuver quick on path however nonetheless need dependable safety from underbrush – plus respectable waterproofing – will love this design. The lacing system makes use of cloth loops for the laces besides for 2 hooked eyelets on the high of the boot. This design successfully cinches the Raptor IIs down tight onto your ft and distributes lace strain nicely for a comfortable, shut match across the ankle and heel. The ankle collar is soft because of a thick nylon mesh inside that extends over the sting. The tall tongue and mushy, pliable patch of fabric on the heel makes Raptors simple to placed on and take off. Mixed with a grippy and pretty stiff outsole, they provide minimal however snug ankle help that thrives on technical routes, ultralight adventures, and in three-season circumstances.

However the Raptor IIs don’t supply the inflexible ankle stability of conventional mountain climbing boots constructed with thicker, stronger textiles and supplies, so we don’t suggest them for heavy pack hundreds or people who want a burly, supportive ankle design. With no stiff body, these boots don’t stop ankle rolls as successfully nor will they really feel as secure on uneven floor. In comparison with conventional, full-height mountain climbing boots, the mid-ankle top sacrifices construction and reduces long-term sturdiness, particularly with heavy use on tough trails. However bear in mind: these boots shine on the subject of nimble motion within the mountains. In case you’re searching for alpine journey, the lesser ankle help gained’t be a dealbreaker.

Weight

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Mids are light-weight, tipping the scales at simply over a pound per boot. That locations them within the high half of the mountain climbing boots we’ve examined for weight – with out the majority of basic mountain climbing footwear. La Sportiva retains weight down utilizing an all-synthetic building together with nylon mesh, TPU overlays, thermoplastic, and a sturdy however responsive rubber composite. They might weigh a bit greater than ultralight choices, however Extremely Raptors stand out for velocity and precision within the mountains, the place their uniquely slim, streamlined aesthetic expertly balances agility, traction, and safety. Regardless of the boots’ trail-runner-inspired building, they’re  greater than sturdy sufficient for dependable safety on and off-trail.

For extra demanding backcountry routes, excessive circumstances, or most ankle help, a heftier boot is likely to be higher. Nevertheless, the Extremely Raptor II Mid is  a terrific choose in case you want a light-weight but protecting boot that may maintain you gentle in your ft.

Traction

These boots ship distinctive traction that’s sticky and dependable on most surfaces. The Extremely Raptor II Mids have aggressive, multi-directional 4.5 mm lugs that mix sharp, geometric shapes with knobby, rounded ovals. As a result of the outsole is pretty slim, and the midsole is skinny – it doesn’t use a ton of froth like different boots – you’ll have glorious floor really feel, making them good for technical trails the place each step must be exact. This design immediately interprets to a stable grip on all the pieces from unfastened grime and dust to rocky paths and slick roots.

The deep lugs assist stop slips on steep ascents and descents, giving confidence on technical trails. Areas between the lugs assist hikers shortly and simply shed mud, water, and particles for robust grip throughout dry and moist circumstances. These are particularly efficient on steep uphills, the place the forefoot lug design bites the bottom for a secure step nearly each time. The marginally versatile soles and cheesy rubber composite outsoles carry out notably nicely on tough, uneven floor, making the Extremely Raptor II supreme for difficult, mixed-terrain environments the place reliable traction and stability are important.

The responsive, sticky rubber mix and intense tread sample aren’t for everybody, although. This design falls quick on moist or icy surfaces the place the rounded lugs are a lot much less efficient than on dry surfaces. Though the grip is outstanding on the toe, we want the heel of the boots had the identical consideration as they really feel much less secure on steep downhills. That stated, this intense tread sample could also be overkill for established, mellow, and nontechnical trails because the stiffer soles and beefy lugs are much less forgiving and cozy on clean terrain. 

Our testing additionally confirmed that the rubber compound on the outsole isn’t as sturdy as boots that use denser compounds. As a result of the La Sportiva outsoles are a bit softer, they persist with rocky higher, however they start to put on down considerably on the 250 to 300-mile mark. Nonetheless, for most individuals and most terrain, the Extremely Raptor II Mids will maintain you feeling secure.

Climate Resistance

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Mid GTX is an effective selection for adventures in difficult climate circumstances. The boots’ waterproofing hinges on their sturdy GORE-TEX membrane – it’s within the title of the boots – that retains water out whereas permitting warmth and moisture vapor to flee. This liner is sewn into the boot and successfully retains ft dry and comfortable by way of reasonable rain, mud, puddles, and shallow stream crossings. This waterproof liner can also be good for the 30°F to 70°F vary because it retains a bit of warmth in cooler climate. This makes the waterproof Raptor II Mids nice for spring and fall hikes in damp, unpredictable terrain. Thermoplastic overlays additionally add moisture resistance to the boot’s uppers. The cosy match and better mid-cut design additionally shield in opposition to seepage and splashes. These are Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer’s go-to boots in spring and fall when trails are mucky and climate can change shortly since they provide peace of thoughts on backcountry treks the place it’s vital to keep away from soggy ft.

This fashions’ waterproofing has its limits, although. In extraordinarily moist circumstances, the Raptor II Mids battle to remain utterly dry and can ultimately soak by way of with extended publicity. We discovered the GORE-TEX liner works nicely for infrequent moist publicity, however the boots’ uppers ultimately saturate after many hours of creek crossings, mud, and melting snow – so that they aren’t supreme in sustained moisture. Our testing reveals that after hours of strolling by way of rain and moist underbrush, water can penetrate alongside the flex factors the place artificial supplies meet alongside the toe and sides of the boot. For instance, after 150 miles, we constantly discovered two penny-sized moist areas on the skin of the foot on the toe.

