La Sportiva

Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Boot - Women's

Light and supportive

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

10

I bought these as a lighter weight alternative to my typical leather hiking boots for an upcoming scout trip to Philmont. These are so much lighter that I was concerned I couldn't hoof 10 miles with 35 lbs in them but I was wrong! Great boots that don't overheat my feet. All shoes seem to cause me blisters and these are no exception but I can proactively manage them as they are predictable. I love the wider toe box and the narrower heal cup. These are working so well for me during training hikes that I bought a second pair in case they wear out before the trip but so far so good! Only concern I have is keeping an eye on the lacing loops and the laces themselves. Both are pretty thin and I like to crank on my laces for a better fit. No issues so far but I'll pack an extra pair of laces on the trip. One curious note though is that it did take me three pairs to find one that feltl 'new'. One shoe in one pair had little padding under the insole and the other pair rubbed funny on my pinky toe. Third time was the charm but I do recommend trying before buying or go through a good company like this where you can easily make an exchange if needed. The teal and maroon colors are both better in person. I typically wear size 9 1/2 or a size 10 when wearing thick socks & hiking with a heavier pack. I ordered a size 10 in these and they fit as I hoped. Would give 4.5 stars if I could. Recommend!

lots of love, but some things to conside

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I have a lot of love for these hiking boots - i bought them when starting to work in adventure therapy and outdoor ed. Two years later, they are pretty toasted - the fabric covering on the side is all ripped up and exposing the inside of the boot, the traction on the boot is worn flat, and the sole is coming off. This boot is super light and breathable, and perhaps for that you pay in a lack of longevity. I'm so grateful that I didn't have to lug a heavy boots through my expeditions!! I used this boot through backpacking trips, disaster relief work, and day program work and they served me well. The cons are that they were never really waterproof. I had to step in a stream during a wilderness first responder scenario a week after I bought them and immediately got my socks wet. The traction wears fast and i felt unsteady on my backpacking trips where I had to go up rock slopes. The synthetic upper is prone to ripping and tearing. These shoes are amazing for day hiking and I think anyone who doesn't have rougher aspirations for them than some overnight backpacking will be really happy with them. Just don't count on them to last for years and years as you put miles on them.

Comfortable, but poor waterproofing

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

These boots fit quite well out of the box, which is saying a lot as my feet are hard to fit. I sized up which worked well (I normally wear an 8.5/39 in street shoes, but bought the 9.5/41 in these boots). The boots are very lightweight, which I really like for warm weather hiking. The waterproofing worked well for my first few hikes - my feet stayed dry through many puddles. After about 30-40 miles, though, my feet got very wet on a hike through tall wet grass. Disappointing!

NOT fully waterproof!

I bought these boots specifically because they are supposed to be fully waterproof. I have worn them out in the rain two times and my socks and orthotics were wet around the toes and heel. Not sopping, but wet enough to be uncomfortable. The boot is very comfortable and light, but for $200 it is unacceptable that their claims to being waterproof don't hold up.

Love these boots!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

8.5

I recently wore these on an ecotrip to belize. These boots were so comfortable and kept my feet happy and dry. I even walked through a river and had dry feet. Customer service was amazing as well. Thanks Backcountry!!

TRULY AMAZING

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

8.5

Height:

5' 7"

Weight:

150

I took these on the camino de Santiago in Spain and got zero blisters with these shoes . they handle well on all terrain and are SUPER waterproof I walked through deep streams with out having to worry about getting my socks/feet wet. the ankle support is personally the best thing I love about these shoes , I could go up hill on rocky terrain with ease and have great stability and all around made my camino enjoyable . 10/10 would highly recomend and to me are my togo shoes for everything .

LA Sportiva is my brand

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

39.5

Height:

5' 4"

Weight:

120

Boots are always a dilemma for me, and I was hesitant to try these for a snowy, backcountry elk hunt. After trying several different pairs of boots (old, new, and borrowed) and packing about half of them, these proved to be the winner. Paired with gaiters, they kept my feet 100% dry in 24+ inches of snow, even when my husband's expensive hunting boots had soaked through. They are lightweight, and though they are not insulated, my feet were not cold at all (I do have some really good thick socks though). Best of all, ZERO blisters. And I didn't even have time to break them in before the trip. I should have expected this fantastic result, as my sneakers and mountaineering boots are both LA Sportivas, and I love them. I guess I can stop wasting money on other brands now, since apparently this brand is just made for me!