Bottom Line
Italian for “prodigy,” the La Sportiva Prodigio is a standout performer for runners or hikers who move fast in the mountains. This trail running shoe’s performance, fit, and light weight make it a nimble and agile option for challenging terrain. Tested in the alpine of Alaska’s Chugach Range, the Prodigio ranks high on our list of the best men’s hiking shoes.
The Prodigio is a unique shoe that offers some compelling features. Its performance fit is slightly narrow, giving it a sleek and trim feel. A slight rocker enhances a comfortable gait without sacrificing traction. 4mm lugs with softer rubber on the inside and more rigid on the outside offers solid grip, no matter the surface. La Sportiva’s mid-foot wrapping system secures the foot even while moving through off-camber terrain. While clambering through boulder fields and traversing technical ridgelines in Alaska’s Chugach Range, we loved this shoe’s technical abilities.
Being a performance oriented shoe, the Prodigio favors specificity over mass appeal. Its narrower fit may not be a good choice for wider feet, and the stiffer midsole is not as comfortable as more plush shoes on the market. Sizing can be tricky – we suggest sizing up a half size from your normal shoe size – and the stiff ankle collar is uncomfortable during the break in period. If you’re someone who prioritizes performance above all else, though, the Prodigio is the perfect choice for your next pursuit on the trails or in the mountains.
Quick Specs
Men’s La Sportiva Prodigio
Best Hiking Shoe for Fast & Light Missions
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $165
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 3 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
Pros
- Great traction
- Durable for a trail runner
- Performance fit
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not a good fit for wide feet
- Stiff ankle collar can be uncomfortable
- Tricky sizing
Comfort
After a few miles into our first hike wearing the La Sportiva Prodigio, we immediately noticed that it is a firmer ride than others in our lineup. The midsole does not have a lot of give and lacks the plush feeling found in others. This makes for a great ground feel and a nimble, tactile shoe, but our feet felt more tired on long days.
Inside the shoe, we loved the mid-foot wrapping system, which extends from the tongue down around the inside of the shoe. This kept our feet snug and secure while side-hilling or clambering over boulders. We never felt like we were sliding around inside the shoe. It is extremely snug.
We also found the ankle collar thin and not very padded. As we broke in these shoes, the collars dug into our ankles, which left us with tenderness around the ankle bone. This alleviated after the shoe broke in, but we found it uncomfortable the first few miles out of the box.
Traction
La Sportiva, long known for purpose-built shoes for rough terrain, continues this legacy with the Prodigio. The 4mm lugs provided excellent bite into the ground, and wet river rocks posed no problem. La Sportiva’s Bi-Compound FriXion XT 2.0 rubber is excellent for wet surfaces, and we loved it for climbing up wet, lichen-covered rocks.
The outsole is constructed with a softer and grippier rubber on the inner lugs, and the outer lugs are made of a more durable rubber. This gives them a great balance of traction and durability.
Weight
At 1 pound 3 ounces a pair, the La Sportiva Prodigio is exceptionally light. This translates into a nimble shoe for fast movement. We hardly noticed these on our feet. Anytime we wanted to move with as little weight as possible, these were our go-to.
We also threw them in our pack for a second pair of shoes on a trip and were pleased that they did not add much noticeable weight to our kit. These are perfect for fast and light trips. Their low weight makes them easy to forget whether on the feet or in the pack.
Durability
For a lightweight trail runner, the Prodigio’s durability impressed us. The lugs have remained intact and the upper material is exceptionally strong. We love the extensive TPU overlays on this shoe and the strong toe cap to help guard against abrasions and cuts.
After 50 miles of use, we’ve seen no evidence of excessive wear. Even after pounding down sharp scree fields or scraping across boulders, the Prodigio continues to hold up. The Prodigio breaks the paradigm that light means not durable.
Weather Resistance
The La Sportiva’s plethora of welded overlays not only adds durability but also slightly increases weather resistance. These are not waterproof shoes, but we were pleasantly surprised with how well they blocked moisture compared to other trail running style shoes. Don’t count on these to keep you fully dry in a downpour. But for moving through wet grass or light rain, they worked well enough to keep our feet dry while on the move.
Should You Buy The La Sportiva Prodigio?
The La Sportiva Prodigio is a technical and niche performance shoe. Its relatively narrow platform, low weight, and high traction all lend it to being made for going fast over rugged terrain. However, this may make it less appealing for a wider audience. Its narrow foot shape won’t agree with all feet, and the stiff midsole is not as immediately comfortable as others. If you’re someone who values performance over all else, then this is a great option. If you’re looking for an occasional day hiker, there may be more comfortable and affordable options out there. The Prodigio is purpose-made for high performance pursuits in the mountains and trails. In that realm, it excels.
What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
Check out our full lineup of hiking shoes to see our other favorites.
Saucony Peregrine 15 Review: Another lightweight option with excellent traction, the Peregrine 15 is made for moving fast over technical trails.
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review: If the narrow fit of the Prodigio didn’t agree with your feet, the Ultraventure 4’s wide toe box might be the perfect fit.
Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Review: If you’re looking for a more traditional hiking shoe with great weather resistance, check out the X Ultra 5 GTX.
