La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3

It looks rather different from Ultra Raptors 1 and 2.

Long term Ultra-Raptor user here. I also kept a stock over the years and my last one is in-service now. While I loved the feel of the URs, I never found that they drained that well because of the rand surrounding the bottom of the shoe – so I have largely switched over to the wildcat on any hike with lots of water crossings. These new UR3s looks like they will drain even less and I am not excited by the tight weave of the fabric vs the original URs. When my last pair of URs wears out I will probably just use the Wildcats for everything – although I do feel slightly less planted in them.

Just looked at the Q&A at the bottom of the page – it looks like the stack height has increased from 28 to 35mm, although they claim the new material is more breathable. I think the 8 mm drop is similar to the previous URs.

I found the Wildcats to be too soft and flexible, not enough rigidity. I go more sound with the Raptors. Just ordered a pair at full price (which I hardly ever do) but I already used my REI discount.

Shoe feel is so personal. To me – both feel cushy when new but that doesn’t last many miles. The URs just have a more solid/connected feel to me vs the Wildcats. Before the URs it seemed like I would roll an ankle on every trip, but with the URs that almost never happens. The wildcats don’t feel quite as secure to me – acceptable, but not as planted as the URs. One big difference is that the URs have lacing that extends further into the toe box vs the Wildcats. A complaint I have with both is the insole absorbs water like a sponge. I have been looking around for a suitable low volume insole that does not absorb water.

After my last pair of Ultra Raptors wore out and they were no longer available I switched to the La Sportiva Prodigio Max.  I am glad I was forced to switch models.  For my foot the Prodigio Max is superior in everything except off trail scrambling due to the higher stack height.  The comfort, traction, and wear are better than the Ultra Raptor’s.
I have a little more than 300 miles (90% trail) on them.
Last week I ordered another pair and was able to compare the wear on my current pair.  I am estimating I have a good 500 miles left in them.  Time will tell.

Like the UltraRaptors I am wearing a full size larger than my everyday shoes.

Mark, I have both the Ultra Raptors 3 and Prodigio Max. I was planning on using the Prodigio Max for trail running and Ultra Raptors for hiking / backpacking. I do think the Prodigio Max is more comfortable. I hiked in them once and I didn’t feel that comfortable with the stack height. I will say, if you like the Hoka Goat’s you would love the Prodigioi Max. I went hiking in the UR3 last weekend and really like them.