Males’s La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Evaluation

Backside Line

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Low is one among our high selections for mountaineering in mountainous, alpine terrain because of strong safety, a sturdy design, and excellent stability. These are Gear Analyst Ian Krammer’s favourite sneakers for mountaineering in the summertime – he’s worn them for seven years on climbs of virtually all Colorado 14ers and 200+ different Rocky Mountain peaks.

With outsized toe caps, strengthened heels, aggressive lugs, and stout rock plates, these sneakers are constructed for the excessive nation: their distinctive traction and off-trail efficiency are sport changers. 

On the draw back, they’re a bit overbuilt for lower-elevation hikes and packed trails. They have an inclination to suit a bit slender and small, so you could wish to think about sizing up, and should not waterproof, dry slowly when moist, and may run sizzling in heat climate. Nevertheless, when you’re in search of the final word path shoe for peak-bagging and backpacking with light-to-medium masses on excessive alpine routes, these are your ace within the gap.

Consolation

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Low require a short 5 to ten-mile break-in interval, however as soon as they’ve softened and tailored to your toes, they may match like a glove. We love the European sizing that La Sportiva makes use of – they’re an Italian model – which permits for a extra exact match that caters higher to the form of your toes in comparison with American sizing. The Extremely Raptors present glorious arch help and a cosy match from heel to toe that makes for a really comfortable and steady experience. Thick development on the heel and outsole, together with protecting heel caps and strengthened TPU uppers, will preserve your toes protected and guarded in probably the most rugged mountain environments, from boulder fields and scree to summits and cliff sides. Their barely stretchy, longer laces make it straightforward to accommodate totally different lacing codecs primarily based in your wants, and the laces keep safe as soon as tied. The midsoles are a bit stiff, however this contributes to a very steady gait on virtually any terrain.

On the draw back, the Extremely Raptor II Low suits narrower and is a bit small in comparison with different sneakers on this record. That cosy match contains the toe field, so we extremely suggest attempting them on before you purchase, and people with wider toes might discover this mannequin a bit uncomfortable on lengthy treks. Due to the strengthened TPU uppers, we discover the Extremely Raptors should not practically as breathable as different choices on this record, to allow them to really feel too heat for many hikes beneath treeline throughout sizzling summer time circumstances. That stated, this additional heat is precisely what we love about them when chilly winds hit on excessive mountain ridges. And, the stiff midsoles supply among the finest stability of any shoe we’ve examined on rocky high-peak routes, however they aren’t as comfy on packed trails and established routes.

Traction

The rounded, spaced lug sample gives cheesy traction on slick, steep rock and gentle, grassy descents, successfully shedding mud and particles. The aggressive 4.5 mm lugs mixed with a very sticky rubber composite and a very good heel brake present all-terrain traction and most grip from slick surfaces to steep slopes. Compression-molded ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsoles take in shock and supply a ton of additional cushioning, and the EVA inserts add a bit of additional padding to maintain the. 

Nevertheless, the Extremely Raptor II Low’s spectacular traction options include a trade-off: they’re a bit overkill for nontechnical hikes. We don’t suggest these sneakers for mountaineering solely on mellow terrain like established trails, since their structured design and stiffer soles aren’t as forgiving or versatile as path runners. Nevertheless, when you’re in search of a shoe for lengthy days above 10,000 toes, the Extremely Raptors will preserve you safe and robust on the mountain.

Weight

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Low mountaineering sneakers weigh in at 12.5 ounces per shoe, which places them in the course of the pack for his or her weight. Total, the burden helps the shoe’s main operate: offering dependable efficiency in difficult environments. We discover that is the Goldilocks zone in terms of off-trail trekking because the burly development gives top-tier safety and stability by means of robust bushwhacks, limitless boulder fields, and sharp ridges. The load distribution makes the sneakers really feel supportive with out compromising on important options like cushioning and grip. For hikers tackling tough and unpredictable trails, that added weight interprets immediately into glorious security and luxury. 

