La Sportiva Prodigio Pro Review: 4 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Valliere

La Sportiva Prodigio Professional ($195)

Introduction: The Prodigio Professional is La Sportiva’s take of a path tremendous shoe, with the intention of offering high finish, quick operating, lengthy distance efficiency with out compromising technical mountain path efficiency.

That includes their XFLOW midsole, a dynamic and energetic mix of twin supercritical nitrogen-infused TPU (inside core) and EVA (outer service) for the midsole, safe and sturdy Energy Wire mesh booty type higher, mixed with a Frixion White (XF 2.0) tremendous sticky rubber outsole compound. There is no such thing as a plate within the combine right here however we do have a movie based mostly floor filter layer.

The Prodigio Professional is a perfect shoe for any length or distance, quick coaching or racing, any terrain and is for sure my favourite La Sportiva up to now and one in all my favorites of any shoe. Please learn on for all the main points

Professionals:

Energetic, dynamic experience, match, consolation, cushion, safety, steady, sturdy, traction – Jeff V, Allison

Cons:

Sizing, a wide range of colorways can be good

Stats

Pattern Weights:

males’s 9.21 oz / 261g US 9, 9.59 oz / 272g US 10.5

ladies’s 8.9 oz / 253g US 9

Stack Top: males’s 34mm heel / 28 mm forefoot (6 mm drop spec)

Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 70 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot

Mike Postaski’s Prodigio Professional Video Evaluate

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Jeff V: It’s instantly apparent that the Prodigio Professional is a bit outdoors of the norm of typical La Sportiva footwear, as they really feel lighter, much less dense and higher suited to sooner, longer distance operating, however nonetheless nicely outfitted for.

Upon sliding them on, it’s much more apparent that this can be a very totally different shoe for the model, because the match is extra forgiving and the midsole feels very gentle and dynamic. Humorous, that the weekend after they have been launched, it appeared as if nearly each runner I encountered on my native Inexperienced Mountain was sporting a brand new pair. Whether or not I used to be pals with them or not, I quizzed them as to their impressions and everybody was in unanimous settlement that they’re wonderful!

The Energy Wire mesh higher is booty type with a knit collar that hugs the ankle like a “mini gaiter” to maintain out dust and particles. The mesh is paying homage to Matryx uppers in look, however has a really distinctive rubberized really feel to it (as a consequence of its non water absorbent TPU coating), with engineered threads woven in a not fairly patterned sample (seemingly random weave). The higher is substantial, protecting and sturdy, whereas nonetheless being versatile, gentle and breathable.

The toe bumper overlay is considerably minimal, however safety is greater than ample.

The stretch knit “tongue” has 4 columns of padding to guard the highest of the foot from the laces, which may be very comfy and a light-weight design.

The semi versatile heel counter is low, with an prolonged stretch knit collar that snugs up round my skinny ankle properly to maintain out any particles and is sort of comfy.

As with many La Sportiva footwear, match is a bit difficult and the Prodigio Professional is not any exception, the place I wanted to measurement up a half measurement to a US 10.5 from my typical US 10.

That stated and as soon as correct sizing is achieved, match is great, with a really safe heel, safe midfoot and considerably roomy, however safe forefoot. I say “roomy” forefoot, that means by La Sportiva requirements, so don’t count on Topo or Altra stage roominess, however there may be ample area for my slender, low quantity foot for splay and swelling on heat days/lengthy distances.

I’m nonetheless undecided on breathability, because the thick “rubbery” mesh and black coloration appear destined to be heat and doesn’t really feel ethereal. I’ve run in them in temps round 80 levels they usually appeared cheap, however query how they’ll really feel on actually scorching days.

Midsole & Platform

Jeff V: The midsole is the star of the present right here (nicely, together with the higher and outsole), consisting of a TPU+NITRO XFlow Velocity Inside Core / PU Coated XFlow SpeedFilm and EVA+NITRO XFlow Outer Cage that feels very gentle, energetic, nicely cushioned and dynamic.

At La Sportiva web site, they describe the midsole as “Fueled by XFlow Velocity know-how, it redefines efficiency with a novel mix of dual-supercritical nitrogen-infused TPU and EVA, making certain unmatched responsiveness.”

I actually respect the excessive stage of responsiveness, which can also be partly influenced by the rockered design. Whereas I discovered the Prodigio to be a giant enchancment within the La Sportiva line and essentially the most nicely cushioned and runnable mannequin from their line, the Prodigio Professional builds upon that new stage considerably, actually elevating the bar, not only for the model, however by any customary.

There is no such thing as a plate within the combine, so no “pop” such as you would possibly count on from a carbon plated shoe or perhaps a TPU/PEBAX plated shoe, the midsole right here is so energetic and bouncy, I don’t really feel like I actually need a plate, plus, I respect the pliability underfoot on technical terrain.

