La Sportiva Prodigio Max Trail Running Shoe Review
An in-depth multi-tester review of the La Sportiva Prodigio Max for trail running, hiking, and backpacking
August 11th, 2025
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Our Verdict
The La Sportiva Prodigio Max is the newest model in La Sportiva’s ever-expanding Prodigio line, which adds more cushion, durability, and support to the Prodigio platform.
This all-around awesome, max-cushion trail running shoe excels in durability and longevity, while offering the excellent grip that’s standard in La Sportiva shoes.
All of our testers at Treeline Review have grown to love La Sportiva trail running shoes over the past few years, and the Prodigio Max is perhaps the best yet (if you don’t count the Prodigio Pro supershoe, which is too expensive for a daily shoe).
Sam’s pair has over 500 miles on them, and they’re still going strong. This level of durability is rare in the max-cushion category, making the Prodigio Max a standout choice for distance trail runners, thru-hikers, and anyone else who wants a longer-lasting trail shoe with tons of cushion.
La Sportiva Prodigio Max
Men's
Women's
The Prodigio Max has a super solid midsole that doesn't compress quickly like many high-stack trail running shoes. Compared to other max-cushion trail running shoes like the Hoka Speedgoat, the Prodigio Max has a firmer midsole that lasts longer. So while they don't feel quite as soft initially, they feel more comfortable for more miles. They also have a durable upper with TPU-wire overlays in high-wear areas that keep the shoe intact even after the mesh starts to degrade.
Sam, or men’s shoe tester and author of this review, used the Prodigio Max while thru-hiking 500 miles on the New Mexico section of the Continental Divide Trail this spring. Just before he left, a pair of slightly used Prodigio Maxes showed up in the mail. So, he wore them on several trail runs in Arizona. And while he wasn’t planning to wear them on the CDT, after a few runs, he was sold. The toe box is wide enough for wider-than-average feet, the outsole is grippy in any conditions, and they’re comfortable immediately out of the box while remaining comfortable longer than other trail running shoes.
Becca Downs, one of our women’s shoe testers, recently got her hands on a pair of these as well. She’s still putting in more miles, but so far, she loves the Prodigio Max and is considering them for the Best Overall Women’s Trail running shoe.
Even after 500+ miles of trail use, Sam’s first pair of Prodigio Max is still going strong. They don't look brand new anymore, but they still have a lot of life left in them. They’re versatile and durable enough for almost everything you'd do on your feet—whether hiking or running, they work exceptionally well.
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Specs
Cushion: Maximum
Stability: Neutral
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
Stack Height: 37-31mm
Lugs: 4mm U-shaped directional lugs
Upper: TPEE mesh with TPU yarn overlays and ultra-resistant nylon anchoring
Midsole: XFlow Endurance with EVA+NITRO outer layer and eTPU inner core
Outsole: FriXion XT 2.0 bi-compound rubber
Weight: 10.4 oz (men's), 9.1 oz (women's)
Comparison table
| TRAIL RUNNING SHOE | WEIGHT MEN'S | WEIGHT WOMEN'S | CUSHION | HEEL DROP | STACK HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Sportiva Prodigio Max Men's Women's |
10.4 oz | 9.1 oz | Maximum | 6 mm | 37 - 31 mm |
| La Sportiva Prodigio Men's Women's |
9.5 oz | 8.0 oz | Maximum | 6 mm | 34 - 28 mm |
| La Sportiva Prodigio Pro Men's Women's |
8.9 oz | 7.9 oz | Maximum | 6 mm | 34 - 28 mm |
| HOKA Speedgoat 6 Men's Women's |
9.8 oz | 8.2 oz | Maximum | 5 mm | 35 - 40 mm |
| Altra Olympus 6 Men's Women's |
12.2 oz | 10.2 oz | Maximum | 0 mm | 33 mm |
What we liked
Very durable
Well-cushioned yet firm midsole
Highly durable upper with TPU reinforcements
Excellent traction
Wide toe box
Great value per mile
Performance in the Field
Fit
The La Sportiva Prodigio Max fits consistently with La Sportiva's sizing. Like every La Sportiva shoe I've worn, I get a full size larger than I usually wear in other brands with the Prodigio Max. I typically wear a US 9.5 in most brands, and wear a US 10.5 in the Prodigio Max. I recommend you size up with these shoes.
They’re comfortable right out of the box with no break-in period required. The wide toe box provides excellent accommodation for longer runs when my feet naturally swell, making these ideal for long-distance efforts.
