The heel gaitor doesn't add and isn't intended to add waterproofing, since the gore-tex lining does not extend into the stretch heel gaitor. The heel gaitor is designed to keep out debris, not water, just like the Salewa Wildfire edge shoes you reviewed. BTW, the overlapping flap (pull tab) on the back of the heel gator is so you can use your finger(s) to stretch open to insert your foot. As far as your width sizing comment: the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX comes in both regular and wide (Ultra Raptor II Mid Wide GTX adds +10mm fore-foot height and metatarsal circumference) last versions.
I have over 30 pair of different brands of light hiking boots amd La sportiva surpassed all brands included salamon gtx by far! It didn’t fall apart like others brands!
I went to REI and tried these along with the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX 2. the ultra raptors felt less comfortable when normally walking around on hard surfaces (less cushion/harder outsole) but WAY more supportive when trying out the test boulder in the store. I felt like they would feel amazing on technical terrain. however I did feel pressure points at the top of the laces and the top of the shoe where the toe box bends. could just be a break-in thing. the adidas were insanely comfortable, super nice cushion, but felt much more awkward on the test boulder because of the large cushion. also the bottom of the ultra raptors seemed much more protective like a piece of armor, and the adidas was mostly just softer rubber. I also have concerns that the adidas would wear out sooner on hard surfaces. IMO they both look cool but the adidas would look more at home in an urban setting. I don’t know which of these to get. for comfort the adidas are the clear winner, but for confidence on terrain the ultra raptors were the clear winner. I suspect the ultra raptors would be more durable but I’m not sure. I am honestly torn.
they offer wide sizing, so not sure if narrow sizing is still a problem. I just wish they put more cushion on it, i mean its an easy fix to get a better insole but its an added cost. great review!
Good point about the cushioning. The low non-GTX version of the Ultra Raptor have an extra cushioning layer called "endurance platform" glued between the the midsole and the insole. The benefit is noticeable, especially when you go longer distances. Unfortunately, La Sportiva don't add it to the Ultra Raptor GTX versions, regardless of the model, low or mid. Regarding the width, I do have wide feet and there are Wide versions of the Ultra Raptor II, Ultra Raptor II GTX, and Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX.
I have bought these last year. The felt very comfy on my feet. And the comfiness kept in the terrain too BUT.... They leak between the sole and the upper part, therefore my trip over Hardangervidda was a bit of disaster shoe wise :-( I am trying to complain but the shop does not react. Therefore I have really expensive Goretex shoes which I cannot wear walking in the wet... Very disappointing!
Yo tengo las Salomón ultra mid 3 Goretex y compraré estás para ver cuál me gusta más creo que estás se ven más cómodas las Salomón las siento un poco más rígidas algo duras ojalá me gusten estás
Thank you for your top class reviews! As for that pair what about saltwater will this be a problem for the boots if for examble be wet or sprayed from sea water???
Thank you for watching! Yea, salt will eventually start eating into the boot, but that's really for any boot. Quality stuff like this will last better!
They don’t last 100 miles no longer waterproof 200 miles fabric rips on where your foot bend’s 300 miles grip is non existent 400 miles in the bin they go
Agree! Rubbish durability. Had them four months, not even used every weekend and they’re falling apart with dubious waterproofing and lugs wear out fast. The ankle support has completely lost shape. Maybe only good for walking around the park…
Maaaan that's a really tough one! I would say, Raptor for a straight up solid hiking boot. More mixed terrain, mountaineering stuff, Stream. So I would pick Stream, but I think you will be better of with Raptor in the forest.
Insoles sucked they destroyed my heels with blisters and the top lace loop destroyed my ankles hated them so I changed insoles to some vans skateboarding ones called ultra kush and they were awesome but I put a hundred hiking miles on them and they started to get torn up from rubbing on each other but I liked them a lot after changing insoles
Literaly just putting a pair on feet for first time now, and just as you mentioned I also feel a bit of pain on my left ankle. Did that go away after some break in?
I just got these and nicest hiking boots I’ve ever had by far. They do run a little small, I had to go a full size up. Super comfortable and no break in period.
@@ruiseverino7609 yes. I tried these on at REI and felt a pressure point at the top of the laces. though I was told that should get better after breaking them in since I was not used to wearing a mid-height boot. but that’s just what they told me I can’t verify for sure.
@@frogturtle thank you. I ended up returning them. But probably thats right after some breaking in they get better as per some other good reviews I saw about them.
