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Have you heard of Dynafit, an outdoor brand? With the clear concept of "By athletes, for athletes," this brand has a heartfelt quest for functionality and an innovative mindset, with all mountain endurance athletes who are active all year round, both in summer and winter, working on all gear to ensure that they perform at their best. Now we support athletes from around the world in a wide range of fields, including ski mountaineering, trail running, mountaineering, and cycling.
Dinafit has many fans in Japan as one of the top brands in the winter activities field, including backcountry skiing, but it may not have been well known worldwide until a few years ago in the trail running world.
I will never forget that I discovered this brand of trail running shoes at an outdoor trade fair in Germany in 2016. It was exactly when the brand was announced to finally enter the trail running market from the 2017 SS season.
Since then, Dinafit's trail running shoes have been steadily evolving, but unfortunately I have never had the opportunity to try them out before, and until I came across the shoes I'd like to introduce today, I was not sure about their abilities, and to be honest, I only had a bias like, "I'm sure they're a running shoes with a lace style, for better or worse, and for a better or worse."
But now (although I've already run more than tens of kilometers with these shoes), I can't let go of these extremely comfortable, long-distance shoes every day. It doesn't have the fluffy unstableness or weight that is common with traditional cushioned shoes, and while it has cushioning and support, it responds very quickly. Due to their high performance, I can't help but keep wearing them.
This spring, I was finally able to try out the hidden diamond rough stone, " Dynafit Ultra 100
table of contents
Key Features of the Dynafit Ultra 100
The Dynafit Ultra 100 is a trail running shoe that is designed to comfortably run for long periods of time on a variety of trails, including technical terrain such as steep slopes, mud, and rocky areas. The highly breathable and durable upper provides an outstanding fit. The midsole has ample cushioning, but combines lightness with a delicate grounding, excellent energy return and stability at a high level, allowing you to enjoy a long day on the trail comfortably. The outsole uses the latest Vibram MegaGrip & Traction Lug technology, which does not slip even on wet rocks and firmly conveys the power of stepping onto the ground, allowing you to place your feet confidently on tough terrains and steep climbs. With everything you need to lightly traverse mountainous areas at a high level the Ultra 100 is perfect for ultra-long races, speed hiking, or simply cushioned off-road shoes.
Recommended points
- A midsole with outstanding cushioning and rebound that allows you to step in firmly
- Vibram MegaGrip & Traction Lug Technology is 4mm deep for excellent grip in any direction, even on technical terrain.
- A comfortable upper that provides plenty of room and provides a flexible and comfortable fit
- "Heel Preloader" system that allows for stable landing with outstanding heel hold
- 6mm drop for cushioning heels and natural foot movement
- High durability that won't get worn out even after long distances
Points that interest me
- It doesn't feel heavy, but it's not particularly light among the ultra-long distance shoes.
- It's a little slimmer when worn like the usual size, so one size larger than usual is just right
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Dynafit Ultra 100 |
|---|---|
| weight | 299g |
| Stack height | 32mm/26mm |
| drop | 6mm |
| upper |
|
| Midsole |
Highly cushioned midsole, 20% lighter than conventional EVAs and delivers more than 10% higher energy returns |
| Outsole |
Vibram MegaGrip & Traction Lug Technology (4mm Lug) |
| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| grip | ★★★★★ |
| Delicacy of the soles of the feet | ★★★☆☆ |
| cushion | ★★★★★ |
| Stability | ★★★★☆ |
| protection | ★★★★☆ |
Detailed review
Upper construction (appearance, size, fit, durability)
As the name suggests, the Ultra 100 is a shoe designed for ultra-long distances in the 100-mile class, known as the "Ultra Trail." All shoes that run almost all day long need are comfortable wearing them for a long time, cushioning that can withstand tens of thousands of impacts and accumulate fatigue, and toughness that is hard to break off road. Unlike shoes that emphasize speed, shoes that are designed to be long distances tend to be bulky, stocky, and clunky. Looking at it from this point on, this Ultra 100 has a thick sole yet has a sophisticated and stylish look, and the coloring is elegant, consisting of monochrome and accent colors, making it a great first impression.
