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 climbing boot, making it very best for quick, gentle hikes throughout technical terrain. These are the one all-synthetic boots to make the minimize on our Greatest Climbing 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 Greatest Climbing Footwear for Males checklist. 

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

Constructed from robust artificial supplies and that includes a cosy however versatile match, these boots are gentle at barely over a pound every – however they nonetheless provide 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 assist, will miss the mark for folk with wider toes or those that need extra ankle safety. The Extremely Raptor II Mid GTXs are additionally on the spendy facet, so their price ticket and barely area of interest use as an off-trail, mountain-friendly 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 sporting 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 value 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 cosy however versatile match that’s constructed for agility on rugged, uneven trails. The plentiful mesh permits first rate breathability on hotter days, however it actually thrives in cooler temps under 70°F, the place the GORE-TEX booty provides a bit of heat and can maintain your toes 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 straight 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 admire comfortable particulars like a tall, tender tongue to assist evenly distribute strain from laces, a comfortable heel and ankle cuff for straightforward on and off, and a burly toe cap to defend towards every part 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 effectively for you – and so they keep in place as soon as tied. In the event you’re seeking to keep away from foot and leg fatigue, these aren’t solely one of many lightest boots we’ve examined – but in addition considered one of our prime picks in the event you’re searching 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 repute 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 climbing boots we’ve examined. This implies they might really feel cramped for wider toes 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 gives extra nuanced footwear sizing in comparison with American sizing, so yow will discover a boot that’s precisely sized for a extra tailor-made match. We additionally discover the stiffer rubber soles, minimal ankle assist, and thinner nylon uppers are much less comfortable than boots with extra padding, pure supplies, and foam midsoles. This works effectively within the mountains for wonderful floor really feel and precision foot placement, however chances are you’ll wish to look elsewhere in the event you favor softer sneakers or want higher assist for carrying heavy packs or navigating rugged terrain. 

Ankle Help

In the event you’re searching for light-weight boots that transfer along with your toes and ankles, the Extremely Raptor II Mids are for you. This mannequin prioritizes agility over intense assist and rigidity. Of us preferring to maneuver quick on path however nonetheless need dependable safety from underbrush – plus first rate waterproofing – will love this design. The lacing system makes use of material loops for the laces besides for 2 hooked eyelets on the prime of the boot. This design successfully cinches the Raptor IIs down tight onto your toes and distributes lace strain effectively for a cosy, shut match across the ankle and heel. The ankle collar is comfortable because of a thick nylon mesh inside that extends over the sting. The tall tongue and tender, 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 assist that thrives on technical routes, ultralight adventures, and in three-season circumstances.

However the Raptor IIs don’t provide the inflexible ankle stability of conventional climbing boots constructed with thicker, stronger textiles and supplies, so we don’t advocate them for heavy pack masses or people who want a burly, supportive ankle design. With no stiff body, these boots don’t forestall ankle rolls as successfully nor will they really feel as steady on uneven floor. In comparison with conventional, full-height 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 in the case of nimble motion within the mountains. In the event you’re looking for alpine journey, the lesser ankle assist 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 prime half of the climbing boots we’ve examined for weight – with out the majority of traditional climbing footwear. La Sportiva retains weight down utilizing an all-synthetic development 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 development, they’re  greater than sturdy sufficient for dependable safety on and off-trail.

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

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 wonderful floor really feel, making them good for technical trails the place each step must be exact. This design straight interprets to a strong grip on every part from unfastened grime and dirt to rocky paths and slick roots.

The deep lugs assist forestall slips on steep ascents and descents, giving confidence on technical trails. Areas between the lugs assist hikers rapidly 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 steady step nearly each time. The marginally versatile soles and cheesy rubber composite outsoles carry out significantly effectively on tough, uneven floor, making the Extremely Raptor II very best 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 brief 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 steady 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 comfy on easy 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 keep on 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 steady.

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 toes dry and comfortable by way of average 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 comfortable match and better mid-cut design additionally shield towards 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 rapidly since they provide peace of thoughts on backcountry treks the place it’s necessary to keep away from soggy toes.

