REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight and agile
Stable enough to carry a pack
Inclusive sizing
Non-waterproof design good for hiking in heat
REASONS TO AVOID
Best to break in before significant hikes
Not waterproof
TPU overlays show signs of wear
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 - Women's Review
These lightweight and agile hiking shoes provide enough support for the weight of a pack and are comfortable enough to wear all day long
Credit: Lisa Coleman
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 28, 2026
RELATED: The Best Hiking Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 has a lot going for it: ample cushioning, supportive midsole, stabilizing traction, and a breathable upper. Plus, the ripstop upper is durable. We loved these shoes for long missions, but also enjoyed them on quick day hikes. They don't feel overbuilt or unstable. Plus, we love that La Sportiva widened the toe box for various foot shapes. If waterproof performance is essential, they're also available for purchase with a Gore-Tex membrane. In our opinion, the Raptor 3 design is the best of the best, built to tackle most terrain types, and versatile enough to perform throughout the warmest months of the year.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Women's Hiking Shoe |  Best For Day Hikes | Best for Versatile Performance |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best Under $100 |
| Price | $170 List Check Price at Amazon | $200 List Check REI (on sale!) | $175 List Check Price at REI | $145 List Check REI (on sale!) | $80 List Check Price at Backcountry |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | An all-around design that’s perfect for hiking in the summer heat thanks to its non-waterproof and breathable ripstop nylon upper | This hiking shoe is our favorite when it comes to day hikes in all terrain types | This hybrid design provides stability and waterproof protection that’s best for those with narrow feet | This affordable hiking shoe offers great support for those with high arches | The lightweight design and sneaker-like feel provide ample comfort under foot |
| Rating Categories | La Sportiva Ultra Ra... | On Cloudrock Low Wat... | Salomon X Ultra 5 Go... | Merrell Moab 3 | Columbia Crestwood |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Support (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Durability (15%) | |||||
| Water Resistance (5%) | |||||
| Weight (5%) | |||||
| Specifications | La Sportiva Ultra Ra... | On Cloudrock Low Wat... | Salomon X Ultra 5 Go... | Merrell Moab 3 | Columbia Crestwood |
| Measured Weight (per pair, size 8.5) | 1.34 lbs | 1.54 lbs | 1.54 lbs | 1.70 lbs | 1.50 lbs |
| Upper | Ripstop synthetic | Recylced polyester, TPU | Matryx: Kevlar and technical yarn | Pigskin leather, mesh | Leather, mesh, and webbing |
| Lining | Gore-Tex ePE Extended Comfort membrane | DWR | Textile | Recycled mesh | Omni-Tech |
| Midsole | Dual-density CM-EVA | Plush Helion | EnergyCell | Air cushion | Techlite |
| Outsole | FriXion White outsoles with Impact Brake System | Missiongrip rubber | Contagrip rubber | Vibram TC5 | Omni-Grip |
| Width Options | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular, wide | Regular, wide |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Gore-Tex Availability:
At this time, there is limited availability of the non-waterproof version. While the Gore-Tex won't impact things like comfort, support, and traction, it can impact breathability. If you live somewhere dry and hot, this might be a deal-breaker and worth considering before you purchase.
At this time, there is limited availability of the non-waterproof version. While the Gore-Tex won't impact things like comfort, support, and traction, it can impact breathability. If you live somewhere dry and hot, this might be a deal-breaker and worth considering before you purchase.
The Raptor 3 is a great all-around design that's breathable and durable enough to withstand day missions or backcountry overnights. Credit: Trish Matheny
Comfort
The Raptor 3 is one of the most comfortable hiking shoe designs that we've tested. We love the updated fit, which offers more inclusive sizing thanks to more overall volume and space to splay your toes. Sportiva takes some of their “sock-like” features from top-performing approach shoes and includes the recycled stretch knit collar for additional comfort in this design. The knit makes the shoe easy to slip on, while the minimal padding helps create a secure and stable fit.
We found the fit true to size, if a little on the larger size due to the updated roomy fit. But please learn from our mistake and don't be fooled by how comfortable these feel out of the box. Schedule in a few shorter hikes to allow the shoe to mold to the shape of your foot, instead of tossing them on before a 10-mile round trip hike with lots of technical terrain and elevation gain. If you break the Raptor 3 in properly, you'll appreciate the well-cushioned midsole and all-day comfort this design has to offer.
The updated design features ample space for the toes in addition to greater volume that's a more inclusive fit for those with wide and narrow feet. Credit: Lisa Coleman
Support
The Raptor 3 features a wide base of support along with dual-density CM-EVA midsoles that help evenly distribute stability underfoot. The lacing system is easy to adjust and offers a secure, neutral fit for both wide and narrow foot shapes.
While we found these shoes plenty stable, even on technical terrain, we also thought they were suitable for carrying the extra weight of an overnight backpack on extended trips. We think you'll appreciate the stability and the support of this shoe design; however, the insole is quite thin, so those with high arches may want to purchase an aftermarket insert for even better support underfoot.