Fit in Toe Box
The toe box is wide enough for my wider-than-average feet, providing generous room without feeling sloppy over technical terrain. It's not as wide as Altra shoes or other natural footshape shoes, but the Prodigio Max is certainly wider than traditional La Sportiva models without being so wide that they can’t handle uneven terrain and mountain scrambling.
Fit in Heel Cup
The heel cup gives a secure lockdown without being overly tight. They have a well-padded heel cup that prevents your heel from sliding up and down or side to side. The combination of the supportive upper construction and heel design keeps your foot locked in place even during technical descents.
Midsole and Cushioning
The midsole is made with La Sportiva's XFlow Endurance, which has EVA+NITRO (supercritical EVA) foam along the outside and an eTPU inner core. The result is more longevity around the outside with more cushion in the middle to help absorb impact underfoot. This dual-density construction sets the Prodigio Max apart from competitors in terms of durability.
They have 37mm of stack in the heel and 31mm in the forefoot. This is enough cushion for any long-distance endeavor. I wouldn't want any more cushion underfoot than this because it would negatively affect the stability.
Level of cushioning compared to other trail shoes/road shoes
The Prodigio Max sits firmly in the maximum cushioning category with its 37-31mm stack height. The HOKA Speedgoat 6, for reference, has 40-35 mm of stack in the men's shoe and 38-33 mm in the women's. With the Speedgoat, the midsole compresses after 250-300 miles, so they aren’t as cushioned anymore.
The midsole on the Prodigio Max, on the other hand, maintains its structure and responsiveness for more miles—our pair lasted 500 miles (and counting), and still offers the same amount of cushion as when new. The firmer initial feel translates to better longevity and consistent performance throughout the shoe's lifespan.
Impact Absorption and Energy Return
The Prodigio Max has a dual-foam midsole design that balances durability with impact absorption and a springy energy return. The eTPU inner core is very responsive, while the nitrogen-infused EVA outer layer provides durability and structure.
Comfort
The Prodigio Max is very comfortable for long distances. It has a roomy toe box, secure heel, and generously-cushioned midsole, making it comfortable for long days on the trail. And they stay comfortable for hundreds of miles, unlike many other lightweight, highly-cushioned trail running shoes, which lose that springy bounce after a few hundred miles.
Stability
Despite the high stack height, the Prodigio Maxis is very stable. The firmer foam creates a stable base to push off, and the outsole grips well in most conditions. The shoe’s mesh upper wraps tightly yet comfortably around the foot, locking it in place. This makes the shoes feel stable on even the most off-camber trails.
Support
Arch Support
The Prodigio Max provides neutral arch support, which will work for common foot types. The midsole platform offers adequate underfoot support without being too much. I add extra arch support with Superfeet Insoles for long missions like thru-hiking.
Lateral Support
The upper mesh is very durable and supportive. The TPEE (thermoplastic polyester elastomer) mesh upper is very durable on its own, but it also has TPU yarn overlaid across the mesh, which increases its durability. The TPU yarn, which is anchored to the mesh fabric with ultra-resistant nylon, also adds more stability, since it connects from the laces to the midsole. This design prevents the upper mesh from stretching as you move.
Ride
The Prodigio Max feels smooth and efficient as you run or hike. They balance cushioning with responsiveness well, too. The firmer midsole offers good underfoot protection with a solid platform to push off as you stride..
Outsole, Grip, and Traction
Performance on Various Terrains
The Prodigio Max has a grippy outsole that provides excellent traction on anything from wet and loose terrain to hard-packed dirt. The FriXion XT 2.0 rubber outsole isn't the most grippy of La Sportiva's outsole compounds, but it's still stickier than the rubber used in most other trail running shoes. They have 4mm U-shaped lugs oriented for grip when pushing off in the front and for braking in the heel. The lug pattern and rubber compound work together to provide confidence-inspiring traction.
Wet and Dry Conditions
The FriXion XT 2.0 compound performs well in both wet and dry conditions. While it’s not as grippy as an approach shoe, it offers a good balance of traction and durability. These are some of the grippiest trail running shoes I’ve worn. When in the Gila Wilderness, where you cross the same river nearly 50 times over the course of 30 miles, they felt solidly grippy as I repeatedly forded the river over smooth, wet rocks and rushing water.
Versatility
The Prodigio Max is a super versatile trail shoe, making it an excellent choice if you want one pair of shoes for trail runs of any distance that also work for hiking and backpacking.