@@ruiseverino7609 what are you looking for instead? I was looking at the adidas terrex free hiker 2 GTX but the cushion is a bit much for serious terrain
I just hiked with my Ultra 3's and man idk. I might have to return them or atleast try different insoles. I think from extensive standing in my work life, my feet are extremely sensitive to more "aggressively" supported insoles, atleast for my right foot. I might have to find a pair of raptor ii's. I'll be out on the trail for about a week next week and I'm a little worried my Ultra 3's will be my downfall a couple miles in my first peak.
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX are pretty sturdy shoes, I have >500 km in them mostly on muddy and rocky terrain, and a part of the goretex lining gave up eventually. They worn faster than a normal shoe, but I think the comfort it's worth it. I want to replace them with La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II now
The heel gaitor doesn't add and isn't intended to add waterproofing, since the gore-tex lining does not extend into the stretch heel gaitor. The heel gaitor is designed to keep out debris, not water, just like the Salewa Wildfire edge shoes you reviewed. BTW, the overlapping flap (pull tab) on the back of the heel gator is so you can use your finger(s) to stretch open to insert your foot. As far as your width sizing comment: the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX comes in both regular and wide (Ultra Raptor II Mid Wide GTX adds +10mm fore-foot height and metatarsal circumference) last versions.
Better wear gaiters 😂😂
I have over 30 pair of different brands of light hiking boots amd La sportiva surpassed all brands included salamon gtx by far! It didn’t fall apart like others brands!
My mid la sportiva boots are the best shoe iv ever had .👍
Min had vibrm sole and the quick lace .
Wish the raptor was like that lol
I was sold on my summer wild cats why im reviewing this
@@Brad-99proce woukd go high lol 😂😂😂 ultra raptor is good chouce
I went to REI and tried these along with the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX 2. the ultra raptors felt less comfortable when normally walking around on hard surfaces (less cushion/harder outsole) but WAY more supportive when trying out the test boulder in the store. I felt like they would feel amazing on technical terrain. however I did feel pressure points at the top of the laces and the top of the shoe where the toe box bends. could just be a break-in thing.
the adidas were insanely comfortable, super nice cushion, but felt much more awkward on the test boulder because of the large cushion. also the bottom of the ultra raptors seemed much more protective like a piece of armor, and the adidas was mostly just softer rubber. I also have concerns that the adidas would wear out sooner on hard surfaces. IMO they both look cool but the adidas would look more at home in an urban setting.
I don’t know which of these to get. for comfort the adidas are the clear winner, but for confidence on terrain the ultra raptors were the clear winner. I suspect the ultra raptors would be more durable but I’m not sure. I am honestly torn.
they offer wide sizing, so not sure if narrow sizing is still a problem. I just wish they put more cushion on it, i mean its an easy fix to get a better insole but its an added cost. great review!
Good point about the cushioning. The low non-GTX version of the Ultra Raptor have an extra cushioning layer called "endurance platform" glued between the the midsole and the insole. The benefit is noticeable, especially when you go longer distances. Unfortunately, La Sportiva don't add it to the Ultra Raptor GTX versions, regardless of the model, low or mid. Regarding the width, I do have wide feet and there are Wide versions of the Ultra Raptor II, Ultra Raptor II GTX, and Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX.
what's your top 1 ????
Those are nice I would wear them for style in the city in the winter!
I own some wildcats which are the low cut version of this boot.. amazing shoes, best in the business.
I've ordered the leather version of these shoes. Ultra Raptor II Mid leather GTX
Ive been looking for a review of your caliber (ive watched many of your reviews) on this boot. Can you review the La Sportiva Nucleo ii high gtx?
Thanks for watching! Yes, I have them on top of my to-do list! Hopefully in the next couple of weeks!
@@UltimateSurvivalGear are there any categories where you would rank this higher than the salomon x ultra 4 gtx?
I have bought these last year. The felt very comfy on my feet. And the comfiness kept in the terrain too BUT.... They leak between the sole and the upper part, therefore my trip over Hardangervidda was a bit of disaster shoe wise :-( I am trying to complain but the shop does not react. Therefore I have really expensive Goretex shoes which I cannot wear walking in the wet... Very disappointing!
