Details
Brand
Dynafit
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
6/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Adaptive grid• POMOCA Gliding Path• Alpine Air Mesh• Ortholite Footbed• EVA Midsole
Upper
The upper portion of the Trailbreaker is composed of Alpine Air Mesh, a highly durable and breathable substance that gives the shoe its superior breathability qualities. Dynafit’s very own Air Mesh technology allows air to pass through the material via tiny pores, creating plenty of ventilation for runner’s’ feet to breathe. Runners will also find that the Trailbreaker has an adaptive grid built into the upper mesh, running along the sides of the shoe. While not hindering the breathability of the mesh, the grid offers a comfortable fit and the much-needed ability to adapt to the foot’s movement. This is key when running along an uneven surface where the foot can land in many different positions.
Midsole
Dynafit’s Trailbreaker comes with an EVA-cushioned midsole, which runners see frequently in other high-end running shoes not just meant for trail running. The EVA midsole is molded with singular compression and keeps the Trailbreaker light and low-profile. The reason there is not a lot of cushioning built into the midsole like we see in road-running shoes is because the Trailbreaker is meant to be taken on softer surfaces. In addition to the single compression midsole, a breathable, lightweight, shock-absorbing ortholite footbed rests directly underneath the foot. It’s adaptive properties respond to the shape of the foot through repeated impact and gives the runner a gentle and stable ground to land on.
Outsole
The outsole of the Dynafit Trailbreaker comes built with improved outsole properties in order to handle multi-leveled surfaces. Intelligent traction and glide zones have improved the outsole of the Trailbreaker and are meant to increase traction and durability of the shoe. A POMOCA gliding path is constructed in the outsole, which runners will be able to see running through the middle of the outsole with some slight curvature. From heel to forefoot, the constructed path’s goal is to increase the glide while keeping the weight of the shoe at a minimum – which it does.
Breathability
The shoe is very breathable, thanks to the well-proven characteristics of Dynafit’s Alpine Air Mesh. Thanks to this material, runners will not need to worry about sweating through their socks as constant airflow will reach within the shoe. The adaptive grid mentioned in the shoe’s upper does not restrict the mesh’s breathability. And while the mesh allows plenty of airflow in, it keeps other small foreign particles and heavy moisture out.
Comfort
The Trailbreaker is a very comfortable shoe, despite its simplicity in cushioning. The upper is built with plush fabric and is lightweight. It gives runners a great combination of lightweight and softness while, referring back to the shoe’s upper, allows the foot to breathe exceptionally well. The removable ortholite footbed provides additional comfort as it adapts to the shape of your foot.
Style
This is a running shoe designed specifically for off-road trails. Manicured or not, this specialized shoe can handle technicality on the surface with its durable and well-designed outsole and supportive upper. The color selection doesn’t offer much for buyers to choose from, as Dynafit has only released the shoe in three colorways – some brighter than others. By the looks of it, the Trailbreaker can be appropriately worn whilst not on the run. Its simplicity suits it as a modern looking tennis shoe. Areas, where outdoor activities are most popular, would be a great place to wear this shoe for casual activities.
Durability
Like any trail-running shoe, the Dynafit Trailbreaker is built to last. The tough rubber on the outsole contains raised teeth-like studs on the outside, meant to grip into the softer ground and are designed to withstand the abrasive surfaces of rocks and branches. At the front of the shoe, the outsole has a toe-guard that protects the runner’s toes as well as the face of the shoe. The Alpine Air Mesh on the upper is proven to last long into the lifespan of the shoe with its reinforced stitching.
Protection
Off-road shoes are meant to provide runners with extra protection from the terrain they battle with through their mesh and outsoles – and the Dynafit Trailbreaker does just that. As mentioned earlier, the pores in the Alpine Air Mesh allow ventilation while preventing penetration of unwanted products. The toe-guard at the forefoot of the outsole provides a protective surface in case the runner lands awkwardly on a rock or occasionally stubs his or her toe on an underlying branch or root.
