La Sportiva Prodigio Pro Review: A Speedy Super Trainer with a Few Caveats
The 2025 La Sportiva Prodigio Pro has been one of the most buzzed-about trail shoes of the season, and after a week of putting them through their paces, I’ve got thoughts—plenty of them. If you’re a Gen X runner who still remembers when trail shoes felt like bricks but now want something light, responsive, and peppy, read on.
Shoe Basics
Let’s get the sizing disclaimer out of the way: La Sportiva suggests going up a half-size from your normal shoe. I followed this advice and immediately regretted it—the toe box felt about as roomy as a downtown studio apartment. One return later, I went up a full size, and voila—comfort achieved.
Now, onto the good stuff. The midsole cushioning is a combo of super-critical nitrogen-infused TPU (the core) and EVA (the cage), creating a plush yet responsive ride. It’s got loads of cushioning in the heel, a more moderate level in the forefoot, and just enough ground feel to keep you connected to the trail without feeling like you’re running barefoot.
The upper? Think breathable and locked-in. The Power Wire tech holds the foot snug without feeling restrictive, and the ventilation is solid—even after a hard effort, my feet weren’t swimming in sweat.
The outsole features 4mm multidirectional lugs that handle rolling terrain, snow, ice, and mud impressively well. However, I haven’t had the chance to take them on any gnarly ascents or steep descents yet, so that’s still a question mark.
What I Like:
The heel cushioning is dialed in just right, providing a smooth and rockered ride, especially at speed.
The upper is comfy, breathable, and holds the foot well—no tongue irritation, and the laces stay put.
At 8.73 ounces (for my size 41.5), this shoe is featherlight.
It’s built for speed. The nimbleness and responsiveness make it an absolute blast for tempo runs and short-distance speed efforts.
The grip is solid for most Western U.S. trails.
What I Didn’t Like:
The forefoot cushioning feels noticeably softer than the heel, which means more ground feel than I’d prefer. If you’re a midfoot or forefoot striker, this could be a factor.
While this shoe shines in shorter races or workouts, I’m skeptical about its long-distance capabilities. For anything marathon distance or longer, the forefoot protection might not be enough.
Final Verdict: Who Is This Shoe For?
At $195, the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro is an excellent option for those seeking a dedicated speedwork or short-distance race shoe. If you’re 50+ and looking for something light and fast for 10Ks, half-marathons, or structured interval sessions, this is a good buy and could be your new best friend. But if your goal is tackling a 50K or beyond, you might want to test these on longer efforts before committing or your forefoot may hate you!
In short: This shoe is like a sports car—thrilling and high-performance but best used for its intended purpose.
