Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Take on long and grueling trail runs in these La Sportiva shoes. They're designed for ultra-distance athletes. And they deliver max cushion with unrivaled comfort and protection.
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Imported.
View all La Sportiva Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 6 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 37 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 31 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Comfort wire TPEE polyester with embroidered polyester and TPU yarn; TPU filament toecap; padded tongue; recycled laces |
Lining | 3D mesh |
Midsole | XFlow Endurance with EVA and NITRO (outer cage) and eTPU (inner core) |
Outsole | Bi-compound FriXion XT 2.0; 4 mm Laspo lugs |
Rock Plate | No |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 4.8 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials From a Climate Neutral Certified brand |
34 EU | 35.5 EU | 36.5 EU | 37 EU | 37.5 EU | 38 EU | 38.5 EU | 39 EU | 39.5 EU | 40 EU | 40.5 EU | 41 EU | 41.5 EU | 42 EU | 42.5 EU | 43 EU | 43.5 EU | 44 EU | 44.5 EU | 45 EU | 45.5 EU | 46 EU | 46.5 EU | 47 EU | 47.5 EU | 48 EU | 48.5 EU | 49 EU | 49.5 EU | 50 EU | |
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U.S. Men's | 2.5+ | 4 | 4.5+ | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 6.5+ | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 8.5+ | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 10.5+ | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 12.5+ | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 15.5 | 16 |
U.S. Women's | 3.5 | 5 | 5.5+ | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 7.5+ | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5+ | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 11.5+ | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 13.5+ | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 15.5 | 16 | 16.5 | |
EU | 34 | 35.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 47.5 | 48 | 48.5 | 49 | 49.5 | 50 |
Mondo | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 |
For boots: Add one half size to your street shoe size. You should be able to slip one finger behind your heel when you are standing up with the boot unlaced and your toes touching the front. If the boot is too short, your toes will get smashed walking downhill. Too long and your heel will slide up and down and give you blisters.
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Overall I am very impressed. I have ran 12 times with these shoes over the last few weeks on the street, paved trails, and gravel path. When first pulling them out of the box I wasn't sure how I felt about the looks. The red and yellow striped plaid like pattern was not something I would normally choose, but the look has really grown on me and I would not be opposed to having a similar pattern on future shoes. Once I tried them on the first things I noticed was how sticky the sole is. This was great when running after a heavy rain and the paved trail we were running on had some muddy spots. My girlfriend kept slipping here and there when we went over them and it never affected me. Even now when I walk through the house the sole feels sticky. Another feature I really like is how thin the tongue is. I am used to other shoes having a thicker tongue. it seemed odd to me at first but I actually really like that design feature and feels right when laced up. The thickness of the soles is one of the things I like the most. It is really comfortable and has good density to it. Running on pebbles was great and I look forward to using them for trail running the next time I am able to go. I bought my normal size for running shoes but would recommend sizing up a half size. They are still doing great but will size up a half for the next pair I get.
I was unfamiliar with the brand pre getting this pair but did dig the style at least. Upon receipt I was immediately impressed with how they felt on foot. Super lightweight and excellent amount of cushioning. Wearing them briefly around the house I knew I was going to like these shoes. I’m a die hard fan of a competitor brand zero drop trail shoe but these may now have won the top spot in the closet. They are light and responsive and great grip. I’ve worn them around town and to the trail and everywhere I’ve gone my feet have been happy. I look forward to many miles in these shoes and I’ve already been eyeing its eventual replacement once they wear out. Highly recommend and would and will purchase these in the future. Have recommended them already to my brother and wife.
These are some serious trail runners. They are grippy and responsive, providing ample cushion for long runs. I didn't have any break in time. Lacing them up, my heel felt perfectly secure over all types of terrain. My only caution is that I've found La Sportiva shoes tend to run small. I've worn a 10.5 shoe in all other brands I've owned for decades, but for La Sportiva, I know I have to size up at least a half. The toe box is roomier than other lines I've tried from this brand, but I'd recommend giving it 5-10 minutes in the store to see if the fit checks.
The Prodigio Max brings an impressive blend of responsiveness and comfort to the trail or asphault. While it tips the scale on the heavier side compared to some of its competitors, the tradeoff is well worth it—thanks to its ultra-plush midsole that delivers long-lasting cushioning over extended miles. The shoe provides a stable ride, with dependable grip on a variety of terrains, making it a solid choice.
So I just got the Prodigio Max. I was a bit nervous with the word MAX in the name… thinking Max cushy foam not stable. I was so wrong.These are very sweet! I was expecting a super cushy kind of roll off the side of the heals shoe. They were nothing like that. Super stable around corners, I could really feel the responsiveness of the shoe on every step, also they had this poppy feeling as well ( felt like to had a carbon speed plate). I felt fast. Looking forward to taking them on the trails! I really haven’t been this excited about a pair of shoes in a long time!
If the Prodigio Pro is my go-to for race day, techy trails or pushing pace, the Prodigio Max is my everything else. This shoe is not just a cushier Pro it’s a different beast altogether, and both absolutely deserve a spot in your quiver of shoes. From first fit, you may think the Pro is cushier but I felt that was confusing cushion with rebound/reactivity. Compared to other high-cushion shoes I have worn the Max offers a seriously plush ride without feeling sloppy. The midsole package delivers a consistent, protective feel over long miles and although I haven't taken it +15m yet, I can imagine it will keep my feet and legs feeling fresh. It’s stable without being stiff, and the slightly wider forefoot is great for longer efforts and bigger training days. Despite it being an every day driver, i’ve already gotten it on varying terrain (mellow through technical) and the Max has handled it all with confidence. Where the Pro feels reactive and responsive, the Max feels steady and supportive. I love that La Sportiva didn’t just soften things up. They made a shoe purpose-built for long-distance trail runners who want comfort without sacrificing grip or structure. The Max is rugged, reliable, and made for the grind. If you’re logging big miles or training for ultras, this is the one. And if you already love the Pro, don’t skip the Max; it completes the system. What's next La Sportiva??!!
I have received these and have worn them a couple of days and just from what I can feel they are very good for my feet. They allow my foot to roll on the surface and are very soft. I cannot speak to how good equality or how long these will last, but for now I really am enjoying the support and the feel underneath my feet. My feet usually have some pain when I walk long distances but these don't leave my feet hurting.