Akyra

I switch from the ultra raptor to the Akyra. They seemed to be pretty much similar

La Sportiva makes shoes that are semmingly indestructible

La Sportiva makes shoes that are semmingly indii currently have the Akyra’s and love them

Just here to say to never trust this kind of posts. The Prodigio Pro is definetly a good shoe, but not a durable one, and SPECIALLY NOT on "rough, alpine terrain". I've got the basic version, done 200km of mixed terrain, and they look worse than this. Also, the sole doesn't have the grip to prevent slipping on rocky terrain, and it's too tall to feel confident in anything remotely technical. I've rocked 8 pairs of Akyras, from la Sportiva aswell, for the last 7 years. THAT is a shoe designed for alpine terrain and with plenty of durability. Still, when I use them for the summer season in the high mountains, they usually last me 500km in good conditions, but no more than 700. They get destroyed. No running shoe is capable of resisting the wear and tear of the mountians for long. The only shoes designed to do so are hiking shoes.

Indeed, the basic Prodigio weighs more because, for the most part, is more protected and durable. That's what brands usually do with their "pro" shoes. They make them less durable and protected than usual, so they're lighter and faster, and you can get that extra speed on race day. What's impossible is the combination of long-mileage and alpine, rough terrain without the shoes getting destroyed. One of your claims HAS to be false. Giving you the benefit of the doubt, I would say you might be American. I know American races and courses are usually filled with fire roads, wide, well maintained trails that you can run without even looking at your feet. So your concept of "rough, alpine terrain" might be light years off of what we consider in Europe. I haven't met a single runner here that thinks UTMB, for example, has rough and alpine terrain. In that regard, the Prodigio Pro could be a good choice to run the loop, although arguably the Max is for these long distances. Even so, I doubt you could run 500miles ont the UTMB course and have the shoes looking like yours. My biggest concern here is for buyers, like me, who have been following the hype around the Prodigio Pro. I've read here before of a guy who said they were perfect for scrambling and long days in the mountains. With a single look into the sole, you realize that's a bad idea. Lastly, as I said again, I've used the Akyra for a looooong time. I've had 8 pairs of them. That's the only "running" shoe (of the dozen or so that I've tried) that can withstand hours and hours of alpine terrain without getting destroyed too fast. They're built like tanks, and the grip they provide is outstanding. There's no sole in the market like it. When people try to make you think that the Prodigio are actually designed for the terrain the Akyra excel at, I feel obliged to let people know they will be disappointed.

La Sportiva Akyra has been the go-to shoe for my whole family, and even friends. Great grip, comfy, durable and you can get it in Gore-Tex. I've also tried on the Dynafit Transalper, and it looked super promising, but I haven't taken it to the mountains yet.

Don't buy thhose shoes for hiking. That's like buying a tractor to drive on the motorway, or buying a golden retriever to be a house protector, or buying a book to sit on. Will they do the job? Sure, but why not get the better thing, designed to do that specific task? The PP's are designed to run ultras at fast paces on easy terrain.  They are taller than most shoes, so they won't be as stable as you want them too. Moreover, they are made to be as light as possible, so they won't subject your foot properly. Both things a bad recipe for ankle sprains. They are less protected against rocks and impact than other shoes. If you're on hiking in rough terrain, that's important to consider. On the bright side, they have a "gator" (if that's the correct word) protecting the ankle from sand or small rocks getting inside the shoe.  The lugs are small and superficial, making it a bad choice for broken trails, wet/muddy ones or anything with boulders. The sole is designed to have the best grip it can given these circumstances though. But that also means durability won't be a strong point either. Lastly, and given all said before, you need to realize the PP's are not built to last. Top 1 or 2 things most people look for in hilong shoes is that they last in rugged terrain. You won't make it anywhere close to the lifespan of a hiking boot, even a mediocre one. That being said, I recommend 3 options for you in case you still want trail running shoes for hiking. The Ultra Raptor, the Akyra and the Akasha. All of them from la Sportiva. Better soles, deeper lugs, more protected, durable yet not heavy and uncomfortable enough to be considered hiking gear.