La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s Review

First Impressions of La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s

The La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s are essentially a miniaturized version of the popular adult trail running shoe, promising the same level of performance and durability for younger adventurers. Marketed towards children who enjoy the outdoors, the shoes aim to provide stability, support, and excellent traction, crucial for family hikes and general playtime. The La Sportiva brand is well-regarded in the outdoor community, and the expectation is that these kids’ shoes will live up to that reputation.

As a parent and outdoor enthusiast, finding quality footwear for my kids that can keep up with their boundless energy is a constant challenge. I needed a shoe that offered good grip on varied terrain, durability to withstand rough play, and enough support for growing feet. I hoped these shoes would be a reliable option for our family hikes and backyard adventures.

The unboxing experience was positive; the shoes looked well-constructed and the materials felt durable to the touch. The design closely mimics the adult Bushido II, which my son thought was “super cool.” The weight felt impressively light for a shoe that looked this robust, a crucial factor for kids’ footwear.

I considered the Salomon Speedcross J and Merrell Trail Chaser, but opted for the La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s due to La Sportiva’s reputation for superior grip and stability, critical for the rocky trails we frequent. The aggressive lug pattern and reinforced toe cap seemed more suited to the demanding terrain compared to the other options. I was excited to see if these shoes could truly deliver on their promise of performance and durability.

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Real-World Testing: Putting La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s with my son on a moderate 3-mile hike through a local state park. The trail included a mix of dirt paths, rocky inclines, and a stream crossing, providing a good initial test of their capabilities. The shoes performed admirably, providing excellent grip on the uneven terrain and maintaining stability on the uphill sections.

The shoes handled the varied conditions well; even when wet from the stream crossing, they maintained good traction and didn’t become overly slippery. My son reported that the shoes were comfortable from the start, requiring no break-in period. There were no blisters or hot spots after the hike.

The first time out, I was impressed with how confident he was scrambling over rocks. This seemed to be an upgrade from his previous hiking shoes.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including multiple hikes, backyard explorations, and general playtime, the La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s have proven to be remarkably durable. The soles show minimal wear, and the uppers have held up well against scuffs and abrasions. The reinforced toe cap has been particularly effective in protecting against impacts.

Despite being subjected to mud, dirt, and water, the shoes have cleaned up easily with a simple rinse. The Air Mesh material seems to resist staining and dries quickly, which is a huge plus. These shoes have far outperformed previous kids’ hiking shoes we have owned.

The shoe seems far more sturdy and capable than other kids’ models. I have faith that they will last far longer.

Breaking Down the Features of La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s

Specifications

• The La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s are designed for unisex use in kids. They feature a medium shoe width, making them suitable for most children’s feet.
• These are categorized as shoes suitable for climbing activities, although their versatility extends beyond just climbing. They have a weight of 5.7 oz, making them lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.
• The upper is constructed from Air Mesh, offering breathability and ventilation. The footwear closure utilizes laces, providing a secure and adjustable fit.
• The lining is made of non-slip Air Mesh, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit while minimizing slippage. The outsole is constructed from Dual Density FriXion, offering excellent traction and durability on various terrains.
• The midsole is made from compression-molded MEMlex, providing cushioning and support for impact absorption. This reduces stress on growing feet.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the shoe’s overall performance, comfort, and durability, critical factors for active kids. The lightweight design prevents fatigue, while the durable materials ensure they can withstand the rigors of outdoor play.

Performance & Functionality

The La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s excel in their primary function: providing excellent traction and support for active kids. The Frixion AT 2.0 V-Groove2 Outsole offers exceptional grip on various surfaces, from dirt trails to rocky inclines, ensuring stability and preventing slips. The shoe’s design promotes natural foot movement while providing ample support, reducing the risk of injury.

The shoe’s main strength is its exceptional grip and stability, allowing kids to confidently navigate challenging terrain. One area for potential improvement might be slightly increased cushioning for longer hikes, although the current level is adequate for most activities. They have exceeded my expectations for a kids’ shoe in terms of performance.

They grip rocks like a gecko. My son is far more confident on tricky terrain.

Design & Ergonomics

The La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s boast a design that closely mirrors the adult Bushido II, giving them a stylish and appealing look. The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and sturdy construction that can withstand the demands of active kids. The shoe’s lightweight design ensures comfort even during extended periods of wear.

The shoes are user-friendly with a simple lace-up closure that allows for a secure and adjustable fit. There is minimal learning curve, as the shoes are comfortable and supportive right out of the box.

They look like serious hiking shoes, just in a smaller package. My son loves the look and feels like a “real hiker” when he wears them.

Durability & Maintenance

The La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s are built to last, thanks to their high-quality materials and robust construction. The Frixion AT 2.0 V-Groove2 Outsole is highly resistant to abrasion, and the Air Mesh upper is durable and easy to clean. With proper care, these shoes should last through multiple seasons of use.

Maintaining the shoes is simple; a quick rinse with water is usually sufficient to remove dirt and mud. For more stubborn stains, a mild soap and brush can be used. The quick-drying materials prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of odors.

These shoes are far more durable than other kids’ shoes we’ve owned. I expect them to last at least a year, even with frequent use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s do not come with many accessories, focusing instead on the core functionality and performance of the shoe itself. There are no specific customization options offered directly by La Sportiva.

However, aftermarket insole options are available to further customize the fit and support based on individual needs. The shoes are compatible with standard kids’ hiking socks, allowing for additional comfort and moisture management.

Pros and Cons of La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s

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Who Should Buy La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s?

The La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s are perfect for active kids who enjoy hiking, trail running, and outdoor adventures. They are also a great choice for parents who want a durable and reliable shoe that can withstand the demands of everyday play. These are perfect for families who spend a lot of time outdoors and need footwear that can keep up with their children’s active lifestyles.

These shoes might not be the best choice for kids who primarily engage in casual, low-impact activities, as the price point may be higher than necessary. They also might not be ideal for kids with exceptionally wide feet, as the medium width may not provide enough room.

A must-have accessory would be a good pair of merino wool hiking socks. These will enhance comfort and moisture management.

Conclusion on La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s

The La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s are an excellent choice for parents seeking high-performance, durable footwear for their active children. While the price point is higher than some alternatives, the superior traction, robust construction, and comfortable fit justify the investment. These shoes are built to last and will provide reliable support and protection for countless adventures.

The value proposition is strong, as the La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s offer a combination of performance, durability, and style that is unmatched by many other kids’ hiking shoes. I would personally recommend these shoes to any parent who prioritizes quality and wants to equip their child with the best possible footwear for outdoor activities.

Equip your young adventurers with the La Sportiva Bushido II Jr Shoes – Kid’s and watch them conquer any trail with confidence! Get yours today and let the adventures begin!