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)

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

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.

I’m planning to section hike SOBO over the next two summers, July/August. Went to try on hiking boots for the first time in five years as my old ones are dead, and all I could think was I can’t walk around the store in these, why would I want to even hike 10 miles in boots? Why can’t I hike in sneakers? Which led me back to the JMT conservancy site about footwear, which led me to trail runners, which led me to realize everyone (well not everyone, but a lot!) are out here thru hiking in trail runners and here we are. So I’m new to looking at trail runners as something I would backpack in (previously owned Lowa Renegade and currently Vasque Breeze LT). When I look at reviews of trail runners, a couple seem like they could work for me, namely the Brooks Cascadia and La Sportiva Bushido III. Altra lone peak doesn’t appeal bc of zero drop and I have v narrow feet. I don’t like the overly cushioned feel of Hokas. Couple of questions: \- what should I know about backpacking in trail runners, specifically on the JMT that I might not know about? \- any other models I should consider based on the ones that seem like good prospects? \- any specific pros and cons to the Brooks vs La Sportiva?

I know I don’t know what I need, that’s why I posted! I’ve never hiked in trail runners, so I don’t really know what to think about when it comes to backpacking in them. (I have shakedown trips planned, plus will hike in them, but I’d prefer to minimize REI returns etc) The brooks cascadia felt great to run in and effortless walking around, but a bit too much cushion. The la sportiva bushido made me feel like a super agile mountain goat, but I can’t imagine putting fifteen miles a day on them with weight on my back. Interestingly I REALLY liked the la sportiva ultra raptor low (non GTX), which theoretically are a trail runner and the same weight as the Brooks, but felt burlier, almost at a hiking shoe. I appreciate the reassurance that they’re all pretty good options.