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The Dynafit Traverse is this season’s multisport novelty. It blurs the lines between trail running, hiking and mountaineering. According to the manufacturer, it should be as light and versatile as a trail running shoe, but at the same time offer the protection, comfort, and grip of a mountaineering shoe. Our Product Content & Brand Manager Benedikt is a passionate trail runner and tested the shoe, which weighs just 320 grams according to the manufacturer, in the mountains around Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Read on to find out how Dynafit‘s multifunctional shoe performed.
Test scenario:
- Test period: 2 months
- Use: Hiking, mountain tours with easy climbs, trail running (more on this later)
- Places: Fricken/Bischof, Kramer, Eckbauer, Königsstand
- Conditions: From muddy spring to summer
- Terrain: rock, scree, mud, trails, no trails
Dynafit technologies:
- Heel Preloader: for better fit of the heel and connection to the sole
- Pomoca sole
- Torsion bar: absorbs forces or impacts and provides additional stability
- Invisible lacing: Hiding the laces to provide more support in the metatarsus.
The first impression
My first impression when I unpacked the Dynafit Traverse: The new model has a similar design to the Transalper, which I like very much. The sewn-in tongue should not slip, and the new speed lacing system is well-thought-out and efficient. What I don’t like is that the upper is made up of numerous TPU elements. The workmanship seems good.
When you put it on, the technical impression continues: the Traverse offers very good lateral support and still has a moderately flexible midsole in the longitudinal direction. The rolling behaviour is pleasant and lies somewhere between a Dynafit trail running shoe and a low-cut approach shoe. The fit is comfortable and doesn’t feel constricting – I can feel the good fit as soon as I put them on.
The Dynafit Speedlacing system works perfectly as usual. The tongue feels a bit tight at first, but it quickly loosens, and the shoe fits snugly and comfortably. At home, the sole seems to be very grippy. For my taste, the abrasion protection and robust construction are a little too conspicuous – but that’s a matter of taste. All that plastic on the shoe makes me feel a bit like a Power Ranger… Time to put this model through its paces in its element.
How the Traverse fares on the mountain
In a positive sense, the shoe is unobtrusive on easy terrain and on medium to difficult paths. The good rolling behaviour and low weight are particularly enjoyable. The Dynafit Traverse really comes into its own when the going gets tough. It offers a lot of grip and feel in the forefoot area on pathless, blocked and rocky terrain. The protective effect is also noticeable – debris cannot damage the shoe. Personally, I would have preferred less robustness and more breathability.
The Pomoca sole has its weaknesses in wet conditions and doesn’t inspire as much confidence as other soles when descending. The lacing system is very good and does not need to be tightened – and thanks to the lightly padded tongue, there are no pressure points. For my normal to slightly wider foot, the Dynafit Mid-Volume is perfect: it’s compact and secure and never feels tight or loose. Even on long tours I don’t feel tired, the cushioning is just right for this type of shoe and allows me to feel the ground well. The 8 mm drop is in the middle of the trail range and seems reasonable.
What are the strengths of the Traverse?
I wore the shoe mainly for walking and only did one run in it. My opinion is that if you are looking for a pure running shoe, the Traverse is not for you. But if you’re an athlete looking for a speed hiking shoe that can also go downhill, it’s perfect. Of course, you can feel the Traverse’s trail running influences: The Traverse’s reduced weight, good rolling behaviour and stability are a little reminiscent of the Dynafit Feline SL.
My personal verdict
Per:
- Modern look, shoe appears to be made of one piece.
- All elements of the shoe serve their purpose very well.
- Pomoca sole with 5 mm studs has a surprisingly wide range of uses.
- You forget you’re wearing shoes when you put them on.
- Really does everything.
- Abrasion resistant due to the large amount of plastic and therefore hard to destroy, especially in the upper.
Cons:
- Breathability is limited. Trapped moisture does not escape.
- Lots of plastic: even the lace eyelets are plastic. Although hardly a drawback from a functional point of view, I would have preferred more fabric.
- Too much protection for my taste, especially in the forefoot. This is more on the level of technical approach shoes.
- Pomoca sole shows weaknesses in wet conditions and gives a strange “waxy” feel.
- The Traverse is a “jack of all trades – master of none”: it does everything, but isn’t particularly good at anything. In my opinion, its strength lies in fast, sometimes technical ascents and descents (speed hiking).
- Could be lighter.