Weight: 10.5 ounces (Men’s 9)
Trail Use: Good (if you have narrow feet)
Off Trail Use: Excellent to Very Good
Stack Height Heel/Toe: 19mm / 13mm
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
Width: Narrow
Fit: True to size
Waterproof: No
What We Like: Great shoe for moving through tricky terrain with extra stability and comfort

MSRP: $130

Weight: 10.5 ounces (Men’s 9)
Traction: 5
Support: 4.5
Long-Distance Comfort: 3

La Sportiva is known for its unbeatable traction. The Bushido IIs are excellent shoes for mountain runners or hikers who travel through steep, off-trail terrain, and wet/slippery ground. The higher stack height provides extra cushion and support for traveling through uncharted territory. For runners and hikers with narrow feet, these are perfect. The moderate drop accommodates a variety of preferences.

These shoes are not designed to be ultralight, and are best for exploration where speed is not the ultimate goal. The Bushidos are extremely well-suited for what we might consider “unpleasant” scenarios, such as running down a steep scree slope or navigating a large boulder field. Though it’s not as light as the Norvan SLs, this shoe is still comparable to many other trail shoes that aren’t as well-suited for extreme terrain.

Read our complete guide | Best Hiking Shoes

PROS:

• More stability and built-in comfort than the Norvan SLs
• La Sportiva is known for its unrivaled traction
• Off trail travel made easy and more stable
• Moderate drop will comfortably fit those who prefer either a high or low drop

CONS:

• Heavier than the Norvan SLs
• Narrow fit only works with certain feet, recommended to try them on before buying
• Not suited for long (20-30 mile) days on trail, comfort wanes over a long day

BEST FOR:

• Navigating technically challenging terrain with extra stability
• Mountain running or hikes with steep grades
• Athletes with narrow feet who prefer the feeling of extra stability over an ultralight shoe