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 possibility 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 sneakers.
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 cushty gait with out sacrificing traction. 4mm lugs with softer rubber on the within and extra inflexible on the skin provides strong grip, regardless of the floor. La Sportiva’s mid-foot wrapping system secures the foot even whereas transferring via off-camber terrain. Whereas clambering via boulder fields and traversing technical ridgelines in Alaska’s Chugach Vary, we beloved this shoe’s technical skills.
Being a efficiency oriented shoe, the Prodigio favors specificity over mass enchantment. Its narrower match is probably not a good selection for wider ft, and the stiffer midsole just isn’t as comfy as extra plush sneakers available on the market. Sizing will be tough – we advise sizing up a half measurement out of your regular shoe measurement – and the stiff ankle collar is uncomfortable throughout the break in interval. Should you’re somebody who prioritizes efficiency above all else, although, the Prodigio is the right alternative on your subsequent pursuit on the paths or within the mountains.
Fast Specs
Males’s La Sportiva Prodigio
Greatest 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 superb match for vast ft
- Stiff ankle collar will be uncomfortable
- Difficult sizing
Consolation
After just a few miles into our first hike sporting the La Sportiva Prodigio, we instantly observed that it’s a firmer trip than others in our lineup. The midsole doesn’t have loads of give and lacks the plush feeling present in others. This makes for an excellent floor really feel and a nimble, tactile shoe, however our ft 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 within the shoe. This stored our ft cosy 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 cosy.
We additionally discovered the ankle collar skinny and never very padded. As we broke in these sneakers, 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 sneakers for tough terrain, continues this legacy with the Prodigio. The 4mm lugs supplied glorious chunk into the bottom, and moist river rocks posed no downside. La Sportiva’s Bi-Compound FriXion XT 2.0 rubber is superb 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 internal lugs, and the outer lugs are product of a extra sturdy rubber. This offers them an excellent 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 ft. Anytime we needed to maneuver with as little weight as doable, these have been our go-to.
We additionally threw them in our pack for a second pair of sneakers on a visit and have been happy that they didn’t add a lot noticeable weight to our package. These are excellent for quick and lightweight journeys. Their low weight makes them simple to neglect whether or not on the ft 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 should not waterproof sneakers, however we have been pleasantly shocked with how effectively they blocked moisture in comparison with different path operating fashion sneakers. Don’t rely on these to maintain you totally dry in a downpour. However for transferring via moist grass or gentle rain, they labored effectively sufficient to maintain our ft 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. Nonetheless, this will likely make it much less interesting for a wider viewers. Its slim foot form gained’t agree with all ft, and the stiff midsole just isn’t as instantly comfy as others. Should you’re somebody who values efficiency over all else, then this can be a nice possibility. Should you’re in search of an occasional day hiker, there could also be extra comfy and inexpensive choices on the market. The Prodigio is purpose-made for top efficiency pursuits within the mountains and trails. In that realm, it excels.
What Different Climbing Footwear Ought to You Think about?
Take a look at our full lineup of mountaineering sneakers to see our different favorites.
Saucony Peregrine 15 Overview: One other light-weight possibility with glorious traction, the Peregrine 15 is made for transferring quick over technical trails.
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Overview: If the slim match of the Prodigio didn’t agree together with your ft, the Ultraventure 4’s vast toe field may be the right match.
Salomon X Extremely 5 Gore-Tex Overview: Should you’re in search of a extra conventional mountaineering shoe with nice climate resistance, try the X Extremely 5 GTX.
