Aesthetic reissue of the famous Ultra Raptor, the trail running shoe developed for long distance off-roading and intense training.
Aesthetic reissue of the famous Ultra Raptor, the trail running shoe developed for long distance off-roading and intense training.
Aesthetic reissue of the famous Ultra Raptor, the trail running shoe developed for long distance off-roading and intense training.
Aesthetic reissue of the famous Ultra Raptor, the trail running shoe developed for long distance off-roading and intense training.
Last updated at 02/05/2025 03:58:06
originally posted on REI
I don’t understand the negative reviews on these shoes. I love them so much I just ordered two pairs during the REI Anniversary Sale.I had been searching for hiking shoes with little success until I found these. I tried Topo’s Ultraventure 1 and found them very light and comfortable, but they fell apart way too quickly. Before that I tried Ultra’s Lone Peak 6, but my foot swam in them as I think I got a half size too large. And before that I used Salomon XA Pro’s in Wide for years, but there seemed to be quality issues with the materials and they always split out in the same spot, and got worse everytime they brought out a new version of the shoe.So I tried the Ultra Raptor II and after 300 miles, they look and feel great. Nothing is tearing, the soles haven’t ... MoreI don’t understand the negative reviews on these shoes. I love them so much I just ordered two pairs during the REI Anniversary Sale.I had been searching for hiking shoes with little success until I found these. I tried Topo’s Ultraventure 1 and found them very light and comfortable, but they fell apart way too quickly. Before that I tried Ultra’s Lone Peak 6, but my foot swam in them as I think I got a half size too large. And before that I used Salomon XA Pro’s in Wide for years, but there seemed to be quality issues with the materials and they always split out in the same spot, and got worse everytime they brought out a new version of the shoe.So I tried the Ultra Raptor II and after 300 miles, they look and feel great. Nothing is tearing, the soles haven’t worn hardly at all. None of my other shoes have ever worn this well. No issues at all. I feel they are like a tank, only a comfortable one.I went up a half size and went with the wide version. I love that La Sportiva doesn’t upgrade their shoe every year. They seem to find a winning model and go with it, so when I go to buy my next pair of shoes, it will still be the same shoe.
originally posted on backcountry.com
I do a lot of mountain running and scrambling in La Sportiva's mountain running shoes, like the Mutant and Bushido. I recently picked up a pair of the Ultra Raptor II because I was interested in how well they would work on very technical terrain.The lug pattern is quite unique compared to the other La Sportiva mountain runners I have worn. The lugs altogether form a much flatter pattern with more surface area, making these shoes good for smearing and very grippy when running on technical trails. Although I still prefer my Mutants for highly technical scrambling (class 4/5), I have now worn the Ultra Raptor II a few times up the 2nd Flatiron in Boulder and they have performed well. The rubber is La Sportiva's stickiest compound, which gives the wearer an almost ... MoreI do a lot of mountain running and scrambling in La Sportiva's mountain running shoes, like the Mutant and Bushido. I recently picked up a pair of the Ultra Raptor II because I was interested in how well they would work on very technical terrain.The lug pattern is quite unique compared to the other La Sportiva mountain runners I have worn. The lugs altogether form a much flatter pattern with more surface area, making these shoes good for smearing and very grippy when running on technical trails. Although I still prefer my Mutants for highly technical scrambling (class 4/5), I have now worn the Ultra Raptor II a few times up the 2nd Flatiron in Boulder and they have performed well. The rubber is La Sportiva's stickiest compound, which gives the wearer an almost unsafe level of confidence in their ability to grip rock.The shoes are a bit heavier than Mutants but also have a slightly nicer ride, especially on the downhill. I prefer the Karacal for pure trail running, but they are not quite sticky enough for the type of technical scrambling I focus on. I think of these shoes as falling somewhere between those two options, but with an extra level of protective burliness that would make them great hiking shoes if you don't need a high ankle (although they do make a version like that as well).The fit is noteworthy, with a really good heel lockdown (for my foot, anyway), but some room for the toes to splay out in the forefoot, which is exactly what I want in a running shoe. My feet are on the narrow side, but some La Sportiva shoes are too narrow even for me. Fortunately that's not the case with these.I think these mountain runners will work well for big alpine efforts in the shoulder season, but they are not as breathable as other options for summertime running. They're on the heavier side for trail runners, but also offer superb protection and very good traction.
