La Sportiva - Prodigio

Reg prodigios and pros are the same size for me. If anything, there's more room in the Pros.

I actually find that making sure you have a good fit around ankle and midfoot does more to 'save your toes', especially where moving forward downhill is an issue. For example, I recently discounted the Nnormal Tomir due to excessive forward slip, even when trying on. I've never experienced excessive 'swelling' in the forefoot per se either. Does it actually happen to you? My only consideration in forefoot is width to splay, and then a thumbs width gap at the end of the toes. I do have a slim ankle/midfoot so getting a shoe that doesn't move around has been difficult at times, as I always need mine to feel more like a running shoe than a specific 'ultra' shoe. The best one recently is the Salomon Genesis, as well as the La Sportiva Prodigio. Proper locked in feel at the back, comfy in the front.

Prodigio pros for the win

The ogs were soooo good and grippy and fast but the pros def for like 50 mile and up are sooo light fast and responsive… def the best released shoes for a few years imo

The ogs were soooo good and grippy and fast but the pros def for like 50 mile and up are sooo light fast and responsive… def the best released shoes for a few years imo

Two of my tops [La Sportiva Prodigio](https://www.lasportivausa.com/prodigio.html) - Nice comfortable wider toe box. Some have mentioned the Pro I have yet to try. [Salomon Genesis](https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/genesis-li5372) - Would wear on more technical terrain, more snug fitting and plush than Prodigio. Want to try the [Nnormal Kjerag 02](https://www.nnormal.com/en_US/content/kjerag-02)

Oh man Catamounts were horrrrrendous for me. I used to run and hike in Cascadia 8s or 9s so when I found them on a good sale I decided to give the Catamounts a try for getting back into trail running after many years off. I could barely walk let alone run a mile and a half without getting the worst shin splints I've ever had. I used to always wear La Sportiva approach shoes for climbing so gave the Prodigios (regular, not Pro) a try and they've been amazing. To OPs question on other gear - no name Amazon shorts with a built in compression boxer 👌 no chafing and half the price of the name brands. Carefully husbanding my last two Arc'teryx Velox tees though - still to this day the best hot weather running/hiking/MTBing shirt out there imo and mine are definitely getting a bit threadbare after the 12 years or whatever I've had them. I hope when they give up the ghost I can find something else with a similar ultralight dotted/pucker weave.

I have a pair of Prodigio low shoes. One is the most comfortable shoes I have worn. Breathable yet great in water, nitrogen infused foam is highly shock absorbent and not at all squishy, with great traction. These are primarily trail shoes. I am a heel striking supinator and the shoes fit like a glove and are light, neutral yet supportive and the uppers are durable. My only regret is that the outsole wears out rather quickly if you plan on walking on pavement for a long time.

I have had similar experiences with the Prodigio. Great fitting, very good cushioning while not being sloppy, and much stronger than they appear. My only regret is that if you walk a lot of kilometers in the street, the outsole which is designed for trails, is not durable. The shoes are so comfortable that I wish I could wear them for the streets. I guess I could with the expectation of replacing them more frequently. I really like the feel of the nitrogen infused mid sole.

They have an authorized distributor and re-soling shop in Chonburi but they don't respond to emails. Poor service. I wrote to Italy letting them know their distributor customer service sucks but they didn't get involved.

Prodigio pro or 005 norda, Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra but be careful because they are not good for heelers or for technical routes

try the prodigio ultra la sportiva for everything

I tried the non-max versions at REI the other day. They aren’t as crazy narrow as some LS models, but were still a bit too snug for me — ended up grabbing the Bushido III wide. One consideration is what sort of routes he’ll be on. Something with a big stack of cushioning could be good for cranking out miles on maintained trails, but may lack stability and ground feel for scrambling.

The Prodigio Pro is designed as their race shoe. So it’s designed with running fast in mind, not walking. Most of its best features wouldn’t be noticeable at walking speeds - you’re not getting the bounce from the nitrogen-infused foam, the rocker isn’t helping propel you into the next step, the precise fit is just going to leave less room for your feet to swell. If your BF was getting into trail running and was looking for a shoe for a race, or even a shoe for faster runs I’d say absolutely go for it. My non-pro Prodigios are awesome and I’ve been drooling over the fancier ones now that they’ve been released. But why pay extra for a premium race shoe when you’re not going to benefit from any of the premium race features?

Oh that makes a lot more sense, my bad. I dunno why my brain misread that one (probably because I’ve been drooling over the Prodigio Pros).

I had the regular Prodigios and the fit was great. I’m used to wider toe boxes too. Apparently these are even wider/rounder. I’m hoping they work!! 

