Looking for footwear substitute……

I was a big fan of the Raptor, and still use Wildcats from time to time.

I’m not much of a shoe nerd, so I won’t offer a very technical comparison (materials, drop, etc.). But I have tried out a few pairs over the last year, with some success. I know you wanted something “different”, but here are a few that I’ve found as potential replacements/alternatives to those, with similar fits:

La Sportiva Akasha – This has become my go-to shoe for off-trail travel or long on-trail days. Relatively nimble, but offers quite a bit of protection underfoot. Fits me a little better than a Wildcat.

Saucony Peregrine 6 – Probably quite comparable to the Raptor; not as breathable as the Wildcat (which can be a good thing, in dust/silt). Great in mud due to the ridiculous lugs. A sturdy shoe. I’d take it backpacking off-trail with no reservation (if I couldn’t find any Akashas!)

La Sportiva Helios – Fits like a glove! Feather-weight; not much protection underfoot, and the ridged foam that forms the sole actually gave me a bit of foot pain on >10 mile runs/hikes. No rock plate, so you will know about it if you step on something pointy. They’re tacky, and I think I’d love them on granite–but I’m not sure my feet would survivce. Not sure I’d take them backpacking–probably better for shorter dayhikes/runs.

North Face Ultra TR II – Fits great, extremely lightweight. Not too much underfoot protection, but more than the Helios. I put a hundred miles or so on a pair and they were working great, so I wore them on a multi-day off-trail adventure, and they were immediately destroyed (the fabric separated from the sole; I don’t they’re designed to take the lateral loading that occurs when one spends hours talus-hopping on uneven surfaces). I think they’re phenomenal trail shoes, but poor for off trail travel. Probably better for dayhikes.

Hope that helps! Happy to answer any follow-ups.

I’m having great results with Saucony Excursions.  It’s one of the few trail runners that comes in wide width if that applies to you.

Hi John, I’ve used both the Wildcats and Ultra Raptors. Loved the Wildcats, but hated the Raptors (the sole was way too stiff for me). I’ve since found the Altra Lone Peaks and I think they’re superior to both. My feet aren’t overly wide, but the large toebox is a godsend on the Lone Peaks. Traction and breathability are great too. Similar to the Wildcats however, they break down fast. HIGHLY recommend though.

Perhaps the Salomon XA Pro?

Hi John, I’ve worn most of the above (for hiking, not running) and liked them all, especially the Peregrine and the Ultra Raptors…not so much the Lone Peaks, however, as they don’t do well off-trail.  One other that I really like for hiking is the Saucony Xodus.  An interesting feature of both the Peregrine and the Xodus is that they have a D ring incorporated at the beginning of the tongue, which is to say, they are gator ready.  And they both have Vibram soles.  Truly hike ready!  They can usually be had at Sierra Trading Post for 45 – 55% off.

Happy Trails