The Prodigio Max is my new go-to shoe for thru-hiking. I previously wore the Hoka Speedgoat for thru-hiking, and while I still love those shoes, I think the Prodigio Max is more durable, and durability is important when you’re hiking and running long distances. The Speedgoat and Prodigio Max both give enough cushion to make long days a little easier on your feet and joints.
I’ve backpacked across the New Mexico desert in these, and have worn them for 10-20 mile runs in Colorado and Arizona, where the terrain varies from smooth packed dirt to rocky, loose terrain. The lugs are deep enough to bite into loose dirt and mud, but not so deep that they’ll wear down quickly, even on short pavement sections of a running route or thru-hike.
Responsiveness
Despite being in the maximum cushioning category, the Prodigio Max maintains good responsiveness thanks to the firm, yet springy, midsole. The firmer overall construction prevents that mushy feel of some max-cushion midsoles, while still providing good absorption on impact.
Upper and Breathability
The mesh upper provides adequate breathability for most conditions, though it's not the most ventilated upper I've experienced. The TPU overlays, which increase the durability, make the shoe not quite as breathable. But I never found that these shoes caused my feet to overheat, even when backpacking in 90-degree temperatures under the hot sun. If you’re concerned about your feet overheating in hot weather, we recommend the Altra Lone Peak 9+ or Altra Olympus.
But after over 500 miles, there are some tears in the mesh upper of my pair, which is common with trail running shoes. However, the small tears in the mesh are underneath the TPU wire overlays, so those tears won't result in catastrophic failure anytime soon. This TPU-reinforced design makes the shoes so durable that I’m okay with them not being as breathable as possible.
Break-in Time
The Prodigio Max requires no break-in time. They’re comfortable immediately when you put them on. I pulled them out of the box, laced them up, and immediately went on a six-mile trail run. After the run, my feet felt great, with no hot spots or chafing. As the shoes break in, the firmer midsole feels slightly more flexible but continues to feel solid as you push off.
Durability and Longevity
The Prodigio Max truly shines in durability and longevity. After over 500 miles, my pair of Prodigio Max’s don't look brand new by any means, but they’re still going strong. The midsole still provides a lot of cushion. The mesh upper is torn in spots, but the tears won’t get any bigger because of the TPU wire overlays. And the outsole still isn’t completely worn down. They still look new enough that I’m constantly doubting that I kept track of mileage correctly, even though I’m sure I did.
Midsole Durability
The dual-density midsole is extremely durable. These shoes feel solid out of the gate and still feel the same after heavy use. None of the midsole is exposed on the outsole, either. Many trail running shoes have gaps in their outsole rubber to save weight, but the Prodigio Max has no exposed midsole rubber on the tread. If you look at the midsole of many max cushioned trail running shoes, you’ll notice it looks like it bows out under the heel after 200-400 miles. The Prodigio Max doesn’t do that after 500 miles, maintaining its structure and cushioning for much longer than other high-stack shoes.
Upper material durability
The Prodigio Max has an extremely durable upper as well. The TPEE mesh with TPU yarn overlays can withstand abrasion from rocks and bushwacking. Even when the base mesh upper develops small tears, like mine have, TPU reinforcements prevent the tears from growing, so the shoes are still usable.
Outsole Longevity
It's pretty typical for shoe outsoles to either be grippy or durable. Having it both ways is difficult because soft rubber is grippier but also less durable. Harder rubber is more durable, but less grippy. The Prodigio Max balance grip and durability in the outsole by using two rubber compounds.
The Prodigio Max’s dual compound FriXion XT 2.0 rubber is harder and more durable around the edges and softer for more grip in the center. The harder compound around the edges provides longevity in high-wear areas, while the grippier center gives more traction in places that don’t see heavy wear.
On my heavily used pair, the 4mm lugs have worn down to about 2mm. But they aren’t completely worn out, and the grippy rubber still provides decent traction despite the shorter lugs.
Price and Value
The biggest drawback with the La Sportiva Prodigio Max is the price. They cost about 20% more than the HOKA Speedgoat 6. While the Prodigio Max has a more durable midsole and upper than the Speedgoat, that's still much more for a pair of trail running shoes.
However, the higher upfront cost becomes more reasonable considering Prodigio Max’s exceptional durability and longevity. For someone who wants to get maximum miles from their trail shoes, the Prodigio Max offers excellent long-term value.
