Running/scrambling shoes - (LS Bushido vs Mutant vs ???)

Looking for a shoe this summer primarily for Colorado ridge 5.easy scrambles with longer runnable approaches (LB-Blanca, Ripsaw Ridge, Crestones, Mohling, Glacier Gorge etc) and big Flatiron linkup days. I've been using Evolv Cruzers the past year but they suck to trail run in. I've been hearing really good things about the LS Mutant, but they have a 10mm heel toe drop and are pretty substantial and I've always been on the minimal end of things (open to experimentation though), so I took a look at the Bushidos which seem a little better in that sense, but I'm not sure what I'm giving up with those. So I guess does anyone have opinions on LS Mutant vs the LS Bushido, or any other suggestions? Thanks!

Bushido is okay. I'd like to try the Mutant as well. Personally 10mm is perfect for doing a lot of climbing (running uphill). Less stress on the Achilles.

I would add the Ultra Raptor into your consideration as well.

Here's my rating for the following attributes

* Mud/Snow Tread
1) Mutant (by a mile)
2) Bushido
3) Ultra Raptor

* Rock climbing grip
1) Ultra Raptor (by a significant amount)
2) Bushido
3) Mutant

It is worth noting that the raptors have an approach-shoe-like tread pattern (evenly spaced lugs, with a fairly low height), the bushido is like a normal trail runner, and the Mutant has very widely spaced deep lugs (fantastic for winter running)

* Weight
I don't remember the exact numbers, but the Raptors are the heaviest of the bunch

* Trail performance
Raptor - Nice rock plate under the ball of feet for all-day comfort
Mutant - Thicker shoe, generally comfortable (but I haven't done long slogs in these yet)
Bushido - Oddly enough I've owned a pair, but haven't had a chance to use them yet...

* Sizing/Fit
1/2) Raptor/Bushido - Normal lacing
3) Mutant - The mutant has a goofy lacing scheme which can be tough to get dialed in completely

Keep in mind that all three of these shoes are different Sportiva lasts, which means they tend to fit very differently (I don't think my 3 pairs are the same size...).

Raptors have been my go-to mountain shoe (hiking/scrambling) for the last decade. I've done a bunch of slide climbs and scrambles (easy 4th), and a few pitches of 5.easy slab. My feet are wide, so I need to size up a bit, which definitely impacts climbing performance (because my toes aren't touching the front of the shoe for precise foot work)

I don't run much any more, due to serious lack of cartilage in my knees, but the LS Helios 2.0 is super light with an aggressive enough tread pattern to be secure on rough trails, but still be stable. They have good rubber for 5.easy. I wouldn't hesitate to use them on a flatiron.

If you are running on really rough terrain (talus/scree) these would probably be sub-optimal, since they are soft on the bottom.

The mutant is a good trail runner, but the knobby tread makes it insecure for climbing in my opinion. I didn't realize the flat "climbing zone" in the front of approach shoes really mattered until I got mutants, which have knobs all the way to the front.

For something that can still run, but climbs better, check out the TX2.

In my opinion, Bushidos suck at scrambling out of the box. They get significantly better as the soft outer lugs wear down. Still, I'd wear them for any of the alpine stuff mentioned, with perhaps rock shoes for the Pagoda part of GG. My older pairs work okay on Flatirons.

A buddy used Akashas or mutants on many of those alpine scrambles and Palisades. I used Crosslites and Bushidos for quite awhile, but they never seemed as good as the old LS Raptors for alpine scrambles. Shoe choice doesn't matter as much for blocky alpine as it does for Flatiron slab.

Or just buy TX3s.