originally posted on REI
I love these shoes. I've used them for long range backpacking, trail running and everyday hiking.The quality, design and materials are great. I've put them through about 300 miles now...initially planned on buying another LS model, tried those on as well as another pair before I found these.Point being I tried 3 different LS trail runners, same size, and only one model worked for me. They're just like running shoes, specific to each person and their feet. Don't rely on them for a long distance/high stakes trip if you haven't put them through the ringer in training, let alone hiked a mile or two in them.La Sportiva makes great gear, give them your money
I don’t understand the negative reviews on these shoes. I love them so much I just ordered two pairs during the REI Anniversary Sale.I had been searching for hiking shoes with little success until I found these. I tried Topo’s Ultraventure 1 and found them very light and comfortable, but they fell apart way too quickly. Before that I tried Ultra’s Lone Peak 6, but my foot swam in them as I think I got a half size too large. And before that I used Salomon XA Pro’s in Wide for years, but there seemed to be quality issues with the materials and they always split out in the same spot, and got worse everytime they brought out a new version of the shoe.So I tried the Ultra Raptor II and after 300 miles, they look and feel great. Nothing is tearing, the soles haven’t ... MoreI don’t understand the negative reviews on these shoes. I love them so much I just ordered two pairs during the REI Anniversary Sale.I had been searching for hiking shoes with little success until I found these. I tried Topo’s Ultraventure 1 and found them very light and comfortable, but they fell apart way too quickly. Before that I tried Ultra’s Lone Peak 6, but my foot swam in them as I think I got a half size too large. And before that I used Salomon XA Pro’s in Wide for years, but there seemed to be quality issues with the materials and they always split out in the same spot, and got worse everytime they brought out a new version of the shoe.So I tried the Ultra Raptor II and after 300 miles, they look and feel great. Nothing is tearing, the soles haven’t worn hardly at all. None of my other shoes have ever worn this well. No issues at all. I feel they are like a tank, only a comfortable one.I went up a half size and went with the wide version. I love that La Sportiva doesn’t upgrade their shoe every year. They seem to find a winning model and go with it, so when I go to buy my next pair of shoes, it will still be the same shoe.
I do a lot of mountain running and scrambling in La Sportiva's mountain running shoes, like the Mutant and Bushido. I recently picked up a pair of the Ultra Raptor II because I was interested in how well they would work on very technical terrain.The lug pattern is quite unique compared to the other La Sportiva mountain runners I have worn. The lugs altogether form a much flatter pattern with more surface area, making these shoes good for smearing and very grippy when running on technical trails. Although I still prefer my Mutants for highly technical scrambling (class 4/5), I have now worn the Ultra Raptor II a few times up the 2nd Flatiron in Boulder and they have performed well. The rubber is La Sportiva's stickiest compound, which gives the wearer an almost ... MoreI do a lot of mountain running and scrambling in La Sportiva's mountain running shoes, like the Mutant and Bushido. I recently picked up a pair of the Ultra Raptor II because I was interested in how well they would work on very technical terrain.The lug pattern is quite unique compared to the other La Sportiva mountain runners I have worn. The lugs altogether form a much flatter pattern with more surface area, making these shoes good for smearing and very grippy when running on technical trails. Although I still prefer my Mutants for highly technical scrambling (class 4/5), I have now worn the Ultra Raptor II a few times up the 2nd Flatiron in Boulder and they have performed well. The rubber is La Sportiva's stickiest compound, which gives the wearer an almost unsafe level of confidence in their ability to grip rock.The shoes are a bit heavier than Mutants but also have a slightly nicer ride, especially on the downhill. I prefer the Karacal for pure trail running, but they are not quite sticky enough for the type of technical scrambling I focus on. I think of these shoes as falling somewhere between those two options, but with an extra level of protective burliness that would make them great hiking shoes if you don't need a high ankle (although they do make a version like that as well).The fit is noteworthy, with a really good heel lockdown (for my foot, anyway), but some room for the toes to splay out in the forefoot, which is exactly what I want in a running shoe. My feet are on the narrow side, but some La Sportiva shoes are too narrow even for me. Fortunately that's not the case with these.I think these mountain runners will work well for big alpine efforts in the shoulder season, but they are not as breathable as other options for summertime running. They're on the heavier side for trail runners, but also offer superb protection and very good traction.
