Bottom Line
The La Sportiva Prodigio 2 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 2 is a unique shoe with compelling features. It features a performance fit, giving it a sleek and trim feel. A slight rocker enhances a comfortable gait without sacrificing traction. Four-millimeter lugs with softer rubber on the inside and more rigid on the outside offer 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.
This latest version improves upon its predecessor by widening the toe box and incorporating a more plush, comfortable midsole. Even with these upgrades aimed at greater mass appeal, the Prodigio 2 remains a niche product. Its slightly narrower fit may not be a good choice for wider feet. And being very lightweight (1 pound, 2.3 ounces), it might not provide the durability and protection of a heavier shoe. Sizing can also be tricky. We suggest sizing up a half size from your normal shoe size. If you’re someone who prioritizes performance above all else, the Prodigio 2 is the perfect choice for your next pursuit on the trails or in the mountains.
Quick Specs
Men’s La Sportiva Prodigio 2
Best Hiking Shoe for Fast & Light Missions
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $170
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 2.3 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm
Pros
- Great traction
- Durable for a trail runner
- Performance fit
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not a good fit for wide feet
- Tricky sizing
Comfort
After a few miles into our first hike wearing the La Sportiva Prodigio 2, we immediately noticed that it has a unique feel compared to other shoes in our lineup. This updated version of the Prodigio features La Sportiva’s XFlow nitrogen-infused EVA midsole foam. While the previous version’s midsole felt thin and not as protective, this new midsole offers substantial gains in both comfort and performance. It offers great ground feel for a nimble, tactile shoe and surprisingly strong energy return for long miles.
While it’s definitely still not as beefy and protective as a traditional hiking shoe, we found that the Prodigo 2 offers excellent comfort in the trail-runner subcategory. Inside the shoe, we loved the mid-foot wrapping system, which extends from the tongue down around the inside. 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, and the padded tongue never left us feeling as if the laces were digging into the tops of our feet.
La Sportiva has greatly improved the comfort of the Prodigio 2, and we have loved how this shoe has become more comfortable for long miles.
Traction
La Sportiva, long known for purpose-built shoes for rough terrain, continues this legacy with the Prodigio 2. The 4-millimeter 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 features softer, grippier rubber on the inner lugs, while the outer lugs are made of more durable rubber. This gives them a great balance of traction and durability.
Weight
At 1 pound 2.3 ounces a pair, the La Sportiva Prodigio 2 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 as 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 2’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 2 continues to hold up. The Prodigio 2 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 by 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.
Should You Buy The La Sportiva Prodigio 2?
The La Sportiva Prodigio 2 is a technical and niche performance shoe. Its relatively narrow platform, low weight, and high traction all lend it well to going fast over rugged terrain. However, this may make it less appealing to a wider audience.
The second generation has substantially improved comfort, with a wider toe box and a more comfortable midsole. However, its still relatively narrow foot shape might not agree with all feet.
If you value performance above all else, 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 2 is purpose-made for high-performance pursuits in the mountains and trails. In that realm, it excels.
What Other Men’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
Check out our full lineup of hiking shoes to see our other favorites.
Saucony Peregrine 16 Review: Another lightweight option with excellent traction, the Peregrine 16 is made for moving fast over technical trails.
Hoka Speedgoat 7: An update to a classic shoe, the Speedgoat 7 is similarly lightweight but with a more cushioned platform for maximum comfort.
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.
