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La Sportiva Bushido III Review

This series has long been a favorite for its low stack, excellent stability, and serious attitude in technical terrain
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La Sportiva Bushido III Review
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Price:  $145 List
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Manufacturer:   La Sportiva
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 3, 2024
76
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 23
  • Foot Protection - 25% 8.0
  • Traction - 20% 8.0
  • Sensitivity - 15% 7.5
  • Stability - 15% 9.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 15% 6.5
  • Weight - 10% 5.6
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

The La Sportiva Bushido III is for those who want a light technical race-ready shoe with high stability. The combination of heel rigidity and low stack height allows the Bushido to let loose on technical terrain without jeopardizing stability. Frequently, stability-focused models don't feel exceptionally nimble and quick, but this pair bucks the trend. The Bushido is by far the fastest stable-centric model in our lineup, and if you desire that solid feeling while you're flying down the trails, this could be the perfect pair for you. See how it compares to the many other pairs we've tested.
REASONS TO BUY
Durable
Great in technical terrain
Performance-fit upper
REASONS TO AVOID
Heel rigidity overbearing at times
Narrow
Harsh for extended runs

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Bottom Line While comfortable, sometimes the heel rigidity felt overbearing, but this is still a great option for technical terrainA perfectly fitting, comfortable, and very protective shoe that just begs to be worn on long run daysNearly perfect in the upper fit but loose in the forefoot, which creates an issue when descending very steep slopesWith great responsiveness without feeling harsh, this model is our favorite for long runs that are focused and fastSome more advanced runners may find this shoe overbuilt with stiffness and support, but we love the protection and comfort
Rating Categories La Sportiva Bushido... Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 Nnormal Tomir 2.0 Hoka Torrent 3 Brooks Divide 4
Foot Protection (25%)
8.0
9.0
7.6
7.8
7.9
Traction (20%)
8.0
7.5
9.5
7.5
4.8
Sensitivity (15%)
7.5
6.0
7.4
4.8
3.4
Stability (15%)
9.0
8.6
7.9
7.4
9.0
Comfort and Fit (15%)
6.5
9.0
7.7
8.4
7.8
Weight (10%)
5.6
6.7
6.5
7.8
6.5
Specs La Sportiva Bushido... Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 Nnormal Tomir 2.0 Hoka Torrent 3 Brooks Divide 4
Sizes Available 6 - 14.5 US regular and wide 4 - 13 US
regular
4.5 - 12.5 US regular 7 - 15 US
regular
7 - 15 US
regular
Measured Heel Stack Height 30 mm 31 mm 36 mm 28 mm 32 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop 8 mm 8 mm 12 mm 7 mm 9 mm
Rock Plate 1.5mm EVA No No No No
Measured Lug Depth 4.2 mm 3.5 mm 5.0 mm 4.0 mm 2.5 mm
Measured Weight 11.60 oz 10.64 oz 10.84 oz 9.60 oz 10.82 oz
Upper AirMesh, thermal adhesive microfiber, high-frequency welded ripstop overlays with mono-burr mesh inlays, TPU toe cap Matryx Jacquard Monofilament polyester + TPE Mesh Mesh
Midsole 4mm LaSpEVA, compression-molded MEMlex, 1.5 mm dual-density compressed EVA rock guard in forefoot, TPU STB inserts Energy Save PU foam with Profeel Film rock protection EExpure midsole EVA DNA LOFT
Outsole Bi-Compound FriXion XT 2.0 V-Groove3, FLEX Inserts Salomon Contagrip MA Vibram Litebase Rubber TrailTack Rubber
Heel Tab Type Finger Loop None None None None
Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop 6 mm 8 mm 8 mm 5 mm 9 mm

Our Analysis and Test Results

The La Sportiva Bushido III is designed for those who seek a lightweight, race-ready shoe with exceptional stability. Its rigid heel and low stack height of 30 mm provide a sense of freedom on technical terrain without compromising stability. While many stability-focused shoes can feel sluggish, the Bushido III stands out as the quickest and most stable option in our lineup. If you're looking for a shoe that offers a solid, reliable feel while still being agile, this could be the perfect choice for you.

Performance Comparison


Our team of in-house testers preformed various tests making sure we could get all of the real world specs for the La Sportiva Bushido 3
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Foot Protection


The firm cushioning on the Bushido III allows for protection against the elements for any type of run. A 1.5 mm rock guard is added to increase rigidity and prevent impacts from the underfoot. A classic La Sportiva toe bumper is found and offers increased protection which is appreciated on this low-stack model. A durable plastic is also found on the sides of the foot creating protection against accidental scrapes or missteps. Because of the lightweight design and low stack, some could find this shoe less protective than higher stack and more cushioned models. While the model does excel in technical terrain it does require a base level of foot strength to handle the more minimal design.