The Prodigio Max will probably last at least 20 percent longer than the Speedgoat 6, even more if you retire the Speedgoats when the midsole pancakes out after 300–350 miles. So while the Prodigio Max is more expensive, you’ll pay fewer dollars per mile than you would with the Speedgoats.
Features
Volume
The Prodigio Max has a wide fit that provides all-day comfort for higher-than-average feet. My feet measure wide, and these shoes accommodate my foot shape even as my feet swell in hot weather.
Weight
The Prodigio Max weighs 10.4 oz for men's size 9 and 9.1 oz for women's size 7.5. This is reasonably light for a maximum cushioning shoe. While not the lightest in, they don’t feel heavy on your feet.
Stack Height
They have a 37-31mm stack height. These shoes have the most cushion of any La Sportiva shoes.
Heel-to-Toe Drop
They have 6mm of heel-to-toe drop, which is average for a trail running shoe, and won’t feel as extreme as an 8-10mm drop shoe. They’re certainly not close to zero-drop, though, either.
Laces/Lockdown
They have recycled flat laces with an extra eyelet at the top for alternate lacing techniques that firmly lock your heel in place. I lace them through the upper eyelet positioned closer to the heel, but don’t use a heel lock lacing pattern because they lock my foot down enough when laced normally.
Midsole Technology
The Prodigio Max has a dual-density midsole that’s firmer on the edges and more cushioned in the center. This creates a firm, yet cushioned platform that feels stable underfoot while providing plenty of padding for long days over varied terrain.
Outsole and Lug Pattern
The Prodigio Max has U-shaped 4mm lugs that face forward in the heel for braking and back in the forefoot for traction when you push off. The dual-compound FriXion XT 2.0 rubber is very sticky. It’s firmer around the edges, where the rubber wears faster, and softer in the middle for added grip.
Reflective Material
It has reflective tabs on the heel, but no other reflective material. Check out our guide to reflective running gear for more info on being seen at night while running.
Style and Design
The Prodigio Max comes in three colors in both Men’s and Women’s. The colorways won't surprise you if you’re familiar with La Sportiva shoes.
Similar Prodigio shoes
Prodigio Max vs. Prodigio
Weight: 1 lb 3 oz (men), 1 lb (women)
Drop: 6 mm
Stack height: 34 - 28 mm (heel to toe)
Cushioning: High cushion
Stability: Mid-foot wrap system for stability and power transfer
Protection: Dense supercritical foam midsole, Flowfilm PU-coated mesh insert in midsole, thermoformed toe cap
Stiffness: Stiff
Fit: Medium-wide
Available sizes: Women’s 36-43 / Men’s 38-49.5
Suitable for vegans: Yes
Materials: Nitrogen-infused supercritical foam midsole, recycled mesh upper, dual rubber compound outsole
Intended use: Made for fast and efficient trail runs
Generally, the standard Prodigio feels slightly faster and has more ground feel than the Prodigio Max. But the Max has more cushion and feels firmer underfoot. They have the same outsole, but the standard Prodigio has a section of exposed midsole under the shoe’s arch for added flexibility. The standard Prodigio costs $20 less than the Prodigio Max as well.
The Prodigio Max has 3mm more cushion than the standard La Sportiva Prodigio. The Max has 37-31mm of stack height, while the standard Prodigio has 34-28mm of stack. The standard Prodigio doesn’t have the TPU wire overlays to reinforce the upper, either. The Prodigio Max weighs 10.4 ounces, while the standard Prodigio weighs 9.5 ounces. The Max has an XFlow Endurance midsole with EVA+NITRO along the outside with an eTPU inner core. In contrast, the standard Prodigio has a Compression Molded XFlow Super Foam and PU Coated FlowFilm midsole. The Prodigio Max midsole feels firmer and less flexible than the standard Prodigio.
I’ve worn both of these shoes for long runs, and have used them both for thru-hiking as well. They’re both cushioned enough for long days and have the same grippy outsole. The standard Prodigio feels faster and lighter, while the Prodigio Max feels more comfortable after 10 hours on your feet and is more durable.
The Prodigio won an award in our Best Gear We Tested in 2024 article. You can read our in-depth review of the La Sportiva Prodigio for more information.
