The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor “mountain running shoes” are durable trail runners that excel on- and off-trail and can double as light hikers. Constructed with a heavy-duty rock guard and a proprietary Sticky FriXion XF outsole, the Ultra Raptor’s provide considerable foot protection and enhanced traction for rugged routes. The shoe’s upper is made of synthetic leather and has a wicking mesh liner for improved breathability. Moderate cushioning and a 9mm heel drop make these trail runners an excellent choice for mid-foot or light heel strikers.
PRODUCT REVIEW
Comfort
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor trail runners have moderate cushioning, which we felt was just right for maintaining comfort on long trail runs or hikes. However, a common complaint of the Ultra Raptor’s is that they have a very narrow fit. Depending upon your foot width, this could pose a comfort issue. Consider buying these shoes at least a half size larger than usual to allow for natural foot swelling when exercising.
Foot Protection
The ankle support on the Ultra Raptor’s is very good for trail running. However, if you intend to use these shoes for hiking, keep in mind that they are not ideal for heavy backpack loads. We suggest opting for light hiking shoes/boots if you plan to carry more than 20+ pounds.
In addition, the Ultra Raptor trail runners have an EVA rock guard that provides ample protection from trail hazards and an equally impressive Sticky FriXion XF sole featuring an “Impact Brake System” to improve trail traction. The upper is made of a breathable and tough mesh fabric, allowing your feet to sweat without trapping in excessive moisture. In addition, the mesh construction dries out fairly quickly – something that is important if you find yourself running/hiking through water. Note that the Ultra Raptor’s are not Gore-tex, so if you’re looking for running shoes with water resistance, check out La Sportiva’s GTX lineup.
Weight
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor is on the heavier side for a trail runner, weighing approximately 24oz. for a pair. That said, these shoes function best as “off-trail” runners, so the extra weight is the trade-off for burlier foot protection. Due to their heavier weight, we prefer the Ultra Raptor’s as light hiking shoes rather than trail runners. As light hikers, the Ultra Raptor’s weigh less than most hiking boots and are considerably more comfortable. Alternatively, you could opt for lighter trail runners, such as the La Sportiva Bushido II’s, but you receive less foot protection.
Durability
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor trail runners are certainly built to last. In fact, that is typical of most La Sportiva footwear and these shoes are a great example of durable craftsmanship. When testing our Ultra Raptor’s, we put them through a gauntlet with many long-distance trail runs and hikes. Depending upon how many miles you plan to put on them, these shoes should last your average season and perhaps more. If used more as a light hiker on rugged off-trail outings, these shoes may wear out a bit faster. Since we prefer to hike fast and light, we’ll use these for hiking over a heavier hiking shoe or boot on most days.
Trail Performance
We’ve taken the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor trail runners on multiple trail runs and on strenuous hikes on/off trail around Colorado. On moderately long trail runs between 7 to 10 miles, these shoes were protective against all types of trail debris. Although a bit heavier than preferred, the added protection made up for the excess weight. During long day hikes and summit excursions with extensive scrambling, the Ultra Raptor’s were equally up to the task.
We did experience heel blisters on one particularly long hike (~15 miles) featuring steep terrain. A prolonged steep descent in loose rock contributed to excessive heel friction and a fair amount of discomfort. Following that specific hike, we used moleskin to prevent any recurrence of blisters and that resolved the issue.
Value
Make no mistake, these shoes retails at steep for a pair of trail runners, even though the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor is a great shoe. However, this price range is common for similar quality shoes in the Salomon, Altra, or Arc’teryx lineup of trail runners. Considering their durability and versatility as a trail runner and light hiker, we think these shoes retail at a fair value.
Product Comparisons
Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
Product Description: Perhaps most intriguing about the Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 is its Quicklace system, which makes tightening the laces a breeze. In addition, these shoes have Salomon’s proprietary Contragrip sole that provides excellent traction on varied terrain. The Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 is a sleek looking shoe and is well suited for technical terrain. Its burly construction offers significant foot protection, but it comes at a cost of added weight. With an 11mm drop, the Salomon XA Pro 3D’s are ideal for heel strikers. Available with or without GTX.
Verdict: The Salomon XA Pro 3D’s are around the same price point of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor. Pick up a pair if you’re a heel striker looking for a burly running shoe with an innovative lacing system.
La Sportiva Bushido II
Product Description: The La Sportiva Bushido II is one of our favorite trail running shoes because of the style and overall durability. The Bushido II’s weigh about 21oz. and are not as burly as the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor. However, they do have ample cushioning, suitable foot protection, and impressively good traction with a grippy FriXion XT V-Groove2 sole. With a 6mm drop, the Bushido II’s are ideal for mid-foot strikers.
Verdict: The La Sportiva Bushido II’s are in the same price range as the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor’s and Salomon XA Pro 3D’s. The Bushido II’s tend to be our go-to on-trail runners because of their versatility and lightweight design. Opt for these if you want a good overall protective trail runner without the extra weight
Overall Recommendation
Recommended
We like the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor as our go-to light hiking shoe, more than a trail runner, for a multitude of reasons. For instance, as a hiking shoe, the Ultra Raptor’s provide superior traction and foot protection in a lightweight package. We plan to keep using the Ultra Raptor’s on our mixed terrain peak bagging missions when scrambling is required.
For more equipment reviews for your next adventure, be sure to check out our other articles on our Gear Page.
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