Cushioning is superb and feels much more maximal to me than the average 34/28 stack would recommend, plush however in no way mushy, agency and supportive, however not in the slightest degree harsh.

Whereas there isn’t any carbon or TPU plate within the combine, the PU Coated XFlow Speedfilm does an inexpensive job dulling the affect from rocks and roots. That stated, the safety just isn’t equal to having a plate and I do discover sharper rocks underfoot, although I by no means have any zingers.

Outsole

Jeff V: The outsole options La Sportiva’s stickiest outsole rubber, their Frixion White (XF 2.0) with 4mm lugs. Whereas 4mm doesn’t sound all that vital, the lug design and configuration is sharp and aggressive, offering exceptionally good grip over a variety of terrain and circumstances.

Even on steep, unfastened, off path, I’ve discovered traction to be wonderful, as is after all grip in moist circumstances, on moist rock, dry rock, slab, snow, mud or no matter chances are you’ll encounter.

The lugs are low profile sufficient with sufficient contact surfaces to additionally them to roll alongside easily on laborious surfaces reminiscent of roads and hardpack trails.

Up to now, sturdiness is proving to be superb with hardly any indicators of wear and tear.

Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions

Jeff V: The experience is quick, responsive, bouncy, energetic and dynamic, making the Prodigio Professional one of the vital enjoyable and interesting footwear to run in that I’ve examined. The match is wonderful, safe, however not confining. They’ve wonderful traction and are so fast and responsive.

Be it everyday coaching, racing, irrespective of the gap, the Prodigio is a tremendous decide! They’re fast on any terrain, from quick flat or rolling non technical trails, to tearing steep, technical terrain, off path, rocky trails, irrespective of the footing.

Whereas at $195, it’s on the upper finish of the vary for “regular” everyday path trainers, however when in comparison with carbon plated tremendous footwear usually round $250 (or extra), then it could be thought of a worth. The Prodigio Professional is actually on the high of the heap of my favorites up to now this yr and one I extremely suggest (although most individuals I’m crossing paths with on the native trails have already found the magic).

Jeff V’s Rating: 9.9/10

Experience: 10 Match: 10 Worth: 9.8 Type: 9 Traction: 10 Rock Safety: 9.5

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Please Watch Mike Postaski’s Prodigio Professional Video Evaluate (20:05)

4 Comparisons

LaSportiva Prodigio (RTR Evaluate)

Jeff V: The unique Prodigio is comparable in stack, however the Professional feels extra plush and maximal, with extra forgiving, but a extra energetic and responsive midsole. The Professional is a little bit lighter, has higher traction (notably in unfastened terrain) and match is comparable, however a slight edge in consolation in comparison with the common Prodigio (particularly the sooner fashions with the upper heel collar that may trigger discomfort). I’d say the Professional is preferable for me for almost any run, however the common Prodigio might need an edge for extra rocky scrambling and the like.

Tecton X3 (RTR Evaluate)

Jeff V: The X3 is a bit lighter with 6mm extra stack and has a tremendous collar/inbuilt gaiter that’s the greatest on the market. The carbon plate of the X3 supplies noticeable pop, however I discover that the bouncy midsole of the Professional greater than makes up for the dearth of plate and offers higher floor really feel in technical terrain and is more proficient when the going will get tough. Whereas the X3 outsole is superb, the Professional has superior grip in all circumstances. I can see selecting the X3 for longer distance and fewer technical, with the Professional for about any distance and any terrain.

Salomon S/Lab Extremely Glide (RTR Evaluate)

Jeff V: The Professional is far lighter, with a extra energetic and responsive midsole, superior traction, and is extra nimble, agile and adept on any terrain. The S/Lab UG is a good shoe, however at $250 with lesser efficiency, it’s laborious to make a case for selecting it over the Professional (until you might be judging purely on appears). I’d select the Professional for any run over the S/Lab UG.

Norda 005 (RTR Evaluate)

Jeff V: The 005 in my view is the closest comparability in case you are judging based mostly on midsole really feel and efficiency, however the 005 is over an oz. lighter and feels a lot sooner general. The Prodigio Professional however is general extra protecting for throughout mountain operating (higher and underneath foot), has superior traction and prices $130 much less. Prodigio Professional for many coaching days and particularly if operating mountainous, technical terrain. 005 for all out velocity and sooner operating, however on much less technical.

Index to all RTR evaluations: HERE

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Jeff Valliere likes to run and discover the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and extra technical the higher. He has summited the entire 14ers within the state, many 13ers and different peaks in Colorado and past, plus, he has summited his native Inexperienced Mountain over 2,100 occasions up to now 20 years. He might be discovered on mountain trails every day, irrespective of the climate, season, circumstances or whether or not there may be daylight or not. On the aspect he likes to ski (all varieties) bike and hike, usually together with his household, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outside. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, however has referred to as Colorado residence for over 25 years. He’s 5’9” and 145 lbs.

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