Review of the La Sportiva Prodigio

I've run in 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 these shoes from La Sportiva. Prodigio is Italian for "prodigy." Whether this shoe is also one of those, 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 offer stability and protection.

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

• XFlow midsole This nitrogen-injected foam offers enhanced cushioning and energy return, giving the shoe a softer and more responsive ride compared to the traditionally firmer midsoles of previous La Sportiva models.
• Wrapping System Construction A new forefoot design features reinforced bands that converge at the first eyelet. This provides a snug fit and improved foot stability during technical movements.
• FriXion Red outsole : By using a dual-compound rubber, this sole offers a good balance between grip and durability, making it versatile on different terrains.
• Improved breathability The upper is made of a lightweight, 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, the specifications of the Prodigio.We'll stick 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

I haven't personally run the older La Sportiva models, so I can't make that comparison. However, I can compare it well with the other brands we sell. The Prodigio was tested, among other things, during the 60-kilometer Graef Castricum Trail in the dunes. A very windy event this year.

When you put them on, you'll notice they're lightweight and have a breathable upper. The upper laces are secured in a slightly firmer part of the shoe. Sometimes you have shoes where that digs into your skin, but that's not the case here.

The sole offers sufficient cushioning, but is a bit stiffer. This shoe would therefore be ideal for firmer surfaces, where the responsiveness is also more pronounced. Of course, it's also a mountain brand, so that's where it feels most at home. It 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 terrain in the mountains.

The La Sportiva Prodigio can be compared to other popular trail shoes. Here are some similar models you might be running in 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 a 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 features Graphene Grip and a responsive midsole, providing durability and traction 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 qualities that suit runners who grip, cushioning and comfort consider important for long trails.