Males’s La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Overview

Backside Line

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Low is one among our prime decisions for mountain climbing in mountainous, alpine terrain because of strong safety, a sturdy design, and excellent stability. These are Gear Analyst Ian Krammer’s favourite footwear 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, bolstered heels, aggressive lugs, and stout rock plates, these footwear are constructed for the excessive nation: their distinctive traction and off-trail efficiency are recreation changers. 

On the draw back, they’re a bit overbuilt for lower-elevation hikes and packed trails. They have a tendency to suit a bit slim and small, so it’s possible you’ll need to think about sizing up, and should not waterproof, dry slowly when moist, and might run sizzling in heat climate. Nevertheless, for those who’re on the lookout for the last 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 ft, 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 ft 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 secure trip. Thick development on the heel and outsole, together with protecting heel caps and bolstered TPU uppers, will hold your ft secure 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 secure gait on nearly any terrain.

On the draw back, the Extremely Raptor II Low matches narrower and is a bit small in comparison with different footwear on this checklist. That comfortable match consists of the toe field, so we extremely suggest making an attempt them on before you purchase, and people with wider ft could discover this mannequin a bit uncomfortable on lengthy treks. Due to the bolstered TPU uppers, we discover the Extremely Raptors should not practically as breathable as different choices on this checklist, to allow them to really feel too heat for many hikes under treeline throughout sizzling summer time circumstances. That stated, this further 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 don’t seem to be as comfy on packed trails and established routes.

Traction

The rounded, spaced lug sample provides cheesy traction on slick, steep rock and mushy, 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 soak up 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 footwear for mountain climbing completely on mellow terrain like established trails, since their structured design and stiffer soles aren’t as forgiving or versatile as path runners. Nevertheless, for those who’re on the lookout for a shoe for lengthy days above 10,000 ft, the Extremely Raptors will hold you safe and robust on the mountain.

Weight

The La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Low mountain climbing footwear weigh in at 12.5 ounces per shoe, which places them in the midst of the pack for his or her weight. General, the load helps the shoe’s main operate: offering dependable efficiency in difficult environments. We discover that is the Goldilocks zone relating to off-trail trekking because the burly development provides top-tier safety and stability by robust bushwhacks, countless boulder fields, and sharp ridges. The burden distribution makes the footwear really feel supportive with out compromising on important options like cushioning and grip. For hikers tackling tough and unpredictable trails, that added weight interprets straight 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 further weight, which may contribute to faster fatigue over time and should not excellent for minimalists looking for a lighter, extra agile shoe. This weight can also be an obstacle in hotter climates the place a lighter shoe could be extra comfy. Regardless of these cons, for individuals 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, bolstered 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 footwear we’ve examined. The thick toe guards and enormous TPU overlays defend your ft from roots, bramble, and sharp talus, making certain 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 footwear constantly carried out nicely, 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 largest concern relating to sturdiness is with the shoe laces and the tread. The La Sportiva laces have a fiber core, and the skinny sheath wears down quicker than most footwear 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 footwear characteristic a sturdy development with giant TPU overlays that supply some safety towards 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 hold ft dry on heat days with clear skies. The mix of supplies makes them appropriate for high-country adventures the place the climate will be unpredictable and temperatures cooler.

The Extremely Raptor II Lows should not our first selection for moist days, since they soak up water rapidly by the uncovered mesh, making them much less excellent for moist circumstances. As soon as moist, they’ll take as much as two hours to dry out, which is a big period of time throughout steady mountain climbing. And, the footwear 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 want the most effective of the most effective relating to 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 on the lookout for comfy however barely stiffer mountain climbing footwear for peak-bagging, backpacking with a medium-to-light load on excessive alpine routes, or a protecting off-trail mountain climbing shoe with a easy floor really feel, the Extremely Raptors are made for you.

We don’t suggest these footwear for ultralight backpackers and minimalists, since they’re heavier and bulkier, and people with huge ft will need to hold wanting since they run slim. The Extremely Raptors additionally don’t carry out nicely in sizzling, low-elevation circumstances or moist environments as a consequence of their lack of waterproofing and slower drying time. However for those who want dependable, protecting footwear for rugged, cooler climates all through the summer time, the Extremely Raptor II Low is our best choice.

What Different Climbing Footwear Ought to You Think about?

If the La Sportiva Extremely Raptor IIs are on the prime of your checklist, listed below are different footwear to noticeably think about:

Saucony Peregrine 14: The Saucony Peregrine 14 provides 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 supplies glorious help and, not like 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 individuals who need a versatile, all-weather mountain climbing shoe to treeline and past.

La Sportiva Spire GTX: The La Sportiva Spire GTX provides 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 the whole lot we love a couple of mountain climbing boot however in shoe kind.