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!

what's your top 1 ????

Those are nice I would wear them for style in the city in the winter!

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 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.

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?

I've ordered the leather version of these shoes. Ultra Raptor II Mid leather GTX

I own some wildcats which are the low cut version of this boot.. amazing shoes, best in the business.

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???

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

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!

Dude run all that he said but the sole looks untouched .. lol 😂

Hi there!Any experience about the durability of La Sportiva TX5 GTX?

Which is better for forests & mud the raptor or the stream?

Can you review the Scarpa Rush Mid GTX

SO if it's not your number one witch one is?

They got a wide version 🎉

what is your number 1?

hey thax for the great review. What are youres number ONE?

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

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?

Right would james bond wear them 🤔

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

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.

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

As anyone experienced pain above the ankle with these boots?

Which for you is the no 1 hiking boot?? Can you please specify???