Details
Brand
Dynafit
Heel To Toe Drop
8mm
Breathability
6.9
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Gore-tex membrane overlay• Waterproof• Sensitive Fit System• Tucked away Quick Lacing Sytem• Lace Protector• Vibram Alpine Outsole• Quick Lacing System• Adaptive Grip• Ballistic Bumper• Multiple padded midsole• Ortholite footbed
Upper
The upper on the Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex is one of the more interesting aspects of the shoe, not only aesthetically, but for functionality too. The forefront region of the shoe includes a toe cap for a good amount of protection. The toe box on the upper is perforated for an amazing amount of breathability. Moving to the side of the upper you will notice an adaptive grip cage that provides a comfortable fit and additional ventilation while conforming to the shape of your foot. Finishing off the most interesting aspects of the upper, there’s a Gore-Tex membrane makes the shoe waterproof and still allows for breathability.
Midsole
The midsole on the Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex incorporates the right amount of foam without being overly cushy. The midsole foam material is made from a standard Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, or commonly referred to as EVA. The EVA does a decent job as far as providing cushioning for your foot, but you’re quickly reminded that this shoe was built to be functional for technical terrains versus a cushy cruiser for a walk in the woods.
Outsole
The outsole on the Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex is a modern marvel. Dynafit believes in creating quality products and when it comes to quality, the vibrant yellow Vibram logo on the outsole of a shoe means you’re guaranteed a good product. The outsole utilizes Vibram’s mapping compound as opposed to their MegaGrip found on many of their other outsoles.;The outsole performs very well on multiple surfaces from loose gravel to hard packed dirt. The entire bottom of the shoe is covered in chevron-shaped lugs that prove to be especially efficient on alpine inclines. The combination of the chevron-shaped lugs and mapping compound make grip and traction on almost any terrain possible, even wet and slippery surfaces. There will be no second thought when crossing mud, dirt, or gravel with an outsole that performs this well.
Breathability
The breathability is quite decent with a perforated toe box that allows air to properly circulate throughout the shoe. Dynafit was aware of the extreme weather conditions that these shoes might be used in, so they made sure your foot was able to find a sufficient amount of air through the lightweight breathable materials used.
Comfort
Comfort on the Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex wasn’t left out of the design but wasn’t a high priority either. Dynafit chose to honor functionality over comfort. The comfortability is easily forgivable as you realize the capabilities of these shoes.
Style
The upper on the Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex is aesthetically eye-catching, to say the least. Instantly the looker is met with a mixture of materials and blends of color that create a very uniquely styled silhouette. From a fashionable perspective, this shoe really blends simplicity with complex technical functionality to create a stylish shoe. At the forefront of the upper, there is a solid toe cap in a contrasting brighter color right behind it. The Gore-Tex membrane overlaid on the lacing system adds a layer of detail and gives the shoe a somewhat futuristic look.
Durability
This shoe was built to last. Advanced athletes were in need of a shoe that will hold up on the technical terrains that they traverse on their travels and the Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex does the job. There is little to no issues with excessive lug wear which can be an issue among trail running shoes. The upper is well crafted and has no issues with ripping or deteriorating after prolonged use.
Protection
The Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex paid close attention to detail when it came to incorporating protection into the design of the shoe. There is a shock resistant bumper on the forefront of the upper that sits at the front of the toe box. This specifically guards against rocks or other debris that you may come across on the trail. Making your way to the midfoot, there is a plastic insert that cradles and protects the arch which proves to be an excellent, well thought out addition to the design.
Responsiveness
The Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex has a good amount of responsiveness thanks to the multi-pad midsole which was inspired by a snow leopard’s paw. The midsole was, just like a snow leopard’s paw, designed to adapt to the terrain around it.
Support
The Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex provides good support, especially on steep incline ascents and descents as well as long distances.
Terrain
The recommended terrain for the Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex is the trail and does best on mountainous terrain. This shoe looks aggressive to match the aggressive terrains its meant for. The outsole provides the runner with great traction, while the upper supports, protects, and remains dependable during your run.
Price
The price for the Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex sits in between the affordable and pricey range online. You can be assured that the higher price tag does return an abundance of value and isn’t just an inflated number to capitalize off of the consumer. This shoe can be found on sale online for less than its initial manufacturer retail price tag.
Drop
The drop for the Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex comes in at 8 millimeters which is slightly lower than average.
Stability
The stability of this model is solid. Stability in a shoe is very important to have while on the trails because of the terrains that you encounter many cause unwanted and unexpected injuries. The Gore-Tex midsole membrane in the midsection really provides a snug fit for your foot. The entire shoe works together to keep your foot secure as you traverse technical terrain.
Flexibility
The Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex isn’t the most flexible shoe, but it does a decent job at finding a balance between rigidity, which is good on technical terrains, and flexibility, to allow your foot the freedom of movement necessary to take over any trail.
Traction
Traction is really where the Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex shines. Vibram has created an outstanding outsole that really over-delivers and outperforms most outsoles on the trail running shoe market. The overall design of the outsole was meant for an intense amount of traction capability on multiple terrains and surfaces. Traction is a key factor in making a trail running shoe go from good to great and the Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex has it. Feel free to cross a multitude of terrain as these shoes will allow for traction on loose ground, hard-packed soil, and even wet slippery surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex truly aspired to be an example of what an aggressive, “well prepared for the trails” running shoe should be. Dynafit is no stranger to outsourcing their outsoles to the trusted Vibram company to create the best outsole possible to optimize efficiency and overall effectiveness. From the outsole to the upper, the Dynafit Feline Gore-Tex is stacked with goodies to keep you going on the technical trails.;This model of shoe is built like a lightweight tank, capable of taking on the stressful circumstances and conditions of the outdoors. This shoe is recommended for neutral runners who are looking to conquer technical terrain. Dynafit has a successful track record when it comes to quality products, and this is another quality offering to keep your foot on the track to successful experiences with trail running.