I've only put 8mi on them so far but the Mount to Coast T1s seem amazing. Very roomy toebox, I think the midsole cushion is perfect, easy to run in with a moderate amount of rocker. The build quality is really good and their midsoles are supposed to last a really long time (fingers crossed - theme below). Prodigio Pros are awesome, most fun I've ever had in a pair of running shoes. The only problem was that the midsole was toast by 100mi - maybe because I'm a heavier runner (200lbs). I get a pro deal on them and I would absolutely consider buying a pair just to use for a race. The final issue with these are that they've been out of stock for almost all common sizes for a while. VJ Ultra 3s are also very good. Very similar to the Prodigios in rocker, cushion, grip. The uppers are a little odd, and I had some rubbing on my ankle bone. Same problem with the Prodigio Pros though, midsole dead around 100mi.

Also take a look at La Sportiva Prodigo MAX. Great, cushy foam, roomy toebox, and super secure midfoot hold, similar to how Topos hug the midfoot. Just make sure you size correctly (likely a full size up from your typical true to size).

Prodigio Pro is my current pick. Might be billed as a race shoe (they are fast!), but they are amazing as a slower comfy cushioned shoe as well.

I have around 200 miles on my second pair. They’ve performed as good as my Prodigio Pros. I‘ll use them for any type of trail, but don’t recommend for off trail stuff like talus or scree hopping. The rocker makes them wonky on that type of terrain. I’ll be using them for some multi day endeavors this summer. I recommend going a full size down. Not sure why they’ve got them sized like they do.

I have a broad forefoot and a narrow heel. Brooks has been good to me as well as La Sportiva. Prodigo Pros and Caldera 8 is what I am working with now. For faster nimbler shoe I have been using the Catamount. Not sure about this latest version, haven't tried it.

Loving Prodigio Pro too. Mine squeak when they get wet!

I'm going with the Prodigio Pro for UTMB Lavaredo... I'd also recommend the Merrell Agility Peak 5 if you like the Speedgoat but want more bite. They handle the trails around Mont Blanc super well.

Or the Prodigeo is excellent too

Hoka Mafate 5 is comfy and fun. Mafate Speed 4 is still good but a little narrower and not quite so bouncy. I used to run in Speedgoats a lot but think the 5 & 6 are missing some comfort and the foam isn’t returning the energy of newer shoes. Salomon Genesis or Ultra Glide are both good if you can accommodate a narrower fit. I prefer the protection of the Genesis over the Ultra Glide. Prodigio Pro is also fun and bouncy, but much lighter, less protection around the ankle and so a bit more stripped back. Everyone I know loves them though. Hoka Tecton X 3 is a similar proposition to the Prodigio but both are spendy. Hoka is slightly more stable and bouncy but there is very little in it. If you want the best outsole rubber money can buy, look at the VJ Ultra 3. Seriously, the lugs and rubber is like glue. Finally, the Saucony Xodus Ultra is a good shoe for distances like this. It’s also comfy and protective. Just avoid the 2 or 3 and go for the latest version 4.

My absolute favorite shoes for long haulers is Tecton x3 and I feel they are well worth their price tag. Only they don’t cut it on more technical terrain. That said shoes like Prodigio Pro are quite close.

I used to rock Altra shoes. But when I increased mileage uphill I got problems. Running on road gave no problems. Today I prefer 4-6mm drop over zero drop. Presently my favorite trail shoes are Tecton x3 and Prodigio Pro. I am keen to try out Norda 005 and VJ Ultra 3.

Sure, but there is more to it. The Tecton x3 gives me problems with low support from the upper and the high stack. But a shoe like Prodigio Pro seems much more stable.

Many says that the VJ runs flat to soon and that the Prodigio Pro is a better alternative. I haven’t runned the VJ U3 but love the Prodigio Pro. And today I ordered the VJ IRock 4 to test for more muddy trails, so I hope that the midsole will hold up in those.

Colorado trail/mountain runner here. I would prioritize what you think would be most suitable for your running and backpacking adventures. The truth is most trail running outsoles will perform adequately on class 3 scrambling. Some outsoles are better than others (Vibram, VJ shoes, La Sportiva). I would avoid really max cushion shoes if you’re really worried about scrambling performance. If you like La Sportiva, def give their Prodigio a look, that’s more of their mountain running shoe some cushion for backpacking

