Article by Sam Winebaum
La Sportiva Prodigio Max ($165)
Introduction
The Prodigio Max is called out by La Sportiva as the more technical terrain, deeper cushion sibling to the superb more race focused Prodigio Pro (RTR Review). It is positioned for long tough ultras such as Tor des Geants and Tahoe 200 but I have found it also equally effective at far shorter distances and faster paces on smoother terrain and even pavement.
With 3mm more cushion than the Pro and a 37mm heel / 31mm forefoot stack height, it shares the dual nitrogen infused supercritical foams midsole with the Pro with an eTPU core and EVA outer cage. The eTPU core is slightly softer.
The upper is a pliable and dense TPEE polyester mesh (softer and thinner than Pro). It has TPU yarn embroidery (similar to Pro) for support and durability. It features a more conventional and very solid heel counter and tongue rather than the Pro’s knit based less structured but lighter heel counter.
The outsole has 4mm lugs with a dual compound Frixion XT 2.0 makeup with stickier forefoot rubber for traction and firmer more durable heel rubber.
A “tank” of a shoe and a bit heavy at 10.5oz / 298g US9 with a wide stable platform, I found it does not compromise on underfoot protection or grip and has a plush and high energy return feel with a smooth rolling ride from its dual rockers.
In my testing I found It is up to any trail rough or smooth with a fast and energetic ride if not the most agile one due to its broad platform and high stack height.
Pros:
Do it all shoe with a focus on more technical terrain that is also great on easy trails, gravel and even road: Sam
Deep, energetic relatively soft and energetic dual density supercritical cushion: Sam
Very stable underfoot and supportive up top without “overdoing” it: Sam
Smooth and effective front and rear rockers with some flex:: Sam
- Aggressive outsole that is also smooth and quiet on firm terrain, even road: Sam
- Comfortable, very secure upper with a broad toe box
Excellent hiking and trekking option: Sam
Very strong value at $165 for its versatility and state of the art midsole and upper
Cons:
Almost all should size up 1/2 a US size: US9 sample is at EU42 and fits the way my usual US8.5 (41 ⅔-42) would: Sam
Wish it was somewhat lighter: Sam
Not particularly breathable: upper focused on keeping debris out
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 10.5oz / 298g US9 US9
Sample Weight:
men’s 10.5oz / 298g US9
Stack Height: 37 mm heel / 31 mm forefoot
Platform Width: 90 mm heel / 72 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Sportiva classic colors on a big and beefy platform this is not the usual firm low slung rock hopping near approach shoe look and feel most traditionally seen from a brand where changes are often minor and fine tuning.
Here LaSportiva (along with the Pro version) have leapfrogged ahead of most of the market with radical new approaches (for them and in general) to the upper and to the midsole (more on that below).
The spec sheet calls out the upper as “Comfort Wire TPEE Polyester w/ Embroidered Polyester+TPU Yarn / TPU Filament Toecap”. A mouthful and not the usual” debris mesh” with a bunch of overlays and underlays.
Essentially we have very dense and thin, plasicky closed mesh as the main upper made of the TPEE Polyester with thin but substantial embroidered Poly/TPU support lines.
The embroidery is more extensive on the medial side for support and also to maintain the integrity of the upper up front at its flex point with wear and tear. As they are embroidered lines of yarn, and not surface type overlays/underlays Sportiva can cover more of the upper with the support and protection yet maintain a foot conforming wrap and front flex.
The toe box benefits from this Comfort Wire tech big time. We have a notably broad toe box with plenty of room with the non stretch mesh plus “wires” extending from lacing forward providing great hold with additional “wiring” on the medial side.
Even the toe bumper gets wired as below the TPU toe cap we see wires knit in below the outer layer of TPU.
Moderately pliable, this construction approach likely also reduces toe bumper weight while increasing long term durability.
The top of the tongue is a thin leatherette that flares out a lace up for an excellent wrap of the foot. This leatherette area extends down the center of the tongue with an outside plasticky material with inside a central layer of padding for the laces.
The laces connect to a thin non stretch mesh inner panel with the tongue having an additional stretch more closed and thicker gusset which extends as the front lining of the shoe.
The foot hold is fantastic. Comfortable, adaptable and secure. That said there are a lot of layers here and with the main mesh closed the Max is not the most breathable of shoes although a hike run on snow, mud and with stream crossing had me surprised how well they drained.
The heel area and collars are more conventional than the knit rear of the Pro.
