Alternative to Salomon X ultra and La Sportiva Utra Raptor ii

[Boyan B]

For over 10 years now I have done my summer hiking in non GTX Salomon X Ultra or La Sportiva Ultra Raptor. Unfortunately Salomon foobar’d the X Ultra 4, and La Sportiva is is discontinuing the Ultra Raptor II and I can’t find any leftovers in my size (48W).

What are some good alternatives? I am not particularly interested in trail runners. Want something with good heel support and robust toe protection. I go off trail a decent amount of the time. Thx.

[David Hartley]

Oh Rats! I didn’t realize the UR IIs were going away so quickly. I also used the originals for the last 10 years and I am still using my last pair. I was planning on trying the IIs next after hearing they were very close to the originals. I use the Wildcats for very wet hikes because I don’t find the Ultra-Raptors drain very well because of the protective rand around the bottom, but I don’t find the Wildcats as stable for me. I much prefer the feel of the URs.

I had an achilles issue years ago so I am not excited about the various zero drop options.

I see I can still get UR 46.5s, so I am going to stock up – and then I will be following this thread for ideas!

[Joey G]

I wore UR low tops for awhile. I switched over to brooks cascadia. They are very comfortable.

[Boyan B]

Yes, the prices on URII leftovers are very good if you can find them. The biggest I have been able to find are 47.5 regular, and I need 48 wide. La Sportiva sizing is notoriously small and narrow. According to their sizing chart 48W is 14 wide US and I would swim in 14 wide from any other brand.  Will checkout the Brooks Cascadia.

[Matthew / BPL]

I switched from Salomon X Ultras to Brooks Cascadias in 2015 and have been very happy. They are on the heavy side of trail runners and are not zero-rise (this is important to me as well). There is less toe protection compared to the Salomons but the heel feels about the same to me. The sole has a rock plate which seems like a nice compromise between stiff and flexible. I love them.

[sbennett3705]

Just ordered the X Ultra Alpine, a variant that seems to have more support than the std edition, plus an improved outsole for alpine conditions (presumably scrambling?). Haven’t had them on rock yet, but on dirt they feel like a lighter Quest 4. The jury is out, but I’m hopeful.

[d k]

What’s the matter with the new Salomons?  That’s been my go-to since Montrail got bought out.  But I’m still on my pair from a couple years ago.

[Boyan B]

Quality and durability has gone down since the Amer  acqusition. Don’t have direct experience with the Ultra 4, but my pair of Tundras failed at the seams on the first hike  a year or two ago.  Specific to the X Ultra 4, they have increased the height of the heel support which digs into the ankle bones for certain body types.

[David D]

>my pair of Tundras failed at the seams on the first hike  a year or two ago

I read an unusual amount of similar complaints on line when I researched these.

[Boyan B]

I now have the Oboz Bridger and I don’t think they are as warm or as comfortable, but a boot with a failed seam is not warm, and depending on the extent of the failure not comfo5

[Brad Rogers]

I’ve also been a La Sportiva Ultra Raptor user and didn’t realize they were discontinued.  For those that have transitioned to the Brooks Cascadia how do they compare?  I have a narrow heel – how do they heels compare?  What about stability (my one gripe on the UR) and cushioning?   Drop looks about the same, and though I see some complaints about the Cascadia being heavy, it looks lighter than the Ultra Raptor.

Any other comparison thoughts between the two or any other shoes I should look at or try?

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