La Sportiva Prodigio Review. The Most Cushion Ever From A La Sportiva Trail Running Shoe!

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Күн бұрын

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@TrailrunnerTroy 5 ай бұрын

Excellent discourse about what for me has been one of the best, and possibly the very best (competing with the new Inov8 TrailFly), shoes of ‘24. The Prodigio carried me to a first place overall finish in the Navajo Nation’s annual 12-hour mountain-running competition (The 12 Hours of Asááyi) with nearly 8,000’ total vertical ascent over 36 miles of moderate to difficult terrain. Feels like a trail moccasin. Love the lower profile and gentle rocker, and the down is just about ideal for rough dry mountain and high desert wear. Works well at any pace and to me feels lighter than the advertised weight. The tongue could be a little bit longer and the laces too. Midsole is the bomb! Had no issues with the ankle collar. Best all-around LaSportiva anywhere. Only beef is the upper; comfortable but wore holes in mine after 200 miles and had to replace.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

That's awesome to hear! Congrats on the win as well! Where did you get holes in the upper?

@TrailrunnerTroy 4 ай бұрын

@@ConversationalPace both shoes, fourth toe. That has never happened to me since I began running in 1978. It’s a low-volume shoe. The comfy weave just started unraveling.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Super strange!

@dylan_tanner 5 ай бұрын

I'm pleasently suprised with this shoe! I've found myself reaching for the Prodigio more and more often. Can't wait for the Prodigio Pro

@ConversationalPace 5 ай бұрын

So curious about this Prodigio Pro. Looks so drastically different from anything La Sportiva has made before

@michaelbasuini3876 4 ай бұрын

@@ConversationalPace It looks like it, I saw some Specs though and it seems the Stack is about the same as the Prodigio. So maybe just softer and not much higher, although in pictures it looks BEEFY

@miroslavveselovsky4540 5 ай бұрын

Díky!

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Much appreciated! 🙏 🙏

@victorystone1984 5 ай бұрын

I'm one of the lucky ones and don't have any issues with the ankle collar. I agree with Finn, this is the shoe I find myself reaching for this shoe for my long runs into the mountains, but I've always loved La Sportiva for my mountain runs. It's definitely become one of my favorite shoes.

@ConversationalPace 5 ай бұрын

Definitely one of the lucky ones! I really wish I could have logged some more trail miles in these, as they have all the elements of a fantastic shoe

@mdicello1823 5 ай бұрын

Ran in two La Sportiva shoes, both of which I had to send back because of sizing issues like you guys had mentioned. This one looks awesome, but for me, Salomon feels like the king of technical terrain!! Thanks for the in-depth review, but no shin ankle bones here!! LOL

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Haha yeah the sizing is tough for sure. La Sportiva and Salomon definitely overlap in many ways in the mountains and I agree, so far more Salomons have been more successful for me

@gijssmets 5 ай бұрын

I did 3 runs in them so far and they are now my favorite trailshoes. Super comfortable, so it seems I'm lucky with my ankle shape. Great shoe! ❤ Ps: watching from Belgium 🇧🇪

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Lucky about the ankle! Thanks for watching!

@damienadame3455 5 ай бұрын

I also read the reviews on the La Sportiva site about the ankle collar issues. Ugh, WAS so excited to give these a try but pretty sure I’ll fall in that category of getting stabbed and jabbed with the rigid ankle collar. Thanks again for the great shoe reviews 👍🏻 !

@ConversationalPace 5 ай бұрын

Yeah such a bummer when the achilles heel of a shoe is the...heel 😅. Hopefully they are able to make some adjustments for the next version

@levirajnowski4474 5 ай бұрын

Been loving this shoe, rolling into my second pair now without any of the ankle issues! Definitely not the one shoe to do it all but it's so nice to have a shoe that can do both rolling singletrack, and gravel, and scrambly mountain running exceptionally well!

@ConversationalPace 5 ай бұрын

So jealous these worked out for you! They feel pretty awesome underfoot

@ericperramond3463 5 ай бұрын

Have had LaSportivas for at least 15 years, but haven't purchased one since the original Jackal; after I got a blister on my back heel within 7 miles, I just gave up. The sizing and ankle issues were just too frequent, and if you're not a sponsored athlete, I just don't see a lot of runners flocking to this. (I do still love the TX-4 approach shoe, however). Spot on review, gents!

