Customer Reviews La Sportiva Bushido

The Bushido's are awesome!!!! Drove south to find some rocks this week and they are bullet proof but still give my feet the tactile sensitivity they need! It is going to be a killer shoe for the White Mountains!

I am an avid hiker and it didn't take me long before I figured out that the quality of my gear can be a life saving investment. It took me a year to choose my GoreTex shoes for hiking and I took the same approach for my upcoming Rim to Rim hike in May, which requires the same high quality, but lighter version for 100F conditions. After spending my time reading reviews from both men and women and watching videos, I have settled for Bushido for women/Fjord. I didn't have a chance to use them yet, since they arrived today, but I can already tell that it was a great decision! Bushido shoes are super light, flexible and very comfortable. They almost feel like slippers from the moment you put them on. I like the fact that the tongue is attached to both sides of the shoes along the laces, which prevents small rocks frin getting inside the shoe. Even though the fabric in the front and on the sides looks thin, almost net like, it has a inside layer of "something" :) transparent that prevents sand from getting in, which an average athletic shoe doesn't have. The sole of the shoe has a high quality rubber like surface that provides for an amazing grip and little spikes will definitely prevent me from slipping on the sandy trail going down the steep North Wall of Grand Canyon. I have no concerns, although some people may not like the tightness in the middle section of the foot. I love it because I think it will prevent my foot from slipping inside the shoe back and forth and will keep it intact. One important factor worth looking into is the size. I have size 8.5 in US, 38.5 in EU and I chose suggested 40 for women on La Sportiva's Scale and I still have some space left. Be mindful when selecting your size.

I bought these in preparation for a 22 mile trail run. I have only run in them about 5 times including the race. I bought these because I loved my la sportive Helios but was looking for a little more protection for my foot. In comparison this show is slightly heavier and has a higher rise than the Helios. I like that this shoe is similarly light and has a lower profile than many shoes. It fits rather differently than the Helios with a glove-like feel that I really appreciate. The shoe does hit higher on my ankle than the Helios and requires that I wear a sock that comes up on my ankle to prevent chafing. In general, I feel more sure footed on the downhills in the Bushido because of the extra plate in the footbed. It also took no breaking in, my first run in them was 15.5 miles. It is a good shoe. Time will tell if it wins my heart like the Helios.

I bought my first pair of Bushidos in the summer 2015 and absolutely loved them. I hiked and ran hundreds of miles in them. Light weight, low drop, with great ankle support, I found them perfect for the trail, grippy on all types of rocky terrains. Great for wet conditions, they dried out quickly. I and bought the same pair in 2016 and thought finally I've found my perfect running shoe. But what happened to the 2017 model???!!! I wore my new 2017 model last weekend, this is not the same shoe!!! Such a disappointment! Firstly, the sole does not have a reliable grip on wet terrain. The mint green edging is a harder rubber than on the prior model and SLIPPERY on wet rocks!! Also, this shoe is heavier and chunkier, more of a hiking shoe / less of a running shoe.... The toe spring is more pronounced and there's a much less flexible midsole. For trail runners who are leaning towards a more minamilist shoe, but still want good stability, the 2016 model was perfect. Why, La Sportive could you not have let it be??? Can someone let me know if / where I can purchase the 2016 model?

This is my second pair of La Sportiva shoes, first Bushidos (also have some hiking boots). I was pleased with the fit in the store, as my heel is narrow and most shoes allow it to slip up. As is my usual practice, I sprayed the new shoes with waterproofing spray before using. I hike a lot in a desert canyon where sometimes I have to splash through water; to my dismay water seeped in through the uppers. In the dry washes, I noticed an usual amount of sand getting inside the shoe. Upon closer inspection I realized the mesh on the upper is quite open, allowing water and fine sand to seep in. Unfortunately, after just a few wearings, they are just not acceptable. Will have to donate them and go shopping again.