Review of De La Sportiva Prodigio

I have run on many brands of running shoes and trail shoes. La Sportiva was still missing from this list. Time to change that. The 60 kilometers of the very beautiful Graef Castricum Trail So I walked on this shoe from La Sportiva. Prodigio is Italian for child prodigy. Whether this shoe is one, you can read below.

This is what La Sportiva itself writes about their shoe:

A revolutionary product dedicated to the Ultra Trail world of La Sportiva. The new XFlow™ foam has been designed and developed to guarantee maximum cushioning and energy return – kilometre after kilometre. Every detail has been designed to meet the needs of the most demanding runners: the spacious toe box and breathable upper ensure comfort even after hours of running, while the Wrapping System and perfect heel ergonomics provide stability and protection.

The La Sportiva Prodigio represents a significant evolution compared to previous models of the brand and introduces a number of important innovations:

• XFlow midsole : This nitrogen-injected foam provides enhanced cushioning and energy return, giving the shoe a softer, more responsive ride compared to the traditionally firmer midsoles of previous La Sportiva models.
• Wrapping System Construction : A new design in the forefoot area features reinforcing bands that converge at the first eyelet. This provides a snug fit and better stability of the foot during technical movements.
• FriXion Red outsole : The use of a dual-compound rubber gives this sole a good balance between grip and durability, making it versatile on different terrains.
• Improved breathability : The upper is made of a light and breathable mesh material that dries quickly and provides better temperature regulation, a difference from the more robust uppers of previous models.

These improvements mark a shift from La Sportiva’s traditional focus on rugged, technical trail shoes. The Prodigio offers a more cushioned and comfortable option, especially for ultra-long distances. More models within the Prodigio line will follow.

Now for the specifications of the Prodigio.We will limit ourselves to the basics:

• Heel drop: 6 mm
• Stack Height: 34/28 mm
• Studs: 3.5 mm
• Weight: 300 grams (men) and 235 grams (women)
• Outsole: Frixion XT Red (for grip, cushioning and durability)
• Midsole: XFlow
• Rockplate: No
• Suggested retail price; 159.95 euros

I myself have not run on the older models of La Sportiva, so I can hardly make that comparison. However, I can compare it well with the other brands that we sell. The Prodigio has been tested during the 60 kilometers of the Graef Castricum Trail in the dunes. An edition with a lot of wind this year.

When you put it on you notice that it is lightweight and it is a breathable upper. The upper laces are fixed in a somewhat harder piece of shoe. Sometimes you have a shoe where that presses into your skin, but that is not the case here.

The sole has sufficient cushioning, but is somewhat stiffer. This shoe would therefore be ideal for somewhat harder surfaces. Then the responsiveness also comes into its own better. Of course, it is also a brand from the mountains, so that is where he feels most at home. He rolls well and the grip was sufficient.

I have only tested it in the Netherlands so far, but I think this shoe will perform even better on more technical mountain terrain.

The La Sportiva Prodigio can be compared to other popular trail shoes. Here are some comparable models that you might be running in right now:

1. Hoka Speedgoat 6

• Comparison : Like the Prodigio, the Speedgoat 6 offers excellent cushioning and a rocker-inspired design, suitable for long distances and technical terrain.
• Differences : The Speedgoat 6 has a softer, more cushioned ride and lower technical precision, while the Prodigio focuses more on stability and responsiveness.

2. Salomon Ultra Glide 2

• Comparison : This shoe offers a similar balance between cushioning and stability, with good grip thanks to the Contagrip sole.
• Differences : The Ultra Glide 2 has a more versatile profile, suitable for less technical trails, while the Prodigio is specifically designed for tough and technical conditions.

3. Altra Olympus 6

• Comparison : Both shoes focus on maximum cushioning and grip on challenging terrain.
• Differences : The Olympus has a zero drop (no height difference between heel and forefoot), which contributes to a natural running style, while the Prodigio offers a traditional drop with a more responsive ride.

4. Scarpa Spin Infinity

• Comparison : Like the Prodigio, the Spin Infinity focuses on stability, cushioning and performance on technical trails.
• Differences : The Prodigio offers a more innovative midsole technology, while the Spin Infinity is known for its sturdy protection and precision on rocky terrain.

5.Nike Wildhorse

• Comparison : This shoe offers similar grip and protection on challenging trails, combined with a well-cushioned midsole.
• Differences : The Prodigio has more advanced damping technology and better stability on technical terrain.

6. Inov-8 Trailfly

• Comparison : Both shoes are designed for long distances and offer cushioning and stability. The Trailfly is equipped with Graphene Grip and a responsive midsole, which ensures durability and grip on technical trails.
• Differences : The Prodigio offers a more dynamic running experience and features a more innovative midsole technology focused on energy return.

Each of these shoes has unique features and benefits, but they all share characteristics that suit runners who grip, cushioning and comfort important for long trails.