@ConversationalPace 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! I think this was a solid first attempt at a more running oriented shoe, and I'm sure they'll take these learnings and make adjustments. If they don't, well then shame on me for continuing to try them out 🤣

@leemurden8476 Ай бұрын

Nice one gents. Chose these for a 16 week training programme then my first 100km Ultra here in Derbyshire. 16hours moving time and full attention to feet saw zero blisters, aches, rubs or pain. Incredible for my first ever Ultra. Are they a winter shoe ? No.. They will be my go to shoes for next summers 107KM circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight though. 10/10

@ConversationalPace 29 күн бұрын

That's incredible! Congrats on your first ultra as well!

@thelegendandthechamp 5 ай бұрын

Another great review. Had this shoe for about 4 months now. No ankle issues, but I did have a very odd issue with my middle toe bleeding from under the nail on my left foot... Maybe need to go up a half size although they fit really well. Lug depth limits the usage a little for me but having said that they are my favourite shoe at the moment, based in the Lakes, UK.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

That's super interesting about the middle toe issue! Heard of that from anyone yet. Definitely could be a sizing issue, but hard to say for sure

@fezalters915 5 ай бұрын

Before anyone writes this shoe off entirely because of negative reviews about the ankle fit, I have received insider info that they plan on changing the ankle collar fit by lowering the rigid supports and adding a bit more padding. I hope this helps some people make a more informed decision, because I think with the ankle fixed it would be a really great option!

@robertlynn9667 5 ай бұрын

This year? and I assume they will advertise the changes soon, too?

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

That would be an absolute game changer if they change that soon!

@nickbenjamin6527 4 ай бұрын

Put in 200miles+ with mine on the South Downs, UK. I actually love the stiffer ankle area because I have some pretty loose ankle and knee joints and the support really helps me. My outer ankle bones did rest on the edges initially but they quickly flared out and molded to fit (running on cambers took a little more time) and now they fit like a glove with the stiff support I need but no pressure points. Superb mid foot and heel lock down and roomy forefoot: love 'em!!!

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

This kind of break in story is what I was really hoping was going to happen to mine as well. Jealous 🥲

@nickbenjamin6527 4 ай бұрын

@@ConversationalPace the amount of pressure from the edges when new was noticeable but mild and went away during the first run pretty much except when running on cambers: the change in shape is really obvious if you look at the shoes off my feet and probably took 50miles or so to fully flare out. I am so happy it worked like that for my feet, I use them for every run

@marisawatson9443 5 ай бұрын

I’m glad I’m not the only one with ankle issues! On top of that I also have a massive bone spur on the inside of my foot from ski boots and after 35 miles of pacing a friend at HiLo I couldn’t wait to get them off. I was hoping they would break in but with almost 100 miles on them they haven’t. I actually put a corn pad on my ankle bike to cushion it more and it helps but isn’t perfect. Also agree that they are soft “for sportiva” but not compared to a lot of cushioned shoes on the market. However, for women, I’ve been using the Levante (they do not have a men’s version) and while it isn’t as cushioned I do not have any of the ankle issues and have used it for both super technical mountain runs and speed workouts and love it. I will definitely be using it for sky running worlds next month!

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

I would have loved to see that Levante upper on a Prodigio bottom!

@marisawatson9443 4 ай бұрын

@@ConversationalPace ohhh that would be soooo good! I’m loving the upper on the Levante and I’ve put almost 100 miles on them almost exclusively in the San Juan’s and they’re still holding up great.

@kkman4053 3 ай бұрын

Had to wear ankle supports to protect my ankle bones. Great shoe with that work around for the ankle collar flaw.

@willedwards4478 5 ай бұрын

I’m one of the unlucky ones with the ankle problem. I was a fan of the Karacal(maybe one of the only ones?) and this shoe seemed to be perfect on paper with the new foam and improved traction. Ankle sores after 3 miles and now I have the Salomon Genesis. Oh well, maybe the next generation will work. Thanks for the review

@ConversationalPace 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! Yes, I really hope we see a Prodigio 2 in the future and they address the ankle collar issues.

@kuocal 5 ай бұрын

I've tried pretty much every LaSpo shoe and this is my favorite so far. 300 miles on my first pair and still going strong. BTW Brent your States coverage was the best part

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! It's interesting how different peoples experiences have been with the durability of this shoe. Some busted through the upper at 200 miles, and others are at 400+ still going strong

@cb4atl 5 ай бұрын

I wanted to love this shoe so, so much. I love LaSpo. I had so many issues with stability in these and could never get a good lockdown. I think the Prodigio Pro is worth trying once it's out.