I’ve run lots of technical alpine CO terrain up to 50k. I’ve found the Mafate Speed 4 and Xodus Ultra 2 to be comfortable and capable for long mountain days including scrambling. Merrell Agility Peak 5 also good. Speedgoat didn’t work for my foot but is a renowned mountain ultra shoe. I think pretty much any outsole will be capable in our dry climate and terrain, including some light scrambling- I would head to One of our great running stores in Denver metro and try on a bunch of pairs to see what feels good for your feet. Comfort is the most important factor for a long mountain day, more so than all the performance features *I do have a pair of Prodigio Pros that I intend to use for your stated purpose

These were great for me for shorter distances. Anything over ~20 miles the plate starts to put pressure on the balls of my feet. Wound up dumping them for the Prodigio Pro

Oh I’m not complaining I have to run 3 miles on roads just to hit the trail. Currently loving the prodigio pros and like the ride but on the humid east coast the upper definitely holds onto sweat and takes forever to dry. Love the channel and content btw!

Mine squeak too. I think it’s because of the construction and that the insole sits directly on the midsole foam with no strobel board. I did find periodically removing the insoles and wiping the bottom of them and the top of the midsole helps a bit.

Fellow Haglund sufferer here. I have it on both heels, I ran long trainings and recent ultra in these shoes and it seems to do the trick: - VJ Ultra 3: I have half a size bigger so that my heel can move freely, it has great lockdown in the midfoot, which means that the heel can be looser and I still feel locked down - Salomon Ultra Glide 3: stiff heel counter but well padded and very flexible shoe (despite the stack), which means that when I flex my foot (on landing or uphill or at toe off), the shoe flexes with it and my heel does not “fight” the shoe and thus there is no pressure on the heel bump Generally I find that the more flexible shoe the better and as soon as the padding is there and protects the heel collar from my bump, it is OK. E.g. Prodigio Pro is flexible, the collar is not overly stiff but the padding is at the top and does not protect my bump from irritation.

What do you mean by more versatile? The Agravic Speed is a very versatile shoe with great grip in my opinion and would be in my Top 5 to recommend to you. I personally rank it better than the Genesis and the Tormir 2. If you are looking for a protective trail tank the Tormir would be in the conversation. Personally I tried them on and don’t like how they fit which should be the deciding factor in the end anyway. Most of the other shoes are definitely not as fast as the Agravic Speed and more protective. Prodigio Pro is probably what your are looking for but not that much more protective than the Speed maybe the new On Cloudultra Pro could be something.

At the moment I don’t see any reason to recommend them. New Balance has one decent shoe with the Hierro but I would choose the Agravic Speed over it on almost any day. ASICS needs another year in my opinion nothing great on the market right now but they will get there for sure. You could try the Mafate Speed 4 from HOKA (not the 5!) if you can find them on a good discount because durability was pretty bad for me but others are happy with it. Personally I use the Prodigio Pro for everything trail related and my feet are happy now for 100km in them. I’m interested in the Agravic Speed 2 if the lockdown is improved on the second version it would probably be my choice for a lot of stuff. The normal Prodigio could be something to try as well I like them but after having the Pro I don’t use them anymore.

Some reported ripping uppers on the Prodigio Pro because of rocks ripping it open. I have over 400km on one pair and it looks basically new and one with 280km which looks similar. Rubber is definitely more durable than Vibram megagrip and similar tacky. I wasn’t in to the old LaSpo shoes but love the Prodigio line.

Try the La Sportiva Prodigio line. The normal one is a good shoe but I would highly recommend spending the extra cash on the Prodigio Pro. Go a half size up in US sizing from your normal size. I have two pairs and almost 600km combined in them. One half size up and one full size up and I like the half size up more after the toe bumper broke in but I did run a 100km race in the full size up without touching the shoe once in the whole race. Looks like a pretty durable shoe too. Did not run in the Max yet but looks promising as well.

Prodigio Pros would be a great place to start. I was a mafate fan boy, but then converted. Just be sure to go up 1/2 to a full size in La Sportiva shoes.

You got a good discount on em eh? Let me know if you decide to sell them! FWIW I’ve been loving the Prodigio Pros (I’m a 12.5/46 in those) on dirt and gravel, up to light rocky trails (they’re absolute cruisers), though I typically like a lower stack for more technical rock hopping terrain, and with the races I’ve been eyeing for this summer (Tushars 100k and Ouray 50), I’m really wanting to check out the lower stack on the 005’s! But the PP’s seem like they would be absolutely killer for a non-techy trail 100 like Javelina.

