La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
Pros
- Unbelievably lightweight
- Excellent waterproofing
- Doesn't let debris and falling rain/snow inside
- Exceptionally robust and durable
- Phenomenal grip on technical terrain
- Not so stiff and firm in low temperature
- Sufficient impact protection
- Highly supportive collar
- Ample flexibility
Cons
- Narrow platform
- Not for wide feet
Key Features
- Light & Fast Hiker: Engineered for those who prefer a boot that offers substantial protection while maintaining a lightweight feel, suitable for light to medium loads with an influence from trail running.
- GORE-TEX Waterproof Protection: Equipped with a Gore-Tex lining that ensures your feet remain dry and breathable even in wet conditions. A microfiber mud guard adds extra defense against trail debris.
- Sizing & Fit: Note that the Ultra Raptor II runs small. If you have normal or large feet, consider buying one size up. For smaller feet, a half size increase is recommended. Available in Regular (D) and Wide (E) widths.
- Sure Grip: The Frixion XT 2.0 Outsole features an Impact Brake System which provides superior traction and stability, making it ideal for steep descents and slick surfaces. An anti-shock rubber toe cap protects your toes from trail hazards.
- Ankle Support: The comfort collar enhances ankle protection, complemented by a reinforced heel cup that provides stability, especially useful during high mileage hikes on rugged terrain.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Water Resistance Level: Water Resistant
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is a reliable choice for hikers seeking agility and support. It provides confident footing while maintaining a lightweight feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a boot-like hiking shoe.
Weighing only 14.6 oz (415g), this model is 21.8% lighter than average. Its low and loose design allows for enhanced maneuverability, particularly beneficial during scrambling or navigating technical trail sections.
With a high degree of flexibility, this boot feels weightless on the foot. In our bend test, it demonstrated 14.6% more pliability than average, ensuring comfort even during relaxed walks.
Despite its lightweight construction, it remains supportive with robust resistance against ankle twists and excessive lateral movements. Our manual assessment confirmed that it achieved a maximum 5/5 torsional rigidity score, indicating its strength under twisting forces.
A drawback of the streamlined design is the limited toebox room, which may hinder free toe splaying. We recommend individuals with broader feet consider opting for a more accommodating boot.
Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
Pros
- Well-cushioned for long miles
- Very comfortable step-in feel
- Highly stable platform
- Excellent waterproofing
- Solid grip, even on soft terrain
- More flexible than other boots
- Decent durability for moderate hikes
- A lot of sustainable components
Cons
- Extended heel catches rocks
- Not for technical terrain
- Gained 2 ounces
Key Features
- Gold Certified Waterproof Nubuck Leather by Leather Working Group ensures durability and sustainability.
- Features a Gore-Tex sock construction paired with recycled polyester outer fabric for enhanced breathability and waterproofing.
- Lightweight sugarcane EVA midsole offers exceptional cushioning and support during your runs.
- Abrasion resistant rubber reinforced toe adds durability and protection against rough terrain.
Specifications
- Sole material: Synthetic
- Outer material: Synthetic
- Inner material: Recycled Polyester and Soybean-based materials
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX is designed for individuals seeking a reliable hiking boot particularly suited for wet conditions. Its combination of cushioning, impermeability, and traction makes it an optimal choice among high shock absorption hiking boots evaluated both outdoors and in laboratory settings.
This boot underwent a smoke test, showing no air leakage, which indicates effective waterproofing. The Gore-Tex membrane and upper fabric significantly block ventilation, resulting in a low breathability score of 1/5. This feature ensures that water remains outside the shoe during activities in puddles and streams.
The midsole provides notable cushioning, reflected in its high 118 SA shock absorption score. The SwallowTail design enhances comfort, allowing for smooth transitions from heel to toe. Additionally, its minimal weight of 17.4 oz (494g) facilitates easy maneuverability for extended wear.
Water management is effectively addressed by the boot's construction. The outsole, featuring Vibram rubber and deep 5.0 mm lugs, delivers significant gripping power. This allows for confident traversal over slippery surfaces and wet rocks, demonstrating reliable traction.
