Backside Line
Italian for “prodigy,” the La Sportiva Prodigio is a standout performer for runners or hikers who transfer quick within the mountains. This path operating shoe’s efficiency, match, and lightweight weight make it a nimble and agile choice for difficult terrain. Examined within the alpine of Alaska’s Chugach Vary, the Prodigio ranks excessive on our checklist of the finest males’s mountaineering footwear.
The Prodigio is a novel shoe that gives some compelling options. Its efficiency match is barely slim, giving it a modern and trim really feel. A slight rocker enhances a snug gait with out sacrificing traction. 4mm lugs with softer rubber on the within and extra inflexible on the skin presents stable grip, irrespective of the floor. La Sportiva’s mid-foot wrapping system secures the foot even whereas transferring by way of off-camber terrain. Whereas clambering by way of boulder fields and traversing technical ridgelines in Alaska’s Chugach Vary, we beloved this shoe’s technical talents.
Being a efficiency oriented shoe, the Prodigio favors specificity over mass enchantment. Its narrower match is probably not a good selection for wider toes, and the stiffer midsole isn’t as snug as extra plush footwear available on the market. Sizing could be difficult – we recommend sizing up a half dimension out of your regular shoe dimension – and the stiff ankle collar is uncomfortable in the course of the break in interval. In the event you’re somebody who prioritizes efficiency above all else, although, the Prodigio is the proper alternative in your subsequent pursuit on the paths or within the mountains.
Fast Specs
Males’s La Sportiva Prodigio
Greatest Mountain climbing Shoe for Quick & Gentle Missions
CleverHiker Score:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$165
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 3 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop:
6mm
Professionals
- Nice traction
- Sturdy for a path runner
- Efficiency match
- Light-weight
Cons
- Not a great match for extensive toes
- Stiff ankle collar could be uncomfortable
- Difficult sizing
Consolation
After a couple of miles into our first hike carrying the La Sportiva Prodigio, we instantly observed that it’s a firmer experience than others in our lineup. The midsole doesn’t have lots of give and lacks the plush feeling present in others. This makes for an incredible floor really feel and a nimble, tactile shoe, however our toes felt extra drained on lengthy days.
Contained in the shoe, we beloved the mid-foot wrapping system, which extends from the tongue down across the inside the shoe. This saved our toes comfortable and safe whereas side-hilling or clambering over boulders. We by no means felt like we have been sliding round contained in the shoe. This can be very comfortable.
We additionally discovered the ankle collar skinny and never very padded. As we broke in these footwear, the collars dug into our ankles, which left us with tenderness across the ankle bone. This alleviated after the shoe broke in, however we discovered it uncomfortable the primary few miles out of the field.
Traction
La Sportiva, lengthy identified for purpose-built footwear for tough terrain, continues this legacy with the Prodigio. The 4mm lugs offered wonderful chunk into the bottom, and moist river rocks posed no downside. La Sportiva’s Bi-Compound FriXion XT 2.0 rubber is great for moist surfaces, and we beloved it for climbing up moist, lichen-covered rocks.
The outsole is constructed with a softer and grippier rubber on the interior lugs, and the outer lugs are product of a extra sturdy rubber. This provides them an incredible steadiness of traction and sturdiness.
Weight
At 1 pound 3 ounces a pair, the La Sportiva Prodigio is exceptionally gentle. This interprets right into a nimble shoe for quick motion. We hardly observed these on our toes. Anytime we needed to maneuver with as little weight as potential, these have been our go-to.
We additionally threw them in our pack for a second pair of footwear on a visit and have been happy that they didn’t add a lot noticeable weight to our package. These are good for quick and lightweight journeys. Their low weight makes them straightforward to overlook whether or not on the toes or within the pack.
Sturdiness
For a light-weight path runner, the Prodigio’s sturdiness impressed us. The lugs have remained intact and the higher materials is exceptionally robust. We love the intensive TPU overlays on this shoe and the robust toe cap to assist guard in opposition to abrasions and cuts.
After 50 miles of use, we’ve seen no proof of extreme put on. Even after pounding down sharp scree fields or scraping throughout boulders, the Prodigio continues to carry up. The Prodigio breaks the paradigm that gentle means not sturdy.
Climate Resistance
The La Sportiva’s plethora of welded overlays not solely provides sturdiness but additionally barely will increase climate resistance. These will not be waterproof footwear, however we have been pleasantly shocked with how effectively they blocked moisture in comparison with different path operating fashion footwear. Don’t depend on these to maintain you totally dry in a downpour. However for transferring by way of moist grass or gentle rain, they labored effectively sufficient to maintain our toes dry whereas on the transfer.
Ought to You Purchase The La Sportiva Prodigio?
The La Sportiva Prodigio is a technical and area of interest efficiency shoe. Its comparatively slim platform, low weight, and excessive traction all lend it to being made for going quick over rugged terrain. Nevertheless, this will likely make it much less interesting for a wider viewers. Its slim foot form gained’t agree with all toes, and the stiff midsole isn’t as instantly snug as others. In the event you’re somebody who values efficiency over all else, then it is a nice choice. In the event you’re searching for an occasional day hiker, there could also be extra snug and inexpensive choices on the market. The Prodigio is purpose-made for prime efficiency pursuits within the mountains and trails. In that realm, it excels.
What Different Mountain climbing Footwear Ought to You Take into account?
Try our full lineup of mountaineering footwear to see our different favorites.
Saucony Peregrine 15 Evaluation: One other light-weight choice with wonderful traction, the Peregrine 15 is made for transferring quick over technical trails.
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Evaluation: If the slim match of the Prodigio didn’t agree together with your toes, the Ultraventure 4’s extensive toe field is likely to be the proper match.
Salomon X Extremely 5 Gore-Tex Evaluation: In the event you’re searching for a extra conventional mountaineering shoe with nice climate resistance, try the X Extremely 5 GTX.