Responsiveness
Thanks to the EVA midsole, that runners constantly see in the market, the Dynafit Trailbreaker has the same responsive characteristics that provide cushion and rebound while helping protect the foot from hard objects. While there is not a lot of it, as the Trailbreaker contains only a singular molded midsole, the EVA foam still makes the shoe a good choice because of many of its qualities. Response is obviously one of them, but as in other shoes, the EVA material can withstand low temperatures, it resists cracking from repeated stress, and it contains waterproof properties.
Support
A lot of the support in the Dynafit Trailbreaker comes from the Adaptive Grid system that is built into the upper. While the grid supplies the shoe with more comfort, its ability to adapt to the foot’s shape and movement are invaluable for runners who love the technical surfaces. Opposed to running on even surfaces, trails usually follow uneven surfaces. Therefore, a shoe that can allow its walls to bend and form to the ever-changing motions of the feet is a shoe that deserves to be worn. The ankle collar is well- cushioned and should not allow the ankle to move in the event of tripping or slipping. The heel collar provides additional support to the back of the ankle and Achilles Tendon and is reinforced with rubber from the outsole as well.
Terrain
If we are discussing a trail shoe like the Trailbreaker, then one can assume it can be worn away from roads. That being said, runners can take this shoe onto roads if they choose to do so. But why invest in a trail shoe if you’re not going to put it to the test? The Dynafit Trailbreaker is well suited to withstand varying terrains on short to middle-distance runs. With the construction of the outsole’s traction zones, handling difficult terrain may not pose such a threat to runners who are wondering just how hard they can push the shoe. For the runners who enjoy Alpine running, the Trailbreaker is classified as a Level 3 shoe, on a scale of one to five.
Price
The price of the Dynafit Trailbreaker is relatively high at $140. This is a specialized shoe, designed for a specific activity. And this shoe is built with high-quality material and comes from a very reputable brand in Dynafit. Therefore, it makes sense to have to empty your pocket a little more. However, if you take the time to search online you can likely find a better deal. While Amazon and Dynafit’s website have the shoe listed north of $100, buyers can find it being sold for as little as $86.
Drop
The Dynafit Trailbreaker is built with a 10mm drop, equal to traditional running shoes. As a result, the Trailbreaker is best suited for short or moderate runs in length and can be comfortably worn on different terrains. In most trail-running shoes, the foot needs to sit closer to the ground in order to maintain the stability and responsiveness felt in road-shoes. With the Trailbreaker’s 10mm stack height, the foot sits as low to the ground as possible without being left vulnerable to hard or sharp objects.
Stability
By sitting low to the ground, the Trailbreaker offers a lot of stability like most trail shoes should. The grip built into this shoe enhances the stability of the shoe as well as its traction and durability. And the wide outsole contributes further to the stable ride.
Flexibility
The shoe is able to be flexible through the lightweight Alpine Air Mesh, which is built to adapt to the foot’s shape and movement. In addition to the mesh material, the grid system stitched into the upper is adaptive as well and bends, without breaking, to further movement. The ortholite footbed resting above the midsole is made of a flexible and soft material that bends with the bottom of the shoe and does not harden or stiffen up in colder temperatures.
Traction
The bottom outsole of the Dynafit Trailbreaker is incorporated with hard rubber and a POMOCA sole construction, a technology made by Dynafit. That, along with the gliding path that runs along the middle of the shoe from heel to forefoot make it so the that Trailbreaker can handle multi-level surfaces without losing its grip. Runners will be able to tell how serious this shoe’s grip is when they see the edges of the outsole and the raised rubber edges that almost look like teeth ready to bite and hold into the ground. The intelligent traction zones and glide enhance the shoe’s traction and allow runners not to worry when the trail is wet and muddy – this shoe can handle that too.
Bottom Line
The Trailbreaker will satisfy most customers with the amount of cushion and support it provides. Capable of withstanding weather conditions and moderately difficult surfaces, this shoe is a great option for those who are willing to spend the money. Keep in mind that a better price can be found than what you may encounter in retail stores. This shoe is built with stability in mind and runners will feel that when they put it on and feel the Adaptive Grid system go to work. It has the popular EVA cushioning built into the midsole, meaning runners will get energy return with each step. And while there may be less cushioning, it actually benefits the runner while they take on the softer surfaces. Altogether, the Dynafit Trailbreaker should be given a long and hard look if you are considering taking your runs off road and need a specialized product to do so.
