Details
Brand
Dynafit
Heel To Toe Drop
11mm
Breathability
7
Latest Version
Feline Ghost Evo
Terrain
Trail
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• Durable and seamless, nylon ripstop upper• Responsive multi-pad midsole for stability on steep descents• Deeply lugged and durable Vibram outsole• Protective toe-cap keeps toes safe from unavoidable trail hazards• Slightly flexible forefoot for steep and rocky hills• Dual-density EVA padding for comfort, stability, and support• 11mm heel-to-toe drop
Upper
The upper of the shoe is seamless and is comprised of very durable ripstop nylon which is so thin it is almost see-through. Seamless uppers not only lessen the chance for blisters, but make the shoes more durable and long lasting. The lack of stretch in the material also adds to the overall stability of the shoe. The padded tongue and laces are a normal inclusion in good trail shoes. A solid rubber toe-cap protects the toes and some of the forefeet from rocks and other debris. Runners praised the upper for its comfort and supportive fit. The material is fairly breathable and also effective at blocking the cold wind.
Midsole
Dynafit claims they observed the speed and agility of mountain snow leopards to develop a multi-pad midsole that dynamically adapts to the demands of any terrain. This multi-pad midsole works with the Vibram sole to provide soft landings and stronger take-offs. Reviewers commented on the smoothness of the heel-to-toe transition and said it was quite impressive for a mountain shoe. The unique multi-pad midsole design also offers good stability and responsiveness on steep and difficult descents. A molded sock liner offers extra cushioning underfoot as well as extra support for the arch.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe features a deeply lugged Feline Zero Vibram sole made exclusively for the Dynafit company. Vibram is one of the most famous and recognized soles in the shoe world. Vitale Bramani was an avid climber and mountain guide and had several companions die in an accident that he believed was caused by inadequate footwear. After some experimentation, Bramani came out with some durable “tank tread” soles that are now used by thousands of footwear manufacturers around the world. The outsole features a unique mapping compound which offers good traction on rocks and loose terrain, and even feels smooth on hard packed trails which is unusual for a shoe with high lug depth.
Breathability
Most wearers agreed that the breathability of the Ghost was very good. The seamless, nylon material of the upper is rather porous, which allows moisture to exit quickly. When running through shallow streams or rainy conditions, the material effectively sheds water and helps keep the foot feeling dry. As noted above, it also helps to keep the shoe from feeling heavy. On cold runs, the upper helped block wind and kept the foot fairly warm. There were no complaints of overheating on hot runs or cold toes on cold runs.
Comfort
This shoe was designed to be light and ultra comfortable. The shoe offers superior cushioning and stability usually found in more heavy trail shoes. The seamless upper, multi-pad midsole, high-density ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam heel, and tight fit keep the runner’s foot where it needs to be in the shoe. The Vibram sole’s deep tread does well to protect the foot from uneven trails and sharp objects as well as provide for a smooth ride. There were only a few complaints that the shoe ran a little narrow, but most runners said there was room to splay and wiggle their toes. The ripstop nylon upper construction gives the shoe a tight feeling as the material doesn’t stretch. This only adds to the stability of the shoe.
Style
The Feline Ghost is an attractive “cat-like” shoe that comes in two choices: green or gray with black accents. Because the shoe is an older model, green seems to be the most available color. Although designed for conquering mountains, some wearers bought the shoe for an everyday street and walking shoe due to its rugged sole and durability. The shoe is also attractive enough to wear as a casual shoe.
Durability
Dynafit trail shoes are built for extreme outdoor and mountain conditions. High-quality material makes the Feline Ghost a very durable shoe. The unique rubber mapping compound in the outsole provides outstanding traction and extra durability. The solid rubber toe-cap deflects rocks and other trail debris and also protects the front section of the shoe and foot from possible damage. One runner described the sole of the Ghost as “bullet-proof”. Runners can expect to get a good 400 miles or more out of these shoes.