Moreover, whereas the GORE-TEX layer is breathable, it might lure some heat, making them much less supreme for decent, humid climates above 70°F. However these are small potatoes for many hikers – until you’re tackling intensive snowfields or deep water crossings, these boots are nice for all-day dryness in 3-season circumstances.

Sturdiness

The Extremely Raptor II Mids supply reasonable sturdiness in comparison with leather-based boots – however they’re a standout in comparison with different light-weight, all-synthetic boots. Burly, versatile thermoplastic wraps across the base of the shoe closest to the outsole, providing stellar waterproofing and abrasion resistance on path. These boots function one in every of our favourite toe caps of any mountain climbing boot -a large, burly piece of rubber that utterly covers the toes, giving stable safety the place it issues most. Abrasion-resistant TPU overlays throughout the aspect and high of the boot add sturdiness from obstacles, giving the boot an edge in opposition to sharp rocks, roots, and brambles. Strengthened stitching, nylon mesh, and a beefy lug sample enhances this boot’s resilience by offering further safety in opposition to affect and put on, and the GORE-TEX membrane retains ft dry and shielded from moisture on muddy or moist trails. The mix of light-weight building and sturdiness makes the Extremely Raptor an important match for these venturing into technical, high-altitude, or diversified terrains the place reliability is a should.

That stated, the Raptor II Mids gained’t final so long as conventional mountain climbing boots with stronger textiles, parts, and burly rubber blends. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer used these boots as much as the 400-mile-mark within the Colorado Rockies, proving they maintain up nicely in powerful terrain – though, they had been in tough form after 250 miles with laces needing to get replaced, tread carrying down considerably, and the higher mesh fraying.

The identical parts of those boots that give them longevity – thermoplastic siding, TPU, and mesh – are additionally what shortens their lifespan, particularly when utilized in excessive environments or underneath heavy moisture. The skinny laces have a pleasant stretch to them, however they don’t final lengthy – the skinny sheath wears down after a whole bunch of makes use of, resulting in fraying and failure. That stated, no boot is ideal. You’ll have to determine if the trade-off for a versatile, light-weight boot that doesn’t final as lengthy outweighs a inflexible, heavier boot with an extended lifespan.

Ought to You Purchase the La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II MId GTX?

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Mid GTX is for critical 3-season hikers who desire a light-weight, agile boot with dependable traction for technical mountain climbing on diversified terrain. With a versatile higher, grippy lug sample, and waterproof membrane, it’s supreme for steep descents, rugged paths, and difficult hikes the place velocity, traction, and water resistance matter. Its cosy match and nimble really feel will enchantment to abandon wanderers, peak-baggers, and backpackers carrying lighter hundreds on off-trail routes. When retaining weight down and shifting quick are high of thoughts, the Extremely Raptor II Mids ship respectable sturdiness and help for high-altitude adventures. They might be a bit expensive, however for folk who need top-tier efficiency from the desert to the excessive nation, these are one in every of our all-time favorites.

Nevertheless, this boot may not swimsuit backpackers with heavy hundreds, individuals who hike in moist or humid climates, and those that want a lot of ankle help or a large match. The slim design of those boots are a bit restrictive for wider ft, and the waterproofing is dependable, however not as strong as heavier mountain climbing boots. The artificial construct is rugged, but it surely’s not as powerful as leather-based in constantly damp climate circumstances, and the uppers don’t supply inflexible ankle help. The Extremely Raptor II can also be much less suited to scorching, lower-altitude hikes resulting from its restricted breathability. However on the subject of cool, rugged trails, excessive mountain mountain climbing days, and adventures the place each step issues – the Extremely Raptors are one in every of our favorites for defense and efficiency.

What Different mountain climbing boots Ought to You Take into account?

For extra choices, please see our full information to males’s mountain climbing boots.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Evaluate: The HOKA Anacapa 2 is comparable in worth, weight, and top, however they’ve much less ankle help and climate resistance than heavier boots. We desire the Anacapa 2s for his or her consolation stage, although – the broader toe field, all-foam outsoles, and extra adjustable lacing system is best for much less slim ft and longer distance the place technical efficiency issues much less.

Merrell Moab 3 Evaluate: The Merrell Moab 3s have a comparable mushy higher and versatile sole because the Extremely Raptor IIs, however they rating larger for consolation. With a wider toe field and midfoot, the Moab 3s supply superior weatherproof skills and sturdiness because of the mushy leather-based uppers. These weigh way more, although, so that they aren’t nice for lengthy distances or ultralight adventures. On the identical time,they’re extra secure, cozy, and inexpensive for shorter hikes.

Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX Evaluate: Just like the Extremely Raptor II Mids, that is the mid-cut boot model of a highly regarded path shoe. It has comparable traction, making it a contender for each off-trail, technical hikes and quick motion on groomed trails. Nevertheless, these supply extra inflexible ankle help, higher climate resistance, and elevated sturdiness – so that they’re our most popular selection for mountain climbing in rugged circumstances. They’re additionally pretty slim by way of the midfoot, so that they’re a stable selection in case you like a comfortable match – and so they’re extra inexpensive, too.