Customer Reviews La Sportiva Bushido II

La Sportiva is the best I've found for my narrow, bony feet. I climbed Long's Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park in these shoes. They have awesome grip, are very stable, and held up great. It was raining most of the way down and I didn't slip. This is all with the insoles taken out since I bought a half size too small by mistake. The Bushido is worth every penny.

These shoes are awesome in every way! I hiked the John Muir Trail in them last summer along with countless mountain runs, and they were comfortable and durable! The sole has gripped well in pretty much every type of terrain. They are quite narrow (which is great if you have a narrow foot like me) but if you have wide feet these probably wont be as comfortable. Im just on here to buy my second pair for the Colorado Trail this summer! Ive seen reviews saying they run small, but I bought my normal size and they fit perfectly.

The Bushido II is a bit too narrow for my very wide forefeet, but I've owned one pair and want to give the shoe credit for its strong points. The aggressive tread pattern does provide gripping traction better than the Jackal, Kaptiva, and Akasha (my normal shoes) on kitty litter scree on steep hardpack where footing becomes tenuous. I don't run in a wet climate, but I imagine this shoe excels in muddy terrain too. The light weight and nimbleness of this shoe is appreciable. Absolutely zero complaints about breathability training in hot, dry climate. Definitely a 5 star shoe in those regards. Stability is the one area I struggle to accurately rate this shoe. My forefeet are so wide the Bushido II pinches them to the point of being uncomfortable. I can't tell how much of the stiffness of this shoe is by design versus from my feet not having their normal mechanics due to my forefeet not being able to splay out. I can't, however, reduce my rating by a star though because Sportiva purposefully designed this shoe to be narrow for those folk whose feet work with such a fit. I give this shoe 5 stars for the strong points listed above and for being exactly as Sportiva describes it - a performance shoe for normal to narrow feet. My 2020 volume was ~3200 miles and 1.4 million vert (w/ 2 months off). I'd estimate over half of that was in Kaptivas (most of the rest in Akashas and some in Jackals). I've been working a Bushido II into my rotation in 2021 (out of curiosity for it) on shorter days when my feet can tolerate a narrower fit. 100% of my volume is mixed running and hiking in the mountains. The only flat I run is on high plains between peaks or dirt roads along the base of mountains when doing loops. I typically get 400-500 miles out of Sportiva shoes. 99% of my volume is in Sportiva runners.

I use them for trail running and as a main hiking shoes now. Of course, they are not protective as hiking boots, but they are perfect blend of foot protection and lightness. I used them on a very rough terrain and I feel very well protected. They fit like gloves and are very flexible, what is really amazing. The grip is unreal in all conditions - wet rocks, mud, grass, wet tree roots... There is no footwear that is not slippery on a rock in a stream/waterfall covered with algae, but you will be very confident on all other wet surfaces. While choosing I couldn't decide between them and Salomon Speedcross 5, so I bought them both. They are both amazing. I feel Speedcross a slightly more protective on sharp rocks (like 9/10) compared to Bushido's 8/10, but Bushido are more versatile and give more track feedback. I like driving in them as well.

I used to be 100% loyal to another brand (German) but they quit making my model. I tried LA Sportiva and then I quickly bought a 2nd Pair. Please tell me that they are still making this model and color and I will buy 8 pair immediately. Love this shoe

I wear them for hiking, running, and even for just kicking it around town. I won my first trail race (30k) in them and didn't have any issues with my feet at all.