@robertlynn9667 5 ай бұрын

is the Pro this year?

@cb4atl 5 ай бұрын

@@robertlynn9667 spring 2025

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Prodigio Pro is already turning into one of the most anticipated shoes for 2025! Definitely can't wait to try that one out

@JMoff67 4 ай бұрын

I have had this shoe since May. I wore it at Western States from Robinson Flat to Michigan Bluff. Also same section at the training camp. It ran a tad small for me. I wish I would have sized up! Got a nasty toe blister that if I’d had more room I might have avoided. No issues other than size for me. I guess I have high ankles! I could not go the distance with it though and now the underfoot cushion is kinda dead. It was great through the canyons- nice and light, my foot felt like it could just do what it needed to do - zero slippage! I think the upper will get holes in it soon. I have about 250 miles total on these. So overall durability is not the greatest. I do love running in this shoe, though.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

The Canyons would have been the perfect section of trail for this shoe for sure. Glad they worked out and congrats on running States!

@JMoff67 4 ай бұрын

@@ConversationalPace Thanks! Lifetime dream come true!

@michaelbasuini3876 5 ай бұрын

I'm on my 3rd pair of these, my favorite ever shoes for Alpine mountains runs, and long runs on Beast Coast Rocks and Roots. I get close to 500 before the upper goes out, rubber is great of course and they sort of just keep getting softer underfoot in a good way. Worn out uppers have just become smooth trail shoes. The Ankle Collar is too high, LS is aware of the issue and will hopefully fix it soon.... For me, I've just built a nice calus up on each ankle.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

I would have loved to take this shoe on some more technical terrain. I could tell that's where it will really shine. Fingers crossed they fix the ankle collar issue 🤞

@stephanalexandrov8534 4 ай бұрын

I just bought this shoe. Done around 100k in them and although the ankle problem is there, i feel it, but not an issue after 40-46 km trail run with around 2k elevation. La Sportiva is the brand for me personally.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Glad it ended up working out for you!

@robertlynn9667 5 ай бұрын

ha, I literally bought a pair 3 days before your video. Should receive Friday & will try them out to see if there is ankle cut/rub.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Let me know how it goes!

@robertlynn9667 Ай бұрын

@@ConversationalPace didn't have the ankle bite but I wonder how does this compare to the Genesis?

@ConversationalPace 29 күн бұрын

@@robertlynn9667 Definitely very similar shoes. I thought this Prodigio was a little quicker and more nimble feeling than the Genesis, whereas the Genesis felt burlier and like something that could handle rougher terrain better

@TrlRnrRvs 5 ай бұрын

Ugh Brett, I was hoping the heel collar wasn’t going to be an issue for either of you. I had to grab both sides on mine and “crush” the credit card like lower heel area to make them better. Also noticed that the insole broke down quickly which sunk my heels in deeper which caused more issues. So back to watching something on TV and keep trying to crush the heal with my hands lol. Swapped out insole tho with my Asics insoles and they raised my foot up a little more and that helped.

@TrlRnrRvs 5 ай бұрын

With all that said, this is a great step in the right direction for LS. It’s a real fun shoe to click off miles in the mtns. I’ve seen the PRO version at a race, looking forward to the release of that one as well!

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Agreed, even despite the wonky ankle collar, this is still a step in the right direction for La Sportiva. I'll have to try swapping out the insole for a thicker one!

@miroslavveselovsky4540 5 ай бұрын

Zdar! Borci přesně! Šel jsem do krámu, abych vyzkoušel první model od La Sportivy, co nebude buď těžký olovo nebo nebude mít mrtvou pěnu... Fit bych ohodnotil naprosto stejně! Býval bych je koupil, kdyby moje kotníky už v krámu řekly wtf. (Nemám v nich ani metr, ale ta pěna zase nepůsobí jako něco převratnýho, taková normální dusíková pěna "middle stack volume" řekl bych) Díky a posílám krejcárek

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Díky za sledování! Myslím, že s popisem jsi na místě. Rozhodně však skvělý začátek pro la Sportiva! (Google translate)

@massimomalossini7823 5 ай бұрын

hi!! im italian and i always watch your rewievs. im a owner of la sportiva shoes and im very well used to the brand. many persons i know buyed this shoe but no one mentioned a problem with the ankle. not a single person. they say its a great shoe but not for tecnical terrain

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Maybe this shoe works better for Italian ankles 🤣 Thanks for watching!