The Raptor 3 feels solid and supportive underfoot, making it a great choice for big days on the trail.
Traction
The proprietary FriXion White rubber outsoles on the Raptor 3 design, along with an Impact Brake System, is a fancy way of saying these shoes perform well in steep terrain. The outsole helped us feel in control during steep climbs and descents on Yosemite's infamous and slippery Mist Trail, while the external stabilizers in the upper kept our ankles stable and supported despite the uneven terrain.
After testing the boot version of the Ultra Raptor for several seasons, we chased our curiosity to see if the advertised FriXion XF 2.0 on the boot's outsole and the FriXion White were the same. After a little research, we discovered both the boot and the shoe feature the same rubber; it's just categorized by two different names depending on the country you're purchasing it in. That helped explain why both the boot and the Raptor 3 shoe offer such great performance and confidence-inspiring traction, especially when moving quickly in technical terrain.
The FriXion rubber outsoles provided stability despite heavy loads through uneven terrain. Credit: Trish Matheny
Durability
The Raptor 3 is clearly designed with durability in mind. After several long days in these shoes, we were impressed by how well the ripstop nylon upper manages both trail hazards as well as lightweight performance. The rubber toe caps are beefy and provide excellent protection should you take your eyes off the trail, while the protective TPU overlays help maintain the performance of the nylon upper.
Despite Sportiva's nod to durability, we have some minor complaints. After lots and lots of mileage, we did start to notice some seams unravel on the inside of the shoe, however, this did not affect the structure. There were also spots where we saw a gap forming between the TPU overlays and the ripstop nylon upper. And while the lacing system never failed us, it only features one metal eyelet and the rest is tiny mesh webbing. We love that the metal eyelet is positioned where the laces will experience the most torque, but we wish there were more to increase durability. Overall, nothing major to report, but we couldn't help but voice a few minor complaints.
Although this is a relatively lightweight shoe, we love the durability features that help protect our feet from hazards along the trail.
Water Resistace
Although we did not test the waterproof version of the Raptor 3, we're pretty stoked to have the versatility of this non-waterproof design. While we did test the manufacturer's claim just to be sure, it was only a matter of moments before the shoe filled with water. That said, we like how well the shoe breathes, especially since we spend half the calendar year in a hot, humid climate.
If you like the Raptor 3 design but need a waterproof version for your next adventure, the shoe is available in Gore-Tex for a little more. Since most of the shoes in our lineup are waterproof, we were pleased to have a high-performing non-waterproof option to round out our comprehensive lineup and extend our hiking season into better comfort during the warmest months of the year.
Although the Ultra Raptor 3 we tested did not advertise Gore-tex waterproof performance, we still submitted it to our objective waterproof testing just to be sure. Credit: Trish Matheny
Weight
The Raptor 3 boasts a competitive weight of 1.28 lbs for a EU women's size 40 or US women's size 8.5. The most important part is that these shoes feel lightweight and agile underfoot, and especially lightweight when lifted next to other heavyweight leather models.
We love how Sportiva focused on a lightweight design with the minimalist lacing system and ripstop nylon upper yet still included protective TPU overlays, substantial toe caps, and dual-density CM-EVA midsoles. This design essentially cuts the weight where it can yet remains stable enough to support the extra weight of a backpack.
Weighing only 1.28 pounds for a US women's size 8.5 (EU 40), this is one of the lighter shoes in our review. Credit: Trish Matheny
Should You Buy the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3?
If you're after a top-performing, non-waterproof hiking shoe design that can tackle most terrain, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 should be at the top of your list. We've loved the Raptor hiking boot for years and are equally impressed by the Raptor shoe. The updated fit is ideal for a wide range of foot shapes, while the enhanced midsole and stabilizing traction helps maintain control when moving through technical terrain. They aren't waterproof, but we kind of like the versatility that allows even more comfort during the hottest months of the year. If you're interested in hiking shoe that offers excellent performance in a variety of terrain, the Raptor 3 is what we consider the best of the best.
This all-around design is perfect for women after breathability above waterproof performance, it features ample stability, enough traction to maintain control, and the sizing will accommodate a variety of foot shapes. Credit: Lisa Coleman
What Other Women's Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
While it's tough to beat the all-around performance of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3, we think there are other options to consider if you don't like the price. The Merrell Moab 3 is a solid choice for women with wider feet who are after stability and affordability. They aren't great for technical terrain but sufficient for well-kept trail systems. The Topo Athletic Terraventure 5 is available for a similar price point but favors the design of a trail running shoe for those who prefer to be lightweight and nimble on technical trails. And finally, the Columbia Crestwood is not to be overlooked. This budget-friendly shoe gets the job done for day missions on easy trails.
We love the versatility of this all-around, non-waterproof hiking shoe design.
—Trish Matheny
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