With substantial stiffness, the Bushido III is one of the more protective shoes in our lineup.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Traction


Built with dual compound red Frixion X rubber, the Bushido III has a great blend of durability and grip. We measure the lugs at 4.20 mm, which offers exceptional grip on a wide variety of trails and surfaces. Sportivas traction lug pattern also does a good job at feeling flat on smoother surfaces without sacrificing grip on more technical terrain. This surface contact maintains solid stability on a variety of surfaces and doesn't lead to the shoe ever feeling overbuilt, which can make some surfaces feel slower than others.

la sportiva bushido iii - aggressive tread design using la sportiva's red label provides a...
Aggressive tread design using La Sportiva's red label provides a good blend of grip and durability.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Sensitivity


The Bushido III lacks a lot of sensitivity through the foam due to its density and rock plate. Its low stack, however, still maintains an acceptable ground feel. The Bushido should be viewed as an all-around model, though on longer efforts, this actually can be a benefit if fatigue sets in. Personally, our testers found the model to be a touch too stiff through the heel and would prefer it to be loosened up to give us more freedom and feedback from our foot placements. The Nnormal Kjerag is in a similar class, and we prefer the more neutral stability, whereas the Bushido is a bit more locked in.

la sportiva bushido iii - the models low stack, and subtle cushioning lead to substantial...
The models low stack, and subtle cushioning lead to substantial sensitivity that can often feel fatiguing after long runs but it's great for technical terrain.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Stability


With one of the lower stacks in our test group of just 30 mm and La Sportiva's STB Control through the heel, this is by far the most stable lightweight trail shoe design we've tested. This stability provides a sound connection between the heels, knees, and hips, creating more rigidity than most light designs built for speed. While our testers recognize that some will love the stiffness, we do think that some may find the support a bit overbearing, especially through the heel. Often, we felt like the shoe was doing too much, especially when we felt fresh and lively. This support does help during long events where your body starts to fatigue but it also reduces some of the springiness that's found in competing models. For those who generally don't need or prefer stability enhancement features, we'd opt for a different model.

la sportiva bushido iii - the bushido iii has substantial heel rigidity offering excellent...
The Bushido III has substantial heel rigidity offering excellent stability through the ankles, heels, and hips.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Comfort and Fit


This 3rd iteration of the Bushido is very similar to the previous version, which, in our opinion, is a good thing, as we have long had great appreciation for the comfort of this model. As with most La Sportivas, you can expect a slightly snug performance fit, which is very useful in technical terrain. Generally, La Sportiva fits our feet excellently, and the Bushido III was no exception. The heel is snug, the midfoot appropriately fitted, and the forefoot with just enough squeeze to prevent side-to-side movement on the camber.

While stable, the underfoot cushioning is harsher than the high-stack soft foams found elsewhere in the market. La Sportiva continues to stay true to performance, and their lineup reflects that intensity. For easy recovery days, you may want something a little plusher to take the edge off, and most won't prefer this for an everyday trainer. But if you have a high alpine mission or a week-long hike in the backcountry and want something dependable and light, we cannot recommend the Bushido III enough.

la sportiva bushido iii - the bushido iii has an incredibly comfortable performance upper but...
The Bushido III has an incredibly comfortable performance upper but after long outings the lack of cushioning can add up to a more fatiguing experience. We recommend these for 2-4hrs.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Weight


At 11.6 ounces per shoe in US size men's 10.5, this model is heavier on paper than you may think by running in them. This weight is largely due to the overall durability of the materials and the density of the foam. The shoe maintains a light, lively feel thanks to its good energy transfer and low stack, allowing for smooth follow-through and nimble steps even in technical terrain. While there are lighter shoes, most of those won't be able to handle hours of scree or talus as well as the Bushido III do. If you require dependability in the backcountry, these extra ounces are worth it for the added security and comfort.

la sportiva bushido iii - durability comes with a weight penalty, we never felt the bushido...
Durability comes with a weight penalty, we never felt the Bushido III weigh us down which is part in thanks to its low stack and low profile.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Should You Buy the La Sportiva Bushido III?


The Bushido III has a place in your lineup if you desire substantial stability without sacrificing speed or agility. This shoe can tackle any type of terrain and is likely to be more durable than the softer competition. Users who like an unrestricted feel may find the heel to be overly locked in and stiff laterally. Luckily, you should be able to determine if these will work for you right out of the box, as the stiffness is immediately apparent and didn't change a ton over the course of our testing. They got slightly less stiff but remained noticeably stiffer than other models.

la sportiva bushido iii - if you desire support and speed in technical terrain check out the...
If you desire support and speed in technical terrain check out the La Sportiva Bushido III.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

What Other Men's Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?


For a similar light agile feel without as much stability through the heel, we'd recommend the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3. If you're looking for the lightest model that excels in advanced terrain for race day, we'd recommend the Nnormal Kjerag. Both of these models have good stability and lower stack. The Hoka Torrent 3 could also be a great option for someone who likes a stable light design but plans to tackle slightly less technical terrain.

Our lead tester, Matthew, in Southwest Colorado testing the La Sportiva Bushido III.
Credit: Matthew Richardson


Matthew Richardson