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10.4 oz. (295 g) for a US M9 / 9.1oz. (260 g) for a US W7
37 mm in heel, 31 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
Long-distance trail runs
XFlow Endurance midsole, Frixion Red outsole, Comfort Wire upper, XFlow insole
Available now for $185
TAYLOR: Not one. Not two. But three Prodigios are now in our midst.
Each one offers something different to provide a full array of trail running goodness. I have to say the new La Sportiva Prodigio Max has a lot to live up to after stellar numbers were thrown down by the original Prodigio (2024 BIG Award winner) and the Prodigio Pro (currently at the top of the throne for best race day option).
La Sportiva was met with some skepticism at the onset of its Prodigio movement as it took on a very big challenge to please both the modern runner and La Sportiva’s core group. I feel like they have been able to honor both with updated materials and altered geometries that brought true performance to their running brand. What remained was quality and technical capability, with fit and underfoot assuredness.
Take all this into account when analyzing the La Sportiva Prodigio Max. It is literally the biggest shoe they have ever created. It enters the max-stack category in a big way. They are not shying away from their standard of needing to perform in big mountain settings while adding the extra challenge of going the distance (comfortably).
It’s a tall task, but because of the performance caliber, I excitedly anticipated the arrival of the La Sportiva Prodigio Max.
TAYLOR: Based on stature alone, it’s easy to tell that the La Sportiva Prodigio Max is built for the long haul. It decisively entered the max-stack category with a 37/31 mm stack and a 5 mm XFlow footbed. Like the Hoka Mafate X and Merrell MTL Adapt, the Prodigio Max uses a modern midsole with a wider footprint to ensure underfoot protection and stability.
From this standpoint, the Prodigio Max knocks it out of the park. The dual-layer Xflow Endurance midsole provides the goods with an ETPU inner core and an XFlow supercritical nitrogen-infused EVA outer. Shoes like the Nike Zegama 2, Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide, Saucony Xodus Ultra 4, and Speedland GS series all feature similar constructions.
Together, it results in a medium density. The ride was on the firm end during my first couple of outings, but it softened a bit right around the 50-mile mark, which is exactly what I hoped would happen. Even though I wasn’t 100% satisfied with the comfort measures, I really thrived on moderate to technical terrain because of the overall structure and support. This midsole recipe will quickly become a fan favorite for runners and hikers who go long on iffy terrain. This is one of the most protective and stable max-stack options.
A subtle forefoot rocker allowed for a smooth ride. Even though the Prodigio Max was very stable, it wasn’t over-controlling like I experienced in the Brooks Caldera 8 or the Rabbit High Country.
On the flip side (literally) is one of the most dependable outsole options. Frixion Red is actually two different rubber compounds. The heel of the outsole uses a firmer, more durable rubber, while the rest of the footprint is filled with a tackier, softer rubber. Both were more than adequate for a variety of terrain and surface conditions. The 4 mm U-shaped lugs had no issues with anything I went through.
As with many La Sportiva shoes, the fit makes this shoe what it is. Even though the Prodigio Max took the more “traditional” route with a structured and well-padded heel collar and a durable engineered upper, I was very satisfied with the overall fit. Like other Prodigio options, the Prodigio Max has a slightly broader fit than former offerings. It was the most accommodating of any La Sportiva shoe I have worn.
A Comfort Wire upper really rounded out this package nicely. It is made out of a TPE yarn that feels very technical — it’s certainly comparable to Matryx and Dyneema uppers. It wasn’t as open as the Prodigio Pro, but it still checked all the boxes of durability, comfort, and breathability with a stellar fit.
I honestly think the Prodigio Max is one of the most durable packages on the market. As I remarked with the Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx, this shoe should be able to withstand more than the typical number of miles, supporting adventures beyond the 500-mile mark.
TAYLOR: Comfort is a huge priority when it comes to max-stack options. In my mind, that’s the whole purpose. Am I wrong? Granted, comfort can take on many forms, but the La Sportiva Prodigio Max could use some more of it. As I mentioned, the Prodigio Max offers comfort through its protectiveness. At the same time, I found myself wanting more comfort from the cushioning at the end of long outings.
I really couldn’t feel much reprieve from the midsole’s inner TPE core. It simply felt like one fat stack of standard XFlow. At a certain stack height, like in the La Sportiva Prodigio, that’s totally fine! Because this is a max stack option, I wanted that extra cushion and some energy return that is readily available in some of the competitors, like the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 or Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide.
Don’t get me wrong — the ride isn’t harsh. However, adding some of that beloved XFlow Speed or simply more of the TPE core would have been a better call to really give that X-factor to an already proficient package.
Also, as we often mention with La Sportiva shoes, figure out your sizing. I typically go up a half size from my US M10.5. Sometimes, I go up a three-quarter size. Yes, that is possible and much appreciated with popular sizes at La Sportiva.
TAYLOR: The La Sportiva Prodigio Max offers something different from the original Prodigio and Prodigio Pro, which makes this a phenomenal training/racing trio.
This max-stack option takes La Sportiva’s famous spectacular fit and quality build and combines it with a smooth, stable, and protective ride. The Prodigio Max can go the distance and even go many places where most max-stack options should never go.
Even though I would prefer a little bit more of the comfort measures, I think many runners will love the Prodigio Max for a long-distance option for big adventures or ultra races with moderate to technical terrain.
At the end of the day, its durability might even swing some runners. This shoe will last a long time and offer a familiar feel throughout its life.
You can pick up the La Sportiva Prodigio Max for $185 by using the buttons below.
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Taylor Bodin is a trail and ultra runner living in Estes Park, Colo., with his wife and daughters. As the head of the Dirt Division at Believe in the Run, trail running is pretty much the only hobby he can manage right now and loves it. Every so often, he will pop off a race or FKT attempt because competition is pure and the original motivator for him getting into running anyway.
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