Running Shoe Reviews
HOKA Rocket X Trail
La Sportiva Prodigio Max Review
Published: September 24, 2025
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.5 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.8 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 36 mm (Heel), 30 mm (Forefoot) | 6 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Trail |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | Runs half a size short |
Our In-Depth Look
The La Sportiva Prodigio Max is for you if...
You want a highly cushioned trail shoe designed for long-distance comfort and protection.
You prioritize stability and durability for tackling ultra races or big training days.
You’re looking for a secure, confidence-inspiring fit that performs best on semi-technical to technical terrain.
What is the La Sportiva Prodigio Max made for?
The Prodigio Max takes La Sportiva’s Prodigio line and cranks it up for the long haul. Stacked high with cushioning, it’s built to help you chase down endless miles with less fatigue while still holding up when the trail gets rowdy.
At its core is La Sportiva’s XFlow Endurance midsole, pairing a bouncy supercritical ETPU core wrapped in a nitrogen-infused EVA cage. The combo keeps things soft yet stable, fending off that dreaded “pancake” feeling even after hours on your feet. Add in a smooth rocker geometry that helps you roll forward and a dual-compound outsole with 4 mm lugs for grip you can trust, and you’ve got a shoe that’s game for just about anything the mountain throws your way.
The upper, crafted from TPEE polyester and TPU yarn, brings the muscle to handle the pounding, scuffs, and demands of ultra-distance trails. The Prodigio Max is built for comfort that lasts, stability you can lean on, and protection that keeps you moving mile after mile after mile.
Comfort
The Prodigio Max doesn’t lean into plush softness the way some max-cushion shoes do. Instead, the cushioning feels firm but protective, creating a platform that absorbs impact without feeling overly squishy. This protective firmness makes the shoe ideal for long days when stability matters as much as comfort.
The upper material is durable and structured, but the inner lining and ankle padding soften the feel, and the padded heel collar helps on extended runs. The thin tongue includes an overlay that prevents lace pressure. Overall, the cushioning strikes a balance: not the marshmallow feel some might expect, but a stable and reliable comfort that holds up over hours on uneven terrain.
Performance
The Prodigio Max was built for ultra-distance stability and protection rather than short-distance speed. On the trails, the traction from the dual-compound outsole felt secure, even on steep downhills with loose rock. The midsole’s firmness means you won’t feel a propulsive “bounce,” but instead a steady, consistent ride that feels strong and dependable over time.
Its platform feels inherently stable, helping reduce the chance of ankle rolls on semi-technical terrain. The rocker geometry adds flow on longer runs, while the overall build quality ensures durability even in harsh mountain conditions. The result is a shoe that may not dazzle with speed but excels at keeping legs fresh and steady deep into a long day.
Fit
The Prodigio Max runs slightly short, and many runners will benefit from sizing up a half-size for the right fit. Once dialed in, the shoe offers a secure lockdown with no slipping or hot spots, and the forefoot feels more generous than previous La Sportiva models.
The upper has a structured feel that locks down the midfoot and heel while still allowing enough space in the forefoot for swelling on ultra distances. Some runners may notice tightness along the lateral midfoot, but adjusting the laces helps alleviate pressure. Overall, the fit is precise, performance-oriented, and stable without feeling restrictive.
Individual Thoughts
BeckyOverall Score: 8/10
After trying the Prodigio Pro earlier in the year, I was looking forward to the release of the Prodigio Max. There is something special about a max cushion trail shoe that I can slog out long days on the trail in maximum comfort. I’ll start with the positives, of which there are many. The Max lives up to my expectation of a high quality build that La Sportiva is known for. This shoe is going to last a long time. While I had to size up for extra length, the fit is comfortable and secure for my average width foot. I haven’t had any hot spots or areas of concern. The midsole foam is a bit on the firmer side for my liking, and I am hoping in future iterations, it will get a touch softer. With that said, I will continue getting these out for long day adventures on a variety of terrain.
LoucasOverall Score: 8/10
La Sportiva Prodigio Max has a thin, supercritical, perforated insole, which should be less absorbent than standard foam insoles. This is a nice touch that I say all trail shoes SHOULD have. A potential downside is that it’s squeaky – I believe it’s from where the insole meets the strobel. It didn’t bother me, so I didn’t try any powder inside to try to get rid of the consistent mild squeak. It has good heel cup structure, which is almost always a “must” for me. Overall, this is a solid shoe with more likes than dislikes. As with most shoes, I could make “simple” wish-list improvements to the outsole, midsole, and upper. All in all, I enjoyed this shoe and plan to keep using it in the rotation. It’s good to go right out of the box, but more than anything, the lasting impression is that the foam seems VERY durable, like it might break in slowly, becoming better and better, over a long period of time.
GraceOverall Score: 10/10
The La Sportiva Prodigio Max has quickly become my new favorite max cushion trail running shoe! It's a great shoe to train in, and I would even choose to race in it for anything from a 50-mile to a 100-mile distance. From the fit to the underfoot protection, everything is comfortable, and disappears on my foot while running. The traction can handle technical trails, steep downhills, or smooth rolling dirt trails. When trail shoes get into the higher stack heights, I get a little hesitant that my ankles will not survive the run, but thankfully, La Sportiva did a great job blending soft cushioning with a firm structure that resulted in a stable max cushion trail shoe. Even the design and color pattern had a really nice look to it. For the durability and comfort you get at the price, this shoe is a really good deal. I have no complaints about the Prodigio Max and highly recommend it to any runner wanting a reliable trail shoe to give it a try!
Men's La Sportiva Prodigio Max
The La Sportiva Prodigio Max has all the cushion, comfort, and protection needed for ultra runners to tackle the toughest trails.
Women's La Sportiva Prodigio Max
The La Sportiva Prodigio Max has all the cushion, comfort, and protection needed for ultra runners to tackle the toughest trails.
