Hill runner, Munroist and Mountain Leader Fiona Russell is impressed by a new version of a pair of classics: the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 trail shoes.
I’ve worn previous versions of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor for trail running but the 2026 model, the Ultra Raptor 3, is aimed specifically at hikers. This hiking shoe feels quite different to the old Ultra Raptors but in a good way. I’ve found the main benefits to be stability, in-sole cushioning and traction.
FIona Russell highly recommends
Overall, the Ultra Raptor 3 is an interesting evolution of a shoe that’s been a favourite of many long distance hikers for many years.- weight
- stability
- traction
- lacing
- sizing
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: $169 | £135 (available from La Sportiva) Weight: 715g Materials: Recycled mesh upper; supportive midsole with Compact EVA foam at heel; rubber compound outsole; rubber toe cap and rand Features: Ortholite Hybrid Mountain Hiking 5mm footbed; brand’s own FriXion White compound outsole; Impact Brake System technology; integrated collar gaiter; flex grooves along the sole; laces with recycled material Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm Lug depth: 4.5mm Waterproof: No (but there is a Gore-Tex version) Sizes: UK3.5 to UK9 Men’s version: Yes lasportiva.com |
Let’s start with the fit. La Sportiva often sizes a touch small and overall think this is still the case, although less so. The UK8.5 is just long enough for me and because I have a narrow foot, the width fits me nicely. If you have standard or wider foot, I recommend going up a size. The insole is well cushioned, from forefoot to heel, but not so much that you feel you are losing energy when walking. The shoe is solid and stable yet without being too heavy – in fact, 715g for a pair of trail hiking shoes is quite light. It’s a stable shoe and when walking my ankles didn’t roll and my gait felt aligned. So, a thumbs up for torsional rigidity. The outsole is robust and fairly stiff but still with enough flex to offer a pleasant stride. I found the shoe flexible enough for pushing my pace uphill but also stiff enough to be confident on the descents.
I tested on a mix of ground, both wet and dry, loose stones and rocks as well as grass and earth, and I really rate the grip of the 4.5mm lugs. The FriXion White compound outsole design means that mud doesn’t clog up those lugs too much. There is a reassuring level of protection provided by the upper, with durable mesh fabric and a full rubber rand. The rubber toe cap is an excellent extra.
Lacing is quite close to the ankle but sits on top of a medium-cushioned tongue so you can gain a good fit but without putting pressure on the front of the ankle. I have lumpy ankles due to scar tissue (as a runner I’ve rolled my ankles many times) and the arc shape of the tongue fits nicely around my ankle. The laces tie well but benefit from a firm double knot. There is a heel cuff gaiter designed to keep out trail debris, but I have narrow ankles so it doesn’t create a complete seal.
It’s made with PFAS-free materials and boasts recycled materials in the fabric lining, webbing, laces, EVA and insole. The shoes seem well priced in today’s market. You can buy a Gore-Tex version for an extra £15, but for warmer weather I far prefer this unlined option. Overall, the Ultra Raptor 3 is an interesting evolution of a shoe that’s been a favourite of many long distance hikers for many years.
How we tested
The footwear was tested during trail and hill walks in both wet and dry conditions. Fiona has narrow UK8.5 size feet. This review is published in the September 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. To compare this model to others, browse our guide to the best hiking shoes.