Here is the run down on this shoe. First, you have to order a 1/2 size larger. This shoe runs small. The shoe is very good for my feet which are slim, thin, with a higher arch. If you have a fat foot or wide foot, this is not the shoe for you. I think you will find it too tight fitting to be comfortable on long runs. The shoe has held up great for me. I run on a lot of rock, mud, and my trails take me through rivers as well. The first pair lasted over 1.5 years and I had to replace due to traction wearing down, not shoe breakdown. Still use them for lawn mowing. I have been wearing my second pair for just over 2 months now and they have been holding up just as the first pair did. One aspect I like is they have not shrank on me from being completely wet during my run to drying out outside. A couple friends of mine have made that complaint with other shoes. Traction on these shoes is good. I am sure there are shoes which are designed for more specific terrains that would have better traction, but I find these great for an all terrain shoe. As I mentioned, I run a lot of dirt, mud, rock, and have to cross rivers and they have held up well. When I say rock, I mean true gravelly, misshaped, large and small rock thrown together, as well as just flat smooth rock. The rock plate really helps in this type of environment. The traction on the smooth rock is good unless they are wet. Then you need to be careful. I think that goes without saying however. What these shoes are not: If you are wanting these to walk around all day on concrete, probably not the shoe for you. If you plan on running some trails, but want to run roads with them as well, not the shoe for you. It is just too stiff for a road shoe and your feet will not like you. I hope this review helps you fellow runners out there. Perhaps we will pass each other on a trail some day.

I have been backpacking in alpine areas in the Rockies with these shoes with a 17-20 pound ultralight backpack this Summer. I was nervous about turning my heel without boots, but that worry has proven to be unfounded with these shoes. They have a very low heel midsole height, and have been incredibly stable and grippy on my mountain journeys with a pack on. I would say that on steep downhills on loose 'ball bearing' trails, they are less grippy than a vibram lug sole, but still workable - you just have to be aware of it. On anything else, they grip almost like a climbing shoe. Also - order a 1/2 size bigger than your normal Scarpa boot size, they indeed run on the short side.

I had already found the Holy Grail of trail running shoes: The Bushido II....actually, I thought I had found it in the original Bushido's, but when the II's came out, it was game over. I was a decade long avid fan of Saucony, until 2 severely sprained ankles and 6 months of ligament recovery later, I decided I needed something new. I literally spent HOURS researching the best shoe for trail running and stumbled across the Bushido. The thing that sold me was the fact that I could not find a single review of someone switching FROM La Sportiva to another brand....only folks switching another brand TO La Sportiva. It was love at first run. Lightweight, almost barefoot feeling, but with ultimate protection for rock hopping, wet rock, and anything a trail has thrown at me. I'm on my 3rd pair now, and have never suffered a foot injury (knock on wood) in the Bushido I or IIs. The best part of this story is the fact that I was out for a run on Sawnee Mountian in Georgia, and was taking a break for some pushups. A guy comes up in some La Sportivas with his 2 kids. He noticed my Bushidos and we start chatting. Turns out it's Todd Combs, the South East rep for La Sportiva! Epic! He offered to meet me out on the trail and let me demo The Jackal....AMAZING shoe with a thicker sole for longer runs. I've been demoing for a couple of weeks, and after much back and forth with him, have decided to pick up the Karacal when they come out in February 2021. Todd was not only kind to let me demo, but he was very extensive in his information to help me find the right equipment for a variety of runs. With a company like La Sportiva that not only provides a product that in unparalleled, they also appear to hire folks with unparalleled customer service who represent their mission like they are the owners themselves! I am officially a lifelong customer. Thanks La Sportiva! Keep innovating and I'll keep spreading the word! If you're on the fence, don't be. These are the best shoes on the planet. Period.

At first glance, the shoe seems heavy ... but it is nothing. It offers excellent protection downhill, good grip in the mud and especially on rocks. This shoe is therefore very versatile, and in my opinion, if you had to have a single all-purpose shoe, it would be the Bushidoo II.

I have been trail running in La Sportiva shoes for at least 8 years and the just keep getting better. The Bushido II is a great trail shoe. Plenary of traction, responsive and fast.

Fantastic hiking/trail shoes for the arid California surroundings. I have a narrow foot and these fit me the best. They are light weight and still have good structure and arch support. The toe box gives me room (especially when trail running downhill) and they have great tread for keeping me grounded.

