After twisting and folding the boot by hand, we noticed that there is enough stiffness to offer stability but also enough flex in the forefoot to allow for agile performance over technical terrain. Thanks to this great combination, it should come as no surprise that these walking boots are specially made for long adventures that require moderate luggage. In this case, La Sportiva opted for Gore’s Extended Comfort membrane, which is designed for use in warmer conditions or during higher-output activities.

This may or may not suit you, but it’s worth noting that the Ultra Raptors also come in a wide fit, which might be worth trying even if you normally take a regular width. And for those of us that lack a little grace on the trail and are prone to stubbing our toes on the occasional stump or rock, this hiking boot also features an anti-shock rubber toe cap for a more enjoyable experience on trail.A final highlight is the elastic gaiter-like design at the top, which is highly effective at sealing out debris and falling rain or snow. Built to perform in rugged terrain, the Ultra Raptor II also features a durable sole, a microfiber mudguard that wraps around the entirety of the boot, and a high-frequency lacing system that will last as long as the boot.

Additionally, La Sportiva's innovative lacing system helps distribute tension evenly throughout the hiking boot to minimize any hot spots.While the Raptor kept our feet completely dry, even when submerged up to the laces, we recommend using an additional gaiter if your hike or alpine mission takes you through snow that exceeds the height of the ankle, which is more or less anything above 6 inches.

Perfect volume adjustment and foot hold thanks to the dedicated lacing elements: the eye-stay webbings are sewn on the inside of the upper and reinforced on the outside with a high frequency TPU skeleton, allowing the lace pull-force to be distributed equally over all areas of the upper. Hard-packed trails are no issue: you could almost go road running in these (and I certainly have in the shoe version).The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX delivered comfort right out of the box, from snowy alpine hikes in the Eastern Sierra to long desert approaches in Zion National Park. If I were planning to hike something like the Pennine Way or the West Highland Way - where there's a lot of hard-packed ground, but also the possibility of bogs and rain - then these boot-shoes would be top of my list. Designed for long runs and wet days out on the trails, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mids are a breathable, waterproof and comfortable pair of mid-trail shoes.