A drawback of the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX is its extended heel, which can hinder performance on rock-heavy paths and descents. This characteristic is most beneficial on hard-packed surfaces.
Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
Pros
- Stable and grounded platform
- Flexible forefoot adds maneuverability
- Great grip on wet terrain and rocks
- Surefooted on mixed and hilly trails
- Much lighter than average
- Excellent Gore-Tex waterproofing
- Tough and durable upper
Cons
- Minimal cushioning and shock absorption
- Not for deep mud
Key Features
- Lightweight Design: This boot provides a balance between weight and stability, making it ideal for long hikes.
- Matryx®️ Upper: Constructed with ultra-durable materials that offer excellent support and durability.
- Contagrip Outsole: Engineered for superior grip on various terrains, ensuring you remain stable regardless of the conditions.
- Gore-Tex Technology: Keeps your feet dry by providing waterproof protection while allowing breathability.
- Comfortable Collar: Designed to fit snugly around your ankle for added support without compromising comfort.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Leather
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is designed for hikers seeking stability and comfort during outdoor adventures. It offers significant protection against instability, moisture, and fatigue, making it suitable for various conditions.
This boot incorporates the Advanced Chassis, which enhances foot containment through a stiff TPU brace in the midfoot. Its rigid construction effectively reduces excessive lateral movements, supported by a maximum 5/5 torsional rigidity score from our manual assessment.
Weighing in at 15.4 oz (437g), this model is 17.7% lighter than average, contributing to its malleable and airy design. The comfortable ride resembles that of a trail shoe, allowing for versatility in both city walks and daily use.
Constructed with a Gore-Tex lining and a non-porous Matryx upper, the boot provides a reliable waterproof barrier, ensuring feet remain warm and dry in wet or wintery conditions. Our smoke test confirmed its impermeability, although it received a low 1/5 breathability rating.
While the Contagrip outsole with 3.5 mm lugs delivers dependable grip on various terrains, it may not perform well in deep mud situations. Therefore, those frequently navigating soft ground and sticky mud might consider options with deeper and more aggressive lugs.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX
Pros
- Best-in-class waterproofing
- Great stability for moderate hikes
- Supportive for all-day wear
- Comfortable step-in feel
- Excellent grip on hard terrain
- Secure lockdown
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Moderate impact protection
- Mesh panels are easy to tear
- Not for mud or soft terrain
- Moderate impact protection
Key Features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane: Ensures your feet stay dry while providing outstanding breathability and waterproof performance.
- Pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper: Combines durability with ventilation for increased comfort during extended use.
- Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured footbed: Offers medium support with reinforced heel cushioning for optimal comfort.
- Super Rebound Compound midsole: Provides durable shock absorption, reducing torque and allowing for a smooth transition into the midfoot.
- Vibram TC5+ outsole: Delivers exceptional traction suitable for various outdoor multi-sport activities, specifically formulated for Merrell boots.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Shaft height: Ankle
- Outer material: Leather
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX is an ideal choice for hiking enthusiasts seeking comfort and stability across various trail conditions. After extensive testing, this boot has proven to provide substantial protection while enhancing performance and endurance during hikes.
Equipped with a Vibram outsole featuring deep 5.0 mm lugs, the boot delivers excellent grip on submerged rocks and slippery logs. The Gore-Tex membrane ensures that no water penetrates the boot, even in deep water crossings, although it received a low score of 1/5 in breathability during testing.
The boot offers ample cushioning, effectively shielding against sharp objects underfoot with its firm 32.8 HA cushion, as measured by durometer. Thanks to the 24.6 HA Air Cushion technology, each step feels significantly softer than the durometer reading suggests.
Its rigid construction enhances stability by preventing ankle collapse, supported by a stiff shank in the midfoot that earned a high 4/5 in torsional rigidity testing. Despite its firmness, the midsole remains flexible, scoring 33.2% above average in our flexibility assessment.
While the Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX boasts solid waterproofing, it may feel excessively warm in temperatures exceeding 70°F (20°C). As such, it is best suited for colder weather conditions.