La Sportiva Prodigio vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

La Sportiva Prodigio

$160

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

€159.95

Quick verdict

La Sportiva Prodigio

$160

The better pick if you want:

A lighter option (38 g less)

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

€159.95

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (88 vs 83)
More cushioning (42 vs 34 mm heel stack)
A lower drop (4 vs 6 mm)
Deeper lugs for grip (4.5 vs 4 mm)

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

La Sportiva Prodigio· leads in 1

Lightness

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9· leads in 2

CushioningGrip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
34 mm
42 mmTop 4%
Lightness
268 gTop 22%
306 g
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
4.5 mmTop 25%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
4 mm
Affordability
$160
$160

Technical Specifications

Compare features between La Sportiva Prodigio vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (15)

Essentials

$160

€159.95

2023

2025

268 g

306 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

Varied trail surfaces, long-distance routes

Trails and rugged terrain

Ultratrail, long-distance trail running, endurance runs

Trail running, hiking, and outdoor adventure

Cushioning

6 mm

4 mm

34 mm

42 mm

28 mm

38 mm

Nitrogen-infused XFlow™ supercritical foam with 2.4 mm LaSpEVA layer

Dual-density Fresh Foam X: plush top layer for comfort, firmer bottom layer for stability

High cushioning and smooth rocker geometry for long-distance comfort

High, plush stack for long days on the trail

Grip & protection

Bi-compound FriXion® XT 2.0 rubber with 4 mm lugs and FLEX inserts

Vibram® Megagrip with 4.5 mm Traction Lugs™ and micro-traction details

Full-length FlowFilm insert that shields the foot from rocks

Toe Protect layer against rocks, roots and debris

Multi-directional lugs for traction on dirt and mixed terrain

Broader, deeper lugs for grip on wet and dry terrain

Upper & fit

Breathable mesh with Wrapping System for secure fit

Engineered mesh with protective overlays

Ortholite® Hybrid Mountain Running removable insole 4 mm

—

Wrapping System lacing, ergonomic heel and ample toe box

Gusseted tongue to keep out debris, traditional laces

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How La Sportiva Prodigio vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.

Pick a ground							Average
La Sportiva Prodigio							59
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9							60

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

La Sportiva Prodigio76

Cushioning29/40
Lightness22/35
Smooth roll25/25

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v973

Cushioning40/40
Lightness12/35
Smooth roll21/25

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

Have you used the La Sportiva Prodigio before?

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Have you used the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 before?

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Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 10 video reviews

La Sportiva Prodigio

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Visual Comparison

See the differences between La Sportiva Prodigio and New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

Ask your own question

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: La Sportiva Prodigio vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9?

For value comparison: The La Sportiva Prodigio ($160) provides premium features compared to the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 ($160). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the La Sportiva Prodigio or the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9?

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is newer: it came out in 2025, and the La Sportiva Prodigio in 2023.

Looking for alternatives to La Sportiva Prodigio?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

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INOV-8 Mudtalon Zero V2

INOV-8

$160Score 87+4

Better than La Sportiva Prodigio at:

A higher overall score (87 vs 83)
A lighter option (26 g less)
A lower drop (0 vs 6 mm)

Compare with La Sportiva Prodigio

Asics Blazeblast

Asics

$160Score 86+3

Better than La Sportiva Prodigio at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 83)
A lighter option (16 g less)
More cushioning (43 vs 34 mm heel stack)

Compare with La Sportiva Prodigio

INOV-8 Trailtalon

INOV-8

$160Score 86+3

Better than La Sportiva Prodigio at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 83)

Compare with La Sportiva Prodigio

Popular Comparisons

Compare La Sportiva Prodigio or New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as La Sportiva, New Balance and more.

Shoes

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

La Sportiva Prodigio· leads in 1

Lightness

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9· leads in 2

CushioningGrip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
34 mm
42 mmTop 4%
Lightness
268 gTop 22%
306 g
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
4.5 mmTop 25%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
4 mm
Affordability
$160
$160

Pick a ground

Average

La Sportiva Prodigio

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

La Sportiva Prodigio vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

La Sportiva Prodigio

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Quick verdict

Spec profile