# Which ultra-marathon running shoes offer the best cushioning for impact protection? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

Which ultra-marathon running shoes offer the best cushioning for impact protection?

## Products

### La Sportiva Prodigio 2
```yaml
product: la-sportiva-prodigio-2
brand: La Sportiva
price_gbp: 94.27
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
drop: 6 mm
weight: 9.3 oz per shoe
stack_height: 34 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
breathability: Breathable high-tenacity 3D Mesh upper
midsole_material: Nitrogen-injected XFlow EVA foam
outsole_material: Dual-density FriXion Red rubber
water_resistance: Water-resistant mesh upper
```

- **Price:** £94.27 [^1]
- **Summary:** The La Sportiva Prodigio 2 is a cushioned trail-running shoe with a nitrogen-injected XFlow EVA midsole, secure midfoot wrap, and grippy dual-density FriXion Red outsole. Its breathable mesh upper and 4 mm lugs suit runners tackling daily trails, technical terrain, long-distance training, and ultras.
- **Ideal For:** It suits ultra-marathon runners seeking impact protection because its 34 mm heel stack, high cushioning, nitrogen-injected XFlow EVA midsole, and 4 mm dual-density FriXion Red outsole combine cushioning, durability, and traction for long miles.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^3]

### ASICS Trabuco Max 5
```yaml
product: asics-trabuco-max-5
brand: ASICS
price_gbp: 99.81
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
drop: 5 mm
weight: 298 g
stack_height: 40 mm heel, 35 mm forefoot
breathability: Breathable mesh
midsole_material: FF BLAST PLUS foam
outsole_material: ASICSGRIP rubber
water_resistance: Water-repellent mesh
```

- **Price:** £99.81 [^4]
- **Summary:** The ASICS Trabuco Max 5 is a highly cushioned trail shoe with a 40 mm heel stack, FF BLAST PLUS foam, and ASICSGRIP rubber for long-distance comfort and traction. Its breathable, water-repellent mesh upper suits runners tackling varied trails and wet conditions.
- **Ideal For:** Its 40 mm heel stack, 35 mm forefoot stack, FF BLAST PLUS foam, and GUIDESOLE rocker provide substantial cushioning and impact protection for ultra-marathon runners on long trail outings.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: La Sportiva USA, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.lasportivausa.com/products/prodigio-2
[^2]: Zappos, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.zappos.com/p/mens-la-sportiva-prodigio-2/product/10031571
[^3]: Running Warehouse, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.runningwarehouse.com/catpage-LASPM.html
[^4]: Running Warehouse Europe, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.runningwarehouse.eu/ASICS_Trabuco_Max_5/descpage-ATM5M1-EN.html
[^5]: ASICS Philippines, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.asics.com/ph/en-ph/trabuco-max-5/p/1011C164-400.html