I love these shoes. I've used them for long range backpacking, trail running and everyday hiking.The quality, design and materials are great. I've put them through about 300 miles now...initially planned on buying another LS model, tried those on as well as another pair before I found these.Point being I tried 3 different LS trail runners, same size, and only one model worked for me. They're just like running shoes, specific to each person and their feet. Don't rely on them for a long distance/high stakes trip if you haven't put them through the ringer in training, let alone hiked a mile or two in them.La Sportiva makes great gear, give them your money
I've been wanting to try these for a long time. I love the La Sportiva brand, and I just think these looked tough. And they are! They are also super comfortable. I feared they'd be a tad heavy for my taste, and really, their weight proves that is true on paper, but I didn't notice it on the trail at all. I have run several miles on the trail and hiked several more, and I love them. One of my big hesitations to buying these was that I am kinda trying to work my way to more minimalist and therefore natural footwear; though these don't fit that bill, the trails I run are so rough and jagged that there wouldn't be any way I could go that route any way. I'm very stoked about these, and no matter how minimal I end up on my road runs and in everyday life, I will always ... MoreI've been wanting to try these for a long time. I love the La Sportiva brand, and I just think these looked tough. And they are! They are also super comfortable. I feared they'd be a tad heavy for my taste, and really, their weight proves that is true on paper, but I didn't notice it on the trail at all. I have run several miles on the trail and hiked several more, and I love them. One of my big hesitations to buying these was that I am kinda trying to work my way to more minimalist and therefore natural footwear; though these don't fit that bill, the trails I run are so rough and jagged that there wouldn't be any way I could go that route any way. I'm very stoked about these, and no matter how minimal I end up on my road runs and in everyday life, I will always have a pair of these for trail running, hiking, and just for when I want to step into some grade-A cushion and comfort. Oh, and I'm a shoe guy. I love shoes of all types. I'd be lying if I said I don't love how these bad boys look and how the red and black go so well together. Just freaking buy them. Do note the US sizes are small. I usually wear a US size 11 and Euro size 45, so I have to go up to an 11.5 in La Sportiva shoes because they're 45 Euro aligns with a US 11.5. Peace. Love. Be the light.
Have been wearing and abusing the Raptor for 6+ years. Excellent support in the Grand Canyon, Glacier NP and any trail you decide to tackle. Over the years I have switched out the stock shoelaces with round polyester laces to basically eliminate the laces cutting thru the eyelets.Always recommend the Raptors to anyone who is interested.
This is my third pair of Ultra Raptors, with the first two being the original version. It seems like the fit and function of the shoe hasn't changed at all, which is great. Whatever upgrades they made haven't messed with the recipe for success. These remain my choice for hiking and backpacking in non-winter conditions.
I waited a few weeks before reviewing these so I could try them on various terrains.I'm very impressed!They have excellent grip but not quite so on steep wet hardpack. What shoe would?Going down on the same ground, they are awesome. I've ran over rocks, logs roots and much more.The fit is comfortable and I'm glad I went a half size up as recommended. They are stable and offer great protection.It'd be hard to go past the Raptors next time
The shoes are well constructed and have a great fit, but a few issues compromise their positive attributes.1) The slippery but durable material on the back of the heel counter causes blisters by being slippery and reduces stability by the heel sliding around.2) The mid-sole fairly pliable and is less supportive on outward twists of the ankle than other shoes in this category.This shoe is better suited for short trail runs on moderate to challenging terrain than long days running or hiking. The soles are very grippy but better suited to dry rather than wet rock due to the aggressive lugs.
This is my fifth pair of Ultra Raptors, and first pair of the Ultra Raptor 2 - they fit exactly the same as the previous version, perfect fit for my feet, and are well made and super comfortable. They are well cushioned for long hikes and runs. A great warm weather shoe, very breathable, and they dry quickly if they do get wet. The sole is excellent, with good grip on rock, mud and grass.
They fit nice. They are well made. But my feet felt hot just putting them on and walking around my living room. I knew then that they would not be good for hot weather hiking. I held one up to the light and saw that there truly was mesh. But it is sort of plastic-ish and did not feel like cool air was passing through very well. I sent them back.
