Local production means less CO2 emissions, more control over working conditions, and helps to boost the local economy. Being soft and slightly stretchy, it does not significantly limit ankle mobility, so in essence this is a very shoe-like boot. Out of the box, they were pretty comfortable, and that comfort increased after I got them completely soaked wading through a river. If technical trails, rocky summits, and extended periods of off-trail travel are your scene, then take a hard look at the new La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX.

Our testers also appreciated the added comfort from the padding that wraps around the entire ankle and the tongue of the shoe and the soft comfort collar with a pull-tab feature whose material is soft to the touch and makes it easy to pull on. Other notable features include a nylon shank that provides great torsional stability for off-camber terrain and TPU overlays along the mesh upper, which create a nice, snug fit around the heel and cinch down when laced tightly, locking my foot in place and minimizing any play in the boots. The soft "Comfort Collar" protects the ankle against penetration by stones or mud and integrates the easy-fit spoiler for maximum ease of donning. The result is a great three-season boot for fast and light summit-bagging missions or lightweight backpacking trips.Other distinctions include a more hardwearing leather upper and Gore-Tex Surround liner with Nano-Cell technology, which provide ventilation not only through the top of the foot but also along the bottom of the footbed. For reliable grip and further shock absorption, the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX has a FriXion rubber outsole that incorporates La Sportiva's integrated Impact Brake System, giving you stability and control while ascending and descending on tricky terrain. You probably won't be running in them (though you could), but for big spring and summer hill days on rough ground, wet weather, boggy crag walk-ins and lightweight backpacking, the Ultra Raptor Mid is the absolute business. These boots work really well for anything from relaxed walks in the countryside to fast and light backpacking adventures in the mountains.

The East bank was littered with floating mats of driftwood, seagrasses, downed Sycamore trees, and the myriad detritus that floats down the river from Washington. The high collar has been particularly helpful for maximizing ankle support, and I’ve had no issues with ankle rolls or feeling off-balance. I wore the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX hiking boots on several hikes over the period of a week, to include the aforementioned disastrous river traverse. The result is an mid cut hiking shoe that can be worn for many consecutive hours and suitable for off-road use on any type of terrain. A cross between a running shoe and hiking boot, the Ultra Raptor is our go-to for fast and light missions without sacrificing comfort, stability, or waterproof technology.While I have so far found the Ultra Raptor Mid GTX to be waterproof as advertised, it's a funny effect compared to the more insulated waterproof boots I'm familiar with, because you feel the cold of the water through the lining and it takes a bit of thought to work out that you're not actually wet.

Ultra Raptor Mid II GTX is the mid-cut version of the Ultra Raptor Mountain Running icon, ideal for fast hiking and excursions with light loads. If you’re after a similarly lightweight mid-cut hiking boot, then the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX competes squarely with various rival models from brands like Adidas Terrex, Inov-8, Scarpa, Mammut and Salomon.The La Sportiva Men's Ultra Raptor II Mid Wide GTX - Black / Clay has the following sustainability attributes.