Product · La Sportiva
La Sportiva Bushido III GTX: mountain trail shoe
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La Sportiva comes from the mountains, and the Bushido III GTX shows it. Amazon describes it as a waterproof performance mountain and trail running shoe, with sure grip and stability among its stated aims. For hill walkers who move quickly on rocky paths and want a low, precise shoe with a Gore-Tex lining, it is one of the more technical options in our trail shoe guide.
- Cut
- Low
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Upper
- Polyester
- Listed cushioning
- Not stated
- Listed surface
- Trail
In its favour
- The listing describes it as a waterproof performance mountain and trail running shoe.
- Grip and stability are named as aims, which matter on wet rock and loose paths.
- The upper is listed as polyester with a Gore-Tex lining, so it stays light and dry.
Good to know
- No cushioning level is stated, so compare with the Hoka if you want a soft ride.
- As a low shoe it gives no ankle cover, which matters on rough ground.
Our take
The listing in brief
The upper is listed as polyester, with lace-up closure and slip resistance named as a special feature. Trail is the recommended surface. Beyond that the listing is thin: it gives no cushioning level, and the outsole and lining are both described simply as synthetic rubber.
The water resistance field reads not water resistant, which sits oddly beside Gore-Tex in the title and the waterproof claim in the highlight. Treat the title and highlight as the maker's intent, but confirm the lining with La Sportiva if staying dry is the main reason you are buying.
Why a mountain running shoe suits walkers
Shoes made for mountain running tend to hold the foot firmly and stay close to the ground, which helps when you are stepping between rocks or contouring a steep slope. That is the opposite approach to Hoka's tall cushioning. You feel more of the ground, and many walkers find that gives them more confidence on uneven terrain.
The cost is comfort over long hard miles. If your route includes a lot of tarmac or compacted gravel, a softer shoe will be kinder by the end of the day.
How it compares
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX is the softer, taller alternative with a mid collar. The women's Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX is listed for firm ground with speed laces and a stated weight of 345 g, so it is a closer rival on paper, though the Bushido leans more towards rock. If your feet are broad, look at the Bushido III Wide GTX, which is the same family in a wide version.
Sizing is worth a thought too. Mountain running shoes are usually cut to hold the foot snugly, so try them with the socks you walk in and leave enough room at the toes for steep descents, where feet slide forward and toenails take the knocks.
Verdict
The Bushido III GTX is a strong choice for experienced walkers who move quickly over rocky ground and like a low, close-fitting shoe. If you want plenty of cushioning, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX is softer, and if your feet are wide the Bushido III Wide GTX is the better starting point.
Compared with alternatives in: Best trail running shoes for hiking
Amazon listing title: LA Sportiva Bushido III Goretex Trail Running Shoes EU