La Sportiva Prodigio
Men's
Women's
Prodigio Max vs. Prodigio Pro
Stack: 34 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Weight: 8.9 oz / 252 g
The Prodigio Pro costs $40 more than the Prodigio Max. The Prodigio Pro is the suped-up race day version of the standard Prodigio, where the Prodigio Max is built for longer distances. The Pro and Max both have TPU wire overlays for durability and stability. The Pro also has an integrated ankle booty to keep dirt and debris out of your shoes. The Pro weighs 8.9 ounces, while the Max weighs 10.5 ounces.
The Prodigio Pro features a supercritical EVA foam midsole. Super critical EVA, commonly used in running “super shoes,” uses nitrogen injected into the foam during manufacturing, creating a lighter and bouncier midsole than standard EVA. The Prodigio Pro’s midsole feels awesome, hands down,. The Prodigio Max’s midsole has a nitrogen-infused outer core with a firmer and less springy inner core for longevity and cushion over long days.
I’ve worn both of these shoes for multiple 40+mile efforts, and they both perform well over long distances. The Prodigio Pro feels faster, while the Prodigio Max feels more comfortable at mile 45. You can read more about the Prodigio Pro in our Best Men's Trail Running Shoes and Best Women's Trail Running Shoes guides.
La Sportiva Prodigio PRO
Men's
Women's
Sustainability and Corporate Ethics
The Prodigio Max is an entirely vegan shoe free from animal-derived materials. They also have recycled insoles and laces. La Sportiva North America is Climate Neutral Certified by The Change Climate Project. Their Boulder headquarters is a zero-waste facility. La Sportiva’s headquarters and Italian factory use 100% renewable energy, and when under-consuming, it puts energy back into the grid.
La Sportiva’s Italian factory manufactures about 60% of its products. They also have a factory in China and Vietnam, which manufacture 28% and 12% of their products, respectively. The Prodigio Max is made in China.
Should I Buy The La Sportiva Prodigio Max?
If you’ve read this far, you should probably buy the Prodigio Max next time you need a pair of max cushion trail running shoes. If you have historically worn the Hoka Speedgoat or Altra Olympus, you’ll love the feel of the Prodigio Max, and they’ll last longer. The Prodigio Max offers excellent traction and stability over rocky terrain, and they’re versatile enough to wear for long, technical trail runs. They’re also comfortable enough to wear for backpacking and thru-hiking.
I’ve worn Hoka Speedgoats for thru-hiking for years, and I’m switching to the Prodigio Max because they offer tons of cushion with a longer-lasting midsole compared to the Speedgoat. The Prodigio Max costs more than the Speedgoat, but the longer lifespan offsets the higher upfront cost.
La Sportiva Prodigio Max
Men's
Women's
What Could Be Better
The main drawback to the Prodigio Max is the higher upfront cost. Also, La Sportiva sizing is weird, and if you don’t buy a full size larger than you’d typically wear in other brands, you’ll likely find these shoes too small.
How We Tested
I wore the La Sportiva Prodigio Max while trail running, backpacking, and thru-hiking in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. The sample I’ve worn for over 500 miles arrived a week before I left to thru-hike the New Mexico section of the Continental Divide Trail. I wore them for a few 10-mile trail runs in the Catalina Mountains of Arizona, then decided they were good enough to trust for 500 miles of backpacking across the desert. Then I hiked 50 kilometers a day for the better part of the next month across New Mexico. After I finished, I continued wearing them for all types of trail runs in Colorado over the summer, from hard-packed dirt, to steep, rocky, mountain trails.
Where to buy the La Sportiva Prodigio Max
The La Sportiva Prodigio Max are new, but are soon to become popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Zappos
Pros: 365-day free shipping on returns, fast delivery with free VIP program
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
La Sportiva
You can sometimes find more options when purchasing directly from the retailer. Sometimes, purchasing directly from the retailer can make it easier if you need to make a warranty return, such as if there is a defect.
Advice on where to buy
In general for shoes, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns like REI or Zappos. Trying on shoes is an important way to get the sizing right. With both those retailers, if your funds allow, you can buy two sizes and easily return one. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Similar Models / Other Shoes You May Prefer
Hoka Speedgoat 6
Cushion: Maximum
Stability: Neutral
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm): 5 mm
Stack Height: 40-35 mm (men’s), 38-33 mm (women’s)
Lugs: 5-millimeter directional lugs. Lugs in the front of the shoe point forward, while the lugs on the heel point back
Upper: Lightweight woven textile upper
Midsole: CMEVA
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip outsole
Weight (single): 9.8 oz (men's), 8.2 oz (women's)
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 initially feels more pillowy soft than the Prodigio Max. But after a few hundred miles, the Prodigio Max is more comfortable because the midsole foam doesn’t compress after pounding out miles under your feet. They both have very grippy outsoles and supportive uppers, but the Prodigio Max has a longer-lasting upper, thanks to the TPU wire mesh overlays. The Speedgoat 6 has 40-35 mm of stack in the men’s shoe and 38-33 mm of stack in the women’s, whereas the Prodigio Max has 37-31mm of stack. You can read more in our in-depth review of the HOKA Speedgoat 6 trail running shoes.