6’2” 215 here. I’m using Prodigio Pros right now and they are the best shoes I’ve used, hands down. The problem is finding them in larger sizes. I went through four pairs of Speedgoats but heard the fives had some quality issues, so I moved on to Altra Timps after those. They were… fine. Decent grip, nice toe box, but they started coming apart pretty quickly. I like having something with a higher stack height for anything longer than 20k I’ve got a pair of VJ Xtremes that I use for muddier or more technical trails, and the grip on those is insane, but they beat up my knees past 10 miles. I’ll probably grab some of their Ultras if I can’t find the Prodigios in my size again

I have the 001s and they are like a tank. Cushion isn’t over the top and comfortable enough for me. My only gripe is they are warm, I’m not going to wear them this summer. The kjerag fit my foot very well, but I need more cushion. If you like a lower stack shoe that could be for you. I’ve been using the prodigio pro and really like those, haven’t had any durability issues but I haven’t had them long. I’ll keep using those for the time being.

LS Prodigio should fit the bill for you. Light shoe, fun, great outsole and nimble enough for techy stuff. If your mud is heavy clay you'll struggle to find a shoe that deals with it well, though - clay is impossible.

Bushidos are a good choice. It might take you a bit of time to get used to the lower stack height if you're used to a more maximal shoe. Consider the Prodigio. More cushion, but not enough to get in the way or lose precision. Outsole is a combo of Frixion Red and Megagrip so it's nice and sticky.

La Sportiva Prodigio. Enough cushion for ultra distances, comfy, responsive midsole with good energy return, grippy outsole, and low enough stack height that you retain groundfeel and proprioception. They're a great shoe for technical stuff.

LS Prodigio, Merrell Agility Peak and Topo MTN Racer as my go-tos. LS Bushido for techy shorter stuff. Saucony Peregrine ST for mud. Old pair of Cascadias with screws for the snow and ice.

There are two potential problems with high stack shoes when it comes to lateral stability. First, they're just higher off the ground, so even though they typically have a wide base, it still affects stability since you're essentially on a platform above the ground. The second and potentially more important thing is that the thick layer of foam drastically reduces proprioception. If you can't feel what's under your feet, your brain can't react to it quickly enough and your body is more likely to become unbalanced = twisty ankles. Your proprioception in high stack shoes is trainable as you get used to the shoes, but in my case and I think for many other people, it'll never be as good in a high stack shoe as it will in a more moderate one. You could consider the LS Prodigio. Good cushioning, but they still feel close to the ground and precise.

The newer ones, the Prodigio line, are definitely roomier than the older models. I would never have been able to be comfortable in LaSpo ten years ago, but now I have three pairs and I love them. Definitely size up at least a half size from your usual though.

Consider the La Sportiva Prodigio or Prodigio Pro. I've gone up to 85k in the regular Prodigio and could have gone farther; I wore the Pro for a 100M this year and they did well. The regular Prodigio will probably be more similar to what you're already wearing. Both have good energy return but the Pro foam feels much "faster". Of course, none of this matters if they don't fit you well, so you have to try them on.

The Prodigio Max is a good suggestion as well. The Pro is awesome but the Max has more cushion and a more conventional upper.

The More Trail is terrible, way too much exposed midsole and the lugs are garbage. But you know that now, haha. Consider La Sportiva. I've run two ultras in my Prodigios so far and they're great; they grip very well, they're great on technical stuff, and the foam has good energy return and cushion. It may not be enough cushion for 100M for some, though for me it's a good balance between cushion and nimbleness/agility on rocky/rooty stuff - but there is a new max stack version of the same shoe coming out for spring 25 that could be worth looking at. I would suggest the Agility Peak but you said they didn't fit you well - I also find them to be very generous in the fit. I normally wear men's shoes but had to go to women's AND size down to get them to work for me. If your feet are in the size range that this is an option for you, maybe consider it. They're really on the high end of stack for really technical stuff, for me anyway, but they're a comfy shoe for long efforts and they actually feel much more capable on technical stuff after about 100km than they did right out of the box when they felt like blocks of foam strapped to my feet.

North Face Enduris 4 would fit the bill, although it holds onto water if it gets soaked. Prodigio Pro is an amazing shoe for any terrain

Yes, Salomon and La Sportiva fit narrow feet better than many other popular brands. I recommend La Sportiva Prodigio or Salomon Genesis if you want a bit more cushion.

Salomon S/lab Genesis is my choice for ultra long distances. I like La Sportiva Prodigio and Prodigio Pro too.

A lot of people recommend highly cushioned shoes like Hoka Speedgoat or Nike Zegama, but in my opinion if you want to improve your technique and agility when running on technical mountain terrain you should learn to run in moderately cushioned shoes because they provide a better degree control and feedback. Also you are much less likely to twist ankle or have other injuries when you are lower to the ground and better feel the terrain. My current favorites are NNormal Kjerag and Salomon S/lab Ultra 3. If you need a bit more cushion - La Sportiva Prodigio or Salomon Genesis. And if you need to go on a very rough mountain terrain - La Sportiva Mutant.

