The midfoot is flexible enough to allow you to drive, maneuver difficult terrain, and move quickly. The newly updated Vasque Breeze boots (in men’s and women’s sizes) offer the comfort of a trail-running shoe with the ankle support of a hiking boot. We’ve tested the Vasque Breeze hiking boot many times over the past few years, and we’ve found its most recent iteration to be the best yet. Despite their clunkiness, they’re surprisingly comfortable on shorter hikes, too.
That said, the Quests are fairly bulky, so they’re best for folks carrying heavy packs or kids on their back. Though the new Quests had a slightly longer break-in time than the previous model, they also had the widest toe box of any of the boots we tested that means the boot is likely to fit most foot shapes right out of the box. These boots also have a flexible midfoot plate, which makes flexing your foot a bit easier.
#LA SPORTIVA NUCLEO HIGH GTX REVIEWS UPGRADE#
This was already the best boot for those carrying heavy loads a minor upgrade to the old model adds to that sturdiness, with increased ankle and heel support for carrying weight. Thankfully, the Quest 4 Gore-Tex boots still have many of the features we loved in the previous version, including ample toe and heel protection, solid traction and support, breathable and waterproof materials, and a gusseted tongue. If you’re a fan of the original Ultra Raptors and want your ankles covered and kept dry in wet conditions, here’s the hiking boot you’ve been waiting for. Likewise, hikers who have thought about ditching traditional leather boots for lighter running shoes are met halfway here.įrom the specs La Sportiva advertises, you can expect the Raptor II boots to add 9 ounces to the original shoes - that comes from the mesh upper and lining, not a bulkier sole or rock plate.In 2021, Salomon updated its popular Quest boots from 3D to 4 (in men’s and women’s sizes). They’re also a great choice for backpackers who swap boots for trail running shoes when the conditions allow. These boots are a new option for trail runners who prefer lightweight footwear for hikes in the mountains. Also of note, the boots are made of vegan-friendly materials. Other hiking-minded touches include a rubber toe cap and mudguard. It offers more traction through its Impact Brake System design and a Trail Bite heel. In the heel, La Sportiva takes measures to reduce the impact of descents. The lightweight FriXion XF 2.0 rubber outsole offers grip on rocks and trails. The upper is made from a flexible GORE-Flex nylon mesh that’s designed to enhance the breathability of the underlying GORE-TEX Extended Comfort. The lace-up mids cover the ankle with a collar for comfort. The boots obviously differ in protection from the mountain running shoes. The Raptor’s chassis and sole have the same build as its predecessor. To keep that functionality beyond dry conditions, the Raptor II Mid boots are built with rain, mud, and routine trail hazards in mind.
In fact, Andrew Skurka praised them for his fast mountain exploits 5 years ago. Shop Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Bootsįor years, La Sportiva’s Ultra Raptor trail shoes served as a favorite for section-hikers and backpackers during the summer months.
However, when the weather and trail conditions vary, the Ultra Raptor II Mid boots are a midheight, all-weather alternative to hiking in the original Raptors. When covering distance is a major part of the sightseeing goal, such as a thru-hike, trail stompers reach for shoes that can do both. In dry climates with groomed trails, running shoes are a common choice. That DNA carries over into the Raptor II boots, which add a higher mesh upper and waterproofing, among other features.Īdditionally, the Raptor II Midboots come in wide sizes to fit a broader range of hikers. The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX boots are a hybrid hiker follow-up to the brand’s popular running shoe. The Ultra Raptor gained popularity for its stability and function as a lightweight hiker. La Sportiva builds on the hiking reputation of its Ultra Raptor mountain run shoes by adding the protection of a hiking boot.
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