La Sportiva is on a roll with their latest crop of trail running shoes and the new Prodigio 2 further raises the bar. They are no-nonsense, straightforward trail runners that just plain work. If versatility is your jam, join the masses who will find the La Sportiva Prodigio 2 the perfect trail runner.
La Sportiva Prodigio 2 Features:
- High-tenacity mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Updated XFlow midsole with nitrogen-infused EVA for consistent cushioning and reactivity
- 100% recycled Xflow supercritical foam footbed for responsive cushioning
- FriXion Red bi-compound outsole for optimal traction
- 34mm heel and 28mm forefoot stack height (6mm drop)
- MSRP: $170.00
From the Dolomites to your trails
I’ve been testing La Sportiva trail running shoes for a long time. Looking back, it was all the way back in 2009 when I tested the Wildcat. I’ll be honest, none of them were incredibly innovative or noteworthy. They were middle-of-the-pack and good enough, but not market-leading. Fast-forward to last year when I tested the Prodigio Max and my tune changed in a big way. These were great shoes and La Sportiva had officially put other brands on notice.
What’s the secret super power of the La Sportiva Prodigio 2? Well, they are incredibly predictable and boring, but in a good way. To get attention or boost sales, shoe brands tend to go out on a limb and build something flashy or new. La Sportiva’s latest formula is to simply build awesome, comfortable and capable trail running shoes… full stop. With durable, mesh uppers and reliable FriXion bi-compound outsoles sandwiching a squishy (and responsive) nitrogen-infused XFlow EVA midsoles, the Prodigio 2’s have cracked the HOKA code.
The funny thing is the latest HOKA’s I’ve tested have lost that swagger and the Prodigio 2’s have found some of their own — Italian-style.
Initial lace-up and ongoing trail testing
As usual, I lace up my test shoes and wear them around for a day or two before their first trail use. I’ve actually been taking things easy lately as I’m mixing up trail running and fast hikes to mix up my training. So, consider this a well-rounded mileage block that included a ton of fast hiking and trail running of various paces. Either way, the bulk of the miles involved ticking off vert — whether running or hiking.
The entire insole/midsole/outsole combination offers smooth and consistent cushion, flex and rebound. And, that consistency feels even and smooth from impact to toe-off. With each step, the miles just roll along without any fuss. There’s just enough rocker to ensure that smooth stride can be felt as you’re making you way down the trail.
I’d call the Prodigio 2’s trail feel excellent. The combination of the cushioned ride, smooth stride and ample protection comes together to both allow you to feel trail nuances, yet not be beaten up by them. La Sportiva has achieved the perfect balance as I can feel what’s needed to stay in tune, but never feel fatigued by all the impacts with each step.
Whatever pace I run, the Prodigio 2’s are happy to comply. Admittedly, they aren’t quite as adept at fast paces for long periods, but a slow-to-moderate pace is their sweet spot. For me, that’s between a 9-10 minute mile pace where they shine.
The FriXion outsoles provide nice traction to ascend up just about anything. Loose, dry terrain can overwhelm about any shoe, but these hold their own. Lateral traction is great as well, for those off-camber sections. When it comes to descending, the 4mm lugs also dig in and provide the necessary grip. Good foot placement always results in confident steps — up or down. The heel treads are getting a little more worn than I would like from my occasional 1-mile road approaches, but overall, I’m okay with both the traction and relative durability of the outsoles.
While the overall stability remains solid, I have had an instance or two of instability. I think it’s just the perfect storm of conditions as it hasn’t been common, but occasional. A locked-in feel is easily-achieved with the straightforward lacing pattern. My feet feel cradled and comfortable and my heel is always locked in place. I appreciate the seamless transition between the uppers and the insoles with both ultra-light and lightweight socks. It’s safe to say that the uppers are a model of perfection as I have no complaints with the fit, comfort and foot-cradling support they provide.
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The Bottom Line
The La Sportiva Prodigio 2 is a no-nonsense, modern, straightforward trail runner that just plain works, offering predictable and boring performance in a good way. With durable mesh uppers, reliable FriXion bi-compound outsoles and a squishy nitrogen-infused XFlow EVA midsole, the Prodigio 2's have cracked the code for a great trail running shoe. They provide excellent traction, smooth stride and ample protection, making them perfect for all types of trail running or fast hikes.
The Good:
- Excellent traction from the FriXion bi-compound outsoles
- Smooth stride and consistent cushioning from the nitrogen-infused XFlow EVA midsole
- Ample protection from sharp rocks and rough terrain
- Great foot-cradling support and comfortable uppers
- Simple and effective lacing pattern
- Good breathability, although a more open mesh would be preferred for hot temperatures
- Solid midsoles with excellent cushioning and rebound
The Bad:
- Uppers could be more breathable for hot temperatures
- Heel treads show signs of wear from occasional road approaches
- Lacing and Fit
- Support
- Cushioning
- Traction
- Trail Feel
- Stride
- Breathability