I don't think there is a shoe that is comfortable for long runs and stable on a technical terrain at the same time. You have to sacrifice one thing or another. When the stack is increased for comfort, that inevitably makes the shoe higher off the ground and therefore inherently less stable. I wore a lot of similar shoes to the ones in your rotation. Recently I have been moving away from Hoka. I have a very large number of shoes in rotation, but if I pick shoes that I gravitate towards the most, currently it would be the following 3 shoes: 1) NNormal Kjerag - very natural, stable, and has a great ground feel. I can wear it for up to 50k if it isn't too rocky. My first pair has about 320 miles and it still feels great and the outsole still shows not that much wear. Normally I wear shoes for up to 300 miles, but this one definitely has a lot of mileage remaining. My second pair of Kjerag has 60 miles. 2) Salomon S/lab Genesis is my unicorn shoe for longer ultras of up to 100M or shorter runs on gnarly mountain terrain. It fits me extremely well, like a sock with no hotspots. Even though it isn't the most cushioned shoe, it seems to work really well for longer distances. And while it isn't the best shoe for really technical terrain, it can handle it decently well. I like this shoe so much that I bought 4 pairs in the last 2 years. 3) La Sportiva Prodigio is a great choice in between the two above choices. It can handle technician terrain better than Genesis but it isn't as comfortable. It is stiff when new but softens considerably after the first 30-40 miles. The foot lockdown is excellent. I have two pairs of Prodigio and am looking forward to trying a new Prodigio Pro, which should be a more direct competition to S/lab Genesis.

As others said these are two very different shoes. Bushido is low stack and narrow, but good for really technical terrain, including scrambling. Prodigio Pro is much higher stack and more unstable because of that, and much wider, to the point that it is too wide for me. The ride is nice and energetic, however I think it is best used on runnable terrain. I really enjoyed running rocky dirt roads in it where it swallowed rocks very nicely. I'd have to be far more cautious running in Bushidos on the same terrain. I also really like regular Prodigio, that is perhaps closer to Bushido than Prodigio Pro, and it fits me a bit better.

As others said these are two very different shoes. Bushido is low stack and narrow, but good for really technical terrain, including scrambling. Prodigio Pro is much higher stack and more unstable because of that, and much wider, to the point that it is too wide for me. The ride is nice and energetic, however I think it is best used on runnable terrain. I really enjoyed running rocky dirt roads in it where it swallowed rocks very nicely. I'd have to be far more cautious running in Bushidos on the same terrain. I also really like regular Prodigio, that is perhaps closer to Bushido than Prodigio Pro, and it fits me a bit better.

Prodigio is a good balance of cushion and responsiveness, and stability. I like them overall. I ran in my second pair yesterday, which I have just bought on labor day sale with 25% off. It was a fairly rocky terrain, and the shoes were protecting my feet well. However there is one issue - when the pair is new the upper is quite stiff around the ankle, and that causes some discomfort. With my first pair I found that that goes away after 30-40 miles. Also I could feel the high stack as some instability in sharp turns, but that improves after 30-40 miles too. I used the first pair a few weeks ago on a trail run with several miles of complete off-trail with a talus field, bolder hopping and super technical and steep terrain overall, and I felt confident the entire time.

I have Norda 001. They are alright, I enjoy them but as a women I don’t find they synch down in the mid foot as much as I would like. I also find issues with blisters on my toes despite toe socks, lube, etc. I think the hype is overrated but for some they are great. Definitely burly and I still run in them as part of my shoe rotation. Especially winter. Because if these isssues I got a pair of prodigio pros and like them. Wish I went up a half size or so since I do get some blister issues at longer distances. Synch down much better in the mid foot and feel rock solid on technical terrain. I had my first run in the MtC T1s this week. Lace system will require some dialing in but overall I like them so far. I have their road shoes and do all my tread miles in them an love them.

