La Sportiva Prodigio Max Trail Shoe

Review by Erin Trail

The Prodigio Max is La Sportiva’s newest trail running shoe, with more cushion and a wider platform.  This shoe is aimed at those who prefer a bit more cushion and stability in a shoe.

Technical Specifications

• MIDSOLE: XFlow™ Endurance with EVA+NITRO (Outer Cage) + eTPU (Inner Core)
• SOLE: Bi-Compound FriXion® XT 2.0 / 4mm Laspo™ Lugs
• DROP: 6mm (Toe: 31mm, Heel: 37mm)
• Stability wrapping system over the instep promotes efficient power transfer from foot to shoe to ground during technical running
• Wide platform and medium rocker design

Detailed Review

I tested the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro last winter.  While I loved the feel of the shoe, the smaller volume and tongue design didn’t play well with my insoles.

The La Sportiva Prodigio Max carries some of the playfulness and dependability of the Prodigio Pro. And thanks to a wider platform and more generous shoe volume, my pesky insoles also work with the shoe.

I’ve been testing the La Sportiva Prodigio Max throughout late summer and early fall, on camping trips and on my weekend trail runs. These shoes have done double duty as both hiking shoes and running shoes over the past few months.

The design of the La Sportiva Prodigio Max is a bit different than other La Sportiva models, mainly in that the space inside the shoe is more generous than their typical European fit.  While still not what I could call “wide”, the shoe did allow plenty of room for my insoles (which have a met pad).  I had zero foot discomfort during any of my testing – no numbness, hot spots, or excessive foot movement.

Underfoot, the XFlow™ Endurance was supportive but didn’t feel squishy.  It felt more in the firm than I was expecting, given the name “Max”.

The La Sportiva Prodigio Max really shined on uneven terrain.  The trail I do most of my shoe testing on is a mix of hard packed dirt, loose rock, imbedded baby head rocks, and sandstone conglomerate. The Prodigio Max offered confident footing, even on sections with those annoying baby head rocks. Even in areas where other shoes felt tippy, the Prodigio Max effectively monster trucked my way though.

I really liked the FriXion® XT 2.0 sole.  The shoes held their traction well, even on sections of my test trail that had a light layer of sand over it. I found that the 4 mm lugs were more than sufficient for my needs on slightly technical trails.

The outsole is also well designed.  The toes of the shoe have a protective toe cap while the rest of the shoe is a lighter but durable wire TPEE Polyester.

As for sizing, as is typical for La Sportiva, I have found that the Prodigio Max also runs small.  I typically wear a women’s size 9.  I found that sizing up a half-size to a 9.5 fit me nicely.

And an unexpected perk: the Chalk/Rosebay colorway is UV blue light activated for a fun glow, as determined during the neon glow dance party at Roam Fest. The shoes also provided great cushion for tired feet after days of mountain biking and then hours of after-dark dancing.

Closing Thoughts

The La Sportiva Prodigio Max is a shoe that will definitely appeal to a broader audience, thanks to the more generous design and wider platform.  This shoe falls into a daily trainer or long miles category for me, providing great support and secure footing.

The La Sportiva Prodigio Max is available in both men’s and women’s sizing.  Women’s sizing ranges from 5.5 to 11, men’s sizing ranges from 7.5 to 16.

Erin Trail

Trail Boss of Stoke