La Sportiva Prodigio

First time I wear a mountain running shoe from La Sportiva, and I have been lucky enough to test the new La Sportiva Prodigio. The sensations could not be better and I was really surprised because, as the brand itself said, my idea was that they would work great in compact terrain without much difficulty, but my feeling is that they are very versatile.

It is a trail running shoe very different from what the Italian brand used to offering, but they still maintain their essence. And what is the essence of this new La Sportiva Prodigio? The last, the colors, the dexterity with which you move with them and the materials used. After testing them for more than 100 kilometers over different terrains, it has already become clear to me that they are going to be a good travel option this season.

What is the trail runner profile of these new La Sportiva Prodigio?

These new La Sportiva Prodigio are for light to medium weight runners, men under 80 kilos and women under 65 kilos. Designed for fast running and weighing less than 300 grams, we could include it in the group called "door to trail".

If I had to place this model in a certain distance, it would be in the marathon and short ultra-distance range. Designed to enjoy long mountain runs, although it is true that for long ultra-distance races I do not see them as advisable for more than a few runners.

For light runners adapted to this type of models and with good running technique. The reason is that it is a model with little protection and structure, and very demanding to use for so many kilometers.

What I liked most about La Sportiva Prodigio

The new La Sportiva Prodigio stand out for their great dynamism, being able to redefine your trail experience. Its design is made to invite you to a fast and agile race with every step. Their versatility is remarkable, masterfully adapting to a wide range of terrains and distances, making them a premium choice for the most demanding trail running enthusiasts.

On dry, compact terrain, the Prodigio inspire unwavering confidence. The secure feeling they convey allows you to concentrate fully on the trail, without worrying about stability or grip. This feature is particularly valuable on technical descents or on sections that require quick changes of direction.

The key to its exceptional performance lies largely in its innovative midsole. With profiles of 34 mm in the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a 6 mm drop, the Prodigio achieves an optimal balance between protection and ground connection. This design favors a smooth and natural transition of the foot, promoting an efficient stride without sacrificing cushioning.

The XFlow compound is the technological highlight of these shoes from the renowned Italian brand. Manufactured using an advanced process of nitrogen-injected and nitrogen-infused EVA, this revolutionary material raises the standard of what can be expected from a trail shoe. The feel it offers is exceptionally pleasant, almost luxurious, allowing for long days of training or racing without unnecessary fatigue.

But what is truly amazing about the XFlow is the balance it strikes between seemingly contradictory qualities. On the one hand, it provides a dynamism that propels you forward, harnessing every ounce of energy invested in the stride. On the other, it maintains a precise feel for the terrain, essential for quick decision-making and adaptability on variable trails. And all this without sacrificing an enveloping comfort that protects joints from cumulative impact.

In my opinion, these Prodigio represent a quantum leap for La Sportiva, as it fuses cutting-edge technology with meticulous performance-oriented design. Whether for demanding training or competition at the highest level, these shoes are ready to elevate your running experience, pushing it to new horizons of speed, agility and enjoyment in the mountains.

Opportunities for improvement in La Sportvia Prodigio

One of the negative points of La Sportiva Prodigio is the narrow last, and that it is somewhat looser than the rest of the models of the Italian house. I find it difficult to use this model in long distance and not suffer due to the possible swelling of the feet with the passage of kilometers.

I miss a greater protection in the metatarsal area and the shoe comes with a very fair padding, with which they get a more than acceptable weight, which makes this model seems insufficient for very long distance runs.

Possible direct rivals of La Sportiva Prodigio

To the question: With which models can we compare these La Sportiva Prodigio? I have no doubt that they can be compared to the:

Why do I recommend these new La Sportiva Prodigio?

I don't think it's an ideal model for technical or rough terrain. In wet terrain it does not have a great grip on rocks and roots, but it is a safe bet for most terrains. A very versatile model, with a lot of precision despite its high profile, which allows you to run with a lot of ease, one of the models that should be on the list of the best trail running shoes of 2024, and therefore one of the most desired of the season.