La Sportiva Ultra Raptor vs Bushido — Which Trail Shoe Should You Choose?
URL: /blogs/hiking-gear/la-sportiva-ultra-raptor-vs-bushido-nz
Blog: hiking-gear
The Ultra Raptor and Bushido are the two most popular La Sportiva trail running shoes at Dwights — and the two most commonly compared. Both are Italian-made, both use FriXion rubber outsoles, and both perform well on NZ trail terrain. But they're designed for different types of running and different types of runners.
The Core Difference
Ultra Raptor: More cushioning, more versatile, better for longer distances and varied terrain. The all-round NZ trail runner.
Bushido: Less cushioning, more aggressive grip, more technical and precise. Designed for technical rocky terrain at pace.
Ultra Raptor — The All-Round Choice
The Ultra Raptor III is La Sportiva's most popular trail running shoe globally — and with good reason. The FriXion AT outsole has an aggressive lug pattern suited to NZ's mixed terrain (mud, rock, root, loose ground), and the cushioning platform is deep enough to be practical on long distances without being so thick that you lose ground feel on technical sections.
The range at Dwights:
- Ultra Raptor III Mens/Womens (RRP $319.95) — Current generation standard. The core recommendation.
- Ultra Raptor III GTX Mens/Womens (RRP $379.95) — GORE-TEX waterproof version. For NZ shoulder season and wet trail running.
- Ultra Raptor III Mid GTX Mens/Womens (RRP $399.99) — Mid-cut ankle height plus GORE-TEX. More of a technical hiking shoe than a trail runner.
Best for: Most NZ trail runners. The starting recommendation regardless of experience level. Long distances, varied terrain, races from 10km to ultra.
Bushido — The Technical Choice
The Bushido III takes a different approach — the FriXion XF outsole uses a more aggressive, multi-directional lug pattern specifically designed for wet rock and loose scree. Less cushioning than the Ultra Raptor, more precise feedback from the ground.
The Bushido is a faster, more technical shoe. It rewards runners who understand how to use aggressive grip — placing the foot deliberately on technical ground rather than relying on cushioning to absorb irregular contact.
The range at Dwights:
- Bushido III Mens/Womens (RRP $319.99) — Current generation.
Best for: Technical rocky terrain, experienced runners who prefer a more aggressive, lower-stack shoe, shorter technical runs and races.
Head-to-Head: Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Ultra Raptor if:
- You're new to La Sportiva or trail running
- You run longer distances (half marathon and beyond)
- Your terrain is varied — a mix of mud, root, rock, and grass
- You want one shoe that handles everything across NZ's trail network
Choose the Bushido if:
- You're an experienced technical runner
- Your routes are predominantly rocky with less mud/soft ground
- You prefer minimal cushioning and precise ground feedback
- You run shorter, more technical races and routes
Outsole Comparison
The key technical difference is the rubber compound and lug geometry:
FriXion AT (Ultra Raptor): All-terrain compound — good grip across wet and dry surfaces, moderate lug depth, versatile across different ground types. The reliable choice for unpredictable NZ conditions.
FriXion XF (Bushido): More aggressive compound — maximum grip on wet rock and scree, deeper directional lugs, more specifically tuned for technical ground. Less effective in deep mud than the AT compound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for NZ trail running — Ultra Raptor or Bushido?
For most NZ trail runners: Ultra Raptor III. NZ trail terrain is varied — you'll encounter mud, rock, roots, and grass on the same run. The AT outsole handles this mixed terrain more consistently than the Bushido's more specialist grip. The Bushido is the better choice if you specifically run technical rocky routes in the South Island or alpine terrain where hard rock is the dominant surface.
Do the Ultra Raptor and Bushido run the same size?
Both run on La Sportiva's standard trail last — narrow and precise. The same sizing advice applies to both: they run narrow, size up half a size if you're between sizes, and expect a snug initial fit that opens slightly with break-in. If the Ultra Raptor fits you well, the Bushido will fit similarly.
Which is lighter — Ultra Raptor or Bushido?
The Bushido is typically lighter than the equivalent Ultra Raptor due to its lower-stack construction — less cushioning material means less weight. For weight-conscious runners, the Bushido has the edge. The Ultra Raptor III is still a lightweight trail shoe by any standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between La Sportiva Ultra Raptor III and Bushido III?
The Bushido III is La Sportiva's most aggressive technical trail shoe — maximum FriXion grip, stiffer construction, designed for steep and rocky NZ terrain. The Ultra Raptor III is the more versatile option — excellent FriXion grip with more cushioning and comfort for longer distances. The Bushido III is for technical mountain runners; the Ultra Raptor III suits a wider range of NZ trail runners.
Which is better for NZ terrain — Ultra Raptor III or Bushido III?
For technical, steep, and rocky NZ terrain (Tongariro, alpine approaches, volcanic rock), the Bushido III's aggressive outsole gives the edge. For longer NZ trails with mixed terrain, the Ultra Raptor III's extra cushioning is the better choice for most runners.
Is the Ultra Raptor III or Bushido III better for beginners?
The Ultra Raptor III is generally the better choice for trail running beginners — more cushioning, more forgiving on varied terrain, and suits a wider range of paces and distances. The Bushido III rewards runners who know how to use its aggressive grip on technical terrain.
Does the Ultra Raptor III come in a waterproof version?
Yes — Dwights stocks the Ultra Raptor III GTX (GORE-TEX waterproof) in both mens and womens, as well as the Ultra Raptor III Mid GTX boot versions. The standard Ultra Raptor III is non-waterproof for better breathability in drier conditions.
How does sizing compare between Ultra Raptor III and Bushido III?
Both use a similar La Sportiva last — narrow and running small. The same sizing advice applies to both: size up 0.5–1 from your normal size. The Bushido III has a slightly more snug, locked-in fit for technical running; the Ultra Raptor III is marginally more accommodating in the forefoot.
Where can I buy La Sportiva Ultra Raptor III and Bushido III in NZ?
Dwights stocks both the Ultra Raptor III and Bushido III in mens and womens, including GTX versions. Browse at /collections/la-sportiva.