La Sportiva Bushido III Wide Review: Precision, Traction & Comfort

The Bushido III running shoe by La Sportiva

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Finding the right Eastern Sierra hiking shoes means balancing traction, stability, and comfort on technical terrain. From granite slabs to loose volcanic rock and desert canyons, the Sierra demands footwear that performs across a range of environments. After extensive use in the Eastern Sierra and Death Valley National Park, the La Sportiva Bushido (Wide) has proven to be one of the most versatile and athletic hiking shoes we carry at Eastside Sports in Bishop, CA. Here is what one of our co-owners says about what is arguably his favorite shoe!

A Wider Fit Without Losing Precision

La Sportiva is known for narrow, performance-driven footwear. When I first put on the Bushido Wide, I immediately thought it was too narrow.  In fact, I thought I would never wear it again.  But, after doing a few short 3 mile runs in them, they started to grow on me.  And then I took them on some low 5th class canyoneering to see how sticky the Friction X rubber is and how they performed on somewhat technical terrain.  That extra width makes it a strong option for feet who need more space but don’t want to sacrifice control.

Importantly, this is not a loose or sloppy shoe. Even with the wider fit, the Bushido maintains a locked-in feel through the midfoot and heel, something many wide hiking shoes struggle to achieve.

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Break-In That Pays Off

Out of the box, the Bushido Wide feels structured and supportive. After several hikes and regular 3-5 mile runs, the shoe broke in naturally and became noticeably more comfortable without losing stability.

Unlike softer options such as Topo Athletic or Altra, the Bushido Wide stays athletic and responsive. It doesn’t collapse or feel floppy on uneven ground, which is critical for technical terrain. You can walk across talus fields and feel like your shoe fits your foot.  In my eyes, this is a better hiking shoe than a traditional climbing approach shoe with sticky rubber.

Tested on Eastern Sierra & Death Valley Terrain

These hiking shoes were field-tested in several canyons in Death Valley National Park, where sharp rock, gravel washes, and steep descents quickly expose weak footwear.

Performance highlights:

• Excellent traction on slick rock and loose gravel
• Stable platform for uneven desert terrain
• Secure heel with no slipping
• Comfortable toe box with no toe bang on descents

Back in the Eastern Sierra, the Bushido Wide continues to shine on fast hikes, long approaches, and technical trails where precision matters.

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Off trail hiking in loose and steep terrain like this is where the Bushido III feels at home

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Why the Bushido in a Wide Works for Eastern Sierra Hiking

The Eastern Sierra requires hiking shoes that can handle:

• Rocky trails and talus
• Long approaches to alpine terrain
• Variable surfaces from desert to high alpine

The La Sportiva Bushido Wide delivers the confidence of a trail runner with the support of a lightweight hiking shoe, making it one of the best Eastern Sierra hiking shoes for hikers who move fast and value control.

Who Should Choose the Bushido Wide

This shoe is ideal if you:

• Need wide hiking shoes with performance fit
• Prefer stable, precise footwear over soft cushioning
• Hike or run regularly and want an athletic feel
• Spend time in the Eastern Sierra, White Mountains, or Death Valley National Park

Final Verdict from Eastside Sports

The La Sportiva Bushido Wide has earned its place as a go-to option for technical hiking in the Eastern Sierra. Once broken in, it delivers outstanding stability, comfort, and confidence across rugged terrain.

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If the La Sportiva Bushido III has caught your attention, stop by the store to test them out or click here to see if we have your size in stock and get your own pair shipped today!

As always, don't hesitate to call us at store (760-873-7520) if you have questions about the right footwear for you! Our staff hikes and runs these trails, and we’re happy to help you gear up with footwear that actually works here.

(And if you need any gear to prepare for your own Eastern Sierra adventure, we got you covered with free shipping if you meet the criteria! All you have to do is join our email list and place your order of a certain amount with us online.)