Outdoors & Fitness · Head-to-head
HOKA Speedgoat 7 vs La Sportiva Bushido III
Which should you buy? Here's the honest call, pulled from our full The Best Trail Running Shoes: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 is the best single trail shoe for most people, pairing all-surface grip with newly livelier cushioning that carries from short runs to ultras. If your trails are steep, rocky, and technical, the more stable, sure-footed La Sportiva Bushido III is the smarter buy.
HOKA Speedgoat 7
Buy itThe do-everything ultra-and-technical shoe that most trail runners should buy first.
- New supercritical EVA midsole adds real energy return over the long-serving CMEVA of past versions, so it feels livelier late in a run
- Vibram Megagrip outsole with a re-oriented, more aggressive lug pattern grips confidently across dry rock, loose gravel, snow, and mud
- Plush, protective cushioning plus a redesigned heel collar and gaiter attachment make it comfortable from short outings to ultra distances
- The tall, soft stack can feel tippy for some runners on off-camber talus and technical scrambles
- Runs on the snug, narrow side out of the box, so wide feet often need to size around it
La Sportiva Bushido III
Buy itThe stable, sure-footed pick when the trail turns rocky, steep, and technical.
- One of the most stable-feeling shoes reviewers tested, with a low, planted platform and a rock plate for protection on sharp terrain
- Directional 4mm lugs and sticky compound bite hard on wet or dry rock, loose scree, and steep braking descents
- Durable build with a dialed-in, secure heel lock, and it now comes in a wide option that earlier versions lacked
- The stiff sole and rugged tread are overkill on smooth hardpack, where it feels firm and unyielding
- Lower stack and firmer ride offer less plush comfort than max-cushion shoes on long road-to-trail miles
Side by side
| HOKA Speedgoat 7 | La Sportiva Bushido III | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Runners who want one versatile shoe for long days, ultras, and mixed technical terrain. | Mountain and technical-terrain runners who prioritize grip and stability over softness. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range |
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the HOKA Speedgoat 7 - The do-everything ultra-and-technical shoe that most trail runners should buy first. Choose the La Sportiva Bushido III instead if mountain and technical-terrain runners who prioritize grip and stability over softness.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Trail Running Shoes: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).