@jeffloflin6316 5 ай бұрын

Lace bite with the thin tongue. No ankle issues. Great traction on Dry rock

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Was the lace bite a deal breaker for you or is it tolerable?

@jeffloflin6316 4 ай бұрын

@ConversationalPace No I just added some padding I found through reddit. Another runner was having the same issue and they actually make a pad that sticks to the tongue. Great shoe!

@TheLongRanger 4 ай бұрын

I had the ankle problems. Solved them by putting in Green Super Feet insoles.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

That would definitely help with how much green super feet raise up the heel 👍

@hankdart6325 4 ай бұрын

Love this shoe - save the ankle issue. One pair, the ankle collar broke in. Another did not. If they fix the collar, I’ll buy more pairs.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Totally agree with this, if they fix the ankle issue, this would be one of my favorite all around trail shoes

@coryedwards8276 5 ай бұрын

Tried this on in Chamonix definitely firm shoe

@chzlmls 4 ай бұрын

Future review request: Either of the Mount to Coast shoes.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Definitely intrigued by that new brand!

@stephenmiro6267 5 ай бұрын

Any chance you're going to review the VJ Maxx 2? Would love to see how you think it compares to the Prodigio

@kgenest100 5 ай бұрын

I second! PLEAAASE… Maxx 2!

@ConversationalPace 5 ай бұрын

It's on the list! So many shoes and not enough hours in the day to run 😅

@airbromez 5 ай бұрын

I saw in the deep stone crypts of Reddit a “max” version of the shoe on Anton, so hopefully the ankle will be fixed in that version 🤞🏻

@marisawatson9443 5 ай бұрын

I recently ran with some LaSpo athletes in boulder who had this prototype and I super excited for it. Looks more cushioned and has even more of a rocker as well.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Super excited for the Prodigio Pro in 2025!

@seanmac80 5 ай бұрын

I love mine. Done just over 120km in them (what's that in miles? 7? 400? Who even knows?) on a variety of terrain. Had to go up to an EU49, but that's been the same for my Akasha's as well.

@ConversationalPace 5 ай бұрын

At least La Sportiva is consistent with their sizing! 😅

@alredalred 5 ай бұрын

I love what La Sportiva is about and trying to do but do European people just all have insanely narrow feet? Every LS shoe i've tried on is just so insanely narrow. The only one of their shoes that has worked for me are the Bushido 3s in a wide width. Hopefully they start offering more models in wide. The shoes I've been gravitating towards lately is the 4T2 Get Lost. I'd love to hear y'alls thoughts on that shoe!

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

I think La Sportiva's mountain heritage has a lot of influence on their snug fit. Definitely been hearing a lot of good things from the 4t2 brand!

@SimG-u1f 5 ай бұрын

Didn't have any ankle or size issue. Just feel almost perfect for me, missing a little gaitor just like s/lab genesis but wow best trail shoe i ve tried, almost throw away others pairs ! Very curious about the "pro" version coming up next year and their Matryx like upper. Seems like a plated, more fast and less stable super shoe. Greetings from France !

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

I am definitely so intrigued by the Pro version. The upper looks a lot like the material that North Face used in the first version of the Vectiv Pro. Foam looks way softer shoe. Thanks for watching!

@loganhallman 5 ай бұрын

Put this on the wildhorse review but figured I might get an answer here on the new video. Running my first 50k then 50 miler on some technical Midwest trails outside of St. Louis and looking at the wildhorse 8 or the zegama 2 since they’re on sale on Nike’s website. Would you pick one over the other?

@ConversationalPace 5 ай бұрын

Just replied to your other comment 👍

@stephbennett4751 5 ай бұрын

I’ve been running in La Sportiva for years and am beyond excited for the Prodigio except that it’s killing me that their weird sizing throws women with larger feet into the mens. (I’m a 10 Ws and that’s their highest size.). I’m pretty sure it’s the same last between gender, but would love a larger Ws size range to deal with their weird sizing. I will also say it is pretty dang stiff as Finn eluded to until it breaks in. But running road to get to trails was pretty rough the first few weeks.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Oh that's interesting to hear about the Women's sizing. Hopefully the longer break in time means that it will last all that much longer. Thanks for watching!