I was also underwhelmed during and after the first run of 13 miles in the 005, especially considering all the hype that had been building up since last year before the recent launch. I liked the lightness but the fit of the upper was a bit baggy going half-size up as Norda recommends, the midsole didn't feel as amazing as advertised, and the outsole's grip wasn't as confidence-inspiring as, say, on the 001, VJ Ultra 3, Prodigio Pro, or the Nnormal Kjerag or Tomir 2.0. Well, I've now logged around 50 miles in the 005 and I absolutely love it. This "super" midsole has come alive and the outsole can handle whatever I throw at it. I need to wear thicker socks and cinch down quite a bit to get a secure lockdown, but I don't get lace bite and it feels quite comfortable now. I'm interested in trying it in my normal TTS size because I still have plenty of room in front of the toes. I'm not saying that you should give the 005 50 miles to see if it will work out for you. If you don't feel it and don't think it's going to get better, you may as well move on. At first, the 005 felt like a lightweight road trainer in the vein of Rebel v4 or the Evo SL that had been adapted to trails, but those shoes are less than half the price of the 005. It felt good to run in something so light on the trails, but everything else felt kind of meh and I couldn't understand what the hype and the rave reviews were about. I took the 005 on a second run of around 15 miles with about 3,000ft of elevation again through all types of terrains and I started feeling the midsole getting more propulsive and responsive. I checked my watch and I was moving noticeably faster than the perceived effort, which is a hallmark of supershoes. I bombed the downhills which I wasn't so confident about doing on my first run like I would with the VJ Ultra 3 and the Prodigio Pro. The 005 was just as protective and stable while being more agile and nimble. The outsole grip which I wasn't so sure about felt a lot more secure. I was like, "Hmmm... I guess it's coming alive now for me to get what the hype is all about." After the third run of another 15 miles a few days ago, I was sold and grinning from ear-to-ear afterwards. It's light, fast and propulsive, responsive, stable, nimble, grippy, comfortable, and protective. It pretty much does it all in a very lightweight package. I haven't gone on a run over 15 miles, so I can't say how it will hold up over ultra distances, but I do plan a 50km run soon and a 90km race in the summer. My inclination is to stick with the Tecton X 3 for such distances, but I'm rotating the 005, VJ Ultra 3, and Prodigio Pro right now to see if one will come out on top. They are all great shoes, but the 005 being almost 1.5oz lighter than the TX3, U3, and Prodigio Pro does give it an advantage. I'd like to get to at least 100 miles and a 50k run in each before coming to a conclusion.

The Prodigio Pro is a great shoe. You may also want to consider the VJ Ultra 3. The PP does have a narrower fit. I went from my usual US men's 8 to 8.5+ (EU 41.5) and it's snug and very secure around the mid-foot. It's a more "classic" type of trail shoe than the 005, as is the Ultra 3. To me, the PP sits somewhere in between the two. I love all three, but the Prodigio Pro is probably the most versatile and best suited for 50\~100 mile distances.

There's definitely a hefty premium for the 005, which would only pay off if one can get around 650 *good* miles or close to 1,000km. I'd say getting $0.50 per mile a good value. I guess I'll see if the 005 can do that like the 001. In comparison, the Prodigio Pro (and probably the VJ Ultra 3 as well) is a bargain for all that it offers. It kind of reminds me of the Xodus Ultra 1 and 2 that I used to run in some years ago but *everything* on the PP is better: the upper, the midsole, the outsole, the responsiveness, the ride, agility, bounce, propulsion, stability, etc. Put that all together and PP's value quotient is off the charts.

Prodigio Pro. One of the lighter weight trail shoes, super responsive, protective, great lockdown, great traction. Not enough cushion for a longer ultra but great for 50k and less.

have the T1 and the Prodigio pro. overall the prodigio is the better shoe (for me), i would not wear the t1 for more than 30-50 miles unless its basically buffed single track, but on buffed single track the prodigio has more flow (for me) than the t1. the t1 is an amazing first debut for MTC. the tuned fit lacing is a gimmick which is why they also put in the box normal laces and when you swap them out the lockdown is decent. i enjoy running in both but the prodigio is much more versatile and appropriate for a hundred miler (if that’s your thing). more protection, better wet traction, slightly more energy return but more aggressive rocker. durability wise they feel similar to me, the upper has more high tech materials in the t1 but i have similar mileage on both and they are both wearing similarly. edit also i bought and returned the norda 5. absolutely no stability for highly technical terrain. the upper is like a really bad version of the kjerag. the kjerag is decent on technical terrain but its grip is not aggressive (haven’t tried the brut version). the norda is one shoe i really could just not descent steep technical terrain at all.

There's a new SLAB Pulsar 4. Also the Prodigio Pro is like the Genesis with better foam.

I went up a full size (US sizing) compared to the Genesis. Feels more like sock than the Genesis so more comfortable and slightly more toe space.

Prodigio Pro is the shoe the Speedgoat dreamed of being.

The rim and core shoes like Prodigio Pro/Max, Zegama, Xodus Ultra, bypass this limit as they offer a softer cushion inside without losing stability by having a firmer rim of foam on the outside.

Probably the Prodigio Pro or Max

They were much too narrow for my slightly larger than average width foot.

