Article by Jeff Valliere
Dynafit Alpine DNA 2 ($219.99)
Introduction:
The Dynafit Alpine DNA 2 is a lightweight mountain running/race shoe for mid to shorter distance mountain outings and technical trail running races. It eaturies a responsive, lightweight midsole, a full length X shaped Pebax plate, Vibram Megagrip outsole with Litebase (4mm lugs) and a race fit snug upper.
Pros: Light, nimble, agile, traction, stability, security
Cons: Sizing (runs small, so size up at least a half size)
New: list 3-4 most comparable shoes (with your name next to each)
Dynafit Sky DNA
VJ Maxx 2
Merrell MTL Skyfire
Hoka Zinal 2
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 8.6 oz / 244g US men’s 9
Sample Weight: men’s 9.1oz / 258g US men’s 10
Stack Height: men’s 30mm heel / 24mm forefoot (6mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 80mm heel / 67mm midfoot / 105mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Out of the box, the Alpine DNA 2 feels lightweight and with a modern, technical look/build. The recycled mesh upper is secure, breathable and well held, with robust overlays and good protection, yet is breathable and flexible.
The double quicklace is unique, providing quick, secure, once and down adjustments. Simply grab one with each hand and pull up and outward and it snugs down tight. There is a lace garage (under the puma face in the photo above) that takes a bit of work to insert, but in the end is comfortable, tidy and worth the effort. To loosen, simply fish out the center nylon tab and pull, which releases the tension. The toe bumper is thin and flexible, yet adequately protective and durable.
The collar and heel counter is minimal, well held and semi flexible, with a sock like booty design and knit collar to keep dirt and debris out.
Fit is race like, where in my normal size 10, fit is exceptionally snug and a bit short. I am almost always a 10 in such fitting shoes.
This does not cause me any trouble really, as I pick this shoe for shorter, more technical runs, but I think sizing up a half size would be appropriate for me and if you are looking for extra room to spread out, perhaps even a full size (although if you want a shoe to spread out in for long distances, this is not really your shoe anyways).
Midsole & Platform
The Speed+ midsole is light and responsive. Combined with the full length Pebax X shaped plate for added stability and protection, the Alpine DNA 2 is exceptionally quick, dynamic and confidence inspiring over technical mountain terrain. Whether running uphill, downhill or on the flats, I find them to be very fast and agile. Cushioning is very good for such a light shoe about 8.6 oz in a US 9 with a decent 30/24 full stack height , but it is by no means maximal in cushion stack.
Outsole
The Vibram Megagrip outsole with Litebase features sharp, directional 4mm lugs. Traction has been excellent on all surfaces and in all conditions and despite being “only” 4mm, the lugs provide more bite than one would expect.
They are low profile enough to generally go unnoticed underfoot and help add to the versatility and wide range of terrain for which this shoe excels. Durability thus far has proven to be very good with minimal if any wear.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
The ride is quick and agile through a wide variety of terrain, from easy cruiser trails to technical mountain trails. The Alpine DNA 2 is best suited for mid distance to shorter runs over technical terrain and faster running, but they are versatile enough to perform well at any pace, on easier trails or for some door to trail. I think their main limitation for not being suitable for longer distances is primarily due to the very race-like fit,although if you size up, they may be fine for full days out on the trails, as cushioning and protection is adequate.
I would recommend the Alpine DNA 2 as an uptempo trainer or racer for moderate to technical terrain and mid to shorter distances. The sizing as mentioned earlier is small and I would recommend sizing up a half size, at least.
Jeff’s Score: 8.9/10
Ride (50%): 9, Fit (30%): 8 Value (10%): 9 Style (5%): 9.5, Traction (15%): 9.5, Rock Protection (10%): 9
4 Comparisons
Dynafit Sky DNA (RTR Review): The Sky DNA are over an ounce heavier, with less stack and less drop. The Sky has a slightly more aggressive outsole and perhaps are a bit better in more loose and rugged mountain terrain, but that is it. The Sky feels kind of hard and firm underfoot with a somewhat harsh and jarring ride. The Alpine DNA 2 in contrast has a much softer midsole with a quick and very comfortable ride. The Alpine DNA 2 is $40 more but is overall a much better shoe.
VJ Maxx 2 (RTR Review): The VJ is lighter, has more cushion, better traction and costs $40 less. The VJ is my pick for the money in all regards (a tough act to follow though, as the Maxx 2 will easily be the best shoe in its class this year).
Merrell MTL Skyfire (RTR Review): The Skyfire is lighter, faster and more of a zippy race feel to them, though the Alpine DNA 2 is more plush underfoot and more protective.
Hoka Zinal 2 (RTR Review): The Zinal 2 is lighter, faster, cheaper, more responsive and would be a better all out race shoe, while the Alpine DNA 2 has better cushioning and protection.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
The Alpine DNA 2 is available at Dynafit HERE
Tester Profiles
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, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He 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 twin 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.
EUROPE Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
No comments:
Post a Comment