La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX

The Ultra Raptor trail runners from La Sportiva have achieved legendary status in the mountain running sector - praised for their excellent levels of safety, durability, and stability, as well as their lightweight and trail-runner-inspired design. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX elevates the traditional style of hiking boots somewhat by incorporating an over-the-ankle sleeve and waterproof membrane. The result is a shoe that sits between mid-height trail runners and hiking boots, combining the finest qualities of both worlds.

All in all, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is an agile and swift alternative to footwear like the Zodiac Plus and Quest 4 for fast and light mountaineers. Some people also compare these La Sportiva boots to the Altra Lone Peaks ALL-WTHR Mid. While the Ultra Raptor is just a few grams thicker, it provides notably stronger protections around the foot thanks to wide toe caps and TPU heels, and the strong shank contributes significantly to stability. Also, the FriXion XF 2.0 sole is strong and well-suited for rock climbing.

Ratings: 4.4 stars (from 111 reviews)

Price: $175

Buy it at: https://www.rei.com/product/183605/