Men’s La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Review

Bottom Line

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX combines the agility of a trail runner with the reliability of a hiking boot, making it ideal for fast, light hikes across technical terrain. These are the only all-synthetic boots to make the cut on our Best Hiking Boots For Men guide thanks to their impressive balance of lightweight design and technical performance features. We like them so much, the low-cut shoe version is also ranked on our Best Hiking Shoes for Men list. 

Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has climbed dozens of Colorado mountains over 13,000 feet in these boots, and our testing reveals they excel on tough mountain terrain like slippery boulder fields, sandy couloirs, and sharp ridges. The combination of a grippy lug pattern and stiffer midsoles gives these high-top Raptor IIs stellar traction on steep climbs, braking on long descents, and lots of control on shifting rock. 

Built from strong synthetic materials and featuring a snug but flexible fit, these boots are light at barely over a pound each – but they still offer top-tier GORE-TEX waterproofing and plenty of protection thanks to their burly toe cap, thermoplastic exterior, and mid-height design. 

However, the boots’ narrow toe box and midfoot, as well as limited ankle support, will miss the mark for folks with wider feet or those who want more ankle security. The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTXs are also on the spendy side, so their price tag and slightly niche use as an off-trail, mountain-friendly hiking boot may not fit your needs. And though we love their light weight, the synthetic build sacrifices some durability compared to heavier leather boots, with the tread and uppers wearing out after 300 miles. 

But for anyone on the hunt for a supportive, 3-season boot that won’t weigh you down in the high alpine, the Ultra Raptor IIs are worth considering.

Comfort

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mids feel light and agile like a trail runner but with the features of a boot. They have a snug but flexible fit that’s built for agility on rugged, uneven trails. The plentiful mesh allows decent breathability on warmer days, but it really thrives in cooler temps below 70°F, where the GORE-TEX booty adds a bit of warmth and will keep your feet dry. The lacing system effectively locks the foot into the boot and extends high up the ankle. The Raptor IIs have a narrow fit, but that directly translates to secure footing on most terrain and eliminates movement and sliding inside the boot – essential on steep ascents, descents, and technical terrain. 

La Sportiva uses a proprietary rubber blend for the outsole that’s both stiff but flexible for a trail-runner like feel. We also appreciate cushy details like a tall, soft tongue to help evenly distribute pressure from laces, a cushy heel and ankle cuff for easy on and off, and a burly toe cap to shield against everything from brambles and brush to rocks and roots on trail. We also like the longer, flexible laces to customize the fit easily with a lacing pattern that works well for you – and they stay in place once tied. If you’re looking to avoid foot and leg fatigue, these are not only one of the lightest boots we’ve tested – but also one of our top picks if you’re looking for natural movement without sacrificing structure. 

The biggest downsides of these boots? They are a narrow fit with medium padding. La Sportiva’s earned a bit of a reputation for narrow footwear, and the Ultra Raptor II Mids are no exception. We find they’re a bit tight through the middle and have a smaller toe box compared to most of the hiking boots we’ve tested. This means they may feel cramped for wider feet and folks who like a more natural toe splay. Luckily, these boots also come in a leather version with wide sizing.

La Sportiva uses a European sizing scale, which offers more nuanced footwear sizing compared to American sizing, so you can find a boot that’s accurately sized for a more tailored fit. We also find the stiffer rubber soles, minimal ankle support, and thinner nylon uppers are less cushy than boots with excess padding, natural materials, and foam midsoles. This works well in the mountains for excellent ground feel and precision foot placement, but you may want to look elsewhere if you prefer softer shoes or need better support for carrying heavy packs or navigating rugged terrain. 

Ankle Support

If you’re looking for lightweight boots that move with your feet and ankles, the Ultra Raptor II Mids are for you. This model prioritizes agility over intense support and rigidity. Folks who prefer to move fast on trail but still want reliable protection from underbrush – plus decent waterproofing – will love this design. The lacing system uses fabric loops for the laces except for two hooked eyelets at the top of the boot. This design effectively cinches the Raptor IIs down tight onto your feet and distributes lace pressure well for a snug, close fit around the ankle and heel. The ankle collar is cushy thanks to a thick nylon mesh interior that extends over the edge. The tall tongue and soft, pliable patch of material at the heel makes Raptors easy to put on and take off. Combined with a grippy and fairly stiff outsole, they offer minimal but comfortable ankle support that thrives on technical routes, ultralight adventures, and in three-season conditions.

