LA SPORTIVA PRODIGIO MAX
| Type | Trail |
| Weight | 306 g |
| Drop | 7 mm |
| Foot strike | Neutral |
| Recommended use | Mixed |
| Carbon plate | No |
La Sportiva Prodigio Max Review: Features, Specs and Verdict
The La Sportiva Prodigio Max is the most cushioned trail shoe the Italian brand has made, built for ultras and long hours on mountain trails. It has a tall midsole, a very stiff body and 5.5 mm lugs, so it grips well on loose ground even though it is not the lightest option.
This review is based on the official product description and on the lab tests published by RunRepeat, not on our own testing. The 8.4 out of 10 score is an indicative rating based on that data.
What the La Sportiva Prodigio Max offers
The Prodigio Max takes the Prodigio family towards protection. The Prodigio 2 is the all-rounder; the Max raises the stack so rocks and roots are felt less after many hours. It suits slow ultras, long recovery runs in the mountains and fast hiking.
La Sportiva Prodigio Max specs
| Feature | Data |
|---|---|
| Lab-measured weight | 306 g |
| Lab-measured drop | 7.1 mm |
| Heel / forefoot stack (lab) | 35.1 / 28.0 mm |
| Lug depth | 5.5 mm |
| Outsole thickness | 1.5 mm |
| Surface | Trail |
| Pronation | Neutral |
| Carbon plate | No |
| Price at BIKILA (November 2026) | €158.95 |
If you want to understand drop and stack height, see drop, cushioning and carbon plate.
Midsole and stability
In RunRepeat’s lab the foam came out balanced, neither soft nor firm (40.5 on their durometer). The standout figure is torsional rigidity: 20.3 Nm without a carbon plate, high for a trail shoe. That gives plenty of stability when your foot lands on an angled rock, at the cost of a less flexible ride. If you like shoes that mould to the terrain, it will feel stiff.
Upper and fit
The upper is a TPEE mesh with external TPU reinforcements that hold the foot without sealing it in. It scored well in RunRepeat’s breathability test, which helps in summer ultras. To get the size right, follow our running shoe size guide.
Outsole and grip
The 5.5 mm lugs are among the deepest in this category and hold well in mud, loose dirt and grass. The rubber is 1.5 mm thick and there is no rock plate: the stack itself does that job. On hardpack or tarmac the lugs are noticeable and slow the roll a little.
Who is the La Sportiva Prodigio Max for?
Ultrarunners who spend many hours in the mountains and value protection and stability over low weight. Also mid to heavier runners looking for a cushioned ride on technical trails.
Who it is not for: if you run short and fast or want a flexible shoe that lets you feel the ground, there are lighter options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Lots of protection for ultras
- Deep lugs that grip in mud
- Very stable on uneven ground
Cons:
- Heavier than average
- Stiff, not very flexible
- High price
Alternatives
Compare it with other shoes reviewed on KnowPace: the HOKA Speedgoat 7, more cushioned and a little lighter, or the NNormal Tomir 02. You can put them side by side in the shoe comparison tool or browse them all in the shoes section.
Final verdict
The Prodigio Max is an ultra shoe for runners who want protection and stability above everything else, with lugs that grip on almost any surface. It is heavy and stiff, so it suits long races and easy paces. Before you decide, our guide on how to choose trail running shoes can help. Choose well, run better.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the La Sportiva Prodigio Max weigh and what is its drop?
In RunRepeat’s lab it weighed 306 g and measured a 7.1 mm drop, with a 35.1 mm heel stack.
Does the Prodigio Max have a carbon plate?
No. Its stiffness comes from the midsole geometry and the upper, with no carbon plate or rock plate.
How much does the La Sportiva Prodigio Max cost?
In November 2026 it is €158.95 at BIKILA. The price changes with size, colour and current offers.
What score does the La Sportiva Prodigio Max get?
We give it 8.4 out of 10, an indicative rating based on the published lab review.