It was around 7:00 a.m. on July 4th, and I didn’t feel like going on a 23+ mile trail run (with over 4,000 ft. of climbing). I’d been training hard for an ultramarathon, running around 50 miles a week, and my body and feet ached. But it was my first run in the La Sportiva Prodigio Max, and I hoped its extra cushion would get me through.
The first few steps told me I was right. Over subsequent mountain runs, I discovered a shoe that blended comfort and mountain performance like few others. Here’s how I tested the Prodigio Max, and how it performed in Shenandoah National Park’s most demanding conditions.
La Sportiva Prodigio Max: Features and Specs
The Prodigio Max is La Sportiva’s mountain running shoe for ultra-distance (over 26.2 miles) running. Each aspect of the design caters to the demands of endurance in the mountains, from comfort to protection to stability.
The midsole uses an XFlow nitrogen-infused supercritical EVA (outer cage) and an eTPU inner core. The upper uses a supportive design made of TPEE polyester mesh with abundant reinforcements courtesy of TPU yarn embroidery. There’s also a TPU filament toe cap. A bi-compound FriXion XT 2.0 outsole has 4mm lugs, and a rockered design encourages a flowing stride over long-distance efforts.
Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America, said: “The Prodigio Max represents the next evolution of La Sportiva’s trail running lineup. It delivers everything runners love about maximal shoes while solving the performance and stability issues that can exist in the category.”
“We’ve delivered the legendary La Sportiva lock-down fit in a maximalist platform. The Max allows athletes to go farther and push harder, whether they’re racing ultras or exploring their favorite local trails.”
La Sportiva Prodigio Max specs:
- Price: $185
- Weight: 10.4 oz per shoe
- Stack heights: Heel 37mm, Toe 31 mm (7mm drop)
Pros and cons of the La Sportiva Prodigio Max
Pros:
- Marshmallow-like midsole
- Supportive, structured upper
- Dependable traction
- Style and colors
- Energy return
- Resilient cushioning during long efforts
Cons
- High stack creates slight instability
How the Prodigio Max performed
I used the Prodigio Max in the lead-up to, and for, a mountain ultramarathon. The training consisted of all-day runs in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, renowned for its rock- and root-covered trails, steep climbs, and varied surfaces. The race was more of the same, with mud (and elevated paces) added to the equation.
Runs completed in the Prodigio Max:
- 23.63 miles, 4,261 vertical ft.
- 26.42 miles, 5,223 vertical ft.
- 16.42 miles, 3.384 vertical ft.
- 30.14 miles 5,960 vertical ft.
Total: 96.61 miles, 18,828 vertical ft.
My usual size is 11.5, and per a La Sportiva rep’s recommendation, I went with a size 12. The fit was precise in the forefoot, midfoot, and heel.
My first stride in the Prodigio Max greeted me with something of a foot massage, with a marshmallow-like feeling underfoot. As previously stated, my feet were worn out from training, but the XFlow midsole’s comforting sensation alleviated the aches and allowed me to push onward through the run.
That run, and the subsequent two, were part of my local trail running club’s “July 4 Trifecta”, where we ran through the mountains the entire weekend while enjoying each other’s company. The trails of Shenandoah National Park ranged from smooth single track to rock gardens surrounded by giant outcroppings. Over those three days, the Prodigio Max helped me survive the distance, the pounding, and the technical terrain. I’d describe the shoe’s performance as “resilient comfort.”
My favorite mountain running shoes feature a structured upper, especially in the heel area, where I prefer a solid material. That’s essential for a locked-in feeling when traversing uneven rocks and roots, and keeping momentum instead of losing balance.
The Prodigio Max impressed in that respect, with an almost solid heel counter and reinforcing yarns spread throughout. The upper was the definition of “structured” — just look at the photos and you’ll understand. I also liked the padding surrounding the ankle, which added to the overall plush experience.
La Sportiva outsoles have an excellent reputation for traction on varying surfaces, whether rocks, mud, hardpack, or scrambles. The Max continued that tradition and never left me needing more bite.
While I enjoyed running in the Prodigio Max, its high stack design wasn’t as stable as low-to-the-ground shoes. Sometimes, if I stepped on a rock or root, there’d be a slight roll, as opposed to a low-stack shoe’s more connected sensation.
After completing the “Trifecta” I put the Prodigio Max away for a while, and before long, it was race day. It was my third effort at this particular race, and I’d put everything into preparing for it. Would the Max help me perform better?
For the first half of the race, I kept it moderate, with the midsole providing its characteristic marshmallow ride, yet an energetic toe-off when I increased the pace. I padded along the trail, biding my time before the second half.
Once that began, I still focused on a measured pace, with the shoe’s rocker and midsole combining to let me flow and roll through strides. The Prodigio Max was at home during these medium, efficient stretches, providing the tool I needed as the fatigue built.
As the miles passed, I also noticed the midsole’s resiliency, as it didn’t lose softness or spring despite the distance. Over the last five miles, that let me stay comfortable while working to maintain a good pace. The energy return also added a little spring in my stride, though my system was starting to wear out from the 7-hour+ adventure.
The race ended in a thunderstorm, and I ran through the forest, negotiating narrow drops and overflowing streams, just wanting to finish. When that happened and I walked over to the post-race party, though I was worn out, the Max had helped me through it.
So, did the shoe provide a performance boost? I set a personal record for the race, but more importantly, did so in comfort. The shoe held up mile after mile, helping me stay smooth and fresh.
.
La Sportiva Prodigio Max: Cruise through ultramarathons
Last year, I interviewed La Sportiva Athlete Anton Krupicka, and asked him what got him excited about his mountain runs. He said: “I want to be in the alpine, moving efficiently and unfettered through technical terrain.”
For me, the highlight of the Prodigio Max was its efficiency. The comforting yet energetic midsole allowed me to concentrate on running, work on my stride mechanics, and settle in for the long haul. In that way, the shoe let me put it on cruise control on all-day adventures.
The Prodigio Max is a top pick for ultra runners who want comfort, stability, and energy return. Not to mention, it’s pretty cool looking. If you’re about to tackle a goal race or epic adventure, it’s the perfect shoe to get you to the finish.
