Article by Sam Winebaum and Jeff Valliere
La Sportiva Prodigio Max ($165)
Introduction
Sam: 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, gravel and even road: Sam/Jeff V
Deep, energetic relatively soft and energetic dual density supercritical cushion: Sam/Jeff V
Very stable underfoot and supportive up top without “overdoing” it: Sam/Jeff V
Smooth and effective front and rear rockers, with some flex: Sam/Jeff V
Aggressive outsole that is also smooth and quiet on firm terrain, even road: Sam/Jeff V
Excellent hiking and trekking option: Sam/Jeff V
Very strong value at $165 for its versatility and state of the art midsole and upper: Sam/Jeff V
Cons:
Almost all should size up 1/2 a US size: US9 sample is at EU42 & fits the way my usual US8.5 (41 ⅔-42) would with even half size up not quite enough over the toes room: Sam/Jeff V
Wish it was somewhat lighter: Sam
Not particularly breathable: upper is focused on keeping debris out and has double midfoot gusset for support.
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
Most comparable shoes
Prodigio Pro
Salomon Genesis
TrailFly Max
Tomir 2.0
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.
Jeff V: Sam has described the upper very well, so I will focus on the fit and performance. As Sam mentions, fit is tricky here, where I also found sizing up a half size to be necessary, as is often the case with La Sportiva. I am a size 10 in most shoes and going to a 10.5 here is perfect, with a snug heel and midfoot, as well as a comfortably roomy forefoot. While the forefoot is appropriately spacious for all day adventures, foothold is very good, providing excellent security and stability in technical terrain, rock hopping, off camber and running straight down the fall line.
The toe bumper is moderate, giving plenty of protection.
Lacing is snug, easy and secure.
I have run in temps as high as the low to mid 90’s and I have found the upper to be reasonably cool, definitely not airy, but not as warm as the Prodigio Pro. Perhaps the lighter grey colorway that I am testing is cooler than the black colorway.
I was expecting the same black colorway as Sam, the more traditional La Sportiva colors, but was pleasantly surprised by the grey with red and white accents, as they look quite sharp in my opinion, striking, yet understated if that makes any sense.
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.
Jeff V:
It took La Sportiva a while to figure out midsoles, but wow, have they really figured it out now with the Prodigio Pro and now the Prodigio Max! The XFLow Endurance Midsole is one of the best out there and with a 37/31 stack, there is plenty of it for the long haul.
While by no means a speedster, I find the midsole to be quite light feeling, quick, dynamic and responsive, while also being exceptionally supportive, well cushioned and stable. With 3 more mm of stack than the Pro, the Max is actually even more stable in technical terrain due to the wider platform, more secure upper and more stable and predictable midsole.
As Sam says, the central eTPU core is clearly felt and really helps dampen the impact quite well and is welcome on long downhills, really absorbing impact. While I would not classify the Max as a recovery shoe, they are certainly a great pick for that, as they are quite forgiving, but are great for just about any distance at just about any pace. Full day runs in the mountains, on the mountains, long hikes, varied terrain, the Max will have you covered.
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.
Jeff V:
La Sportiva has a reputation for having some of the most grippy outsoles on the market and the Max is no exception.
The dual Compound FRIXION® XT 2.0 with 4mm lugs is an effective combination for a wide range of terrain, adding to the versatility of this shoe. I find traction to be excellent in the dry, wet, rocks, slabs, light scrambling, mud, snow, steep loose technical trails and off trail (though for really loose/steep terrain, a bit more lug depth would be welcome, but a small price for the overall versatility.
The design and depth of the lugs also make for decent road performance if you do any road to trail, or are looking for a do is all shoe for travel. Durability is thus far proving to be very good with minimal wear after ~50 miles of rough use.
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 yet due to its better stability and yet more energetic and deeper cushioned midsole. 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 2025, 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 and modern shoe!
