La Sportiva Mens Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX Hiking Boots

In this review of the La Sportiva Mens Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX, the bottom line is clear: these boots are for hikers who want a leather-build that still feels influenced by fast, light trail shoes while delivering reliable support and waterproof protection. The biggest reason to buy is the combination of a durable nubuck leather upper with GORE-TEX waterproofing and a Frixion AT 2.0 sole that grips steep descents and slick trails, making them a strong choice for day hikes and multi-day routes where protection and traction matter.

Key Features

• Waterproofing: GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet dry from water and snow while allowing moisture to escape so sweaty feet are reduced on long efforts.
• Durable upper: Nubuck leather with debossed detailing resists abrasion and sheds moisture for long-term wear on rugged terrain.
• Traction: Frixion AT 2.0 sole with Impact Brake System heel provides confident grip and stability on slick or uneven surfaces.
• Support: Reinforced heel cup and nylon molded flex TPU transfer shank give ankle stability and underfoot support for light to medium loads.
• Cushioning: Injection-molded Memlex midsole delivers durable cushioning and a stable platform for long miles.
• Protection: Rubber toe cap and supportive lacing system protect toes and distribute tension for a secure fit.

Who It's For

These boots suit men who hike day trips to multi-day routes and want the longevity and protection of leather without a slow, heavy feel; the design borrows fast-trail cues so they perform well on varied terrain and during quicker approaches. The combination of GORE-TEX waterproofing, a reinforced heel, and a stable midsole makes them a good pick for hikers carrying light to medium loads and anyone who regularly encounters wet trails or snow.

Hikers with particularly narrow feet or those expecting a roomy fit should be cautious: sizing runs small so most buyers need to go up one size, and small-footed users may prefer a half size up. Ultralight packers seeking minimal weight might opt for a lighter, non-leather model instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Robust leather upper and GORE-TEX combine durability with reliable waterproofing.
• Frixion AT 2.0 sole and Impact Brake System deliver excellent traction on descents and slick surfaces.
• Reinforced heel cup and TPU shank provide stable support on long, technical days.
• Cushioned Memlex midsole balances comfort with long-term resilience.

Cons

• Sizing runs small, so many buyers must order at least one size up, which can complicate fit decisions.
• Being a leather mid boot, they are heavier than ultralight trail shoes at about 450 g (16 oz) per shoe.

Specifications

Weight	450 g / 16 oz per shoe
Waterproofing	GORE-TEX membrane
Upper	Nubuck leather with debossed detailing
Sole	Frixion AT 2.0 with Impact Brake System heel
Midsole	Injection-molded Memlex
Support features	Reinforced heel cup, nylon TPU transfer shank, rubber toe cap
Sizing & fit	Runs small; buy 1 size up (small feet: 1/2 size up); available Regular (C) and Wide (D)

Our Verdict

The La Sportiva Mens Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX is a solid choice for hikers who want leather durability, waterproof protection, and a grippy sole without giving up a relatively agile trail feel. It represents good value for anyone needing support and traction on technical day hikes and multi-day outings, provided you account for the small sizing and slightly heavier leather construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these boots keep feet dry?
The GORE-TEX membrane provides reliable waterproofing against water and snow while still allowing breathability to reduce internal moisture.

How should I size these boots?
Sizing runs small; most users should order one full size up, while those with small feet may prefer a half size up; wide feet can choose the Wide (D) option.

Are these boots good for technical descents?
Yes, the Frixion AT 2.0 sole with Impact Brake System heel gives excellent traction and stability on steep, slick, or uneven terrain.