Best La Sportiva Trail Running Shoes Right Now

Basically, It’s the Prodigio Line

TAYLOR: My college coach was known for his analogies. Some matched his goofy character, leaving you bewildered. Others were more precise and explained a point thoroughly. 

Unless he was running, you could always find him in a simple pair of jeans, the same pair he had likely worn for the last 30 years. One day, it was apparent that he needed to refresh his denim collection. He described the process of finding a new pair. There was a “cereal aisle” full of options, with different washes, cuts, stress levels, etc. The options were so overwhelming that, in the end, he left without a pair of jeans.

As with my coach and his jeans, there are so many options these days when it comes to footwear. This is especially true in the running world where each brand may have a half dozen or more choices just for trail running. This is exactly one of the reasons why I appreciate what La Sportiva (and some other brands) has done with their Prodigio lineup. 

Yes, there are three current options with the Prodigio tag, but it’s actually a straightforward system of shoes. Each one has its own unique qualities, but all share some foundational commonalities. So whether you’re going short or long, fast or slow, on your daily run or on race day, La Sportiva has something to offer in the Prodigio Line.

I will note that these shoes have all received quite positive feedback from our reviewers and the broader running community, mostly because this lineup feels refreshing for such a staple brand in the mountain running category.

The biggest story with the La Sportiva Prodigio line is an updated fit that’s more accommodating but still secure. Even my average/wide forefoot can fit comfortably (I wear a half size up in La Sportiva shoes compared to my typical 10.5).

They also branch out with a more versatile and pleasing set of foams underfoot. These adjustments completely flipped my perception of the brand– instead of highly specific, the Prodigio line comes off as quite versatile. Let me show you why.

La Sportiva Prodigio Line

This is the one that started them all. Think of the La Sportiva Prodigio as the “base model” of the series that set the standards for moving forward. It won the 2024 Best in Gear Trail award for the Technical category. A large reason is because this shoe has the technical prowess to absolutely crush on the more iffy terrain and it had the comfort to go from door-to-trail. 

The Prodigio lands in the “moderate-stack” height and will be a pleasing day-to-day trail option that, in our opinion, out competes many in its category. A true sense of versatility is felt from its Xflow nitrogen infused EVA midsole, the fit provided by a simple engineered mesh, and cross-terrain grip via the dual-material more subtle Frixion Red outsole.

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Continuing the theme of versatility is the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro. Right off the bat, I want to say that this shoe is one of the best performing trail running shoes ever made. Yes, ever.

Isn’t it interesting that this is one of the few race day options that lacks any sort of propulsion plate? While the stack height is the same as the original Prodigio, there’s a whole lot more that throws the Prodigio Pro to the top of the podium.

First, there’s the ingredient choice. The upper has a Powerwire upper, an engineered yarn that’s mapped around the foot beautifully for utmost security on any type of terrain. An integrated sock-like booty only enhances that comfort and confidence. The fit is slightly slimmer and feels more of an extension of the foot compared to the original Prodigio.

I personally chose a half size up, again, from my typical running shoe size for daily runs, and went a full size up for long runs and longer races. 

The magic seamlessly flows down to the foam. This is another new foam for the brand called XFlow Speed. While it does have a supercritical EVA outer shell (similar foam to the Prodigio), a softer and more reactive inner supercritical TPU occupies the core. A really unique part of this construction is the lack of a strobel layer that would dampen the foam’s character. Since your foot sits right on top of that material, runners get all the perks of the high quality and fun midsole concoction. 

Even though the stack height is technically the same in the Prodigio and Prodigio Pro, there’s actually more foam underfoot in the Pro thanks to less layers. Make sense?

Of course a Frixion White outsole provides tacky grip while the 4 mm u-shaped lugs dig right into the earth.

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I saved the La Sportiva Prodigio Max for the final comparison because it’s actually a mash up between the original Prodigio and the Prodigio Pro. 

This one also has a technical engineered mesh upper called Comfort Wire. It is also mapped to the fit really nicely for an optimal fit that’s more generous than either of the other shoes. The forefoot has a little extra room and the rear half takes on more structure and padding. 

The same goes underfoot– there’s simply more. The Prodigio Max bumps up the volume to a 37/31 stack height! Because of the nitrogen-infused EVA rim and nitrogen-infused TPE core, runners will get protection and cushion for all the miles.

While the foam durometer is technically softer than the Prodigio Pro, my experience in the shoe made me liken it to a higher stack version of the original Prodigio – which isn’t a bad thing! It is a medium to medium/soft experience that actually has a very smooth and stable ride for romping over a variety of terrain.

Also, like the original Prodigio, the outsole is a Frixion Red compound that has two different types of rubber for specific purposes. 

From top to bottom, the Prodigio Max’s number one goal is to help you go far in comfort, no matter the terrain.

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