Product · La Sportiva
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Leather Wide GTX: low, leather
Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
The Ultra Raptor II Leather Wide GTX takes a popular La Sportiva trail and hiking shoe, gives it a leather upper and makes it in a wide version. That is a rare mix. Most wide shoes are soft casual models, and most rugged mountain shoes are narrow. For walkers with broad feet who want grip and a tough upper on rough hill paths, it deserves a close look.
- Width as listed
- Wide
- Cut
- Low
- Upper
- Leather
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex (GTX)
In its favour
- Wide is part of the product name, a dedicated wide version rather than a size up.
- A leather upper is stated in the title, more durable than a mesh trail shoe.
- An Ortholite foam insole is listed, with a listed weight of 909 g.
Good to know
- The listing is unclear on water resistance despite GTX in the name, so confirm it.
- Italian brands often size differently, and the listing gives no width figure.
Our take
Listing highlights
Wide and leather are both in the product name. The special features are listed as breathable, waterproof, lightweight and flexible, and the insole is named as Ortholite foam. The listed weight is 909 g, again without saying whether that is per pair.
There is a conflict to note: the water resistance field reads not water resistant, while GTX is in the title and waterproof is under special features. As with any contradictory listing, confirm the Gore-Tex lining on the maker's page.
Leather on a low shoe
Leather uppers take longer to soften than mesh, but they protect better against rock, gorse and bramble and they can be waxed to keep shedding water. On a low shoe the leather also gives the forefoot a bit more structure, which helps on stony descents.
The listed sport type is trail running, but the leather build and oval toe shape point to a shoe that also suits walking. The closure field reads hasp, which is likely an error for laces.
Compared with other wide shoes
The Hanwag Torsby Low SF Extra GTX is the most clearly wide walking shoe in the same guide, with Wide in its model number, but its listing does not state the upper material. Meindl's Mondello GTX describes extra forefoot room and a suede leather and mesh upper. The La Sportiva is the most mountain-focused of the group.
Care matters more with leather. Brush off mud after each walk, let the shoes dry slowly away from heat, and apply a wax or proofing product made for leather footwear now and then. That keeps the upper supple and helps it shed rain on wet days.
Verdict
Buy the Ultra Raptor II Leather Wide GTX if you have wide feet and want a tough, low leather shoe for rocky hill paths. If you want a classic walking shoe on a roomy last, the Hanwag Torsby Low SF Extra GTX is the safer choice, and the Meindl Mondello GTX suits feet that are broad mainly across the toes.
Compared with alternatives in: Best wide fit walking shoes
Amazon listing title: LA SPORTIVA Men's Ultra Raptor II Leather Wide GTX Shoes