Ultra Raptor 3

Hello, I recently moved to Bolzano (Italy), and I’d like to start exploring the mountains around here and, of course, the Dolomites too. I’ve seen a few discussions comparing trail running shoes and hiking shoes. A lot of people say trail runners are more comfortable, but also that they don’t last as long, which matters to me because I usually like to buy things that last. Any recommendations, especially considering the kind of areas I’ll be visiting? EDIT: Would also like to point out that the AI chats usually point me towards the Salomon X Ultra 5 as the best all-around. Is that valid?

I liked the ultra raptor 3 and the sportiva tx4 evo I know the ultra raptor 3 is better all arounder but the tx4 is more durable even though its less comfortable, so I am between these two. Scarpa and some other brands were fine, but I liked these the most (aesthetically too lol)

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

I have this same problem with my pizza slice shaped feet and incredibly narrow ankles and heels. Altras actually make my minor bunion worse because of the sloppy fit and poor stability (not all bunions are caused by tight shoes). I hike and scramble in pretty techy alpine terrain, often off trail/sidehilling/scree, and sloppy too spoft shoes cause way more fatigue and pain. I like a wide toe box, but I need more stiffness and better fit in the midfoot and heel. I have topos, some men's la sportivas, and my boots are men's crispi.

Love my la sportiva ultra raptors for trail

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.

Some number of years ago I wore Cascadias. While hiking on the AT from NJ to NY near the border the tread filled up with mud. While hiking along narrow rock I slipped several times and finally cracked a rib. Later while camping that night I met another hiker who also wore Cascadias. He was bloody from slipping and falling. Going through several different pairs of shoes I finally settled on La Sportiva Ultra Raptors.