Article by Jeff and Allison Valliere
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro ($195)
Introduction: The Prodigio Pro is La Sportiva’s take of a trail super shoe, with the intention of providing top end, fast running, long distance performance without compromising technical mountain trail performance.
Featuring their XFLOW midsole, a dynamic and energetic blend of dual supercritical nitrogen-infused TPU (inner core) and EVA (outer carrier) for the midsole, secure and durable Power Wire mesh booty style upper, combined with a Frixion White (XF 2.0) super sticky rubber outsole compound. There is no plate in the mix here but we do have a film based ground filter layer.
The Prodigio Pro is an ideal shoe for any duration or distance, fast training or racing, any terrain and is for certain my favorite La Sportiva to date and one of my favorites of any shoe. Please read on for all the details
Pros:
Energetic, dynamic ride, fit, comfort, cushion, protection, stable, durable, traction - Jeff V, Allison
Cons:
Sizing, a variety of colorways would be nice
Not particularly breathable - Allison
Stats
Sample Weights:
men’s 9.21 oz / 261g US 9, 9.59 oz / 272g US 10.5
women’s 8.9 oz / 253g US 9
Stack Height: men’s 34mm heel / 28 mm forefoot (6 mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 70 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot
Mike Postaski's Prodigio Pro Video Review
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Jeff V: It is immediately obvious that the Prodigio Pro is a bit outside of the norm of typical La Sportiva shoes, as they feel lighter, less dense and better suited for faster, longer distance running, but still well equipped for.
Upon sliding them on, it is even more obvious that this is a very different shoe for the brand, as the fit is more forgiving and the midsole feels very light and dynamic. Funny, that the weekend after they were released, it seemed as though just about every runner I encountered on my local Green Mountain was sporting a new pair. Whether I was friends with them or not, I quizzed them as to their impressions and everyone was in unanimous agreement that they are amazing!
The Power Wire mesh upper is booty style with a knit collar that hugs the ankle like a “mini gaiter” to keep out dirt and debris. The mesh is reminiscent of Matryx uppers in look, but has a very unique rubberized feel to it (due to its non water absorbent TPU coating), with engineered threads woven in a not quite patterned pattern (seemingly random weave). The upper is substantial, protective and durable, while still being flexible, light and breathable.
The toe bumper overlay is somewhat minimal, but protection is more than adequate.
The stretch knit “tongue” has 4 columns of padding to protect the top of the foot from the laces, which is very comfortable and a lightweight design.
The semi flexible heel counter is low, with an extended stretch knit collar that snugs up around my skinny ankle nicely to keep out any debris and is quite comfortable.
As with many La Sportiva shoes, fit is a bit tricky and the Prodigio Pro is no exception, where I needed to size up a half size to a US 10.5 from my typical US 10.
That said and once proper sizing is achieved, fit is superb, with a very secure heel, secure midfoot and somewhat roomy, but secure forefoot. I say “roomy” forefoot, meaning by La Sportiva standards, so don’t expect Topo or Altra level roominess, but there is adequate space for my narrow, low volume foot for splay and swelling on warm days/long distances.
I am still undecided on breathability, as the thick “rubbery” mesh and black color seem destined to be warm and does not feel airy. I have run in them in temps around 80 degrees and they seemed reasonable, but question how they will feel on truly hot days.
Midsole & Platform
Jeff V: The midsole is the star of the show here (well, along with the upper and outsole), consisting of a TPU+NITRO XFlow Speed Inner Core / PU Coated XFlow SpeedFilm and EVA+NITRO XFlow Outer Cage that feels very light, energetic, well cushioned and dynamic.
At La Sportiva website, they describe the midsole as “Fueled by XFlow Speed technology, it redefines performance with a unique blend of dual-supercritical nitrogen-infused TPU and EVA, ensuring unmatched responsiveness.”
I really appreciate the high level of responsiveness, which is also in part influenced by the rockered design. While I found the Prodigio to be a big improvement in the La Sportiva line and the most well cushioned and runnable model from their line, the Prodigio Pro builds upon that new level significantly, really raising the bar, not just for the brand, but by any standard.
There is no plate in the mix, so no “pop” like you might expect from a carbon plated shoe or even a TPU/PEBAX plated shoe, the midsole here is so lively and bouncy, I don’t feel like I really need a plate, plus, I appreciate the flexibility underfoot on technical terrain.
Cushioning is excellent and feels even more maximal to me than the moderate 34/28 stack would suggest, plush but not at all mushy, firm and supportive, but not the least bit harsh.
While there is no carbon or TPU plate in the mix, the PU Coated XFlow Speedfilm does a reasonable job dulling the impact from rocks and roots. That said, the protection is not equivalent to having a plate and I do notice sharper rocks underfoot, though I never have any zingers.
Allison: I found the midsole to feel very light, fast and responsive. While I am not a particularly fast runner, I do feel the urge to go quicker and with less effort than it seems in the Prodigio Pro, as they are really fun and bouncy. My legs feel reasonably fresh after running in them, as the midsole does an amazing job at absorbing the impact. Stability and predictability is very good no matter how difficult and technical the trails. I feel as though I can easily run or hike in them all day, as they are so well cushioned, supportive and comfortable.
