La Sportiva Ultra Raptors - Absolute Tanks

[@kroczey]

Love that it has a rock guard!

[@lifehiker]

Yep BIG plus!!

[@Labrador7]

Technically speaking, the Ultra Raptor don't have a rock guard but the well cushioned MEMlex EVA midsole and the EVA Enduranace Platform (on the non-GTX version only) make you feel as if there was a rock guard. I think the only La Sportiva long-distance running shoes having a sort of rock guard are the Jackal and Jackal II.

[@lifehiker]

@@Labrador7, on their official site, they call it an “Endurance Platform EVA rock guard”. I suppose that could be misleading if it’s not actually a full rock guard. With all that said, I think it supplies some decent protection for longer hikes compared to other trail runner type shoes I’ve worn.

[@Labrador7]

@@lifehiker I agree, the Endurance Platform insert is very comfortable. It's a shame it's not in the GTX version, on longer disances you clearly notice the difference.

[@MCFCTheMadHatter]

Solid review. Have a few questions I’m hoping you might be able to help me with. How is the sizing on these? I’ve La Sportiva run small so you should size up 1/2 to a full size depending on what you’re looking for. I have wide feet but Adidas ultraboost 21 and 22 size 14 fit great so I’m wondering if a 14.5 or 15 would be the way to go in the La Sportivas? Lastly, how is the sole holding up? I do a lot of running in the city I live in and the cement and asphalt is tearing up my Adidas runners so was thinking a more trail focused runner might hold up better on the rough surfaces. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

[@lifehiker]

@@MCFCTheMadHatter, I sized up half a size and that seemed to be enough room for me. As far as the sole, it still seems to be holding up. Although if you’re a city runner mainly, the robustness of the Raptors might be overkill. You might want to look at a lighter shoe even, like the new Prodigio which I hear is fairly wide now too.

[@ln4693]

Does it say on the shoes where they are made? On La Sportiva´s website they state that their products are made in italy, romania and china. But they are not specific on their product display page on where specific shoes are made. I dont want shoes made in china. We saw what happened to Salomon when they started manufacturing their shoes there, they didn´t even hold up 2 months.

[@lifehiker]

This particular shoe has a label inside with “Made in China”. On their website they claim: Our factories in Italy manufacture about 60% of our products. Factories in China and Vietnam manufacture 28% and 12% respectively.

[@Jack_The_Ripper_Here]

I have a pair of Salomon ultra 360 GTX and it says MADE IN CAMBODIA