We have a solid mostly rigid heel counter with the foot embedded down into the midsole side walls. The padding is more than adequate, the collars are not overly high and the support fantastic,
The fit.. As with all Sportiva the EU sizing is more accurate for me than the US sizing. I am usually a US 8.5 / 41 ⅔ -42 depending on brand. Here the US9 is marked EU42 and the fit is correct for my narrow to medium volume feet.
In the Pro, I am also US9 /EU42 and its toe box is noticeably lower volume and narrower in feel, its grid-like mesh is stiffer and lower feeling. As the Pro is a more race focused shoe, my US9 is correct although I do get a bit more bunion pressure than I would like. I am afraid sizing up in the Pro might make the less structured and narrower platform rear of the shoe too shaky. '
Midsole & Platform
The Max has dual supercritical foams midsole with an eTPU core and a nitrogen EVA outer carrier. Sportiva calls the combination an “XFLow Endurance Midsole”. The total stack height is a 37 mm heel / 31 mm forefoot, so 3mm more than the Prodigio Pro.
There is no plate and so far none needed as with the big stack height and full coverage 4mm lug outsole and its rubber plate there is plenty of underfoot protection while the shoe retains some flexibility.
The inner core provides noticeable softness (and is softer by spec and in feel than Prodigio Pro’s). The Max has a very energetic return, among the most energetic and friendly of any 2025 shoe trail or road. The firmer outer carrier stabilizes the shoe without making it overly rigid.
The Max sits on a broad 90 mm heel / 72 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot platform with its sibling the Pro at 80 mm heel / 70mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot. The platform is very stable and decently nimble for such a big shoe helped by the narrowish midfoot platform width.
There are solidrockers both front and back with a noticeable roll off both the heel and front of the shoe at any pace while at the same time the shoe has decent flex for climbing and faster paced flatter terrain running.
The midsole and platform are among the most leg friendly and fun on any surface I can recall in a trail shoe and especially so for such a big stack height and broader platform, yet at the same time the shoe remains stable, well planted, and decently flexible.
The softness and rebound of the central eTPU core is clearly felt (and more so than in the Pro) yet stability, protection and support are not compromised. In comparison to the lighter Pro, the midsole is softer while the platform is not as agile and quick but is more stable and consistent on rougher terrain.
Outsole
The outsole is dual Compound FRIXION® XT 2.0 with a sticky forefoot and a durable firmer heel version of the same rubber, the heel being the yellow rubber
The outsole has 4mm lugs. This is a full coverage outsole with no gaps to the midsole even at midfoot (as the Pro has) The thin full outsole plate and a few lugs provide coverage (and some protection) at midfood.
The lugs are more aggressively shaped and notched than the Pro’s shown below whose lugs are slightly broader in contact area for a somewhat smoother, faster smooth terrain ride. Both outsoles are remarkably smooth and quiet on road due to the geometry of the shoe: rockers, flexibility and lug distribution.
I took the Max for a rugged hike/run in very wet conditions: rain, snow on the ground, rock, grass and mud and the grip was fantastic.
I also took them on moderately technical forest single track with some roots and rocks and was pleased they were not as “catchy” grabby of obstacles as some similar outsoles can be.
Taken on smooth dry granite and gravel I found the ride and grip equally as effective and especially smooth for such a big shoe. And this outsole is notably quiet on pavement, yes noticed, but not in the way and also helping deliver some response and pop given the soft midsole above and no plate in the mix.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
It is tricky to pull off a big stack height, broad platform and not exactly light trail shoe that is pleasant and effective to run (or hike) on any terrain, and even at faster paces on the smooth.
I am sure they will be a top choice for those longer than regular ultra races such as Tahoe 200 and Tor des Geants they were designed for, and I would say they are a superb choice for the mid to slower pack at the mere 110 mile UTMB for long hours on foot.
Along with the Pro, La Sportiva proves a rigid “plate” carbon is not a must have in a trail shoe, and for all but top elites at top speeds probably best left out..
The combination of dual energetic softer foams, rocker geometry, superb upper and grippy and stabilizing outsole in the Prodgio Max join for one heck of a versatile trail shoe.
It is as close to a single shoe rotation as I have experienced if you go on the most technical terrain at slower paces, want a long run cruiser or racer, or need a daily training shoe you can count on for any trail, door to trail with plenty of high energy return cushion.
While on the heavy side at 10.5 oz, they are also a superb and fun road trainer, truly.vAnd this with an energetic modern supercritical foams ride that doesn’t feel ponderous anywhere and runs lighter than its decent but not the lightest weight.