Sam’s Score: 9.5 /10 😊😊😊😊
Ride (30%): 9.5 Superb and versatile 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
Jeff V: Agreed with Sam on all points! The Max is an exceptionally versatile shoe, a one shoe quiver sort of shoe that is appropriate for just about any run, any distance, any terrain, from road to technical trail and while not the most speedy shoe, I find that they can very much rise to the occasion and handle fast running with no problem.
While they weigh in at 11.25oz in my US10, they feel much lighter and quicker than just about any other shoe in that weight range. They are somewhat wide for stability, but they still feel relatively agile when running quick in technical terrain, I dare say better than the lighter, more responsive Pro, which have are more narrow and have a less stable midsole.
The Max has earned a place on my top shelf for day to day runs, runs where I just want to grab a shoe getting out the door not knowing where the day will take me, a shoe to keep in the car for anything that comes up, or a single shoe for travel that can cross over from blitzing across an airport, a road run, comfortable hike or long mountain run.
Jeff V’s Score: 9.7 /10 😊😊😊😊😊
Ride (30%): 9.5 Cushioned, stable, predictable, responsive, run lighter than weight
Fit (30%): 9.5 Once you size up a half size, fit for me is exceptionally comfortable and secure for long days
Value (10%): 10 Versatile, a shoe to take almost anywhere to do almost anything and high quality construction
Style (5%): 10 Sharp in the alternative colorway
Traction (15%): 10 As expected for La Sportiva
Rock Protection (10%): 10 I have not yet felt a sharp rock or root underfoot
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’
Sam: 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.
Jeff V: Agreed with Sam on all points. The Max is more stable and better suited for longer, slower runs on more technical terrain, where the Pro is lighter, faster, yet not quite as stable in technical terrain, though I find that difference to really only reveal itself when pushing the most technical downhills. I also find the Max’s upper to be a bit more breathable.
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
Sam: 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.
Jeff V: Again, agreed with Sam on these points and will add that while the Genesis is lighter, I find the Max to provide a more lively, dynamic, protective and comfortable ride.
NNormal Tomir 2.0 (RTR Review)
9.9 oz / 281g (US9)
31 mm heel / 23 mm forefoot ( 8mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 90mm heel / 70mm midfoot / 105mm forefoot
Jeff V: While I could easily pick the Tomir 2.0 for most runs, I find the Max to be more comfortable, protective and more fun, with a much more lively midsole, more cushion and is overall is more versatile.
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
Sam" 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
Sam: 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.
Brooks Cascadia (RTR Review)
Jeff V: Close in stats (the Cascadia has 2mm less stack and is a few grams lighter), but the Max runs much lighter, is more of a responsive, a more dynamic ride and has better traction all around, especially in the wet.
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.
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.
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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7 comments:
I wonder how do they compare with Topo Vista or Ultraventure 4? Especially the fit?
The fit is comparable to the Vista, maybe a touch both more secure and lower over the toes. Haven't personally run UV4. As far as performance the Max is more energetic faster too and somewhat more stable.
Curious to see how it stacks up against other popular max options like the Nike Zegama, Altamesa 500, Trabuco Max, and the Calderas.
Hi, another great RTR review, you mentioned good padding but is the heel counter stiff? I had Haglund’s surgery a few years back and I’m sensitive to stiff counters. Shoes that recently have worked for me are Mafate Speed 4, Genesis, Zegama 2. Counters that are now to stiff Exodus Ultra, Peregrine.
Thank you!
Very interesting shoes! They are not even yet listed on the very own Website of La Sportiva. Sounds like a dream. You are spot on with the suggestion to size up, La Sportiva is even weirder when it comes to EU sizes. My US 10 men is usually 43.5-44.0 in EU size, for La Sportiva it is listed as "43". But I actually went with my usual US size for the Ultra Raptors. That even such a massive looking shoe needs half a size up is indeed counter-intuitive.
Jeff Valliere's deep experience in cycling clearly shines through, providing highly credible and valuable insights into each product.
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