Just getting ready to ship mine back. My normal size is 13 w and ordered a 14 (47). My big toe hit the front and it felt narrow. Not sure I’ll try a 15 as I don’t know if that would solve the narrowness.

Given your experience with Salomon and Brooks combined with the desire for stability: Try Salomon Genesis or Brooks Catamount 3. The Genesis is one of Salomon's most stable trail running shoe I've had, while the Brooks Catamount runs incredibly well and stable on moderate trails. The Genesis is softer and has better grip, while the Catamount is more responsive. Horses for courses, really. Since you also have La Sportivas: I can recommend looking at the Prodigio, which is a well rounded shoe that I like picking up for versatility in terrain that is mixed.

Gravel is a tricky surface, I agree. It probably depends on the the percentage of a certain terrain in a run that I choose the shoes. Generally, for steep grass I like Mudtalons with 8mm lugs, for snow the Genesis and for barely runnable rocks Bushidos. But then again, there is always a trade-off, since a run is usually composed of different surfaces. As an allrounder in alpine environment, I often go for Dynafit, Prodigio or Ribelle Run. YMMY. (And yes: I might have too many shoes).

Bought a pair a month ago, my first La Sportivas.  Tried them in the store and fell in love.  Had them for 2 weeks and liked them so much I ran Chuckanut 50k in them after only a few short runs.  It was a muddy shit show and the shoes were great. No idea how they perform in the desert, and no idea about longevity, but so far I love this shoe.  I come from topos and altras, and usually have trouble with fit.  Everyone says half size up, but I tried both and stayed true to size.  YMMV.

I ran in the Pro's today, just an easy 5k to test them out and I did get the same size as my reg Prodigos annnnd I need to exchange them for half a size up. They seemed fine when I put them on but once I started running they def squeeze my toes in a bit too much and I felt sore on the base of my foot afterwards. That is just my personal experience, you may have a different experience due to foot shape, etc.

What type of trails do you run on? La Sportiva Prodigios tend to be well-liked in my neck of the rocky woods, and I love my Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx, but neither may be appropriate if you're running over smooth trails with your Ultraflys.

I used the La Sportiva Prodigio when I had a carry-on only trip last summer. Worked in mud and didn't wear out too much on pavement either!

I did a techy 50k in Ontario in the La Sportiva Prodigio. Only downside is they’re not amaaaazingly secure on wet rock but they’re not bad 

La sportiva prodigios. Spacious toe box, deep heel cup, plenty of cushion but a firm ride, and great traction like all la sportiva shoes. My holy grail. The topo mtn racers are nice too

It‘s a different concept. Prodigious for La Sportiva a more runningshoe like „Jackal“. The prodigio pro is another Level in the Trailrunning industry regarding supershoes. For normal runners, the normal prodigio is a cool shoe you can go everywhere over every distance. The pro is more the Über-Shoe right now especially for alpine and rocky trails with long distance where other plated models have their issues regarding groundfeel. Pro Testers write: The prodigio pro is there where a Speedgoat 6 should be. If you‘re looking for a well priced shoe line Speedgoat - Brooks Cascadia?

For the pressure problem under the laces+padded tongue, you can cut the top of tongue to remove paddings. I had the same problem. You can have a look at here: [https://youtu.be/rmXp9c6EArE?t=928](https://youtu.be/rmXp9c6EArE?t=928) at 15:28. I removed both 4 columns and it's just perfect. I run 50K and 100K races and never had a problem with the shoe.

I have the Prodigio (not pro) - for the Pro, should I order the same size or also go up 1-1.5 sizes?

La Sportiva Prodigio 👌

Rocking these as well but really not a fan! Not burly enough for tech terrain and not very fun for rolling forest trails. Love my genesis but missing that forest shoe

asphalt and mud? both end of the range... why not buy 2 pairs (cheaper ons maybe or from last years collection - who cares about the color?) I would guess that a pair specialized on dry ground with 3-3.5mm profil could be at half price better for your need than an expensive one that wants to fitt every condition at once. than ad another pair for wet and muddy condition maybe with less bumber/thinner sole (sorry but english is not my fav language) I have asics cumulus for asphalt <-- number 24 or 25 should be cheap already La sportive prodigio for dry conditions adidas soulstride flow gtx for wet conditions <-- have been very cheap on sale so maybe there is n o need for the newest hightech one fits all at the crazies coloring if you choose them wisely for different usecases. your daily runner should be your best shoe. all my shoes also work on asphalt. I also have Salomon sensride 5 with Currex Run Pro insoles, but after a lot of streching and more knowlage i think they are one number too small and I only wear em when i am not running know. They also fit all conditions for me.