Yo tengo las Salomón ultra mid 3 Goretex y compraré estás para ver cuál me gusta más creo que estás se ven más cómodas las Salomón las siento un poco más rígidas algo duras ojalá me gusten estás
Thank you for your top class reviews! As for that pair what about saltwater will this be a problem for the boots if for examble be wet or sprayed from sea water???
Thank you for watching! Yea, salt will eventually start eating into the boot, but that's really for any boot. Quality stuff like this will last better!
They don’t last
100 miles no longer waterproof
200 miles fabric rips on where your foot bend’s
300 miles grip is non existent
400 miles in the bin they go
Well... Not my pair.
@@lorenzovezzali8476 yours holded up better?
Agree! Rubbish durability. Had them four months, not even used every weekend and they’re falling apart with dubious waterproofing and lugs wear out fast. The ankle support has completely lost shape. Maybe only good for walking around the park…
GTC in general isn't made to last.
Hi there!Any experience about the durability of La Sportiva TX5 GTX?
what is your number 1?
So far, Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX.
@@UltimateSurvivalGear thank you, keep it up. Maybe try Salewa mountain trainer and mountain trainer lite?☺️
@@UltimateSurvivalGear impossible to get anymore
Which is better for forests & mud the raptor or the stream?
Maaaan that's a really tough one! I would say, Raptor for a straight up solid hiking boot. More mixed terrain, mountaineering stuff, Stream. So I would pick Stream, but I think you will be better of with Raptor in the forest.
Dude run all that he said but the sole looks untouched .. lol 😂
Waterproof😂 I have 2 pair of lasportiva Nucleo ll GTX and both boots leak simply walking through wet grass 4” high. Garbage for over $200 US
SO if it's not your number one witch one is?
Insoles sucked they destroyed my heels with blisters and the top lace loop destroyed my ankles hated them so I changed insoles to some vans skateboarding ones called ultra kush and they were awesome but I put a hundred hiking miles on them and they started to get torn up from rubbing on each other but I liked them a lot after changing insoles
Literaly just putting a pair on feet for first time now, and just as you mentioned I also feel a bit of pain on my left ankle.
Did that go away after some break in?
Right would james bond wear them 🤔
Honestly, I would stay away from anything that guy uses lol if you are looking for combat application, check out Salomon Forces and Lowa Zephyrs.
They got a wide version 🎉
Can you review the Scarpa Rush Mid GTX
Thank you for recommendation! I'll try to get them for a review!
@@UltimateSurvivalGear Thank you that would be great. They look very agile and confortable.
Looking foward for your review.
I’ve responded to a comment further below about how rubbish the durability of these are. I would never buy again. A waste of money.
Is their US -size is same like for other US bands? i conserned that their EU-conversion could be misleading.... also how is the fit? narrow?
I just got these and nicest hiking boots I’ve ever had by far. They do run a little small, I had to go a full size up. Super comfortable and no break in period.
hey thax for the great review. What are youres number ONE?
As anyone experienced pain above the ankle with these boots?
Is the pain from the pressure point or is it something internal?
@@UltimateSurvivalGear its sort in the chin area on the mid part of the boot. Seems like there is not much padding.
@@ruiseverino7609 yes. I tried these on at REI and felt a pressure point at the top of the laces. though I was told that should get better after breaking them in since I was not used to wearing a mid-height boot. but that’s just what they told me I can’t verify for sure.
@@frogturtle thank you. I ended up returning them. But probably thats right after some breaking in they get better as per some other good reviews I saw about them.
@@ruiseverino7609 what are you looking for instead? I was looking at the adidas terrex free hiker 2 GTX but the cushion is a bit much for serious terrain
Which for you is the no 1 hiking boot?? Can you please specify???
For me, so far, it is Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX!
@@UltimateSurvivalGear for me too 👍♥️
I just hiked with my Ultra 3's and man idk. I might have to return them or atleast try different insoles. I think from extensive standing in my work life, my feet are extremely sensitive to more "aggressively" supported insoles, atleast for my right foot. I might have to find a pair of raptor ii's. I'll be out on the trail for about a week next week and I'm a little worried my Ultra 3's will be my downfall a couple miles in my first peak.
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX are pretty sturdy shoes, I have >500 km in them mostly on muddy and rocky terrain, and a part of the goretex lining gave up eventually. They worn faster than a normal shoe, but I think the comfort it's worth it. I want to replace them with La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II now
@@AlexOmbla i just bought a LS ultra raptr 2. Still now no complaints. Plus the size of the toebox and overall comfort is better.