Hoka Speedgoat 6
Men's
Women's
Altra Timp 5
Cushion: Maximum
Stability: Neutral
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm): 0 mm
Stack Height: 29 mm
Lugs: 3.5 mm
Upper: Engineered mesh
Midsole: Altra EGO MAX foam
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
Weight (pair): 1 lb. 3.6 oz (men’s), 1 lb 1.0 oz (women’s)
The Altra Timp 5 has zero-drop and 29mm of stack height. It has a more flexible outsole, but less cushion than the Prodigio Max. The Prodigio Max has 6 mm of heel-to-toe drop and not quite as wide a toe box as the Timp. Both of these shoes have very sticky outsoles that grip wet rock well, but the Prodigio Max’s slightly narrower fit hugs the forefoot better and feels slightly more stable over uneven terrain. The Timp costs less than the Prodigio Max as well. You can read more in our in-depth review of the Altra Timp 5 trail running shoes.
Altra Timp 5
Men's
Women's
Altra Olympus 6
Weight (pair): 1lb 8.4 oz (men's) 1 lb 4.4 oz (women's)
Heel-to-toe drop: 0 mm
Stack height: 33 mm
Cushion level: Maximum
Upper materials: Engineered Mesh
Midsole foam type: Compression Molded EVA Foam
Outsole material: Vibram Megagrip Rubber
Rock plate: No
Available sizes and widths: Men’s 7-16; Women’s 5.5-12
The Olympus has the same zero-drop design as the Altra Timp, but with 33mm of stack height underfoot. The Olympus has more cushion in the forefoot than the Prodigio Max, but less in the heel, since the Max has 37-31mm of stack. We consistently get 400-500 miles out of a pair of Olympus when thru-hiking over rocky, desert terrain. We’ve gone over 500 miles on our first pair of Prodigio Max and they’re still going strong.
Altra Olympus 6
Men's
Women's
Salomon Speedcross 6
Sizes available: 7-14
Fit: True to size, runs narrow
Widths available: Standard, Wide
Weight: 9.2 oz (women's per shoe), 10.5 oz / 298 g (men's)
Drop: 10 mm
Stack height: 32-22 mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Rock Plate?: No
Ideal use: Off-trail, Mud & Snow Traction
The Salomon Speedcross 6 has a more aggressive lug pattern than the Prodigio Max and 10mm heel-to-toe drop, much higher than the Max’s 6mm drop. Generally speaking, the Speedcross feels faster on hills but isn’t as well-cushioned. It also runs much narrower than the Prodigio Max. However, the Speedcross comes in wide sizing, too. You can read our in-depth review of the Salomon Speedcross 6 trail running shoe for more information.
Salomon Speedcross 6
Men's
Women's
Brooks Cascadia 19
Sizes available: 7-15 (men's), 5-12 (women's)
Fit: True to size, runs narrow
Widths available: Standard, Wide
Weight: 9.8 oz (women's per shoe), 10.2 oz (men's)
Drop: 6 mm
Stack height: 35-29 mm
Cushioning: Max
Rock Plate?: Yes
Ideal use: Rugged-trail, off-trail
The Brooks Cascadia has less stack height and the same heel-to-toe drop as the Prodigio Max. The Cascadia costs much less than the Prodigio and is a great all-around trail shoe, but the 35-29mm stack height doesn’t offer as much comfort for long days.
Brooks Cascadia 19
Men's
Women's
Why you should trust us
Sam Schild is a thru-hiker, runner, cyclist, and mountain athlete based in Colorado. He’s been a runner since he was a child when he ran five days a week as cardiovascular training for soccer. As he grew older, he stopped playing team sports and focused on running and cycling.
Sam regularly runs five days or more per week. He has completed countless ultra-distance, self-supported trail runs on trails throughout the American Southwest. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail, Arizona Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice, always in running shoes.
You can read more about Sam on his author page or his website.
