Our verdict
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor is a Top 27% most popular running shoes that can tackle some challenging technical terrain. It features a combination of comfortable, stable, and protective parts that together create a surefooted ride. It is heavier than most trail shoes but it effectively protects your foot from any potential hazard, almost like a hiking shoe.
Pros
- Plenty of protection
- Cushioned for Ultra
- Stable ride
- Highly durable
- Breathable
- Excellent grip
- Comfortable
Cons
- Heavy
- Little ground feel
Jens Jakob Andersen
The Ultra Raptor is a solid option from La Sportiva for trail runners who need the following:
- a rugged shoe that can go off-trail shoe
- a shoe for long-distance running up to an Ultra
- a trail shoe that can do hiking
Who should NOT buy this trail shoe
If you want a similarly protective (rock plate included), stable, and supportive trail shoe but don't want to feel weighed down by the bulk, consider Altra Lone Peak 6 or Saucony Peregrine 12.
La Sportiva’s foot protection is off the charts!
In addition to the full-length rock guard, there's the generously cushioned sole, the hard-wearing upper, and the highly durable toe bumper. According to the runners, all of the above keep you safe from bumps and bruises on rocky terrain.
An expert reviewer calls it "absolutely bomber" when it comes to protection. Sharp stones, debris, and other trail challenges will be the least of your worries thanks to this La Sportiva shoe. She also refers to the toebox as "one of the burliest that we've seen!" You really won't feel anything when accidentally kicking a stone on the run.
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The FriXion XF outsole delivers full-length durable traction on rocky and technical terrain. The impact lugs aggressively bite into the ground upon every landing, keeping you confident with your steps.
Comfort in the midsole
The midsole unit of the shoe uses injected molded EVA that delivers a generous amount of cushioning. With 29 mm of stack in the heel and 22 mm in the forefoot, the Ultra Raptor comes close to max-cushioned trail shoes. This is what makes it so comfortable and supportive for many miles at a time, be it a daily run or an Ultra marathon.
It also uses the Flex Transfer Shank offers torsional rigidity. This enhances the shoe's side-to-side stability and makes it feel almost like a stability shoe (recommended for flat feet and overpronation).
Breathable cover
The upper of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor is very breathable because of the air mesh cover that encompasses almost the entire upper. The flexible material offers a sublime fit. The lacing harness extends from the lacing eyelets to the midsole for a snug fit.
That's a big boy (heavy)
The Ultra Raptor turns out to be heavier than many other trail running shoes on the market. Tipping the scales at 12.1 oz (343 g), it is 13% heavier than the average 10.5 oz (298 g).
