Our review of the La Sportiva Prodigo Max, a companion to our top trail shoe of the year.
Between ankle rolls, instability, weight, and lack of trail feel, I’ve always been skeptical of maximal stack height trail shoes. The La Sportiva Prodigio Max may be the shoe to change my mind.
In short, the Prodigio Max is a version of La Sportiva’s Prodigo Pro trail supershoe designed for long-distance comfort. That was actually our stand out trail shoe of the year, so it’s got big shoes to fill!!
Sportiva markets the Max as the “ultimate companion” for some of the world’s hardest ultras, like the Tor Des Geants or the Tahoe 200 – races I will never run.
After putting it through its paces across a variety of terrains and distances, I can confidently say that you don’t need to race long ultras – or ultras at all – to fall in love with the Prodigio Max.
Who Is It Good For?
- Wide Feet: While wider than other European shoes, this shoe is likely not the right choice for someone with truly wide feet.
- Technical Trails: The FriXion rubber provides great grip on rocky terrain but this shoe doesn’t quite have the lugs for loose dirt or gravel surfaces.
- Long Runs: With max-cushion support, the Prodigio Max is designed for long runs and races.
- Front of the Pack: This shoe is designed for lasting comfort, making it a great option for runners chasing podiums (or bringing up the back of the pack) at longer ultras.
La Sportiva Prodigio Max Overview
The newest in the Prodigio line features some key changes from its high-speed cousin, the Prodigio Pro. Notably, La Sportiva increased cushioning adding 3mm of stack height.
The shoe feels surprisingly firm for the amount of cushion. Not rock hard, not super squishy… kind of Goldilocks softness that provides comfort without feeling like your foot has sunk in.
To ensure stability on a taller shoe, the Prodigio Max rocks a wider forefoot, making it a comfortable option for a wider variety of foot sizes. With these changes comes a heavier weight (the men’s shoe weighs 1.5 oz more).
These changes make the Prodigio Max the perfect option for the long haul: long training runs, mountain adventures, and – yes – the longest ultramarathons. While the longest run I took them on was only 12 miles, it was to close out a big training week, and my feet felt no worse for wear. In fact, my feet felt so good, I was sad to stop running!
One thing I loved about this shoe was the sturdy base.
Some other high stack shoes I’ve tried have felt really unstable, like my foot was going to slide off of the platform, causing ankle rolls – but I have had no ankle rolls or even close calls in my time testing this shoe.
Compared with some other high-performance mountain shoes (like the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4), the Prodigio Max has a somewhat looser fit. This made it feel less responsive when quickly moving from rock to rock.
Despite this – and despite the stack height – I was pleasantly surprised by how well I was able to feel the trail (and the rocks I stepped on).
The mid-foot upper is really durable and designed to keep out debris. It felt a little stiff initially but broke in quickly, though it is less breathable than mesh.
The rocker, while more subtle than some other shoes (such as the Hoka Speedgoat), gives the shoe great energy transfer when moving at a faster clip. The rocker does make the drop feel a little higher than it is (6 mm). I have to watch out for my achilles thanks to an old case of tendinitis, but have had no issues in these shoes.
Finally, the front top part (that darker black band) is reinforced which feels like it provides some additional protection from tripping over rocks, sticks, etc. And you’ll notice it has a pretty standard size toe bumper as well for those of us who end up catching our toe frequently.
La Sportiva Prodigio Max Specifications
- Weight: 10.4 oz Men’s, 9.1 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 37 mm
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- Available in 4 Colors
- Not available in wide
- Available on www.lasportivausa.com for $185
I’m far from a fashionista, but these are some of the cleanest looking shoes I’ve run in. The first time I wore them, I got multiple comments about how great they looked. And with four colors available, you can find one to match any wardrobe.
Quick Take
- Wider forefoot to accommodate the higher stack height
- Great for long distances
- Rocker has great energy return
- Not good for those who need wide shoes
- Not for loose dirt or gravel trails
- Less responsive than other high-performance trail shoes
La Sportiva Prodigio Max Fit
This is definitely not a shoe for a wide foot but the wider base compared with the Prodigio Pro is more accommodating of a medium-width foot.
Similarly, the shoe sports a roomier toe box than I’d expect from a European brand. I normally have to re-lace my shoes to prevent my toes from going numb but have had no issues using the out-of-the-box factory lacing.
Once tied, the shoe feels really secure. I did not experience any heel lift nor did I notice my foot swimming around in the midfoot, even when pushing off of angled rocks. In general, the shoe responds well to my foot, bending in all of the right places without creating any pressure points. The tongue is thin but cut-out in the middle – no ankle blisters or scrapes here!
Similar Shoes to the La Sportiva Prodigio Max
- La Sportiva Prodigio Pro – It’s literally the sister shoe, just lighter and faster
- Salomon S/Lab Glide Ultra – Narrower fit, with similar weight and stack height
- Saucony Xodus Ultra – Slightly heavier with similar stack and drop, we love the grip on this shoe
Our Verdict
If you’re logging long miles on packed dirt or rocky terrain, the Prodigio Max delivers an ideal balance of comfort, responsiveness, and stability. While it’s not the best fit for trails with crushed gravel or loose dirt, it’s a standout choice for mountain runners – whether or not you’re running long ultras.
Who Tried It?
Hi there! I’m Alyssa, a trail runner and sports dietitian based in Golden, Colorado. By winter, I log about 15-20 miles per week while mixing in cross-training on (fat and skinny) skis. By summer, I’m taking advantage of all that Colorado has to offer, logging 30-50 miles per week, chasing mountain views and steep vert. For ramblings about running, photos of my border collies, and my favorite nutrition tips for runners, follow me on Instagram @alyssaoutside_rd or reach out to me at www.peaktopeaknutrition.com.
What to read next?
- Checkout recommendations for the best trail running shoes
- Or look at the our round up of the best road to trail shoes
- Tips for Training for your First 50K
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