La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 review: “This is a very impressive hiking/approach shoe that provides high levels of comfort and good grip on a range of surfaces.”

The Ultra Raptor has been a perennial favourite in the La Sportiva range for well over a decade, and while it may have started life as a burly long-distance running shoe its adoption by fast hikers and backpackers has clearly influenced its more recent development – in fact, this latest version is now officially designated by La Sportiva as a hiking shoe.

The reason hikers gravitated to the previous incarnations of the Ultra Raptor (and the original Raptor which was launched back in 2010) was that they offered good support and protection as well as the low weight and comfort that long-distance trail runners also coveted it for. In their blurb, La Sportiva say that this third version is ‘redesigned but has the same identity’ and that as well as offering enhanced protection and stability, the new shoe has a new fit and offers greater comfort. This all sounds very promising… so let’s take a look!

A new ripstop upper makes the latest Ultra Raptor the toughest yet

What’s new?
Offered with and without a Gore-Tex waterproof liner in its shoe form, and with Gore-Tex in mid boot form, the Ultra Raptor 3 comes in a wide range of sizes and colours for men and women. Although it retains the overall look of the Ultra Raptor 2, there are some major differences between the two. The air-mesh upper of the Ultra Raptor 2 has been replaced by a tear-resistant ripstop fabric, which is still light and breathable but looks like it’ll take more punishment than the previous material. The chunky rubber toe bumper and all-round rand also support the notion that the durability/protection of this third incarnation has been uprated.

The other major difference is that the Ultra Raptor’s sole unit has been completely redesigned, and while it still uses La Sportiva’s own Frixion White rubber compound, that’s about the only similarity with its predecessor. The whole sole unit is generally more substantial, with heel/forefoot stack heights of 35mm/27mm compared to 27mm/16mm on the outgoing model, providing more cushioning in the midsole which’ll come into its own on long days on the trail.

Tread pattern works well on a range of surfaces

The outsole itself has a reworked tread pattern that uses slightly shorter (4.5mm compared to 6mm on the ‘II’), but blockier lugs than the more rounded lugs on the II. Crucially, the new outsole incorporates the Impact Brake System that’s featured on many recent La Sportiva models; this firstly absorbs shock by the lugs slightly deforming when they hit the ground, and they also help with uphill traction and downhill braking due to the angled and opposing arrangement of the lugs.

Finally, worth a mention is the integrated, knitted ankle gaiter which is intended to help keep out stones and other debris, and also incorporates a large pull-loop to assist getting the shoes on and off.

In use
Comfort has always been a big selling point of the Ultra Raptor, and we found that the ‘3’ takes this to new levels, not just when you first put them on, but also after several hours’ use. It’s not the ‘false’ comfort either, that you sometimes get when a shoe is highly padded and feels great initially, but not so good after hours of use. The Ultra Raptor feels both comfortable and stable/precise, with a firm heel hold helped by the TPU ‘cradle’ that sits at the back of the shoe.

Ultra Raptor 3 remains comfy even after hours on the trail

The balance between weight and protection is also good; they feel very light on the foot, but the combination of a sole unit thick enough to absorb any sharp rocks underfoot, with the all-round rand and toe bumper gives you reassurance that your feet are in safe hands. Although the ripstop upper fabric is quite thin, the upper has a series of thicker overlays that protect the foot and will also help durability.

We found that the combination of the sticky rubber and carefully-devised tread pattern meant the Ultra Raptor  3 was effective on a wide range of surfaces, whether it be gravel trails, wet grass, mud or rock. In fact, it makes a very good approach shoe, and one that climbers will be very happy to slip their aching feet back into after a few hours climbing. Easier scrambles are well within the capabilities of the Ultra Raptor 3, especially where the shoes’ sticky rubber can be used for smearing; however, they are too soft sole to give you much of a platform on small foot holds.

Knitted ankle collar keeps out stones and other debris

Verdict
With this latest version, the Ultra Raptor completes its journey from a sturdy running shoe to an out-and-out hiking/approach shoe – and the result is hugely impressive. Comfort levels are high, with a roomy footbox and increased padding in the midsole – they’re so comfortable in fact, that you might end up living in these things. The Ultra Raptor 3 seems to get the balance right in so many ways – they’re light and comfortable, but offer good protection; they’re well padded but nimble and supportive – and with the revised sole unit they are a true all-rounder, effective on a range of surfaces and with the benefits of the Impact Brake System. If you’re in the market for some lightweight hiking/approach shoes, then the Ultra Raptor 3’s should definitely be high on your list.

More info at: www.lasportiva.com