With less performance-oriented shoes, I often opt to “run it out” to avoid falling on the descents, but with these boots, I felt confident with the grip as I moved slowly on loose, sandy hills.įor hikers in need of a rugged backpacking boot that will last close to a decade, this might not be your top choice. La Sportiva’s Impact Brake System, which refers to the spacing and positioning of the lugs, allows as much surface area contact with the ground as possible on the downhills. But the tread pattern, which features sharp, tooth-shaped lugs on the front of the boot, also adds to the overall package as it bites into the ground. The outsole is equipped with the brand’s FriXion XF 2.0 rubber, which is a sticky climbing compound that performs well, even on wet rocks and logs. While all of these features are impressive, the traction is perhaps the one thing that makes it stand out the most from the pack. At the back of the cuff, soft neoprene is substituted for the standard upper material so that there is no rubbing on the Achilles tendon, which is a common problem area for hikers. The laces extend all the way to the very top of the ankle cuff, where hooks allow you to crank down on the laces if you want extra support around the joint. “If a hiker is looking to go through really rocky terrain, we want them in a snug-fitting boot because they’re going to need that support,” explained Liefer, the Divisional Merchandise Manager for Hard Goods at Christy Sports. La Sportiva’s lace system adds to this stability because you can tighten down the laces to achieve a secure fit around the mid- and forefoot. The Ultra Raptors are comfortable enough to wear on mellow trails but technical enough for any type. I was delighted-but not surprised by-this performance, as these boots are designed to be at home in boulder fields and on rocky ridgelines. This pairing of soft foam and rigid rails creates incredible stability and comfort for miles. The MEMlex EVA foam midsole is soft and springy enough that it absorbs impact with every step (which takes stress off your joints), but it’s paired with stiffer TPU shanks (a type of polymer material) to cradle your foot and keep it in place whenever your ankle rolls laterally. Striking a balance I didn’t know existed, the Ultra Raptor II Mids provide the benefits of both trail running shoes and hiking boots in one package: They’re lightweight and breathable, yet they also offer adequate cushion for carrying a moderately heavy pack. I didn’t even want to take them off when I got back to the car. Right out of the box, they felt perfect on my foot-creating no hot spots or pressure points on a six-mile hike with steep uphills and descents. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mids top this list of best hiking boots because not only are they incredibly versatile for both day hikes and quick backpacking trips, but they’re also, without a doubt, the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn.
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