Nevertheless, the Extremely Raptor II Lows should not our first decide for backpacking on established trails or ultralight backpacking. The substantial toe cap and TPU overlays add additional weight, which might contribute to faster fatigue over time and should not preferrred for minimalists in search of a lighter, extra agile shoe. This weight can also be a drawback in hotter climates the place a lighter shoe can be extra comfy. Regardless of these cons, for many who want a sturdy, protecting shoe for technical terrain, the additional weight is a worthwhile trade-off.

Sturdiness

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Low excels in sturdiness, because of strong, outsized toe caps, strengthened heels, aggressive lugs, and stout rock plates. These options make the Extremely Raptors uniquely succesful on routes stuffed with sharp rocks and technical terrain and make them among the most sturdy path sneakers we’ve examined. The thick toe guards and enormous TPU overlays protect your toes from roots, bramble, and sharp talus, guaranteeing minimal put on and tear in rugged circumstances. Plus, the cushioned tongue and burly heel cup not solely add sturdiness however supply each consolation and safety. Throughout testing, these sneakers persistently carried out effectively, lasting a minimal of 500 miles on probably the most brutal mountainous terrain – in order for you dependable footwear for long-term use in difficult environments, you’ve discovered them.

Our greatest difficulty in terms of sturdiness is with the shoe laces and the tread. The La Sportiva laces have a fiber core, and the skinny sheath wears down sooner than most sneakers we examined. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer finds that these laces put on down and blow out between solely 200 to 250 miles, so we extremely suggest choosing up some backups on the time of buy.

Climate Resistance

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Lows thrive in cooler, high-altitude circumstances. The sneakers characteristic a sturdy development with massive TPU overlays that provide some safety in opposition to moisture and particles, however they aren’t waterproof (though we suggest the waterproof model for moist days). Their design features a breathable mesh higher which is useful for a little bit of air flow to assist preserve toes dry on heat days with clear skies. The mixture of supplies makes them appropriate for high-country adventures the place the climate may be unpredictable and temperatures cooler.

The Extremely Raptor II Lows should not our first alternative for moist days, since they take in water rapidly by means of the uncovered mesh, making them much less preferrred for moist circumstances. As soon as moist, they will take as much as two hours to dry out, which is a major period of time throughout steady mountaineering. And, the sneakers can really feel sizzling throughout heat climate hikes, which limits their consolation and practicality in decrease elevations or sizzling climates.

Ought to You Purchase the La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II?

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Low is ideal for hikers tackling technical, rocky, and alpine terrain and wish the perfect of the perfect in terms of safety and stability. These are perfect for high-altitude adventures, peak-bagging, and off-trail exploration due to their glorious traction, sturdiness, and help. Should you’re in search of comfy however barely stiffer mountaineering sneakers for peak-bagging, backpacking with a medium-to-light load on excessive alpine routes, or a protecting off-trail mountaineering shoe with a clean floor really feel, the Extremely Raptors are made for you.

We don’t suggest these sneakers for ultralight backpackers and minimalists, since they’re heavier and bulkier, and people with huge toes will wish to preserve wanting since they run slender. The Extremely Raptors additionally don’t carry out effectively in sizzling, low-elevation circumstances or moist environments on account of their lack of waterproofing and slower drying time. However when you want dependable, protecting sneakers for rugged, cooler climates all through the summer time, the Extremely Raptor II Low is our best choice.

What Different Mountain climbing Sneakers Ought to You Take into account?

If the La Sportiva Extremely Raptor IIs are on the high of your record, listed here are different sneakers to noticeably think about:

Saucony Peregrine 14: The Saucony Peregrine 14 gives equally grippy traction and TPU overlays for quick motion, however they’re much lighter and extra versatile, making them a greater choice for these prioritizing agility over the ultra-rugged sturdiness of the Extremely Raptor II.

Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX: The Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX gives glorious help and, in contrast to the Extremely Raptors, is very waterproof. The Extremely X 4s additionally thrive on rugged hikes, however are available in a lighter weight, extra breathable bundle, good for many who need a versatile, all-weather mountaineering shoe to treeline and past.

La Sportiva Spire GTX: The La Sportiva Spire GTX gives an much more sturdy development with the identical glorious traction – however with top-tier waterproofing. The Spires are extra protecting than the Extremely Raptor IIs and are all the things we love a couple of mountaineering boot however in shoe type.