I never post reviews but just had to give feedback on these amazing shoes in hopes that they remain ever available. I'm on my third pair over two years, and not only are they my favorite mountain trail runner, I can honestly say they are the ONLY shoe I'm truly comfortable in these days. Purchased a half-size up, they fit my narrow heel perfectly and flex just the right amount in all the right places. Please, LS, don't ever change these!

I've been running for 20 years, mostly on dirty, mixed, sand, beach, gravel track so I tested my first bushido a couple of years ago and loved because it's stability, gripping and security it provides while stepping on rocks, uneven soil or sand dunes. Then the bushido II came even better, more comfortable and feels lighter on my feet. I am running a lot more confident, faster and without any ankle pain or discomfort that I used to have when using other shoes. I would tell anyone to try the bushido II. It feels like you have tiger paws. Perfect, I will buy another pair soon. Thanks La sportiva, you did a great job with this one.

The shoes are sized a little small. I wear 9-9 1/2, and fit comfortably in a 10 1/2.

I am on my 4th pair of Bushido shoes and have been running them for several years. They are the ultimate combination of lightweight, supportive and durable with a bombproof shank. I have done multiple 50+ mile hikes in under 24 hours on the Appalachian Trail with these and never had a blister or a shoe failure. They are awesome. One note though is they do run small, order a half size up.

Nice aggressive tread for hiking, even though the rubber is a bit stiffer (for better wear) than the ultra raptor it still sticks to rock great. It has some reinforcements on the sides of the forefoot region so it's a touch narrower than the ultra raptor but it fits my medium width foot fine

If you're looking for a shoe for technical trail, this just may be the one! The outsole offers excellent grip in all conditions; loose surface (sand or gravel), rocky trail, granite slabs, it does it all! The midsole is very responsive, while offering an adequate amount of cushioning as well. I think this is also one of the best scrambling running shoes as well. This is an excellent option for anyone looking for a day to day trail running shoe that they can take out on more techy trails as well, or the experienced mountain runner looking for another shoe in the quiver! Size up a half Euro size if youre worried about it being snug.

I do a lot of trail running in the Canadian Shield, where I am constantly running over sharp rocks. I like a shoe that is nimble and agile, but still gives excellent rock protection. The Bushido 2 has really excelled for me on this type of run. The grip on wet rock is exceptional as well. I liked that the Bushido2 feels softer and slightly more flexible compared to the original version. Derrick La Sportiva Running Ambassador

Literally ran through 2 pairs of the bushido. Not back to back, wore out some subpar brands, (brooks,Salomon,montrail). What I figured, the bushido is like a glove for my feet, once broke on, OMG! It like I am not wearing shoes, close to walking on water. All around trail running is amazing, regular work life amazing. I have learned la sportiva, makes the best foot wear, trail running to approach, to the Nepal boot. You can't go wrong, 1000% reckomendation.

I have been using this shoe for the past month and used it as one of my shoes for my first 24 hour ultra attempt. The shoe is well made! It is well put together and appears to be a shoe that is going to hold up well. There was plenty of water during my 24 hour ultra attempt and what was impressive is how well the shoe drained and dried. I love the 6mm drop and find the Bushido to be very responsive with the right amount of cushioning for me. I have worn enough shoes now with all kinds of claims to realize what one person calls cushioning another finds stiff and unresponsive,so I really think it's something of personal preference. With all the good, I would want to emphasize, if you have never worn La Sportiva before, and this is my first pair, please size up in this shoe. I had to move up for the 45 (US 11 1/2) to 46 ( US 12 1/2). After my first run on a technical trail in my first pair, my toes were crushed. Sizing up fixed it. To give some perspective. My Hoka Torrent and Tracer are 11. Brooks Cascadia 11 1/2 . Bushido ,to have similar fit , 12 1/2. If you can find a dealer so you can try them on great, but if buying on line, I hope this helps! Overall, a great shoe.

Really awesome shoe. I fight wildland fire and we are running trails daily. Definitely recommend getting .5 bigger than what you normally do to accommodate for swelling of feet. All around great shoe