![]() Sportiva's thin shoe laces didn't stand up to hard hikes. The Vibram outsoles showed normal wear until the lugs wore out underneath the balls of my feet.The boots did present some durability issues along the way. The Nubuck leather uppers and rubber rand proved to be very durable. I retired my pair of the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX around 500 miles, which is pretty typical for a hiking boot. I've had no issues hiking and backpacking on some of Pennsylvania's harder trails, including the Black Forest loop, which many consider PA's toughest backpacking trip. Still, the torsional rigidity is pretty good, which may prevent some rolled ankles. Overall, my messed up feet and ankles feel pretty confident in the Nucleo High II GTX. Likewise, its soles are moderately sturdy with some flex in the forefoot-not as stiff as traditional backpacking boots. Just keep in mind that the soft, nubuck leather won't provide bomb-proof ankle support because it's not particularly stiff. That's a plus in the ankle support department. The Nucleo's high-cut ankle collars are taller than most mid-cut hiking boots, including the Salomon X Ultra Mid, which is one of the best lightweight hiking boots. The Nucleo II stands out for offering hikers and backpackers moderate support at a relatively light weight. Cutting ounces generally means cutting support. If you’re a fan of the original Ultra Raptors and want your ankles covered and kept dry in wet conditions, here’s the hiking boot you’ve been waiting for. Likewise, hikers who have thought about ditching traditional leather boots for lighter running shoes are met halfway here.įrom the specs La Sportiva advertises, you can expect the Raptor II boots to add 9 ounces to the original shoes - that comes from the mesh upper and lining, not a bulkier sole or rock plate.It's hard to make a hiking boot that's both supportive and lightweight. They’re also a great choice for backpackers who swap boots for trail running shoes when the conditions allow. These boots are a new option for trail runners who prefer lightweight footwear for hikes in the mountains. Also of note, the boots are made of vegan-friendly materials. Other hiking-minded touches include a rubber toe cap and mudguard. It offers more traction through its Impact Brake System design and a Trail Bite heel. In the heel, La Sportiva takes measures to reduce the impact of descents. The lightweight FriXion XF 2.0 rubber outsole offers grip on rocks and trails. The upper is made from a flexible GORE-Flex nylon mesh that’s designed to enhance the breathability of the underlying GORE-TEX Extended Comfort. The lace-up mids cover the ankle with a collar for comfort. The boots obviously differ in protection from the mountain running shoes. The Raptor’s chassis and sole have the same build as its predecessor. To keep that functionality beyond dry conditions, the Raptor II Mid boots are built with rain, mud, and routine trail hazards in mind. In fact, Andrew Skurka praised them for his fast mountain exploits 5 years ago. Shop Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Bootsįor years, La Sportiva’s Ultra Raptor trail shoes served as a favorite for section-hikers and backpackers during the summer months. However, when the weather and trail conditions vary, the Ultra Raptor II Mid boots are a midheight, all-weather alternative to hiking in the original Raptors. When covering distance is a major part of the sightseeing goal, such as a thru-hike, trail stompers reach for shoes that can do both. In dry climates with groomed trails, running shoes are a common choice. That DNA carries over into the Raptor II boots, which add a higher mesh upper and waterproofing, among other features.Īdditionally, the Raptor II Midboots come in wide sizes to fit a broader range of hikers. ![]() ![]() The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX boots are a hybrid hiker follow-up to the brand’s popular running shoe. The Ultra Raptor gained popularity for its stability and function as a lightweight hiker. La Sportiva builds on the hiking reputation of its Ultra Raptor mountain run shoes by adding the protection of a hiking boot. ![]()
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