Details
Brand
Dynafit
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Feline Vertical Pro
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Dynafit Aura Activated Magnet system• Protective rubberized lace gaiter overlaid on top of the lacing system• Vibram mapping compound outsole• Sensitive fit system• Claw grip• Multipad midsole• Invisible lacing• Ballistic Bumper
Upper
The upper on the Dynafit Feline SuperLight comes included with all the fundamentals necessary to be considered a trail running shoe that values functionality over aesthetics. The majority of the upper is saturated in a highly perforated very breathable mesh material. There is a rubberized lace gaiter protection system over the lacing keeping the laces out of sight as well as sand, small rocks, and other debris from entering your shoe. On the forefront of the shoe, you will notice there is a ballistic bumper for protecting your foot from encounters with rocks and other elements that may cause harm while on your trail run.
Midsole
The midsole on the Dynafit Feline SuperLight is certainly spectacular when examining how the company managed to apply their technology into the midsole itself. Dynafit has placed a magnetic strip in the instep of midsole section that claims to reduce recovery time and enhance muscle strength. How the implanted Aura Activator magnetic strip works is by tuning the natural biofield energy system which makes for more efficient running. The midsole on this shoe is known to possess what Dynafit calls “multi padding,” which allows for an ample amount of cushioning on the heel. This midsole is good for heel strikers and forefront strikers because the padding in the midsole adjusts as your foot hits the ground. The ideology behind the multi padded midsole was to emulate the paw of a snow leopard, adjusting your foot’s response to the trail.
Outsole
The outsole on the Dynafit Feline SuperLight is the result of the collaborative efforts of Dynafit entrusting the brand Vibram to create a fully functional and extremely efficient outsole. The outsole is composed of Vibram’s mapping compound that is known to have great performance on the trails. The entire outsole is draped in a chevron-shaped tread pattern that has alternating directions in specifically placed areas of the shoe. The strategy behind using alternating tread on the outsole was that on certain terrains and inclines you may need more grip in order to get the most efficient level of traction possible. There’s no need to worry whether you’re ascending, descending or running on flat rocky roads, the outsole on this shoe is reliable.
Breathability
Breathability is important when it comes to any running shoe, but even more important when it comes to a trail running shoe that will endure more than just the average run on the track or pavement. Dynafit ensures that your foot won’t overheat by riddling the upper with performance orientated perforations that allow your foot to cool down quickly as things heat up on the trail. The breathability aspect of this shoe was very pleasing.
Comfort
Having a decent amount of comfort should be standard on every shoe. One of the quickest ways to detract from successful runs on the trails is owning and using uncomfortable shoes. Comfort adds a level of cushion that keeps you pushing your way through the trails. The Dynafit Feline SuperLight offers a standard amount of comfort on this shoe which mostly hails from their multi padded midsole meant to adjust to how your foot strikes the ground.
Style
The style on the Dynafit Feline SuperLight walks a thin line between love and hate when it comes to the appearance. The streamlined “racer-esque” aesthetics makes this shoe look similar to a soccer boot or track shoe. There is huge Dynafit logo branding on the forefront of the midsole, which can come off to some as gaudy. The color options available for this sneaker are very “safe” in terms of styling statements with the two primary color options being red, black, silver and neon, black, silver. All depending on personal stylistic preferences you may either enjoy what this shoe has to offer visibly or not.
Durability
The durability of the Dynafit Feline SuperLight is above average when compared to the competition. It’s obvious in the appearance of the design that this shoe was built to last in addition to the good amount of protection offered externally. The Vibram outsole has no problems with accelerated wear like many other trail shoes tend to experience after heavy use. The upper also holds up very well over time, avoiding susceptibility to wearing out prematurely after exposure to the outdoor elements.
Protection
The Dynafit Feline SuperLight offers the protection often associated with trail shoes that are twice the weight and bulkiness. The upper features a lace gaiter that guards against the slew of debris found on trails that can enter the shoe and cause irritation during your run. The forefront on upper features a ballistic bumper to guard accidental stubbing on any trail. This shoe offers an abundance of protection while still remaining lightweight.
Responsiveness
The responsiveness of the Dynafit Feline SuperLight is amazing thanks to the midsole and outsole working together to make the runner really feel the road beneath them. The midsole features a multi padded material that really supports each step, while the patented Vibram mapping compound on the outsole allows for a great feel of what’s below.
Support
The support on the Dynafit Feline SuperLight is very good with this model of shoe paying special attention to making sure your joints and arch get a good amount of support. Dynafit even went as far as implanting an Aura Activated magnetic system to the midsole instep that allegedly enhances the support to your body, and in return, makes you a more efficient runner.
Terrain
The intended terrain for this sneaker is the trail, with specialized design cues meant for alpines and inclines. The entire outsole sports an inherit aggressiveness that allows it to really shine on less than pleasure terrain surfaces. With the Dynafit Feline SuperLight you will not need to worry about snow, mud, dirt, or gravel as this shoe is capable of handling all of these terrain surfaces.
Price
The price point for the Dynafit Feline SuperLight can be considered to be on the expensive side with a manufacturer suggested retail price tag that is over the $150 mark. Although the initial price is pretty high this shoe can be found discounted currently at select retailers.
Drop
The Dynafit Feline SuperLight keeps things pretty standard with an average drop height of 11 millimeters. At that height, this shoe avoids being classified as a low profile trail running sneaker and doesn’t run into the problems associated with trail sneakers that have too high of a drop height. This height is very good for beginning trail runners who would like to avoid unnecessary injuries that can occur from using a low profile trail running shoe.
Stability
The Dynafit Feline SuperLight offers a good amount of stability, keeping your foot firmly planted in place during use. Stability is important for trail running because the terrain has the potential to change at any moment and you will need a shoe that’s going to keep everything in place, which this shoe does. The midsole is properly padded in all the right areas with special focused attention on the heel to give your foot the stability it needs.
Flexibility
The entire shoe has a good mixture of flexibility and stiffness, allowing your natural striking pattern, heel or forefront, to not become an issue after extended periods of use. The material on the upper has enough stretch to allow your foot to move around and be comfortable without things becoming too loose and your foot moves around inside on a run. The outsole has the right balance of flexibility in the areas that matter most for traversing inclines and other terrains.
Traction
The outsole on the Dynafit Feline SuperLight is pretty amazing when it comes to traction on a multitude of surfaces, dry or wet. The chevron-shaped lugs on the outsole are flexible enough to gain traction on a variety of surfaces in many different positions. Vibram understands the importance of having good traction when it comes to trail running, so they have applied their in-house technology to assist Dynafit in creating a shoe capable of gaining traction on less than favorable surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Dynafit Feline SuperLight is a shoe that promises to do a lot, but may only half deliver when it comes to meeting many of the expectations that this shoe alludes to having. Trail running shoes aren’t shoes that you can “cut corners” on when it comes to crafting and design due to the nature of their intended use. Trail running shoes need to be somewhat comfortable for you to go the distances desired in them, all while providing a good amount of protection, stability, and support for making sure your run isn’t cut short from experiencing problems.;The Dynafit Feline SuperLight wants to be known as one of best options for trail running shoes and it honestly does a decent job. The outsole performs very well with traction and grip on numerous surfaces while the midsole provides a good amount of responsiveness and an average level of comfort. This shoe is recommended for runners who are in need of a lightweight shoe to traverse trails safely and efficiently.
