The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2s feature in our guide to The best trail shoes for hiking and hillwalking. They are designed to be durable and protective, and are the heaviest and the stiffest offering when compared to others in our trail shoe group test. The 4.5mm lugs provide ample traction on all terrain. There’s loads of lateral stiffness and stability from various inserts, a rock plate and beefed-up midsole and a big wraparound rand with a toe bumper. A sizable heel counter features the brand’s Impact Brake System, designed to aid endurance and control on descent. They may feel too stiff to run in, but that burliness makes them excellent for backpacking.
RRP: $165 | £150 | Available from: Sports Shoes & Alpine Trek | Weight: 896g | Heel-to-toe drop: 9mm | Lug depth: 4.5mm | Materials and features: full-length rock plate, wraparound rand, FriXion rubber outsole, recycled laces and footbed, air mesh upper, variable thickness EVA endurance midsole, Impact Brake System at the heel. | Sizes: 5-14 | Women’s version: Yes
The upper is mesh with reinforcement, and there’s additional cushioning here too, so they aren’t the quickest to dry. Lacing is traditional. The fit is wide for La Sportiva (I struggle with most of their other trail runners), but a wide forefoot option is now also available should you need it.
I’ve been using La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2 in some shape or form for almost a decade, and they are still my choice of warmer-weather footwear when I know things are going to get tough. They aren’t the lightest, most breathable or even the comfiest, but I know I can count on them.
Written by David Lintern
David is a size UK10.5 and has a wide forefoot and a narrow heel. He’s an occasional trail and hill runner, and an advocate for trail shoes for walking and backpacking during the summer months. These trail shoes were tested last spring, summer and autumn on- and off-trail in the mountains throughout Scotland, from the north-west to the Borders – walking, backpacking and on the odd hill run.
