Dynafit Sky DNA ($180)
Weight: Listed as 8.4 oz / 239g (size unspecified)
Sample US Men’s Size 10 - 10.5 oz / 297g
Drop 4mm (19mm/15mm midsole stack height)
$180
Introduction
Jeff V: Designed for Sky and Vertical races the Dynafit Sky DNA, with a streamlined design, aggressive Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole, snug fitting breathable, but protective upper, dual speed laces, sporty looks and low slung nature, the Sky DNA is all business.
Pros: traction, security, stability, durability, protection
Cons: firm midsole leading to a harsh ride on hard surfaces,
not particularly versatile, heavy for intent (and especially for VK)
Stats
Official Weight: men's 8.4 oz / 239 g
Sample: 10.5 oz / 298 g US10
Midsole Stack Height: men’s 19 mm heel / 15 mm forefoot (4mm drop spec)
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Jeff V: Out of the box I am impressed by the aggressive race look and sharp colorway, toothy tread, and the very unique dual quick lace system. For a VK / Sky race shoe, they are a bit heavier and more substantial than I expected, but am hopeful for greater protection and substance underfoot.
The upper is simultaneously burly and protective with a substantial toe bumper and midfoot wrap, and with a somewhat flexible, though sturdy and secure heel collar.
The midfoot wrap is perforated, well vented and airy, while being very secure.
The mesh over the forefoot is very thin, light, breathable and flexible.
The dual quicklace is very unique and effective, unlike any other I have seen.
To tighten, simply grab the loops on either side and pull them outward in opposite directions. To loosen, just pull up on the center tab.
There is a very slim, low profile lace garage over the center laces on top of the foot, but it is exceptionally difficult to tuck the laces in, where I find it handy to use a car key to assist (it is that hard). I certainly wouldn’t want to perform this task when cold.
The tongue is thin, but adequately protects from lace pressure.
The fit is true to size, but is quite narrow, low volume and race like, best described as “precision fit”.
I have a narrow low volume foot and appreciate security for the technical trails I run and the Sky DNA is designed exactly for that, providing superior foothold and stability. If you have a wider foot or prefer more room, this is definitely not your shoe.
Midsole
The Peba midsole is lively and energetic with good rebound and exceptional dampening. While the stack height is somewhat low, there is very good protection here. While protection is good enough that I do not feel compelled to dance through rock gardens, the midsole is on the firm side (surprising for a Peba foam but Dynafit says the Peba used is derived from ski boots), which is felt on sustained downhills on harder surfaces and feel the Sky DNA is best suited to shorter duration runs (up to to 2 hours) and on softer surfaces.
Outsole
The Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole provides exceptional grip on a wide variety of terrain with aggressively shaped and well positioned 4.5 mm lugs.
Be it loose off trail, snow, slush or wet rocks and slab, the grip here is confidence inspiring and one of the best out there.
Durability thus far is proving to be above average.
Ride
The ride is reasonably quick, responsive and energetic as the midsole is firm, low profile and good for challenging terrain where stability and predictability are paramount.
The is a shoe with purpose and intent, going fast up and down steep, technical mountains.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The Sky DNA is a rugged, high quality mountain shoe that is best suited for steep, technical terrain, off trail, where foothold, traction and stability are paramount. The midsole is quite firm and while protection is good, the firm midsole and precision fit for me limits this shoe to 2-3 hours, at least on rocky technical trails, but would be more appropriate on softer terrain. At 10.5 oz. for my US Men’s size 10, I think they are a bit heavy for racing or PR attempts and especially for VK running/racing, but the added protection underfoot might trump weight in certain circumstances.
Jeff V’s Score: 9.2/10
Ride: 9 - Firm underfoot, but stable and predictable for technical terrain
Fit: 9 - These are slim and precise, even for my narrow low volume foot and need for foothold
Value: 9 - $180 is creeping up in price, but quality, durability and performance are all very good
Style: 10 - I find them to be very sharp looking
Traction: 10 - Traction is top notch on any surface
Rock Protection: 9 - while the stack is low, the firm Pebax midsole offers great protection
😊😊😊😊
5 Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Saucony Peregrine 13 (RTR Review): The Peregrine is lighter, much better cushioned (more of it and softer), but still performs very well in technical terrain. Foothold is more relaxed and appropriate for longer distances and is not nearly as precise as the Sky DNA’s, but is still quite good. The Sky has an edge in traction and stability, but you can save $40 with the Peregrine.
VJ Xtrm 2 (RTR Review): The VJ is much lighter, quicker (in part because of the weight), with equal foothold without feeling overly confining. The Sky has a bit more substance and protection underfoot, but this comes at a significant weight penalty. The VJ has an edge in traction as well.
La Sportiva Bushido II (RTR Review): The Bushido is a bit heavier and has the same stack, but the midsole feels more cushioned and forgiving with equal stability, although it is maybe not as responsive. Foothold is equal, but the Bushido does not feel as confining and I can run many more hours in the Bushido. The Sky has an edge in traction, mostly because of its more aggressive lugs. The Bushido also costs $50 less.
Scarpa Golden Gate Kima RT (RTR Review) : The Kima is a bigger, heavier, more substantial shoe with a more forgiving midsole and features a carbon plate. I think the Sky is a bit more performance oriented for shorter, more technical days, where the Kima has an edge for longer days in technical terrain.
Scott SuperTrac RC 2 (RTR Review): The RC is significantly lighter, with softer and more responsive midsole foam, though it is not as protective underfoot at the Sky. Both have very precise uppers, though the RC’s is less confining. The Sky has an edge in traction and overall durability, especially outsole durability. The RC is a more race ready shoe and costs $40 less.
Tester Profile
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state and can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his 12 year old daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
The Sky DNA is available from
Dynafit SHOP HERE
Moosejaw SHOP HERE
The samples were provided at no charge for review purposes.RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
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3 comments:
Following
Shoe seems way over engineered ( can't understand why Dynafit makes things more complicated than they should be). I have the Alpine DNA and, while not perfect, is probably a better race day shoe.
A race shoe too heavy for racing work lots of wasted goodies and effort. Can't quite follow the rating, especially as way more viable shoes scored lower on RTR.
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