These are my new favorite daily drivers for dirt roads and easy trails. Pretty light, springy, and so comfortable straight away. When trying it on, I could feel the ankle collar if I exaggerated my ankle flexion into it, but I didn't notice it when running. After a couple of runs, I forgot about it completely.
For one more sizing reference: Prodigio 47.5, Mutant 47.5, Akasha II 47.
La Sportiva Prodigio Shoe
In 1928, La Sportiva began by producing quality wooden clogs and boots for the Fiemme and Fassa Valleys farmers. Fast forward more than 95 years, and they continue to innovate by introducing the La Sportiva Prodigio. With an emphasis on high performance, the Prodigio is built for longer distances when comfort and protection matter most. The XFLOW™ Nitrogen-infused Supercritical EVA offers an unparalleled amount of energy return versus weight savings compared to traditional EVA foams. If a 34mm stack height wasn't enough, the added FLOWFILM™ full-length PU coated Nylon Mesh Insert protects your feet from roots and rocks alike. Perfect trail conditions rarely exist, so luckily, the Prodigio's highly breathable mesh upper allows for quick drying on wet runs and keeps feet cool on hot ones. With 4mm lugs and the FRIXION® XT 2.0 outsole providing the perfect grip versus durability, the Prodigio is made for anything from boulder hopping to smooth, buttery single track. While we aren't sure this much technology could be packed into a shoe, the La Sportiva Prodigio is the go-to shoe for anyone looking for maximum energy return and comfort for long days on any terrain.
SkyRun Fit Tip - Pick your typical European size. We advise sizing up one-half US size if you are unsure of your Euro shoe size.
- The engineered knit upper is highly breathable, quick-drying, and durable.
- Dual Compound FRIXION® XT 2.0 outsole combines a stickier rubber in the center with a more durable rubber on the outside.
- FLOWFILM™ full-length PU plate protects from rocks, roots, and all matter-of-pointy things.
- With the XFLOW™ Nitrogen Infused Foam, comfort and energy return are of the highest level.
- Big-Hand mid-foot stability wrap does an excellent job securing the foot on uneven terrain.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
288g [44.0] |
| Weight (pair) | 576g [44.0] |
|
Lug |
4mm |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Stack Height | 34mm |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
| Outsole | FRIXION® XT 2.0 |
| Fit | Medium Volume |
| Last | Medium / Wide |
| Cushion | High |
| Protection | Medium |
| Lacing System | Traditional |
| SkyRun Says | |
| Usage | Long days out |
| Notes | Mid-foot stability wrap provides excellent security to avoid the "tippy" feeling often associated with higher-stack shoes |
| Bottom Line | La Sportiva has raised the bar for high-cushioned distance shoes |
| Compare to other Distance Shoes | |
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Questions & Reviews
Comment on this review:
The second I put on this shoe I knew it was going to be a good one. With over 70 miles on the shoe on a variety of trail types and plenty of vert, this shoe has excelled in every way. At a similar price point to most daily-driver shoes, I think this one is superior in almost every way. The energy return from La Sportiva's new outsole material, the weight-to-cushion ratio is impressive and the grip from their white rubber is some of the best I've used. This shoe is great on short and fast efforts just as it is on long technical days of pounding the feet. This is the best all-around shoe on the market right now and has earned its spot as my daily driver shoe.
Concerning fit/sizing I would say it's a medium volume shoe and fits true to size.
Concerning fit/sizing I would say it's a medium volume shoe and fits true to size.
Comment on this review:
Very stoked on these! Only a few miles in at this point so I can't offer a long term review, but so far, these might be the best all-around trail shoe I've tried. Great ground feel, responsive cushioning that doesn't feel too stiff or too soft, and stable on uneven terrain. The lug pattern is a favorite as well - the rubber is sticky, and the lugs aren't so big as to be clunky but still offer great grip on loose and soft terrain. The shoe is also noticeably lightweight.
In terms of fit, the midfoot and heel are secure and medium-narrow, whereas the forefoot widens and the toe box has a very nice shape. I have a lower volume, narrower foot, and the forefoot is roomy without being too wide for me to feel secure. Overall, the volume is pretty medium. I can see this shoe fitting a lot of people.
Regarding the ankle collar - I was a little hesitant as I could feel the ankle a little bit trying on in-store. However, it's been a non-issue on trail so far, and I expect it will soften up more with use. I'll update this review when I have more miles on the shoes, but so far, very excited.
In terms of fit, the midfoot and heel are secure and medium-narrow, whereas the forefoot widens and the toe box has a very nice shape. I have a lower volume, narrower foot, and the forefoot is roomy without being too wide for me to feel secure. Overall, the volume is pretty medium. I can see this shoe fitting a lot of people.
Regarding the ankle collar - I was a little hesitant as I could feel the ankle a little bit trying on in-store. However, it's been a non-issue on trail so far, and I expect it will soften up more with use. I'll update this review when I have more miles on the shoes, but so far, very excited.
Comment on this review:
4/10/2024
Really excited to try these but don't have the luxury of trying them on. If I'm a 44 in an Akasha II but a 44.5 in a Jackal II (and recent-ish Mutant size), would I be best to start with the 44.5 in these per the "fit tip"?
Thanks guys!
Thanks guys!
4/10/2024
Hey Benjamin, the Prodigio has fit pretty similar length-wise to other shoes in La Sportivas lineup. You would probably be fine sticking with the 44.5 size.
Answer this question:
I'm a few runs in and have to say...totally surprised by this model. I've run in the Mutant, Akasha, Jackal and Cyklon and this is far better than all of them IMO. Really versatile across a wide range of terrain in less than ideal conditions. I will be going for a longer run tomorrow, but 5+ miler up Sanitas in Boulder and down the backside was really promising. Traction, underfoot comfort, and fit are really nice. The midsole is new for them, the version of Super Critical Foam is great but not so much that it's Super Springy or loose contact with the trail. Nice Rocker, too, without overdoing it.
The bad or sort of bad is the length of the laces being on the shorter side. The heel collar area at first has been very stiff and biting into my ankles at times. I did work the area with my hands to try and "soften" it up, but that piece of material wedged in between the outer/inner fabric is very stiff. My second run was better with a slightly thicker sock, but this could, unfortunately, be a deal breaker for some if they don't stick with it and let them break in a bit. It's such a great offering from the brand, and my only guess as to why it runs so well in Boulder terrain is due to AK's feedback along the way.(Thank you Anton :) Great new model out of the gate, great price, great brand. Thanks La Sportiva for creating this shoe!
The bad or sort of bad is the length of the laces being on the shorter side. The heel collar area at first has been very stiff and biting into my ankles at times. I did work the area with my hands to try and "soften" it up, but that piece of material wedged in between the outer/inner fabric is very stiff. My second run was better with a slightly thicker sock, but this could, unfortunately, be a deal breaker for some if they don't stick with it and let them break in a bit. It's such a great offering from the brand, and my only guess as to why it runs so well in Boulder terrain is due to AK's feedback along the way.(Thank you Anton :) Great new model out of the gate, great price, great brand. Thanks La Sportiva for creating this shoe!
Comment on this review:
3/7/2024
Do you know when you’ll have the Prodigio in stock?
3/7/2024
Hi Ryan, we could have those as early as next week or as late as the end of the month. Crossing our fingers it's not the latter. We are eager as well!
Answer this question:
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