Favorite hybrid running/scrambling shoes in 2025?

It might be time to finally retire the current pair of Bushidos and wondering if there's been any changes since the last threads on this a few years ago. Seems like the Mutant is still the GOAT based on what I see in the Flatirons but I don't love the way they fit my foot (hence the Bushidos). The Prodigio and Prodigio Pros are out now which I know Anton used for LA Freeway and other hybrid adventures (although I think I read somewhere he got some custom Prodigio OGs made with LaSpo sticky rubber? Not sure) but I don't really know anyone who uses them regularly to ask irl.

Still hanging onto my TX2s for days where the climbing's more demanding but wondering what everyone's trail runner fav is for Flatirons and alpine (< 5.6 i.e. Cables, ridge traverses, etc). 

My favorite scrambling trail runner out there is the VJ Maxx or VJ XTRM 2. The rubber is excellent, even as it wears down. Downside is they cost twice as much as LS, accounting for sales and availability.

My main issue with LS is longevity. Mutants are still pretty common, especially with half resole dot rubber. A good number of the Mutants seen in the Flatirons have half resoles. Bushidos are fine once the outer lugs rip off, but then they're on a ticking clock before the rubber wears through. I do have a few pairs of TX Guides and TX2s for the everyday but they get slick as they wear down, and have hit or miss rubber issues with parts chunking off versus wearing down. TX2s are overall some of the best value as they can be found readily <$100 shipped. 

Look at the Scarpa Rapid or Rielble Run line.  

I have a new pair of Bushido's and like them the most. 

I picked up a pair if Prodigio last week and I can't really see myself scrambling in them. Very compliant sole and too much foam in the heal to offer much support. Very comfortable, kinda like running on clouds compared to something stiff like my Ultra Raptor's. 

Go visit the store in Boulder, ask questions,  buy what fits you best. 

The new Vertex speed from Arcteryx looks promising. 

bearded sam wrote:

The new Vertex speed from Arcteryx looks promising. 

This. Mega grip outsole with a hard climbing edge combined with a cushy midsole has me off the Sportiva train for the first time in a while. 

Collin Wederquist wrote:

This. Mega grip outsole with a hard climbing edge combined with a cushy midsole has me off the Sportiva train for the first time in a while. 

These look really sick actually. It sounds like you've tried them? General thoughts?

Ryan Marsters wrote:

My favorite scrambling trail runner out there is the VJ Maxx or VJ XTRM 2. The rubber is excellent, even as it wears down. Downside is they cost twice as much as LS, accounting for sales and availability.

My main issue with LS is longevity. Mutants are still pretty common, especially with half resole dot rubber. A good number of the Mutants seen in the Flatirons have half resoles. Bushidos are fine once the outer lugs rip off, but then they're on a ticking clock before the rubber wears through. I do have a few pairs of TX Guides and TX2s for the everyday but they get slick as they wear down, and have hit or miss rubber issues with parts chunking off versus wearing down. TX2s are overall some of the best value as they can be found readily <$100 shipped. 

VJs look really nice. Wish there was a place to try them on in town but doesn't look like there's a reseller anywhere close. 

Kinda surprised to hear the thing about a lot of the Mutants in the Flatties having half resoles! I don't personally know anyone who's gone that route but you're probably more in touch with the scrambling community than I am. I wish they fit my foot.

Fwiw, I've had my Bushidos for 450 miles now and although all the lugs are pretty much worn, I really don't mind that - feels better for smearing. They have like 0 cushioning tho atm lol. Agree that the TX2 is the GOAT for when scrambling is the main focus, not the running, but I'm trending the other way at the moment. Still love those shoes.

Andy Novak wrote:

Look at the Scarpa Rapid or Rielble Run line.  

Ribelle Run looks nice. Do you use those? Any thoughts?

Newt, same thoughts on the Prodigios...I demoed them at a Run Club recently and I was floating on trail, but idk if I'd want that much cushion on rock. I was a bit surprised to hear Anton used them for LAF for that reason, which is why I was curious if anyone had tried them with the resole. The Bushidos do feel pretty classic...okay at everything, not great at anything.

Here's hoping someday Sportiva releases a scramble-friendly Bushido Ultra with actual climbing dot rubber in the forefoot and a more sturdy rand there as well. In the meantime, I will help keep Rock and Resole busy with modifying my stock shoes. Those of you who scramble on stock outsoles, more power to you.

Shay Subramanian wrote:

These look really sick actually. It sounds like you've tried them? General thoughts?

Yep! I have about 30 miles of scrambling/running on a pair of the low tops and loving them so far. The fit reminds me of a TX guide with a bit wider of a toe box, which most people will love.

As with any Arc shoes I’ve tried on, I find a half sized down from your normal street shoe size is the sweet spot. 

For what it's worth, my sizing experience:

41.5: VJs, LS Bushidos, Kaptivas, or TX2s. Narrow, slightly small fit relative to street shoes but good for scrambling. The same fit equals 41 in Saucony trail runners and 42 in TX Guides.

Definitely more on the climbing side but I’m loving my Salewa Wildfire Edges. They have this variable lace system where you can lace them a bit higher for scrambling or a bit lower and looser for hiking/light running. Have run a bit in them and no issues with that. Definitely the most runnable approach shoes I’ve had so far (mostly the TX series, and a few of the Scarpas). 

I use the Scarpa Rapid for a lot of missions. Great combination of a comfy (for me) running shoe with good stickiness. They are obviously not as stiff as heavy duty approach shoes (i.e. TX guide) but they are a good compromise. My main complaint has been durability - I typically wear holes in the sides (outside front) and go through laces quickly. 

For anyone with a wide toe box, I have been pleased with the Topo Mountain Racers.  They are supportive enough for the technical running up and down Bear Peak and more than adequately sticky for the Third Flatiron.  It took me a bit to get comfortable on the Direct East face of the First with them but now it feels reasonable.

They're not for everyone but the Vibram Five Finger V-trail is a great run/scramble shoe. It's got mega grip rubber so very sticky. The big toe dexterity and sensitivity are really great for the smearing you find on scrambles and 5.easy soloing in the flatirons.

My go-to has always been a half-resole on whatever my favorite trail runner is at the time.

Lately, I’ve been running in Arc’teryx shoes—mainly the Norvan LD. Super comfortable, fun to run in, and the rubber is megagrip. That said, with the amount of EVA foam underfoot, they can feel a bit soft and “schmooey” at times.

The Vertex Alpine, on the other hand, is one of the best scrambling shoes I’ve ever used. Excellent precision and support—but they do feel a bit stiff on longer, pounding descents.

I love the Bushido, but I found some Dynafit Alpine DNA’s at Sierra for 40 bucks, and they’re amazing. Bushidos suck for running, imo, but the Alpines handle running way better and scrambling just as well. 

+1 on the Scarpa rapids. They're great for the Flatirons.

Nnormal Kjerag, they blew me away.

Arc LD4 is also great, but as mentioned cushier and therefore less precise. 

I have fully settled in the "give me Megagrip or give me death" camp. 

Approach shoes don't run for shit, and all the attempts at hybrid run/approach shoes do neither well.

MauryB wrote:

Nnormal Kjerag, they blew me away.

Arc LD4 is also great, but as mentioned cushier and therefore less precise. 

I have been eyeing the Kjerag. Do you have any reference for a shoe that it feels similar to?