But the Raptor IIs don’t offer the rigid ankle stability of traditional hiking boots built with thicker, stronger textiles and materials, so we don’t recommend them for heavy pack loads or folks who need a burly, supportive ankle design. Without a stiff frame, these boots don’t prevent ankle rolls as effectively nor will they feel as stable on uneven ground. Compared to traditional, full-height hiking boots, the mid-ankle height sacrifices structure and reduces long-term durability, especially with heavy use on rough trails. But remember: these boots shine when it comes to nimble movement in the mountains. If you’re seeking alpine adventure, the lesser ankle support won’t be a dealbreaker.

Weight

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mids are lightweight, tipping the scales at just over a pound per boot. That places them in the top half of the hiking boots we’ve tested for weight – without the bulk of classic hiking footwear. La Sportiva keeps weight down using an all-synthetic construction including nylon mesh, TPU overlays, thermoplastic, and a durable but responsive rubber composite. They may weigh a bit more than ultralight options, but Ultra Raptors stand out for speed and precision in the mountains, where their uniquely slim, streamlined aesthetic expertly balances agility, traction, and protection. In spite of the boots’ trail-runner-inspired construction, they are  more than sturdy enough for reliable protection on and off-trail.

For more demanding backcountry routes, extreme conditions, or maximum ankle support, a heftier boot might be better. However, the Ultra Raptor II Mid is  a terrific pick if you need a lightweight yet protective boot that will keep you light on your feet.

Traction

These boots deliver exceptional traction that’s sticky and reliable on most surfaces. The Ultra Raptor II Mids have aggressive, multi-directional 4.5 mm lugs that combine sharp, geometric shapes with knobby, rounded ovals. Because the outsole is fairly narrow, and the midsole is thin – it doesn’t use a ton of foam like other boots – you’ll have excellent ground feel, making them perfect for technical trails where every step needs to be precise. This design directly translates to a solid grip on everything from loose dirt and mud to rocky paths and slick roots.

The deep lugs help prevent slips on steep ascents and descents, giving confidence on technical trails. Spaces between the lugs help hikers quickly and easily shed mud, water, and debris for strong grip across dry and wet conditions. These are especially effective on steep uphills, where the forefoot lug design bites the ground for a stable step almost every time. The slightly flexible soles and tacky rubber composite outsoles perform particularly well on rough, uneven ground, making the Ultra Raptor II ideal for challenging, mixed-terrain environments where dependable traction and stability are essential.

The responsive, sticky rubber blend and intense tread pattern aren’t for everyone, though. This design falls short on wet or icy surfaces where the rounded lugs are much less effective than on dry surfaces. Although the grip is exceptional at the toe, we wish the heel of the boots had the same attention as they feel less stable on steep downhills. That said, this intense tread pattern may be overkill for established, mellow, and nontechnical trails since the stiffer soles and beefy lugs are less forgiving and comfortable on smooth terrain. 

Our testing also showed that the rubber compound on the outsole isn’t as durable as boots that use denser compounds. Because the La Sportiva outsoles are a bit softer, they stick to rocky better, but they begin to wear down significantly at the 250 to 300-mile mark. Still, for most people and most terrain, the Ultra Raptor II Mids will keep you feeling stable.

Weather Resistance

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a good choice for adventures in challenging weather conditions. The boots’ waterproofing hinges on their durable GORE-TEX membrane – it’s in the name of the boots – that keeps water out while allowing heat and moisture vapor to escape. This liner is sewn into the boot and effectively keeps feet dry and comfy through moderate rain, mud, puddles, and shallow stream crossings. This waterproof liner is also perfect for the 30°F to 70°F range since it retains a bit of heat in cooler weather. This makes the waterproof Raptor II Mids great for spring and fall hikes in damp, unpredictable terrain. Thermoplastic overlays also add moisture resistance to the boot’s uppers. The snug fit and higher mid-cut design also protect against seepage and splashes. These are Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer’s go-to boots in spring and fall when trails are mucky and weather can change quickly since they offer peace of mind on backcountry treks where it’s important to avoid soggy feet.

This models’ waterproofing has its limits, though. In extremely wet conditions, the Raptor II Mids struggle to stay completely dry and will eventually soak through with prolonged exposure. We found the GORE-TEX liner works well for occasional wet exposure, but the boots’ uppers eventually saturate after many hours of creek crossings, mud, and melting snow – so they aren’t ideal in sustained moisture. Our testing reveals that after hours of walking through rain and wet underbrush, water can penetrate along the flex points where synthetic materials meet along the toe and sides of the boot. For example, after 150 miles, we consistently found two penny-sized wet areas on the outside of the foot at the toe.