This fashions’ waterproofing has its limits, although. In extraordinarily moist circumstances, the Raptor II Mids wrestle to remain fully dry and can ultimately soak by way of with extended publicity. We discovered the GORE-TEX liner works effectively for infrequent moist publicity, however the boots’ uppers ultimately saturate after many hours of creek crossings, mud, and melting snow – in order that they aren’t very best 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 persistently discovered two penny-sized moist areas on the skin of the foot on the toe.

Moreover, whereas the GORE-TEX layer is breathable, it could possibly lure some heat, making them much less very best for warm, humid climates above 70°F. However these are small potatoes for many hikers – except 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 provide average 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 characteristic considered one of our favourite toe caps of any climbing boot -a enormous, burly piece of rubber that fully covers the toes, giving strong safety the place it issues most. Abrasion-resistant TPU overlays throughout the facet and prime of the boot add sturdiness from obstacles, giving the boot an edge towards sharp rocks, roots, and brambles. Bolstered stitching, nylon mesh, and a beefy lug sample enhances this boot’s resilience by offering further safety towards influence and put on, and the GORE-TEX membrane retains toes dry and shielded from moisture on muddy or moist trails. The mix of light-weight development and sturdiness makes the Extremely Raptor an ideal match for these venturing into technical, high-altitude, or assorted terrains the place reliability is a should.

That stated, the Raptor II Mids gained’t final so long as conventional climbing boots with stronger textiles, elements, 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 effectively in robust terrain – though, they have been in tough form after 250 miles with laces needing to get replaced, tread sporting 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 tons of of makes use of, resulting in fraying and failure. That stated, no boot is ideal. You’ll have to resolve 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 severe 3-season hikers who desire a light-weight, agile boot with dependable traction for technical climbing on assorted terrain. With a versatile higher, grippy lug sample, and waterproof membrane, it’s very best for steep descents, rugged paths, and difficult hikes the place velocity, traction, and water resistance matter. Its comfortable match and nimble really feel will attraction to abandon wanderers, peak-baggers, and backpackers carrying lighter masses on off-trail routes. When holding weight down and transferring quick are prime of thoughts, the Extremely Raptor II Mids ship first rate sturdiness and assist for high-altitude adventures. They might be a bit dear, however for folk who need top-tier efficiency from the desert to the excessive nation, these are considered one of our all-time favorites.

Nevertheless, this boot won’t swimsuit backpackers with heavy masses, individuals who hike in moist or humid climates, and people who want a number of ankle assist or a large match. The slim design of those boots are a bit restrictive for wider toes, and the waterproofing is dependable, however not as sturdy as heavier climbing boots. The artificial construct is rugged, however it’s not as robust as leather-based in persistently damp climate circumstances, and the uppers don’t provide inflexible ankle assist. The Extremely Raptor II can also be much less suited to scorching, lower-altitude hikes as a result of its restricted breathability. However in the case of cool, rugged trails, excessive mountain climbing days, and adventures the place each step issues – the Extremely Raptors are considered one of our favorites for cover and efficiency.

What Different climbing boots Ought to You Think about?

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

HOKA Anacapa 2 Evaluate: The HOKA Anacapa 2 is analogous in worth, weight, and top, however they’ve much less ankle assist and climate resistance than heavier boots. We favor 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 toes and longer distance the place technical efficiency issues much less.

Merrell Moab 3 Evaluate: The Merrell Moab 3s have a comparable tender higher and versatile sole because the Extremely Raptor IIs, however they rating greater for consolation. With a wider toe field and midfoot, the Moab 3s provide superior weatherproof skills and sturdiness because of the tender leather-based uppers. These weigh rather more, although, in order that they aren’t nice for lengthy distances or ultralight adventures. On the similar time,they’re extra steady, 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 very talked-about path shoe. It has comparable traction, making it a contender for each off-trail, technical hikes and quick motion on groomed trails. Nevertheless, these provide extra inflexible ankle assist, higher climate resistance, and elevated sturdiness – in order that they’re our most popular selection for climbing in rugged circumstances. They’re additionally pretty slim by way of the midfoot, in order that they’re a strong selection in the event you like a cosy match – and so they’re extra inexpensive, too.