The La Sportiva Helios III is positioned as a transitional shoe—perfect for runners tackling hardpack trails, forest paths, and light technical terrain without stepping into full mountain shoe territory. It’s the third evolution in the Helios line, bringing refinements in comfort, breathability, and weight reduction while maintaining aggressive trail chops. Whether you’re looking to bounce between pavement and dirt or squeeze every ounce of propulsion out of a dry mountain route, the Helios III was designed with responsiveness, comfort, and speed in mind.
Upper Construction: Breathability and Comfort in a Lightweight Shell
One of the most celebrated features of the Helios III is its mono burr ripstop and sandwich mesh upper—a multi-layer construction that maximises airflow without compromising structure. The TPU reinforcements applied via thermo-adhesive overlays help maintain shape while avoiding added weight.
This upper works particularly well in drier environments, where breathability and quick moisture shedding are essential. The fit has been refined from its predecessor, Helios SR, with 3D Foam cuff padding around the heel and ankle to reduce pressure points. The presence of a counter heel insert helps preserve structure during fast transitions and protects against crush during fitting.
The tongue is minimal, but padded enough to reduce lace pressure. Overall, it’s an upper focused on agility and terrain feel rather than brute protection, ideal for runners prioritising speed and natural foot motion.
Midsole: Responsive Cushioning with MorphoDynamic Geometry
Underfoot, the Helios III uses MEMElex injected EVA paired with La Sportiva’s MorphoDynamic technology. This cushioning system adapts to variable surface contours and promotes ground feel without sacrificing shock absorption. It’s notably bouncier and lighter than traditional mountain runners with full protection platforms.
The Cushioning Platform insert adds some welcome padding on long descents and hardpack paths. It’s particularly well-suited for athletes who prefer minimalist cushioning with control, rather than plush or overly dampened rides.
Drop is a modest 4mm, keeping foot positioning neutral and encouraging mid-to-forefoot strikes.
Outsole: FriXion Blu Compound for Hard Surface Traction
The outsole features La Sportiva’s FriXion Blue compound, chosen for its durability on hard terrain like compact trail, gravel, and dry rock. This compound is paired with Impact Brake System lugs that aid braking and acceleration dynamics by channeling pressure outward across the tread.
However, it’s worth noting that the lugs are shallow compared to shoes designed for mud or wet rock. According to customer feedback from high-profile races like the Ben Nevis Race, the Helios III excels on firm paths but loses confidence on loose scree or steep wet descents.
For dry trail users, gravel runners, or those incorporating paved sections into training loops, the outsole performs superbly. Runners who frequently train in wet or root-crossed forests may need to upgrade to a deeper lug option like the Bushido III or Jackal II.
Fit, Sizing & Break-in Period
Helios III offers a snug, performance-oriented fit. Most users opt for a half-size up, particularly if combining it with thicker socks or using orthotic inserts. The shoe runs slightly short in the forefoot due to its wraparound mesh and foam cuff, so sizing up ensures room without sacrificing control.
Break-in is virtually nonexistent. Runners report zero hot spots, no initial rubbing, and no heel lift—even after longer efforts. The shoe accommodates narrow to medium feet well, while wider-footed runners may prefer the Bushido III Wide or Akasha II.
Durability & Use Case
While the upper is engineered for airflow and weight savings, its resistance to abrasion is solid, especially with the thermo-formed toe bumper. The midsole and outsole combo hold shape over extended training cycles, and the FriXion Blue tread wears evenly even after multiple dry technical runs.
That said, Helios III is a shoe optimised for:
- Dry, rocky trails
- Paved-to-trail transitions
- Desert or high forest loops
- Light alpine scrambles
It is not ideal for:
- Wet roots, deep mud
- Multi-day mountain travel
- Long ultra-marathon distances over mixed terrain
Comparison Table: Helios III vs Bushido III, Jackal II, Akasha II
| Feature | Helios III | Bushido III | Jackal II | Akasha II |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (per shoe) | 219g | 305g | 300g | 330g |
| Drop | 4mm | 6mm | 7mm | 6mm |
| Best Terrain | Dry trail, gravel | Technical alpine terrain | Ultra-distance mixed trail | Long distance, varied trail |
| Upper Material | Ripstop + sandwich mesh | Airmesh + microfibre | Engineered mesh + TPU | Multi-layer breathable mesh |
| Outsole Compound | FriXion Blu | FriXion Red | FriXion AT | FriXion XT |
| Cushioning Type | MorphoDynamic EVA | Dual density EVA | Infinitoo™ high rebound EVA | Cushioned MEMElex EVA |
| Protection Level | Minimal toe bumper | TPU overlays + toe cap | Rock Guard insert | Full shock pad + toe guard |
| Grip on Wet Terrain | Moderate | High | High | Moderate |
| Recommended Use | Short technical runs | Alpine race, fast hiking | Ultra races, rocky trail | Marathon trail distances |
Value & Pricing
At full retail (£140), the Helios III sits mid-pack for a technical trail runner. However, it’s often heavily discounted—such as the current £83.95 listing at Rock + Run, representing nearly 40% off. This positions it as an excellent value for runners who need agility and breathable comfort over short to moderate efforts.
Compared to heavier models in the La Sportiva ecosystem, Helios III trades protection for feel—and if that’s what you’re after, it delivers in spades.
Final Verdict
The La Sportiva Helios III is ideal for trail runners who want precision over padding, speed over bulk, and terrain feel over armour. It’s a tool for the technical, designed to offer superior breathability, fast traction on hard surfaces, and lightweight manoeuvrability from start to finish.
While it isn’t built for mud, ultras, or harsh alpine weather, in the right context, it absolutely shines. Runners who enjoy fast-paced efforts on dry trail networks, coastal ridge lines, or paved/trail hybrids will get the most out of this shoe.
If breathability, weight, and agility are high on your gear checklist, and you want to feel more connected to the trail below, the Helios III is a compelling pick—and one that’s even more attractive when discounted.
