La Sportiva is making waves once again in the trail running world with the release of the Prodigio Max — a bold new chapter in the Prodigio story. Built for long distances, maximum comfort, and technical terrain, the Prodigio Max is the brand’s most cushioned and high-stack shoe to date. Highly anticipated and already receiving outstanding reviews, this running shoe is set to hit trails across New Zealand and beyond.
But before we dive into what makes the Prodigio Max so special, let’s take a quick journey back to where it all began.
The Prodigio: innovation starts here
Released in 2023, the original La Sportiva Prodigio marked a significant departure from the brand’s traditional approach. Known for their precise mountain footwear and technical performance, La Sportiva surprised runners by introducing a trail shoe that combined their mountain DNA with high-stack cushioning and all-day comfort.
The Prodigio featured:
- XFlow™ supercritical foam: La Sportiva’s first-ever use of a supercritical midsole for ultralight responsiveness and energy return.
- Roomier fit: A more forgiving forefoot and relaxed fit, designed for long-distance runners and those who prioritize comfort.
- Impact Brake System™ outsole: Excellent grip on technical descents with La Sportiva’s trusted FriXion® rubber.
Designed with ultramarathoners and everyday trail lovers in mind, the Prodigio quickly gained a following among those looking for a reliable, plush ride without sacrificing agility on rough terrain.
The Prodigio Pro: built for speed and precision
The next step in the evolution was the Prodigio Pro, a performance-focused sibling designed for more technical and faster-paced running. Where the original Prodigio aimed for comfort and distance, the Prodigio Pro leaned into speed, precision, and lockdown.
It offered:
- Less weight and a more responsive ride for better ground feel.
- Rubber Metatarsal Protection to amplify stability and protect the mid-foot.
- Retained the XFlow™ foam and aggressive outsole, but with a slightly firmer tuning for faster turnover.
With the Prodigio Pro, La Sportiva gave trail racers and mountain athletes a shoe that could keep up with quick ascents, technical ridgelines, and hammering descents — all with reduced weight and increased control.
“I think the Prodigio Pro shoes are proof that you don’t need a carbon plate to have a trail performance shoe” – Nancy Jiang after completing the Western States Endurance Run
Introducing the Prodigio Max: go big or go home
Now, enter the Prodigio Max — La Sportiva’s most cushioned and comfortable trail runner ever. It brings the Prodigio story full circle, offering ultra-distance trail runners and backcountry adventurers a shoe that goes the distance without beating up your feet.
What sets the Max apart?
- Ultra-high stack XFlow™ midsole and maximum cushioning. The Prodigio Max is built for long missions, 100k ultras, and multi-day epics.
- Rockered geometry: A smooth, efficient ride that reduces fatigue over hours of movement.
- Improved heel-to-toe transition: Perfect for long, rolling trails and mixed terrain.
- Wide platform and toe box: Enhanced stability and support, especially on unpredictable surfaces.
- Lightweight Comfort Wire TPEE Polyester mesh upper: Dense, thin, and built to keep the debris out.
More aggressive traction: Sharper, deeper lugs offer better grip on rough terrain, compared to the Pro’s smoother, speed-focused outsole.
All together, the Prodigio Max delivers a carefully engineered balance of cushioning, stability, protection, and grip. From the advanced midsole and rockered profile to the secure upper and enhanced traction, every detail is designed to help you go longer, feel fresher, and stay confident across changing terrain.
Ready for your mountain adventure?
We’re beyond excited to bring the Prodigio Max to our shelves and the shelves of our retail partners across the country. As the newest addition to La Sportiva’s growing trail line-up, this true all-rounder bridges the gap between race-day performance and everyday reliability. Whether you're toeing the line at your next ultra or just heading out for a day in the hills, the Prodigio Max brings it all together in one remarkably versatile shoe.
