UTMB week was a great opportunitu for brands to show off their latest products. We were invited by La Sportiva to their private chalet to have a closer look at the newest Prodigio Max.
Prodigio Max
Cushioning, comfort, protection, and high-level stability—these are the key features of the Prodigio Max, the latest addition to La Sportiva’s mountain running range, designed for ultra-distance enthusiasts.
UPPER / the Comfort Wire upper is made with ultra-soft Light TPU fabrics in direct contact with the foot, combined with external TPU yarns that ensure a soft fit with just the right amount of structure—striking the perfect balance between maximum comfort and support during long and demanding outings.
MIDSOLE / the XFlow Endurance compound provides enhanced durability and resilience, ensuring a consistent feeling of comfort from the first to the very last kilometer.
OUTSOLE / a large contact surface and medium rocker geometry enhance stability. The dual-compound FriXion Red sole offers an ideal balance between durability—especially in high-wear areas like the heel—and maximum grip in the forefoot and midfoot zones.
“This shoe complements the Prodigio and Prodigio Pro models. It’s our solution for ultra trail runners tackling long and ultra-long distances. Its main feature is the way it wraps the foot while maximizing cushioning and stability over many hours of running or hiking, helping to protect muscles and joints. It weighs only 295 grams and will be unveiled at the UTMB in Chamonix at the end of August.”
Pietro Fariselli, Technical Trainer La Sportiva
Three questions to Tobias Gramajo, Product manager footwear mountain running & hiking
What are the criteria for choosing between Prodigio 2, Prodigio Pro, and Prodigio Max for long-distance running?
The choice is highly personal. We’ve designed a set of three complementary models, intended to fit into a trail runner’s rotation. A runner might use all three, or just two out of three, depending on their goals and level of preparation. For example, you might train in the Max, race in the Prodigio or Prodigio Pro, or choose the Max for extremely long and technical races like the Tor des Géants. In essence, we’ve created a range that meets nearly every long and ultra-distance trail running need—except for the most extreme conditions, where a more specific product may still be required.
What features do trail runners look for most in footwear?
We can distinguish two main user groups: those running medium to ultra distances, and those focusing on shorter races. For the Prodigio segment—targeting long and ultra-distance runners—the top priorities are comfort, protection, and stability. Reactivity and performance come only after those fundamental features.
The Prodigio line marked a major shift. How has it impacted La Sportiva’s positioning in trail running?
Before launching Prodigio, some of our product categories no longer truly represented us at the core of the trail market. With Prodigio, we’ve re-entered the spotlight as a central player in the space. Now, with the addition of Prodigio Pro and Prodigio Max, we’re building a complete, dedicated collection—one that marks a clear evolution from our previous positioning.