I would really only recommend boots if you are going to encounter a lot of snow, or if ankle support is critical for you. I have done lots of hiking in boots and trail runners and can say I have had way less issues with trail runners. They are much lighter which makes a big difference on long days. Regarding a specific shoe, would recommend La Sportiva Prodigio personally. Pretty universal fit, good amount of cushion, and they are very durable. I have also tried various Altra shoes before, which are maybe a fraction more comfortable, but they have gotten shredded to bits in terrain where the sportivas remain like new.

My regular prodigios have been wearing very quickly on the rocks in the Vegas desert. The outsole is smooth at the forefoot after 100 miles.

La Sportiva Prodigio do have wide toe boxes. They are a delight to walk but after more than 2000km the soles are really getting thinner 😢🤣 When raining I use them without the inner soles but with waterproof socks by Dexter. Now getting colder it put some wool socks first and then the waterproof Dexter socks.

Look at the Prodigio line of shoes of la Sportiva. Their toe boxes are wider than most and they have a good tight fit for your heels. You can use a runners knot but I don’t that because of their well fitting.

I took one size bigger than I need. And I removed the insole because I use them also in the winter and in the rain with waterproof Dexshell socks over my merino socks. That way my feet stay dry even when walking through water. And in the winter my feet stay enough warm. Those waterproof socks function as vbl, so my feet are getting a little bit humid from the inside by them. The insole stayed wet when walking through water, so after a while those Dexshell socks didn’t function the way they should because of those wet insoles. In the summer it’s a delight to feel the wind blowing over my feet.

The Prodigio shoes of La Sportiva were the first trail run shoes for me. They surprised me with their excellent fit, their very light weight and their upper mesh (can really feel the wind blowing through my shoes!). At a rainy day I noticed that the insoles stayed too long wet for my taste where as the waterproof Dexshell socks over my thin merino socks kept my feet dry. So I removed those inner soles, I don’t need them. I was surprised to notice my feet stayed dry even when my whole shoes went under water.

I have done 30k of a mix of off trail and on with scrambling with 4k ft gain and >7k ft decent in a day on them and they seemed to do fine. That was mostly more hiking speed other than some jogging when I could. I could’ve been more comfortable at the end of the day but then again I loved the stability when I was in the scrambling parts. If I did that again, that would be the shoe I chose again. I am seriously considering them for a 28k mountain running race in the fall that has almost 8k ft of vert because of how technical the trail gets. I may also look at La Sportiva Prodigio Pro for that race because I like the normal Prodigio for longer runs (but not technical or too steep because of the upper). Normally if I doing those types of distances, I am doing more hiking than running, so the Bushidos seem great for that. The race will be a long one for me. If I was running that long, I may want something with more cushion, but I am old now! 🤣 I feel like for hiking, the Bushidos would still be my go to for now.

They are wider and have more room so they feel a little bigger. Not as snug as Bushidos (I have same size in both). That seems to be a good thing for longer runs though. I have a narrow foot so La Sportiva works well for me. They are also pretty light and well padded - run great. The only downside I see is the uppers are kind of hard plastic and it digs into my ankles on steeper grades. Love them for longer runs as long as the grade is not too steep because of that. I am looking into the Prodigio Pros for that one reason - the uppers look different. Hope that helps!

la sportiva prodigio and nordas 001 shoes. I have a nathan pinnacle vest for long runs and an On ultravest pro (super lightweight) for anything shorter than 3 hours.

Salomon Slab Genesis and La Sportiva Prodigio. I like a light upper and a cushioned midsole with lots of grip. Both are larger in the toe box than traditional La Sportiva or Salomon.

I found them very comfortable right out of the box. Mine have 300 miles on them and still lots of life left, which is pretty good for a trail runner. The reported stiffness might be bc they’re low cushioning. I like this as I like being able to feel the terrain beneath my feet so I can respond faster. This has only been a problem once, when my footpad started aching after 5,000 ft of vertical descent on a steep trail with tons of giant rocks instead of dirt. For extremely long steep descents I got the la sportiva prodigio- way more cushioning, slightly wider toe box, but only 3.5 mm lugs so not as great in thick mud (vs I think 4.5 on the bushidos)

I second the Mutants, I’ve ripped them up low fifth class solos and they’ve performed great, same goes for the prodigio. Love La Sportiva 👌

La sportive prodigio is perfect for this

I found the Prodigio has a hard piece that slices under your outside ankle bones on off camber terrain, so they were terrible for me but ymmv. They fixed it with the Prodigio Pro. The La Sportiva Mutant has been my go to tech/scrambling shoe since they released it but they seem to be sold out of most sizes everywhere so I’m not sure if they’re discontinuing it..