![]() The lace-up mids cover the ankle with a collar for comfort. The boots obviously differ in protection from the mountain running shoes. The Raptor’s chassis and sole have the same build as its predecessor. To keep that functionality beyond dry conditions, the Raptor II Mid boots are built with rain, mud, and routine trail hazards in mind. In fact, Andrew Skurka praised them for his fast mountain exploits 5 years ago. Shop Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Bootsįor years, La Sportiva’s Ultra Raptor trail shoes served as a favorite for section-hikers and backpackers during the summer months. However, when the weather and trail conditions vary, the Ultra Raptor II Mid boots are a midheight, all-weather alternative to hiking in the original Raptors. When covering distance is a major part of the sightseeing goal, such as a thru-hike, trail stompers reach for shoes that can do both. In dry climates with groomed trails, running shoes are a common choice. That DNA carries over into the Raptor II boots, which add a higher mesh upper and waterproofing, among other features.Īdditionally, the Raptor II Midboots come in wide sizes to fit a broader range of hikers. The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX boots are a hybrid hiker follow-up to the brand’s popular running shoe. The Ultra Raptor gained popularity for its stability and function as a lightweight hiker. Find more about the Nucleo II and the original here.La Sportiva builds on the hiking reputation of its Ultra Raptor mountain run shoes by adding the protection of a hiking boot. ![]() This article is sponsored by La Sportiva. Shop the La Sportiva Nucleo II Hike GTX Photo credit: La Sportiva The Nucleo II is available in men’s and women’s models, with wide fits available in each as well. La Sportiva designed this slightly rockered shape to keep that part of the heel from engaging otherwise. Uniquely, the back edge of the heel has an aggressive tread meant to catch on terrain while hiking downhill. The outsole uses Vibram’s Nano compound for added grip on dirt and rock. In previous tests, our reviewers found the low-profile tread aggressive and the overall sole flexible. La Sportiva stakes its name on rock-based pursuits like climbing and scrambling, and that likely informed its design approach to these midweight hiking boots. Of course, the “surround” aspect of the GORE-TEX tech is really about airflow beneath the bootie insert, where the foot has the most contact with the insole. La Sportiva’s breathable Nano Cell mesh insert is visible on the sides of the boot, protected by a sort-of honeycombed webbing to prevent abrasion. The use of tech-focused on breathability with a robust material still sets this hiker apart from lighter-weight footwear. When it debuted, the use of GORE-TEX SURROUND with a durable upper made of Nubuck leather stood out. 3D Flex ankle hinge for enhanced mobility. ![]() Vibram Nano XS-Trek sole with impact brake system.Nano Cell inserts for airflow underfoot that work with the GORE-TEX SURROUND membrane for breathability.Durable Nubuck leather upper with GORE-TEX waterproofing.Let’s recap the major design details from that boot, which have now mostly carried over into the Nucleo II. La Sportiva made it to support moderate backpacking loads. When it hit the scene in 2017, the Nucleo High GTX won praise for being a highly breathable yet waterproof hiking boot. Shop the La Sportiva Nucleo II Hike GTX Photo credit: La Sportiva La Sportiva Nucleo II High GTX Highlights That means more room (by 10 mm) around the widest part of the forefoot and a raised height over the toe for more foot volume. La Sportiva created a wider last for this update to its popular Nucleo Hike GTX boots. Plus, the new version made a few minor tweaks to the design that gained accolades for improving breathability in a waterproof boot.īut undoubtedly, the biggest change is the introduction of wide-fit options. No matter how much fanfare the Nucleo boot got, they just weren’t a great fit for people with wide feet. If the shoe doesn’t fit, you can’t wear it. ![]()
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