Protection
The Feline Ghost offers superb protection from any rough alpine environment. The outsole and midsole work great together to offer great ground impact protection. The tough nylon upper is very high quality and is snag and tear resistant from anything on the trail. The shoe’s durable rubber toe-cap protects the shoe and wearer’s foot from hard bumps and jagged rocks. A lightly padded mesh tongue provides support and ventilation under the laces as well as some protection from cold environments. Mountain runners had good things to say about the shoe’s protective features.
Responsiveness
Weighing less than most mountain trail shoes, this shoe offers a smooth and responsive ride. The shape and weight of the shoe allow it to withstand the rigors of unexpected side-to-side movements and unpredictable descents and ascents of mounting trail running without causing ankle rolls. Reviewers attributed the responsive feel of the shoe to its resilient midsole and secure fit.
Support
For a trail shoe designed for tough mountain conditions, this shoe is very supportive. Some wearers removed the sock-liner and replaced it with their own insoles, but most were pleased with the arch support that the shoe provided. The Ghost is designed for neutral pronators, so overpronaters or underpronators may have difficulty with this shoe under extreme conditions. As an everyday walking shoe, there were no complaints about support.
Terrain
This shoe was built to take on tough alpine trails. The shoe’s lugs provide fantastic grip on all types of surfaces to include hard packed and loose soil. Runners should use caution on slippery granite rocks. Although not waterproof, most wearers feet stayed dry when running through shallow streams. Some wearers had problems on very wet and slippery trails. The shoes got good reviews on soft muddy trails where the lugs on the outsole work wonders at digging in and pushing forward. Some people found the shoes to be good for everyday activities, but most runners found the outsole to be too stiff when used for extended time on the roads.
Price
Usually, you get what you pay for, but because the Dynafit Feline Ghost is an older model (debuting in 2014), you can find some great close-out deals on this shoe, especially the women’s version. The retail price of the shoe was $130 which made it a little bit expensive, but not when you consider the quality and durability. That same quality can still be found in the reduced price.
Drop
The Feline Ghost has a standard heel-to-toe drop of 11mm which is standard for most mountain trail running shoes. This drop provides extra cushioning in the heel and is good for reducing injuries related to hard heel impact. Mountain running may not seem like a high impact sport when compared to road running, but runners are often leaping over rocks and other obstacles and coming down hard on solid surfaces. The heel height also helps with steep descents and allows the runner to stay in control.
Stability
The Feline Ghost has a fairly wide platform which offers a lot of stability. The design of the multi-pad midsole also adds to the stability of the shoe. The midsole and upper keeps the foot locked in and centered which greatly needed on steep and rocky descents. Wearers found the shoe to be adequately stable for rough and tough conditions.
Flexibility
Overall, the Feline Ghost is not a very flexible shoe. The forefoot of the shoe has some flexibility, but the midsection and rear of the shoe are rather stiff. The hardened outsole is meant to keep the shoe rather stiff which is typical of most mountain trail running shoes. The job of the Ghost is to carry and protect the runner through harsh mountain trails. For the most part, it does this very well.
Traction
The aggressive outsole of this shoe provides superior traction on rough, mountain terrain. One wearer stated that the shoe is not meant to be a climbing shoe, but it does scramble up rocks well. The shoe also got favorable reviews in mud and spongy soil. Several runners found the shoe to be a little slippery on wet granite surfaces. The shoe was designed to tackle mountains which it does fairly well.
Bottom Line
The Dynafit Feline Ghost is a very durable and comfortable shoe that handles mountain trails well. Designed for long-distance trail running over alpine terrain, this “cat” feels right at home as it flies up and down the trails. A favorite with skyrunners and ultra runners because of the shoe’s light weight, the Ghost offers great cushioning and good stability on treacherous terrain. Add a pair of trail gaiters and these well-lugged shoes will take you wherever you wish to go.;When trying or buying the shoes, remember to go a size up. Many runners reported the shoes as being tight which leaves no room for foot swell, thick socks, or custom inserts.