While 1.3 oz heavier than the Pro at 10.5oz / 298g US9,, and I wish somehow it was lighter, I find the Max to be a more versatile shoe. It has capabilities for the full range of trail terrains and distances, although for shorter smooth terrain speedy runs and faster runners the lighter Pro is also a top and complimentary choice.
With a 9 day trek in the Alps this summer, The Max is, to date in 2025m my top single pick just as it is for hikes in the super rugged White Mountains of New Hampshire and fast 7 mile runs on rolling gravel at moderate paces as well as for the road. A most versatile modern shoe!
Sam’s Score: 9.5 /10 😊😊😊😊
Ride (30%): 9.5 Superb ride with deduction only for shoe weight
Fit (30%): 9.4 Very solid foothold with plenty of long, long run/hike very secure room upfront, breathability in heat is questionable to date due to upper construction but for sure no debris will get through
Value (10%): 9.5 Versatile and very well priced at $165
Style (5%): 9.6 Classic Sportiva colors, embroidered in no less!
Traction (15%): 9.6 Outstanding on technical and not in the way on smooth
Rock Protection (10%): 9.4 very decent without a plate
4 Comparisons
Prodigio Max Stats
10.5oz / 298g US9 $165
Stack Height: 37 mm heel / 31 mm forefoot
Platform Width: 90 mm heel / 72 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot
$165. Available August 2025
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro (RTR Review)
34mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
9.21 oz / 261g US 9
80 mm heel / 70mm midfoot /110mm forefoot’
The most obvious comparison is to its sibling the Pro. The Pro is 3mm lower stack height and sits on a narrower platform and is lighter by 1.3 oz / 37g at the same US9..
Its upper is clearly lower volume upfront due to its stiffer coated mesh and more embroidery support, its midfoot more secure (and lower volume) due to its stretch knit tongue and its heel area not as stable but more debris proof.
Outsoles are essentially similar with the Pro having weight savings notches.
The Pro is for me a more smoother terrain race and training shoe due to its lighter weight and narrower platform. The Max is a considerably more versatile all arounder at a lower price yet with the same excellent dual supercritical foams midsole construction with the Max core slightly softer and I find both more cushioned (3mm more stack and the softer foam) and while not quite as quick responding a more pleasant ride. Pick one. For me it would be the more versatile Max which can range better from the most technical terrain to road. Both prove a plate is not required for high performance.
Salomon Genesis (RTR Review)
9.63 oz / 273g (US9)
30 mm heel / 22 mm forefoot ( drop spec)
Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 70 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot
The popular Genesis is lower stack height and lower weight than the Max sitting closer to the Pro in specs and uses. It has a more performance oriented upper and a lower volume one than the Max. Its midsole is not supercritical foam but similar in softness but with notably less return than the Max’s. Outsoles are similar although I find the geometry of the rockers and grip of the Max outsole superior on rough terrain as well smooth.
Inov-8 TrailFly Max (RTR Review)
9.75 oz / 276g US9
men’s 35 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot (6mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 60mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot
Lighter by 0.5 oz, at close to the same stack height, the TrailFly has a supercritical single density foam midsole. It has a somewhat denser, firmer and more responsive feel. Its outsole is grippier yet not as well integrated into the platform (flatter on the road with less rocker) when the run heads to smooth or firm and unlike the Sportiva’s is really felt as a presence. Its upper is similar in hold until you get to the heel area where the low collars do not provide the kind of lateral support the Prodigio does. Clear win for the Sportiva in this match up.
Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx (RTR Review)’
42mm heel /36mm forefoot
10.6 oz /300g
90 mm heel / 85 mm midfoot / 110 mm forefoot
Higher stack height yet than the Max, the Merrell weighs about the same and sits on a similar platform width with its midfoot 13mm wider and its forefoot 5 mm narrower. It gets to its comparable weight with higher stack height with a segmented MegaGrip outsole with this design (and inner and outer Flex Connect midsole grooves) also helping give decent flex to the massive platform Its Matryx upper is similar in fit but does not quite have the smooth fit of the Max. With a supercritical foam core in a carrier outer laye,r the ride is similar although I find the Max more energetic and also more agile in feel. Both are state of the art “big” shoes that can move along faster than one might expect.
Multi Tester Review and more comparisons coming soon.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s'
Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. No compensation was provided by brands for writing this article. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
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