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Finding the best lightweight hiking shoes often means choosing between agility and support. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX aims to combine the fast feel of a trail runner with the stability, protection and waterproofing backpackers need in technical terrain. After testing the latest version, I found that La Sportiva retained everything that made the Ultra Raptor line a favorite — while ultimately fixing one of its biggest shortcomings: fit.
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La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Review
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The new La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 retains the DNA that made the Ultra Raptor line a cult favorite among fast hikers and scramblers, but it’s more ride friendly than previous versions. The first Raptors were one of the narrowest mainstream hiking shoes on the market. I loved them, but my wide-footed brother, for example, couldn’t even step into them. The Ultra Raptor 3 still isn’t a true wide-foot option, but the newly shaped forefoot and slightly higher volume fit make it viable for far more hikers than the Ultra Raptor II.
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX is less of a traditional hiking shoe and more of a sturdy trail-running shoe that can carry a pack. That’s still what sets the Ultra Raptor line apart from most mid-height hikers: It offers unusually precise foot feel and confidence without the bulkiness or stiffness of traditional shoes. At about 1 pound, 14 ounces per pair, the Mid GTX undercuts many comparable waterproof hiking shoes by several ounces, while still providing more structure and protection than most trail runners.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 first impressions
Previous Ultra Raptors were extremely narrow, making them precise, but limiting them to hikers with low volume legs or those looking to aggressively increase size. The Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX opens up the frontfoot enough that many average-width riders can finally wear it comfortably. It’s still a performance-oriented fit rather than a true wide boot, but the extra toe box volume makes a meaningful difference on long descents and multi-day hikes. Because it comes in European sizes, you can dial in a more tailored fit, although you’ll probably want to try a few sizes closer to your normal size if you can.
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The mid-height version is particularly suitable for fast hikers and light backpackers traversing rocky terrain, where stability matters more than outright cushioning. The collar provides light ankle support and debris protection without dramatically changing the agile character of the shoe. The dual-density CMEVA midsole stays firmer and more stable than softer max-cushion hikers, providing good leverage on uneven talus, slabs and off-camber terrain.
It’s not an ideal choice for hikers seeking plush cushioning or a roomy fit for casual hikes. But for hikers who prioritize agility, traction, and precise movement on technical terrain, few mid-height hiking shoes feel this fast.
Pros and cons of La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX
Pros
- Trail-runner agility with real hiking boot protection
- Fit is significantly improved compared to the previous Ultra Raptor
- Excellent grip and precision on technical terrain
- Light weight without sacrificing stability
- Waterproof Gore-Tex construction keeps feet dry
- Excellent choice for fast hiking and lightweight backpacking
Shortcoming
- Still not a true wide-fit boot
- Not every passenger will like the firm padding
- Less support than traditional heavy backpacking shoes
- European sizes can make dialing in the fit difficult
Is the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX worth buying?
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If your idea of hiking involves covering rocky trails, steep climbs, and miles at a fast pace, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX is one of the best lightweight hiking shoes you can buy. It preserves everything that made previous Ultra Raptors so popular – excellent traction, precise handling and trail-runner agility – while ultimately making the Fit accessible to a wider range of hikers.
It’s still not a boot suitable for someone looking for maximum cushioning or a roomy, comfortable fit, but that’s never been the mission of the Ultra Raptor. Instead, it helps you move confidently across technical terrain without feeling like you’re lugging around a traditional backpacking boot. For hikers who value speed, stability, and precision over plush comfort, the Ultra Raptor 3 is easily the strongest version of this famous boot yet.
why should you trust me
I’ve been hiking in Upstate New York since I was a kid and since then I’ve hiked everywhere from hot, high deserts to tropical rainforest thickets chasing pronghorn antelope to foot-deep snow and sub-zero temperatures. I’ve experimented with zero-drop sneakers, insulated logging boots, high-tech hikers, and trail runners in search of the perfect boot for every season. Whether scouting, thru-hiking, or hunting, I hike hundreds of miles each year testing the latest and greatest from bootmakers in the Rockies year-round.