Additionally, while the GORE-TEX layer is breathable, it can trap some warmth, making them less ideal for hot, humid climates above 70°F. But these are small potatoes for most hikers – unless you’re tackling extensive snowfields or deep water crossings, these boots are great for all-day dryness in 3-season conditions.

Durability

The Ultra Raptor II Mids offer moderate durability compared to leather boots – but they’re a standout compared to other lightweight, all-synthetic boots. Burly, flexible thermoplastic wraps around the base of the shoe closest to the outsole, offering stellar waterproofing and abrasion resistance on trail. These boots feature one of our favorite toe caps of any hiking boot -a huge, burly piece of rubber that completely covers the toes, giving solid protection where it matters most. Abrasion-resistant TPU overlays across the side and top of the boot add durability from obstacles, giving the boot an edge against sharp rocks, roots, and brambles. Reinforced stitching, nylon mesh, and a beefy lug pattern enhances this boot’s resilience by providing extra protection against impact and wear, and the GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet dry and shielded from moisture on muddy or wet trails. The blend of lightweight construction and durability makes the Ultra Raptor a great fit for those venturing into technical, high-altitude, or varied terrains where reliability is a must.

That said, the Raptor II Mids won’t last as long as traditional hiking boots with stronger textiles, components, and burly rubber blends. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer used these boots up to the 400-mile-mark in the Colorado Rockies, proving they hold up well in tough terrain – although, they were in rough shape after 250 miles with laces needing to be replaced, tread wearing down significantly, and the upper mesh fraying.

The same elements of these boots that give them longevity – thermoplastic siding, TPU, and mesh – are also what shortens their lifespan, especially when used in extreme environments or under heavy moisture. The thin laces have a nice stretch to them, but they don’t last long – the thin sheath wears down after hundreds of uses, leading to fraying and failure. That said, no boot is perfect. You’ll need to decide if the trade-off for a flexible, lightweight boot that doesn’t last as long outweighs a rigid, heavier boot with a longer lifespan.

Should You Buy the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II MId GTX?

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is for serious 3-season hikers who want a lightweight, agile boot with reliable traction for technical hiking on varied terrain. With a flexible upper, grippy lug pattern, and waterproof membrane, it’s ideal for steep descents, rugged paths, and challenging hikes where speed, traction, and water resistance matter. Its snug fit and nimble feel will appeal to desert wanderers, peak-baggers, and backpackers carrying lighter loads on off-trail routes. When keeping weight down and moving fast are top of mind, the Ultra Raptor II Mids deliver decent durability and support for high-altitude adventures. They may be a bit pricey, but for folks who want top-tier performance from the desert to the high country, these are one of our all-time favorites.

However, this boot might not suit backpackers with heavy loads, people who hike in wet or humid climates, and those who need lots of ankle support or a wide fit. The narrow design of these boots are a bit restrictive for wider feet, and the waterproofing is reliable, but not as robust as heavier hiking boots. The synthetic build is rugged, but it’s not as tough as leather in consistently damp weather conditions, and the uppers don’t offer rigid ankle support. The Ultra Raptor II is also less suited for hot, lower-altitude hikes due to its limited breathability. But when it comes to cool, rugged trails, high mountain hiking days, and adventures where every step matters – the Ultra Raptors are one of our favorites for protection and performance.

What Other hiking boots Should You Consider?

For more options, please see our full guide to men’s hiking boots.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Review: The HOKA Anacapa 2 is similar in price, weight, and height, but they have less ankle support and weather resistance than heavier boots. We prefer the Anacapa 2s for their comfort level, though – the wider toe box, all-foam outsoles, and more adjustable lacing system is better for less narrow feet and longer distance where technical performance matters less.

Merrell Moab 3 Review: The Merrell Moab 3s have a comparable soft upper and flexible sole as the Ultra Raptor IIs, but they score higher for comfort. With a wider toe box and midfoot, the Moab 3s offer superior weatherproof abilities and durability due to the soft leather uppers. These weigh much more, though, so they aren’t great for long distances or ultralight adventures. At the same time,they’re more stable, comfy, and affordable for shorter hikes.

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Review: Like the Ultra Raptor II Mids, this is the mid-cut boot version of a very popular trail shoe. It has comparable traction, making it a contender for both off-trail, technical hikes and fast movement on groomed trails. However, these offer more rigid ankle support, better weather resistance, and increased durability – so they’re our preferred choice for hiking in rugged conditions. They are also fairly narrow through the midfoot, so they’re a solid choice if you like a snug fit – and they’re more affordable, too.