Gear Review: Dynafit Alpine DNA Trailrunning shoe

DNA definition: Deoxyribonucleic acid, usually referred to as DNA, is a nucleic acid composed of different deoxyribonucleotides. It carries the hereditary information of all living organisms and many animals. In short: the entire genetic material (DNA) of a living being is in each of its cells. What is Dynafit trying to tell us with this? Our expert Mirko Schohn tries to find it out for us and tests the new Alpine DNA trail running shoe.

First impression:

The Dynafit Alpine DNA stands out with its simple design, which I like very much. Simple black and white define the look of this shoe. The entire Dynafit DNA series for athletes is characterized by this simple design. Now I know roughly where I want to go with the shoe. Dynafit wants to encourage the racers among us to hunt for the best times. But first of all: the DNA isn’t only for sky-running racers. The significantly more voluminous midsole is clearly visible (especially in comparison to the Feline model). I also wondered what the honeycombs on the inside and outside of the shoe were. Now to the technical data of the shoe: the Dynafit Alpine DNA weighs only 240 g per shoe. That isn’t much compared to similarly cushioned shoes. The heel-to-toe drop is 6 mm. From below, the familiar Vibram mega-ribbed outsole immediately catches my eye, promising grip and control in every position. An additional insole is included for narrower feet. This significantly reduces the volume in the shoe.

On the trail:

From the first contact with my feet, I noticed a very good fit. I had the impression that I didn’t even have to tie the laces. That’s how precisely the sock-like fitting nestled against my foot. I tied them anyway, stowed them under the cover, and noticed how the “Adaptive Fit” system enclosed my feet and held them securely. With the Dynafit Alpine DNA on your foot, you definitely feel like hitting the trail. So off we went! Unfortunately, the heel cap didn’t quite fit me. It was a bit too hard and a bit too high for me. This became noticeable the longer the run lasted.

Due to the current season and the pandemic restrictions, I was not able to test the Dynafit Alpine DNA in the high alpine. To my surprise, the shoe turned out to be extremely suitable for home trails. In the foothills of the Alps from February to March, I chased it over all kinds of terrain. What surprised me the most was that the Alpine DNA provides very good grip, especially in mud and wet conditions. The “Alpine Rocker” sole construction is designed to give the runner good cushioning and a dynamic/reactive running feel. This damping means a fast running feeling with solid cushioning. The upper material is minimally thin. But it provides excellent protection against wetness and dirt. So I could run through snowfields without getting soggy wet feet. In technical passages, the Vibram Meagagrip works as usual. Here Vibram sets standards that I would like to emphasize once again. The Vibram Megagrip sole sets new standards in terms of grip and control. Especially in comparison to other, comparable shoes without this sole, the advantages are noticeable.

Resume:

The Dynafit Alpine DNA feels like stepping on the gas. If you’re on the hunt for records, then it’s the safe, fast, and yet comfortable companion for runs on your home trail and with 100% safety in alpine and high alpine terrain. It is light, the foot has a firm hold in the shoe and the midsole is well-cushioned. I consider it suitable for distances up to 25 km for every mountain runner.

Definition DNA? What was that at the beginning of the test report?

The Dynafit Alpine DNA is unmistakably an Alpine running shoe in all its genes only faster, lighter, more aggressive, chicer, more modern, and more special. It is a rocket and so much fun to run that you occasionally have to check your pulse. Because I tended to overdo it with this shoe on my foot for the sheer joy of running.

Pro: