Article by Jeff and Allison Valliere
La Sportiva Bushido III ($145)
Introduction
The overall look of the Bushido III is very similar to the previous version and unless I got a close look or saw them side by side, I would be hard pressed to differentiate them.
I have reviewed the previous two versions of the Bushido (RTR Bushido II Review) and have really appreciated their precise and secure fit, stability, coupled with supreme traction in wet or dry, slabby rock, off trai. They were confidence inspiring. Add to that bombproof rock protection, they are absolutely made for talus hopping and rock scrambling in the high mountains. The Bushido III has received a few subtle changes as the upper is a bit lighter weight, more breathable and with a slightly different fit that is a little wider and higher volume (and now also in a wider version).
The outsole has a different tread pattern that is designed to provide improved grip.
Pros:
Traction: Jeff, Allison
Secure upper: Jeff, Allison
Stability: Jeff, Allison
Protection: Jeff, Allison
Durability: Jeff, Allison
Cons:
Midsole is not particularly lively: Jeff/Allison
Stats
Spec. Weight: 10.5 oz. / 300 g US Men's size 9
Sample Weight: 10.6 oz. / 302 grams US M10 // 9.6 oz. / 276 grams US W9
Stack Height: 19mm heel/ 13mm forefoot (6mm drop)
Platform Width: 90mm heel / 50mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot
$145.00 Available now
Description/Specs:
New wide-fit option with +7mm of circumference and +2mm of height in the toe-box to forefoot
Updated side panels for increased breathability
Slip-on construction wraps your foot like a sock without compressing or exerting pressure points
Restyled outsole with a fierce look and even better traction
Outsole lugs wrap the midsole to provide added traction and enhanced stability on off-camber terrain
Frixion® red bi-compound outsole features varied contact surfaces guaranteeing maximum grip on all types of terrain
SIZES: 38 - 48.5 (Half Sizes)
WEIGHT: 300 g / 10.5 oz (Half Sizes)
UPPER: Air Mesh / Thermal Adhesive Microfiber / High Frequency Welded Ripstop Overlays with Mono-burr mesh inlays / TPU Toe Cap
LINING: Recycled Air Mesh (Heel)
INSOLE: Ortholite® Hybrid with 5% recycled rubber + 15% production waste foam
MIDSOLE: 4mm LaSpEVA / Compression Molded MEMlex / 1.5 mm Dual-Density compressed EVA Rock-Guard in forefoot / TPU STB inserts
SOLE: Bi-Compound FriXion® XT 2.0 V-Groove3™ / FLEX Inserts / 4mm Lugs
First Impressions, Fit and Upper:
La Sportiva is not quick to update their shoes, which I respect . They do not merely change the color and add a number every year. They are good about sticking to the old adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
They took a full 5 years to release the Bushido III adding some subtle, but meaningful updates to the upper, adding a bit more space in the forefoot, softening the tongue a little and using a new mesh that is more breathable, without compromising the precise foothold or durability that the 2 is known for.
Additionally, there is now a wide option for the Bushido III for those who desire or require a bit of extra space.
The AirMesh upper is now more breathable and features welded ripstop overlays with mono mesh inlays to provide powerful foothold and security.
The TPU toe bumper is very sturdy and protective, great for kicking around talus without toe stubbing consequences.
The tongue is gusseted and is made of a new material that is a bit more foamy, lighter and more flexible, while still providing great comfort, protection and stability with its wrap-like fit.
The heel collar is somewhat low with a moderate amount of padding that is adequate and comfortable.
The heel counter is somewhat rigid for protection and added stability. The heel loops have been improved to be a more usable tab and I think will come in more handy for most as being able to clip them to a carabiner when climbing (the Bushido is an excellent approach shoe).
Fit is true to size in my US 10/EU43 and despite adding a little more room in the forefoot, this is not by any measure a roomy or relaxed fit shoe, they are very snug and performance fit, which is welcome for the purpose of this shoe, navigating complicated technical terrain, scrambling, rock hopping and as an approach shoe. If you have a wider foot or prefer more room, you may consider sizing up a half size and/or going with the wider version.
Needless to say, foothold is as good or better than any shoe on the market and perfectly suited to being in control no matter the terrain.
Allison:
I have run in many of, if not most, of La Sportiva’s trail shoes, but somehow have not yet tried the Bushido. I am impressed with their rugged look and dedicated approach shoe design. Jeff sums up the specifics of the upper well, so I will focus on fit and performance.
Fit for my low volume, somewhat narrow foot is very good and true to size, but the Bushido has a very performance fit, secure in the heel, midfoot and forefoot, with no extra wiggle room. As Jeff mentioned though, they also come in a wider option, so that would be a good option if you want more space.
I am impressed with how well held and secure the shoe is without feeling too confining or overbearing, but I find them best for shorter, more technical outings. For longer runs and less technical terrain, I will lean towards the Prodigio or Prodigio Pro for a more relaxed fit and feel.
Midsole & Platform
Jeff: The LaSpEVA with Compression Molded MEMlex midsole is unchanged from the previous version. While I found this midsole to be a marked improvement over the 1st version, with 5 passing year feels a bit dated.
Cushioning is somewhat on the firm side, though comfortable, supportive, stable and is in line with the purpose of the shoe. The midsole stack of 19/13 stack is low by today’s standards as well, but that really contributes to the low to the ground feel of the shoe, high level of control and stability. Protection is bolstered by a very effective compressed EVA rockguard in the forefoot, while at the same time maintaining a nice level of ground feel.
The blue TPU STB inserts on either side of the heel aid heel stability.
While the Bushido III is an agile, nimble shoe and not all THAT heavy, I do not feel inspired to run fast in them given the fairly flat feeling midsole. Given the low stack and firm midsole, they can feel a bit harsh and stiff on long descents and especially on hard surfaced rocky descents.
Allison: The Bushido 3 midsole is definitely firm in my opinion, which can be a pro or con, depending. The firmness helps with the stable feel of the shoe and great performance in technical rocky terrain, when climbing, scrambling etc…., but like Jeff mentions, they can feel a bit harsh on long rocky descents and I notice that my heel and forefoot can feel pretty beat up.
This is definitely a shoe for shorter, more technical outings and not long distance cruising. If going more than a few hours, I will prefer the cushion of the Prodigio Pro or Prodigio.
Outsole
The Frixion Red bi compound XT 2.0 V-Groove3 outsole has been improved with a new lug configuration with 4mm lugs (+0.5mm) to provide even better traction to what has been widely regarded already to be one of the most effective outsoles on the market, and one great for versatility and gravity defying traction on slabby rock, both dry and wet.
La Sportiva is well known for their climbing shoes and they do a great job at transferring that climbing knowledge into making a sticky and secure outsole, which is very reminiscent of an approach shoe, though much more runnable of course. In addition to gecko-like grip on slabby rock, wet or dry, the moderate height lugs are shaped, angled and positioned as such to provide very good grip on a wide variety of surfaces, be it snow, mud, loose dirt and off trail. Durability is excellent, with just a touch of wear where I toe off, but otherwise is above average. While the new lug configuration looks a little more aggressive, I have not noticed a real difference compared to the Bushido II..
The outsole wraps over the toe of the shoe and around the edges, providing extra grip when the going gets rough.
Allison: The Bushido 3 outsole is remarkably sticky and has amazing grip on just about any surface, especially when wet, on rocks for scrambling and the majority of trail surfaces. I do notice that when on snow and really steep loose terrain, I would appreciate higher lugs, but then that might negatively affect traction when scrambling. Overall, traction is amazing and gives a lot of confidence when conditions are tricky or wet.
Ride/Conclusions/Recommendations:
Jeff: The Bushido III is a welcome upgrade over the prior version, with slight improvements to the upper and a minor upgrade to the outsole. As discussed throughout, this is a very purpose driven shoe, ideal for technical trail running, off trail use. It is especially great for spending long periods of time above tree line skipping across talus and scrambling, where you want the utmost in traction, security, protection and predictable stability, all in a nimble package without extra bulk.
While the midsole feels very flat performance wise, and I would love a bit more responsive bounce to help move them along when running, the protective and stable midsole is quite appropriate and welcome when scrambling and in rough terrain.
If you are debating between a close out Bushido II and the new Bushido III, I would say to go with the II and save yourself some money, but of course the Bushido III is a great pick and you will not be disappointed (especially if you need to utilize the wider option).
Jeff’s Score: 9.3/10
Ride: 9 - very firm on the downhills and longer distances
Fit: 9 - snug and performance fit
Value: 9.5
Style: 9.5
Traction: 10
Rock Protection: 10
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Allison: The Bushido 3 is a very specifically purposed shoe, best intended for rocky, rugged terrain, scrambling, high mountains and maximum grip in wet conditions. For that purpose, the Bushido performs exceptionally well, but I find them to not be all that versatile or all that comfortable for day to day use. Going forward, I will be setting them aside for the more technical, high mountain peaks where I will be doing more scrambling and talus hopping.
Allison’s Score: 9.1/10
Ride: 8.5 - very firm ride bordering on harsh
Fit: 9 - snug fit
Value: 8.5 - good for intended purpose
Style: 9.5
Traction: 10
Rock Protection: 10
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4 Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
La Sportiva Bushido II (RTR Review)
Compared throughout, the III has a slightly re-tooled upper and outsole. Unless you need to go with the wide version that is now available with the III, I would recommend a closeout deal on the II if you can find them.
La Sportiva Prodigio (RTR Review)
The Prodigio has a whopping 15mm more stack and that added cushion is much appreciated and makes the Prodigio a much more runnable shoe, with a more relaxed (but still secure upper) and very good traction as well. If you want a shoe to scramble in like the Bushido, but still want the shoe to be runnable with cushion, the Prodigio is much more versatile.
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro (RTR Review)
Lighter with more stack and impeccable grip, the Prodigio Pro is bouncy, light, fast and fun. While I would not call it an unstable shoe, the Prodigio Pro takes some care in technical terrain, as the softer foam and higher stack is noticeable.
VJ MaXX 2 (RTR Review)
The MaXX is significantly lighter, has almost equal foothold, comparable (if not better grip) and 12mm more midsole, plenty enough to feel well cushioned, comfortable and protective, yet still a low enough feel to the shoe where it is amazingly stable in technical terrain. Perhaps the best, if not one of the best all arounder tech shoes out there.
Tester Profiles
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
Allison Valliere is a 5th generation Coloradan who is passionate about the outdoors and has been hiking, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing and running in the mountains since she was young. She has completed all but 5 of the Colorado 14ers (a dozen or so in winter), has many hundreds of year round ascents of 14ers, 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and the West. Allison has also traveled the world and trekked to over 18,000 feet in the Himalayas, to high altitudes in Ecuador and has worked for the National Park Service mapping plants in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California . Her almost daily routine involves runs/power hikes in the foothills above Boulder, or 4-5 mile flatter runs at 8-10 minute mile pace if schedule necessitates. But what really keeps her on her toes is working as a nurse and taking care of her 12 year old twin daughters who are also growing to share her love for the outdoors.
Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. No compensation was provided by brands for writing this article. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
3 comments:
The Bushido II looks pretty good, which is my style.
The “fit but not tight” look, especially with the new wide option, helps the shoe accommodate a wider range of foot shapes while still prioritizing control on technical terrain. That’s important for a shoe that’s clearly aimed at climbers and adventurers.
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