La Sportiva Ultra Raptor ii Mid GTX

Quick Verdict

Best for: tramping at all levels on trail to technical bush or alpine terrain.

Avoid if: You don’t intend to tramp.

Arguably the best boot in the past 4 years.

Reviewer Rating: 5⭐️

Overall score: 83/100

MODEL

PRICE

WEIGHT

TERRAIN

SCORE

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor ii Mid GTX

$400 NZD

940g

Tramping, Alpine pass, Bush.

83/100

Salewa MTN Trainer Mid GTX

$540 NZD

1.4kg

Alpine trails + light snow and ice.

63/100

Salomon Out-Pulse Mid GTX

$290 NZD

760g

Tramping, Lightweight, Thru hiking.

50/100

Salomon Speed cross Six

$165 NZD

596g

Trail running, Thru hiking, ultralight

83/100

Key Specs

  • Category: Footwear

  • Tested by: NZ hiking guide

  • Weight: (pair) 940g
  • Price: $400 NZD
  • Intended use: Tramping

Scores

Key: 1=Very poor 2=Poor 3= Decent 4= Great 5 = Best in category

1=20 points 5=100 points toward overall rating

  • Comfort: 4.5/5
  • Weight: 4/5
  • Support:  4/5
  • Durability: 4/5
  • Value: 3.5/5
  • Reviewer Rating: 5/5

Who this boot is for:

Ideal user: Hiking guides, Trampers, Casual walkers wanting a practical boot.

Ideal terrain: NZ national parks, tracks, DOC tracks, alpine passes.

If you are wanting one of the best tramping boots. Tramps well, handles off trail and mud well as pass crossings over multiple days.

Do not buy this boot if:

You are on a tight budget and lack important baseline gear. There are cheaper shoes to wear that can serve a similar result. Or people not wanting to walk much. Even then this boot is more practical than almost any shoe. 

Pros:

  • ✅ Great weight – durability combo
  • ✅ Great comfort after long day of walking
  • ✅ No break in time
  • ✅ Decent support

Cons:

  • ❌ Tongue of boot isn’t sealed so it isn’t waterproof at ankle.

Field testing summary:

Terrain tested: Off trail, on trail, guiding, day to day life, overseas travel, river crossing.

Weather tested: Everything you can dream of… Hail, Rain, coastal, alpine, indoor, snow, sun, sleet.

Distance or time worn: Minimum 600 days or 4,171km 

Proofing comparison GTX or Leather model. leather (if taken care of) will be waterproof for longer then the GTX model.

Weight to support this boot is perfect I find carrying weight up to 25kg though I still use them on heavier loads. For a boot weighing in under 1kg that’s very good.

Durability for its weight is also exceptional. I still believe this is the best general tramping boot you can own.

Verdict:

If you are Tramping in NZ and want to explore different terrain this may be the best pick in its class.

Alternative boot models:

  • Salomon Quest 4 (slightly heavier and clunkier but possibly more durable)
  • Hoka Kaha (more cushiony)
  • Salewa Pedroc pro powerte (untested but light)

Where to buy: