La Sportiva  Prodigio 2 Trail-Running Shoes - Men's

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I’ve been taking the La Sportiva Prodigio 2 out on trails around SoCal, mostly on runs in the 4 to 7 mile range, and have really loved them. One trail I run regularly is Wildwood, which has a mix of technical terrain with sand and rocks, plus climbs, downhills and flats. The shoes have felt great through all of it. I went with a US 9.5, my normal trail running size, and they were true to size. They give me the feel of a running shoe without sacrificing the cushioning or tread I want on trails. The upper feels lightweight but still protective, the cushioning has a nice bounce, and the grip holds up over rocks, loose terrain and downhills. The laces are also clutch. They’re not overly long and don’t come loose during runs, which I’ve had issues with on other trail shoes. I went with the blue and the color looks super fresh. They’re becoming my go to pair when I’m putting in miles on the trail. La Sportiva sent me these shoes for free to try out and share my honest thoughts.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] As an athlete I'm always interested in shoes that combine comfort, performance, and a great design, and the La Sportiva Prodigio 2 definitely caught my attention. First off, the Lake/Night Sky colorway is a great combination. I love the shades of blue and how the shoe has a sporty look without being too flashy. What I like most about the Prodigio 2 is that La Sportiva didn’t sacrifice comfort when making a shoe that’s built for performance. The XFlow cushioning, breathable mesh upper, and supportive midfoot design are all features I look for in an athletic shoe. I also like that the outsole is built to provide traction on different types of terrain. So if you're getting into trail running or you're already an experienced runner, I think the Prodigio 2 has a lot to offer. Overall, I really like what La Sportiva did with the Prodigio 2, and I’d definitely recommend giving these a try if you’re looking for a solid pair of trail running shoes.

I am 71 years old and have been a runner for 50 years. I run 30 - 35 miles a week and run a couple of trail races a year. I am very particular about what I put on my feet. The Prodigio 2 may be the best running shoe I've ever worn. I normally wear a 9.5 but sized up to a 10 in this shoe. This shoe has a high-quality build that offers a lot of foot protection on the trails. I have a wide foot and worried that this shoe would be too tight. It was a little difficult getting my foot into the shoes the first few times I ran in them. Once on my foot they were extremely comfortable with great heel and midfoot lockdown. The ride is smooth and soft without feeling mushy. It rolls very well from the heel to the toe and my times in this shoe are 20 - 30 seconds faster per mile during long runs. After 3-4 runs the shoe has loosened up and become the most comfortable trail runner I've ever owned. It's out sole has great grip on all terrain and appears very durable after numerous trail runs. I think La Sportiva has built a winner with this shoe.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Disclosure: La Sportiva sent me the Prodigio 2 free for review. Opinions are my own. I’m not new to trail running, but I’ve had some bad experiences with the wrong shoes before. It took a day of wearing them for daily use before I felt comfortable taking them on the trail and getting real use out of them. I saw reviews online saying they can run small or narrow, so I sized up 1/2 size and found they fit great. Over the past two weeks, the cushioning has felt soft without being mushy, and my legs felt good even after longer runs. I’m in Oregon, so the trails I’ve been on have been dry and dusty this summer, which can make rocks pretty slick. The traction was good and grippy, though I still had a few slips (no falls). After two weeks of running, they still look almost new. Great shoe to use on the trails!

I’m a 70‑year‑old runner with very specific needs around forefoot width, flex pattern, and midsole stability. I used the Altra Wild 3+ as a stopgap for about 200 miles, but once I tried the Prodigio 2, the difference in structure and predictability was immediate. After two runs — including a 5‑mile shakedown — the Prodigio 2 took shape quickly and now fits identically to my Prodigio Max. The upper is more compliant, the forefoot flex line is cleaner, and the midsole feels stable without being overly soft. On daily Santa Barbara hardpack and moderate terrain, the shoe feels natural and secure. The Prodigio 2 is now my dedicated daily trainer, with the Prodigio Max reserved for rocky, steep, and all‑day efforts. Parallel review note: Photo shows both the Prodigio 2 and Prodigio Max. This is a paired review comparing the two models and why they work together in my rotation.

After a couple runs now and 13 miles on Saturday along the PCT, here are my thoughts. Compared to the original Prodigio (I have 2 pairs), there are several standout improvements. One, the new toe box is wider and more accommodating. Two, the midsole feels more cushioned and is definitely more responsive. Personally, I find the Prodigio 2 midsole platform more supportive and less soft feeling underfoot than the Prodigio Max in my rotation and that's a good thing for me. Three, I found the overlays and toe cap to offer superior protection. In short, this is my favorite all around trail running shoe. For context, I currently wear the Akasha II for shorter, more technical run/hike combos (I'm currently building up hiking miles in the new Ultra Raptor III). I wear the Bushido III for short hikes, general walking, and even at work when I'm on my feet most of the day. The Prodigio Max was my prior long distance trail shoe (longest single run being 25 miles), but I think I actually prefer the Prodigio 2 for the long runs. In summary, the Prodigio 2 is an awesome shoe and a terrific upgrade!

If I had one trail running shoe to do it all this would be it. Very comfortable with a midsole that provides plenty of cushion and responsiveness. The outsole has excellent traction. I feel secure and confident in these on steep, loose trails, but it still feels fun running in these in more gentle, rolling terrain. A versatile shoe. I highly recommend it. Make sure to size up a full size, it runs small.

Je reviens de 5 jours à Barcelone avec la Prodigio 2 comme seule et unique paire de chaussures, et le test est plus que concluant. C’est une chaussure incroyablement versatile : elle a été parfaite pour voyager confortablement et visiter la ville à pied toute la journée. Côté performance, je l'ai emmenée courir dans les montagnes environnantes sur des terrains variés, allant du très sec au plus glissant, et l'accroche est restée irréprochable. Gros point positif : son look ! Pour une chaussure de sport aussi technique, elle passe partout et reste stylée même en dehors des sentiers. Si vous cherchez une paire qui sait tout faire sans compromis, c’est celle-ci.

The cushioning on these shoes feels great, unfortunately there are two sharp pieces of plastic on both sides of the tongue that dig into my feet. Why anyone would design a shoe with a sharp corner like this is beyond me. I will be returning them.

I'm loving the new Prodigio 2! They're incredibly nimble, lightweight, and provide just the right amount of cushion. My previous trail running shoes were Hoka’s, but the stack height and cushioning kept increasing. I typically wear 10.5 in Hoka (Mafate/Challenger) and Salomon but went up a 1/2 size to 11 (44.5) in the Prodigio, and they fit perfectly.