La Sportiva Bushido III vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

La Sportiva Bushido III

$160

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

€159.95

Quick verdict

La Sportiva Bushido III

$160

The better pick if you want:

A lighter option (6 g less)

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

€159.95

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (88 vs 63)
More cushioning (42 vs 19 mm heel stack)
A lower drop (4 vs 6 mm)
Deeper lugs for grip (4.5 vs 4 mm)

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

La Sportiva Bushido III· leads in 1

Lightness

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9· leads in 2

CushioningGrip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
19 mm
42 mmTop 4%
Lightness
300 g
306 g
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
4.5 mmTop 25%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
4 mm
Affordability
$160
$160

Technical Specifications

Compare features between La Sportiva Bushido III vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (13)

Essentials

$160

€159.95

2025

300 g

306 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

rocky, technical and loose mountain trails

Trails and rugged terrain

Technical mountain trails, rocky and volcanic ground, skyrunning

Trail running, hiking, and outdoor adventure

Cushioning

6 mm

4 mm

19 mm

42 mm

13 mm

38 mm

Low-profile EVA midsole for ground feel and stability on uneven terrain

Dual-density Fresh Foam X: plush top layer for comfort, firmer bottom layer for stability

Firm, low and stable ride with plenty of ground feel

High, plush stack for long days on the trail

Grip & protection

Bi-compound La Sportiva FriXion® rubber with 4 mm lugs

Vibram® Megagrip with 4.5 mm Traction Lugs™ and micro-traction details

Compressed EVA forefoot rock guard and a protective toe cap

Toe Protect layer against rocks, roots and debris

Sticky FriXion® rubber for grip on dry and wet rock

Broader, deeper lugs for grip on wet and dry terrain

Upper & fit

Snug, protective mesh upper with a wrap-around fit

Engineered mesh with protective overlays

Precise, close-fitting midfoot wrap for control on technical ground

Gusseted tongue to keep out debris, traditional laces

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How La Sportiva Bushido III vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.

Pick a ground							Average
La Sportiva Bushido III							54
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9							60

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

La Sportiva Bushido III58

Cushioning20/40
Lightness13/35
Smooth roll25/25

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v973

Cushioning40/40
Lightness12/35
Smooth roll21/25

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

Have you used the La Sportiva Bushido III before?

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Have you used the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 before?

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Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 5 video reviews

La Sportiva Bushido III

No YouTube reviews available for this product yet.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Visual Comparison

See the differences between La Sportiva Bushido III and New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: La Sportiva Bushido III vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9?

For value comparison: The La Sportiva Bushido III ($160) provides premium features compared to the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 ($160). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the La Sportiva Bushido III or the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9?

Both came out in 2025.

Looking for alternatives to La Sportiva Bushido III?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

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INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2

INOV-8

$160Score 87+24

Better than La Sportiva Bushido III at:

A higher overall score (87 vs 63)
A lighter option (58 g less)
A lower drop (0 vs 6 mm)

Compare with La Sportiva Bushido III

Asics Blazeblast

Asics

$160Score 86+23

Better than La Sportiva Bushido III at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 63)
A lighter option (48 g less)
More cushioning (43 vs 19 mm heel stack)

Compare with La Sportiva Bushido III

INOV-8 Trailtalon

INOV-8

$160Score 86+23

Better than La Sportiva Bushido III at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 63)
A lighter option (24 g less)
More cushioning (31 vs 19 mm heel stack)

Compare with La Sportiva Bushido III

Popular Comparisons

Compare La Sportiva Bushido III or New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as La Sportiva, New Balance and more.

Shoes

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

La Sportiva Bushido III· leads in 1

Lightness

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9· leads in 2

CushioningGrip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
19 mm
42 mmTop 4%
Lightness
300 g
306 g
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
4.5 mmTop 25%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
4 mm
Affordability
$160
$160

Pick a ground

Average

La Sportiva Bushido III

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

La Sportiva Bushido III vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

La Sportiva Bushido III

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Quick verdict

Spec profile