Males’s La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Mid GTX Assessment

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 ultimate for quick, mild hikes throughout technical terrain. These are the one all-synthetic boots to make the lower 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 be ranked on our Greatest Climbing Sneakers for Males record. 

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 powerful 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 plenty of management on shifting rock. 

Constructed from robust artificial supplies and that includes a cosy however versatile match, these boots are mild 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. 

Nonetheless, the boots’ slender toe field and midfoot, in addition to restricted ankle help, will miss the mark for people 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 might not suit your wants. And although we love their mild 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 price contemplating.

Consolation

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Mids really feel mild 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, nevertheless it actually thrives in cooler temps beneath 70°F, the place the GORE-TEX booty provides a bit of heat and can hold your toes dry. The lacing system successfully locks the foot into the boot and extends excessive up the ankle. The Raptor IIs have a slender match, however that instantly 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 recognize soft particulars like a tall, delicate tongue to assist evenly distribute strain from laces, a soft heel and ankle cuff for simple on and off, and a burly toe cap to defend towards every thing 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 properly for you – they usually keep in place as soon as tied. In the event you’re trying to keep away from foot and leg fatigue, these should not solely one of many lightest boots we’ve examined – but in addition one in all our high picks in the event you’re on the lookout for pure motion with out sacrificing construction. 

The most important downsides of those boots? They’re a slender match with medium padding. La Sportiva’s earned a little bit of a popularity for slender footwear, and the Extremely Raptor II Mids aren’t any exception. We discover they’re a bit tight by the center and have a smaller toe field in comparison with a lot of the climbing boots we’ve examined. This implies they could 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 extensive sizing.

La Sportiva makes use of a European sizing scale, which provides 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 properly within the mountains for glorious floor really feel and precision foot placement, however it’s possible you’ll wish to look elsewhere in the event you want softer footwear or want higher help for carrying heavy packs or navigating rugged terrain. 

Ankle Assist

In the event you’re on the lookout 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 help and rigidity. People 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 high of the boot. This design successfully cinches the Raptor IIs down tight onto your toes and distributes lace strain properly for a cosy, 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 delicate, pliable patch of fabric on the heel makes Raptors straightforward 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 situations.

However the Raptor IIs don’t supply the inflexible ankle stability of conventional 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 climbing boots, the mid-ankle top sacrifices construction and reduces long-term sturdiness, particularly with heavy use on tough trails. However keep in mind: these boots shine in relation to nimble motion within the mountains. In the event 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 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 situations, or most ankle help, a heftier boot could be higher. Nonetheless, the Extremely Raptor II Mid is  a terrific decide in the event you want a light-weight but protecting boot that can hold you mild 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 slender, 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 instantly interprets to a stable grip on every thing from unfastened dust and dirt 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 rapidly and simply shed mud, water, and particles for robust grip throughout dry and moist situations. These are particularly efficient on steep uphills, the place the forefoot lug design bites the bottom for a secure step virtually each time. The marginally versatile soles and cheesy rubber composite outsoles carry out significantly properly on tough, uneven floor, making the Extremely Raptor II ultimate 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 for the reason that stiffer soles and beefy lugs are much less forgiving and comfy 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 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 hold you feeling secure.

Climate Resistance

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Mid GTX is an efficient selection for adventures in difficult climate situations. 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 reasonable rain, mud, puddles, and shallow stream crossings. This waterproof liner can 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 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 essential to keep away from soggy toes.

This fashions’ waterproofing has its limits, although. In extraordinarily moist situations, the Raptor II Mids battle to remain utterly dry and can ultimately soak by with extended publicity. We discovered the GORE-TEX liner works properly 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 ultimate in sustained moisture. Our testing reveals that after hours of strolling by 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 will possibly lure some heat, making them much less ultimate for warm, humid climates above 70°F. However these are small potatoes for many hikers – except you’re tackling in depth snowfields or deep water crossings, these boots are nice for all-day dryness in 3-season situations.

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 all our favourite toe caps of any climbing boot -a enormous, burly piece of rubber that utterly covers the toes, giving stable safety the place it issues most. Abrasion-resistant TPU overlays throughout the facet and high of the boot add sturdiness from obstacles, giving the boot an edge towards sharp rocks, roots, and brambles. Strengthened stitching, nylon mesh, and a beefy lug sample enhances this boot’s resilience by offering further safety towards impression 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 a terrific match for these venturing into technical, high-altitude, or various 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 properly in powerful terrain – though, they had 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 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 severe 3-season hikers who need a light-weight, agile boot with dependable traction for technical climbing on various terrain. With a versatile higher, grippy lug sample, and waterproof membrane, it’s ultimate 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 protecting weight down and shifting quick are high of thoughts, the Extremely Raptor II Mids ship first rate sturdiness and help for high-altitude adventures. They might be a bit expensive, however for people who need top-tier efficiency from the desert to the excessive nation, these are one in all our all-time favorites.

Nonetheless, this boot may not swimsuit backpackers with heavy hundreds, individuals who hike in moist or humid climates, and people who want a lot of ankle help or a large match. The slender design of those boots are a bit restrictive for wider toes, and the waterproofing is dependable, however not as strong as heavier climbing boots. The artificial construct is rugged, nevertheless it’s not as powerful as leather-based in persistently damp climate situations, and the uppers don’t supply inflexible ankle help. The Extremely Raptor II can be much less suited to scorching, lower-altitude hikes as a consequence of its restricted breathability. However in relation to cool, rugged trails, excessive mountain climbing days, and adventures the place each step issues – the Extremely Raptors are one in all our favorites for cover and efficiency.

What Different climbing boots Ought to You Contemplate?

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

HOKA Anacapa 2 Assessment: The HOKA Anacapa 2 is analogous in worth, weight, and top, however they’ve much less ankle help and climate resistance than heavier boots. We want the Anacapa 2s for his or her consolation degree, although – the broader toe field, all-foam outsoles, and extra adjustable lacing system is healthier for much less slender toes and longer distance the place technical efficiency issues much less.

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

Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX Assessment: Just like the Extremely Raptor II Mids, that is the mid-cut boot model of a extremely popular path shoe. It has comparable traction, making it a contender for each off-trail, technical hikes and quick motion on groomed trails. Nonetheless, these supply extra inflexible ankle help, higher climate resistance, and elevated sturdiness – in order that they’re our most well-liked selection for climbing in rugged situations. They’re additionally pretty slender by the midfoot, in order that they’re a stable selection in the event you like a cosy match – they usually’re extra inexpensive, too.