Gemma Palmer recommends the La Sportiva Prodigo Max – as long as you size up!
The La Sportiva Prodigo Max is a comfort-first, long-distance performer, and if you’re anything like me – sporting a slightly wider forefoot – you’ll know the “pinch” struggle is real.
Gemma Palmer recommends
Overall, the Prodigio is deserving of high marks for comfort and the TPU-reinforced mesh that feels bomb-proof on rugged terrain.- cushioning
- durability
- comfort for wider feet
- wide bridge incompatibility
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | £123 (available from Ellis Brigham) |
| Weight | 649g (9 UK, pair) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
| Lug depth | 4mm |
| Materials | Supercritical Expanded Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ETPU) Core, Nitrogen-Infused EVA Cage, Recycled supercritical TPU foam, TPEE (Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer) Mesh, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Embroidered Yarns, High-Durability Compound (Heel), High-Grip Compound (Forefoot) |
| Features | XFlow Endurance foam, FriXion® Red Dual Compound, Medium Rocker, TPU Inserts, 3D Mesh Lining |
| Waterproof | No |
| Sizes | 3.5 – 9 UK / 36 – 43 EU |
| Men’s version | Yes |
| www.lasportiva.com |
Slipping into these, I noticed my foot fills the toe box right to the edges of the footbed; it isn’t quite overhanging, but you’ll certainly feel the material comfortably hugging the ball of your foot. Sizing-wise, I’ve jumped to a 9 from my usual 8.5, and that has been the sweet spot. The sole flexes naturally, mirroring the foot’s movement while remaining incredibly responsive. Built for ultras, the XFlow Endurance foam provides a plush 37mm stack height that stays springy and has yet to decompress.
These aren’t winter swamp-munchers. Despite the front-end grip of the FriXion Red sole, the 4mm lugs struggled with a heavy heel strike on slick muck, and I found myself sliding more than I’d like. However, they absolutely sing on gravel, grass, and rocky mountain paths where the rocker helps with a smooth toe-off. What really impressed me was the reduction of “stone bruising” via the pressure-dispersing sole, and the ‘splash-zone’ performance.
The plastic-reinforced nose surround is a masterstroke; water rolls right off the fabric centre, keeping my socks remarkably dry when charging through puddles. The beefy tongue guard is another highlight, protecting the bridge even when the laces are cranked tight. My only real niggle? A high/wide bridge meant the tongue didn’t quite cover my midfoot, leaving a gap that eventually caused a heel hot spot.
Overall, the Prodigio is deserving of high marks for comfort and the TPU-reinforced mesh that feels bomb-proof on rugged terrain. Better yet, the fabric sheds mud easily when rinsed, so they’re clean and dry for your next outing.
How we tested
Gemma tested these trainers across East Anglian lowlands and hilly forests, tackling everything from frozen, waterlogged tracks to more technical woodland climbs through winter into spring. She has a wide forefoot and narrower heel. Shoe weights are from her scales. This review was first published in the June 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. You can compare it to other in our guide to the best trail running shoes.