@DER_JOHN_BEWEGT 3 ай бұрын

😎👍 Thank you very much for this review! So far I have run the Altra Lone Peak 6, unfortunately the versions 7 and 8 also have this ankle problem for me. And the Timp 5 are to stiff and have the same ankle problem. Which trail shoe can you recommend? Zero drop and wide toe box would be cool. Sporty greetings from Germany!

@ConversationalPace 3 ай бұрын

You should take a look at the Topo Pursuit! Zero drop and a much more comfortable ankle collar 👍

@djclass005 5 ай бұрын

I think the Agravic speed is quite unstable, definitely if you’re heel striking, I like running in the speed, but not on technical terrain! Belgium here btw! The tomir 1.0 was my mountain shoe, great stability and traction with just enough cushion!

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! Agreed, the Prodigio handles technical terrain better than the Agravic Speed

@Michal-e6s 4 ай бұрын

Does anyone have any experience comparing with the new Hoka speedgoat 6? Thank you

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

This Prodigio feels more nimble underfoot, and the quality of cushion feels better. I preferred the upper fit of the Speedgoat 6 though

@Michal-e6s 4 ай бұрын

@@ConversationalPace Thank you. if you had to choose between these two models, which would you choose for a few days run of 100-200k in the Pyrenees?

@zacharygarner9425 5 ай бұрын

An extremely secure static dual layer mesh is not a minimal upper in my book

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Seemed thinner and more minimal than other mountain shoe uppers that performed similarly, IMO

@PS-1421 5 ай бұрын

How would you compare with Tomir 2?

@PS-1421 5 ай бұрын

I like the Tomir 2 A LOT more than the catamount. More cushion and vibrant.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

They're pretty similar actually. Tomir 2 has a more rugged outsole and is going to be more durable. Fit on the Tomir 2 though was even worse for me than the Prodigio. Whereas I had ankle collar issues on the Prodigio, I couldn't any sort of lock down in the Tomir 2.

@rmsrmsrmsrms 5 ай бұрын

i have 30miles on mine, mostly going straight up and down grassy ski slopes, and they are perfect for that. I still rank the Kaptiva higher in foot comfort -- the toebox is/was rounder and taller -- but in other respects they compare favorably and the Prodigio is an ounce lighter. It should be pointed out that the Prodigio's tongue is not just gusseted but *fully* gusseted, as in nothing will get in the front half of the shoe; alas the open ankle will still require adding a gaiter. The Kaptiva also is/was superior in ankle collar design: RIP.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Never had the opportunity to run in the kaptiva. For me, I think about any ankle collar design would have been better than the Prodigio 😢

@s0uth_paw2 5 ай бұрын

I got burned by the sizing too! Typically wear US 10 and got 10.5s. 11s would have been the best choice. Otherwise this shoe is great other than a little rub around the ankle collar. Thicker socks are necessary.

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Yeah I think if I were to get these shoes again, I would consider going up even another half a size

@berry5954 4 ай бұрын

F5, F5, F5 is getting worn. Hola Tecton X 3, most anticipated shoe of the year, preview? midview? 50m view? 100m view? 4 full episodes plz.. Pretty Plz..??

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

😂 😂 😂 I don't think all those episodes will be necessary. We're just about ready to record the full episode

@11savagesoldier 5 ай бұрын

The sizing on the shoe so frustrating tried every size in the range and couldn't get a good fit, half size up barely any room in the toe box full size up way too much room

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

Dang, super frustrating for sure

@liamhobbs9537 5 ай бұрын

I bought the Prodigio about three months ago, and have put around 700 km in them. I've found the durability to be great so far and the midsole to feel really good. I was wondering how long midsole foams last in trail runners and how important it is from a performance standpoint to use a fresh pair of shoes for racing? I'm racing Squamish 50km in three weeks and have been thinking about buying a new pair of shoes, any recommendations for a moderately technical 50km?

@ConversationalPace 4 ай бұрын

700km is super impressive! Every shoe is going to be different, and the Prodigio, having firmer foam is likely going to be on the more durable side. I prefer to race with foam that is on the newer side, but I also have friends that love a nicely broken in shoe. Sounds like the Prodigio is the shoe you should wear for Squamish since it has worked so well for you!