Ultra Raptor 3 GTX

Just here to say the speedgoat 6 is far more disliked than the newer 7 or the 5s. Making sure you know all models aren’t seen as equal by most users. Edit: that said (as someone who has a pair of 7s and loves them…) I think the Raptor 3 GTX is better suited when you’re getting into scree fields and rain/snow.

Go for La Sportiva brand - had the raptor for one of the most difficult track in Europe (GR20 in Corsica) and they were amazing

Trail runners on AV1 is definitely doable in July, your friends are right about weight savings. Between those two I'd lean toward the La Sportiva - better grip on scree and wet rock from my experience in Alps. The GTX membrane will help with snow patches you might hit at higher elevations That elevation gain sounds brutal but amazing, did similar route few years back and my ankles were screaming by day 4. Make sure whatever you pick is already broken in properly

They're being updated for next year, not discontinued. The new version is different but does maintain a lot of the feel of the 2.

The 3s are great. I was able to try on a sample. They do fit wider than the 2s, which I think is a big plus. Looking forward to them hitting the market. I don't think there's much chance they won't be produced - retailers are already placing their orders for them for next year.

With a similar fit but more oriented towards the use you want to make of it and not the city use, I recommend the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor

Just got some Topo Mtn Racers and can confirm they are wide and very grippy. Work as well as my UltraRaptors (wide) on steep slabs, but actually run-able with a bit less stability. My Speedgoat 5s were also really grippy and plenty wide for me in normal but sized up .5 (I always do this).

I find Ultra Raptors to be the perfect stability hiking shoe. They have wide sizes which are ideal for me. Great sticky rubber for scrambling too. They also have Gtx if you want that

I'd agree the durability was a bit of a let down- less durable upper than the Ultra Raptors I had been using (more durable outsole), but for me not really any worse than other similarly light trail runners I've used off-trail. I agree, too, that the Bushidos leave a bit to be desired comfort-wise for long days/trips. How's the width/fit on the Prodigio Max? I don't tend to go for stack heights that high but it's good to have options.