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LA SPORTIVA
BUSHIDO II
MSRP: $130
Weight: 10.5 oz (M 9), 8.8 oz (W 7)
Drop: 4mm
Rock plate: Yes
Fit: Runs at least a half size small
Featuring significant updates to the original Bushido, including a more comfortable heel cup and 4mm of EVA cushioning added to the midsole, the Bushido II (men’s version here) is sticky, responsive and comfortable.
Earning mega points for breathability, durability and overall runability, the Bushido II fits the bill if you can only grab one pair for your next adventure. On the narrower side, it might not be suited for more than 50 miles due to foot swelling, yet the upper is comfortable and the newly padded tongue limits pressure from the laces.
The proprietary FriXion XT V-Groove2 outsole is tacky and will perform on hardpack, scree and everything in between. As with the original Bushido, the outsole wraps partway up the midsole to protect while mountain goating and banking. This shoe runs small; our reviewers needed to size up at least a half size.
Tester-monial: “If someone were to tell me I was being sent to a trail-running desert island and I could only take one shoe with me, it would be the Bushido II. It has everything a trail shoe should: rock protection, great tread, breathability, cushion for medium to long runs and it’s lightweight.” —Zachary Woodward, Denver, Colorado