Dynafit Ultra DNA is a trail running shoe from a brand that positions itself as a trail running shoe for athletes looking to set times, focusing on performance for ultra-distance trail running ... After trying them out, the Dynafit Ultra DNA stands out for the following:
- Stability: The stability of the shoe and foot placement
- Responsiveness: Responsiveness
- Support: Impact support
With the rather distinctive feel of this trail shoe, I think it is suitable for trail runners who prioritize speed and responsiveness over softness and comfort. We will discuss the details section by section below.
Let's start with the specs of this pair to get a general idea of why the brand designed it this way.
Stack Height : Forefoot 23 mm. Heel 31 mm.
Drop : 8mm
Outsole : VIBRAM LITEBASE
Lugs : 3.5 mm
Weight : 9US 280 g
The sole height of 23-31mm is at a mid-high cushioning level. As for the 8mm drop, it is a shoe designed to provide agility when lifting the foot, meaning you can touch and lift. The 3.5mm lugs are designed for agility rather than digging deep into the ground. This means it focuses on agility, so runners must have experience and balance skills when running as well.
Design
The design of this model, both in shape and color, clearly leans towards a sporty look. The diagonal pattern placed towards the front gives it a sleek appearance, while the shoe shape, materials, and heel collar give it a cool, sharp look.
Shoelaces
It features the brand's new quick-lace system, which is extremely convenient for both tightening and loosening the laces ... To tighten, pull the side laces on both the left and right sides at the same time. To loosen, pull the center lace up. It is extremely convenient, and I really like it.
It also has a lace pocket to keep things tidy. After tightening the laces, you can roll the ends down and tuck them into the lace pocket like this.
Even during long downhills, the laces won't come undone.
Upper Construction
I am not sure what the material is, as the brand's official website does not provide details. It looks like a polyester-based fabric that is thin, tough, and stiff to keep the fabric lightweight.
The white fabric around the inner area seems to have a waterproof coating, allowing you to wade through water that does not exceed the white trim. And of course, once water gets in, it will pool inside. When running, the water will be pushed out through the black fabric. Therefore, when wet, it is expected to dry slower than trail shoes that drain water well.
The midfoot lockdown is quite good. I give credit to the lace design for this. I think it has a significant impact.
The heel counter area has a structure that wraps around the heel, which also helps support the ankle. You will see the benefit when you are in a long race and your feet and ankles start to get tired. This part will help.
Breathability is quite good, and it does not get stuffy inside.
Lower Construction
The sole base is wide, especially around the midfoot. The advantage is that when you place your foot, you feel like you can place it fully, and your foot will not roll. The stability of this model is quite high. On the day I tried it, my foot did not roll at all (I have been rolling my foot frequently lately). This is another highlight that makes it suitable for long-distance running.
The Speed+ foam on the official website does not provide details about the material, but based on its appearance, it is likely EVA. It is a dense, firm foam that hardly compresses at all when running, truly focusing on responsiveness. You can put force into it, and it gives it right back. ... Is it rough or hard? It is not exactly rough or hard.
The official website states that this model has a Rockshield plate to protect against sharp rocks. I expect it to be placed in the upper area. I guess this from the feel ... When running, I can feel that when I run over gravel and sharp rocks, I feel very little on the soles of my feet.
The Vibram Litebase outsole focuses on traction on various surfaces, whether dry or wet. I feel that on steep concrete surfaces, it really grips well, giving me quite a lot of confidence. And if you encounter wet, steep roads, I don't think you need to worry about grip. ... As for downhills on dirt, since the lugs are not deep—only 3.5mm—they cannot dig deep into the soil. Therefore, you need skills, agility, and good balance. But of course, you will get more agility in return.
Real-World Usage Feel
The first time I put them on, the wrap around the back of the foot immediately felt like a performance shoe. It felt snug around the midfoot, and I did not feel the softness and comfort of the upper. It has a slightly raw fabric feel. I can tell that it probably won't stretch much more after running.
The heel lock is not perfect, and there is some slipping because the heel counter is just a structure without thick foam padding. It is just a long piece, similar to racing shoes. You need to tighten the laces a bit for the heel to lock in well.
The responsiveness of the stride is good. The foam does not compress or drain energy, while at the same time, it does not bounce or act like a spring. ... This makes me think of an old-school performance trail running shoe. It provides good sole support while not spoiling your feet, truly utilizing the athlete's performance.
We can control our stride. The sole base is wide, foot placement is stable, and the outsole is grippy, giving confidence with every step. ... Dynafit Ultra DNA is a trail running shoe with a rather distinctive character. It does not have the soft feel that is popular with the general public, but rather a raw, fast feel. It is a trail shoe that will safely take runners across the finish line, reducing the risk of injury with a structure designed specifically for ultra-distance running.
Choosing a Dynafit Size
The shoe length of this trail brand is 1 cm shorter than that of general trail brands. This means we must add 1 size from the trail shoes you are currently using.
For example, my foot length is 25.5 cm. Normally, I wear 27 cm shoes (leaving extra room at the toes to prevent bruised nails). Hoka 9US (27 cm), while for Dynafit, I need to wear 10US (because Dynafit shoes are shorter than other brands).
You might be surprised that you need to add this much. ... Yes, because Dynafit uses the Mondo point method to measure shoes, which measures the foot size from the heel to the big toe. This makes Dynafit shorter than other brands.
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Dynafit is available at Runnercart: Click