Outsole
Jeff V: The outsole features La Sportiva’s stickiest outsole rubber, their Frixion White (XF 2.0) with 4mm lugs. While 4mm does not sound all that significant, the lug design and configuration is sharp and aggressive, providing exceptionally good grip over a wide range of terrain and conditions.
Even on steep, loose, off trail, I have found traction to be excellent, as is of course grip in wet conditions, on wet rock, dry rock, slab, snow, mud or whatever you may encounter.
The lugs are low profile enough with enough contact surfaces to also them to roll along smoothly on hard surfaces such as roads and hardpack trails.
Thus far, durability is proving to be very good with hardly any signs of wear.
Allison: Traction is amazing! Definitely one of, if not the best outsoles I have used, as the rubber compound is so grippy and confidence inspiring, plus the lug pattern is sharp and aggressive, providing amazing grip on very rough terrain, in the snow, mud, off trail, etc…, but not overly noticeable on hard surfaces either. Durability seems very good as well.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Jeff V: The ride is fast, responsive, bouncy, energetic and dynamic, making the Prodigio Pro one of the most fun and appealing shoes to run in that I have tested. The fit is amazing, secure, but not confining. They have amazing traction and are so quick and responsive.
Be it day to day training, racing, no matter the distance, the Prodigio is an amazing pick! They are quick on any terrain, from fast flat or rolling non technical trails, to ripping steep, technical terrain, off trail, rocky trails, no matter the footing.
While at $195, it is on the higher end of the range for “normal” day to day trail running shoes, but when compared to carbon plated super shoes typically around $250 (or more), then it might be considered a value. The Prodigio Pro is certainly at the top of the heap of my favorites so far this year and one I highly recommend (though most people I am crossing paths with on the local trails have already discovered the magic).
Jeff V’s Score: 9.9/10
Ride: 10 Fit: 10 Value: 9.8 Style: 9 Traction: 10 Rock Protection: 9.5
😊😊😊😊😊
Allison: These are for sure my favorite pair of La Sportiva’s to date and I really love how comfortable, light, secure and quick they feel, plus, combined with such incredible traction, they are ideal for all mountain runs and hikes of any speed and any distance. I would highly recommend sizing up a half size though in these, as I would do if I had to do it all over again, but can make my (usual) size 9 work for shorter runs on cooler days and with a thin sock. Try before you buy if you can.
Allison’s Score: 9.6/10
Ride: 10 Fit: 9 Value: 9.5 Style: 9 Traction: 10 Rock Protection: 9.5
😊😊😊😊😊
Please Watch Mike Postaski's Prodigio Pro Video Review (20:05)
4 Comparisons
LaSportiva Prodigio (RTR Review)
Jeff V: The original Prodigio is comparable in stack, but the Pro feels more plush and maximal, with more forgiving, yet a more energetic and responsive midsole. The Pro is a little lighter, has better traction (particularly in loose terrain) and fit is comparable, but a slight edge in comfort compared to the regular Prodigio (especially the earlier models with the higher heel collar that can cause discomfort). I would say the Pro is preferable for me for just about any run, but the regular Prodigio might have an edge for more rocky scrambling and the like.
Tecton X3 (RTR Review)
Jeff V: The X3 is a bit lighter with 6mm more stack and has an amazing collar/built in gaiter that is the best out there. The carbon plate of the X3 provides noticeable pop, but I find that the bouncy midsole of the Pro more than makes up for the lack of plate and gives better ground feel in technical terrain and is more adept when the going gets rough. While the X3 outsole is excellent, the Pro has superior grip in all circumstances. I can see picking the X3 for longer distance and less technical, with the Pro for about any distance and any terrain.
Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide (RTR Review)
Jeff V: The Pro is much lighter, with a more lively and responsive midsole, superior traction, and is more nimble, agile and adept on any terrain. The S/Lab UG is a great shoe, but at $250 with lesser performance, it is hard to make a case for picking it over the Pro (unless you are judging purely on looks). I would choose the Pro for any run over the S/Lab UG.
Norda 005 (RTR Review)
Jeff V: The 005 in my opinion is the closest comparison if you are judging based on midsole feel and performance, but the 005 is over an ounce lighter and feels much faster overall. The Prodigio Pro on the other hand is overall more protective for all around mountain running (upper and under foot), has superior traction and costs $130 less. Prodigio Pro for most training days and especially if running mountainous, technical terrain. 005 for all out speed and faster running, but on less technical.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
This review is a lot longer than a La Sportiva shoe lasts.
ReplyDeleteThat’s pretty funny, but all of my Sportiva shoes have had excellent durability, and I run them hard over abrasive terrain in the San Juan mountains. The Prodigio Pros are my new favorites as well, the ride and grip are awesome. Cheers!
DeleteThanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteAny chance to compare with VJ ultra 3? They seem to be close in specs 🤔
Great idea!
DeleteHow would you compare them to the Kjerag or the Agravic Speed?
ReplyDelete