La Sportiva Prodigio Max

Straight to the point: the La Sportiva Prodigio Max is the most cushioned trail running shoe in the Italian brand's range, designed for neutral runners looking for protection and stability over long distances and technical terrain. You could say it is the modern evolution of the legendary Akasha II, inheriting its long-haul comfort philosophy but with lighter materials and a more balanced ride. Within the brand's Prodigio range and, to put it very briefly, it is more cushioned than the Prodigio 2 and less responsive than the Prodigio Pro.

The TPEE polyester upper with TPU threads offers a robust, durable structure, with a slightly more forgiving fit than the aforementioned Prodigio Pro, which is geared more towards coping with the sharper movements of the fastest possible racing. The padded tongue and traditional lacing allow a personalised fit, although some users notice the foot can slide on very steep descents. The TPU-reinforced toe cap protects against impacts and abrasion on technical terrain. The construction is solid, built to withstand the wear of many kilometres.

The XFlow Endurance midsole combines nitrogen-infused EVA and eTPU, offering firm and very stable cushioning that puts comfort before responsiveness. With a 6 mm drop and a rather wide platform, the geometry seeks stability on uneven terrain without feeling bulky. The dual-density FriXion Red outsole delivers exceptional traction on dry rock and hard-packed trails, although its performance in the wet is decent without being outstanding. Ideal for runners looking for a reliable companion for ultras, long training sessions and real mountains where the terrain is in charge.