Women’s La Sportiva Bushido III Review

Bottom Line

For all the sky runners, scramblers, and rugged trail aficionados out there, the La Sportiva Bushido III provides a great shoe for mountain running. These trail running shoes boast an improved outsole design that offers extraordinary traction that gripped every surface we took them on. Their exceptional breathability kept our feet cool and comfortable in all conditions.

Now available in two widths, wearers have an additional 2 mm of toe box height and 7 mm of circumference. While this is an improvement for some, these still have a snug performance fit that may not accommodate runners looking for more space for their feet.

These are the most minimal shoes we tested, and some runners may find themselves looking for a bit more cushion, especially on longer outings.

If you’re looking for high performance at a reasonable price, the Bushido III could be a good choice for you. These shoes will take you up and back down the mountain confidently. Find out more in our guide to the best trail running shoes for women.

Traction

Built for rugged trails and mountain adventures, the La Sportiva Bushido III truly stands out for its exceptional traction. During our test runs in Washington’s muddy, and sometimes technical, Chuckanut Mountains, the 4 mm lugs dug into the dirt and slop, providing us with stability and control, even on steep inclines. 

The redesigned outsole compound enhances traction on a variety of surfaces, including wet rocks. In our side-by-side comparisons, we found that these shoes had unparalleled performance across all the models we tested. Whether we were charging through deep mud or crossing slippery plank bridges, the Bushido III stuck every landing. They never disappointed on demanding technical terrain but didn’t feel like overkill on softer trails.

comfort

The Bushido III shines with regard to traction, but struggles on comfort. We found the narrow profile claustrophobic on our feet, even in the wide fit version. Our testers felt that their forefoot and toes were crunched, leaving them with blisters after long sessions. The overall design is snug and low-volume, which will suit runners seeking a close performance fit. 

The minimal cushioning promotes a fantastic ground connection, which is ideal for runners looking for that feedback. However, some may want more buffer on extremely rocky terrain or very long run days. The compressed forefoot rock guard helps absorb some of the impact and provides good protection. The minimal midsole feels extremely firm, which some runners may find uncomfortable.

Weight

The Bushido III is extraordinarily light, with featherweight uppers that offset their burly sole. These shoes will not weigh you down on long runs. They will keep your feet feeling fresh and nimble on technical terrain and smoother trails alike.

Durability

The mesh upper of these shoes is designed with considerable reinforcement in areas that experience the most wear and tear such as the toes and sides of the forefoot. The inclusion of a TPU toe cap not only provides excellent protection for your feet, but also increases durability even in burly conditions. 

During testing, our runners didn’t experience any notable issues with durability. However, we remain hesitant about the long-term performance of the air mesh panels on the sides—especially when exposed to prolonged abrasion and off-camber travel on rugged terrain.

With regard to the rest of the shoe, the outsole is truly bomb-proof, built to handle the most demanding conditions with minimal wear and tear. La Sportiva has designed a shoe that will withstand even the most challenging conditions.

Breathability

These shoes really stood out among all the shoes we tested for their exceptional breathability. With see-through air mesh panels strategically placed on the sides of the midfoot, they allow for airflow, keeping feet cool and comfortable during intense or warm weather runs. One caveat with the fine mesh is that while running in muddy conditions in the Pacific Northwest, mudwater went right through—not only soaking our feet, but also depositing a good bit of grit.

The overall upper mesh design provides enhanced ventilation, which is a game-changer for moisture management and heat dispersion—especially on hotter days. Our feet never felt soggy or overheated. However, the interior padding did not dry as rapidly as we would have hoped, leaving us to slip on damp shoes the day after a wet-weather training session.

Responsiveness

With its overall minimal profile and cushion, the Bushido III felt agile on technical terrain. It provided excellent ground feel, enabling us to engage precisely with the trail—negotiating obstacles with ease.

These shoes supported our feet well, and aside from the firmness, they felt highly protective in all conditions. However, we did find that the midsole lacked the energy recovery or bounce we found in other shoes, leaving us feeling a bit flat—especially later in long runs. If you’re looking for a bit more cushioning during long days then you may want to consider other options.

Should You Buy the La Sportiva Women’s Bushido III?

Mountain runners looking for a robust, sticks-to-everything, luggy performance shoe will not be disappointed. Designed to tackle uneven terrain, these shoes offer exceptional grip, providing traction and stability everywhere we run. However, runners looking for a more spacious toe box may find these uncomfortable, even in the wider width. 

That said, the Bushido III provides solid value if you’re looking to add a burly trail running shoe to your training quiver. While they excel at demanding terrain, they aren’t as versatile for harder surfaces and the lugs will be overkill for smoother trails. If you run on a wide variety of trails, these aren’t likely to be a versatile all-in-one daily trainer.

What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

If the La Sportiva Bushido III isn’t for you, check out these similar trail runners that handle rugged trails well.

Saucony Peregrine 14 Review: Check out this Editor’s Pick if you’re looking for a lightweight, breathable trail shoe that excels on technical terrain while being at home on smoother trails.

Brooks Cascadia 18 Review: If you’re looking for more cushion and room in the toes, these trail runners may be just the ticket. Choose from two widths.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review: If you’re looking for a lighter shoe without sacrificing traction or durability, check out these former Editor’s Pick. These shoes are at home on rugged trails and have even more room in the footbox than the Cascadia 18.