Before I put my feet in, I was curious about the size of these shoes. Although it is not extreme, it seems to be made slightly smaller (slender?), and I always have a US 9 (27cm) size and I always have a perfect fit for my feet in this model. However, there was no excessive toes left, so it was fine as long as I adjusted my feet firmly and chose the appropriate size. However, it is certain that the foot shape is a quirky one, so we recommend that you try it on before purchasing to see which size fits you.
The first impression I felt when I put my feet in was the tight fit from the arch to the instep, and the firm hold on the heel. However, the moderately stretchable mesh fabric does not feel cramped, and there is room for movement of the toes in the forefoot, making it a not-so-good feel that it coexists with a balanced balance of accuracy and play. Even though it is designed for long distances, there is no need to worry too much, and it will lead you to a comfortable trail without any problems, no matter how far or terrain you wear it.
This mesh fabric is breathable and you can feel the cold air coming in from your toes while running, and it controls the temperature inside your shoes, which will start running and heat up even on hot days (photo below).
The tongue is packed with plenty of pads, making it fluffy and comfortable to touch the instep, and the soft tubular shoelaces can be easily tightened by simply pulling them from the top or center, and the moderate friction of the shoelaces holes makes them less likely to slip afterwards (photo below).
The top of the shoe tongue also has a stretch mesh lace guard that can store the knot and shoelaces, while also providing moderate tightening of the instep. This is where you can prevent pebbles from entering on the trail, and at the same time, you can also store shoelaces here to prevent them from getting caught or loose, so there is no need to retie the shoelaces frequently (although the shoe itself has a good fit). I also like how it hides the shoelaces and makes your shoes look neat.
The toes are spacious, but the white reinforced overlay at the base of the fingers works with the shoelaces, moderately suppressing shaking, so you can rest assured that your feet will not slip inside your shoes even when going downhill (photo below). This heat-compression reinforcement is thin and lightweight, but there is no particular concern that it will rub against the rock and tear, and it firmly protects the surroundings of the shoes. However, since they are not mountaineering boots, they cannot withstand heavy weights or severe impacts.
Around the heel is a band-shaped "heel preloader" that wraps around the back of the heel counter, making it extremely comfortable, as the foot does not shake inside the shoe even when the impact of a strong landing is hit, and the heel does not seem to slip out when walking. I was honestly surprised by the firm hold, support and stability around the heel.
Overall, this comfortable, accurate fit is ideal for hard and technical terrain, and I felt that I could wear it with confidence even on long days in the mountains or running on rocky terrain.
The heel opening is padded for comfort.
The ride comfort after actually wearing it (focusing on the midsole and outsole)
A well-balanced midsole structure that combines moderate rebound and stability without compromising the ultimate cushioning properties.
Good news for those who want as much cushioning as possible, but don't want to run over marshmallows, and would prefer moderate feedback from their shoes.
The EVA midsole, which has been greatly revised from the previous model, is cushioned enough to give it a solid feeling that your feet are sinking in on a generous amount of foam (the stack height is 32mm thick).
However, this does not mean that it is just too soft, and it also feels like there is a certain amount of resilience. The midsole is within a medium hardness, but the inside of the midsole seems to have a hard plate up to the ball of the thumb, making it resistant to thrusts from below, and responds well when you step on your feet to accelerate. Conversely, you may feel that it doesn't suit a runner who values speed and wants strong rebound force, or a minimalist who values delicateness in the soles of the feet (although these shoes are not intended to be in the first place).
Another thing I like is the high stability that has excellent cushioning, but does not feel unstable even when landing.
This is probably due to the aforementioned "heel preloader" structure that firmly holds the heel around the heel, and the base (wide outsole) that is slightly wider than the size of the foot makes a big contribution. In any case, this the Ultra 100 , and it is certainly a factor that makes you feel more stable and agile than you imagined on technical terrain.
As for drops, the 6mm balances natural ease of footing and propulsion from landing forward. It's perfect for long distances. Furthermore, from the heel to the front, the sole has a rocker shape that is the bottom-like rocker, making it possible to smoothly stride from landing to stepping, while making it easier to absorb continuous impact over long distances.
The combination of Vibram MegaGrip and Traction Lug technology provides unprecedented grip
the Ultra 100 is non-slip and gripping when riding technical trails such as rocks and mud from steep ups and downs. Needless to say, the major factor that allows for strong traction is the outsole structure that combines Vibram's MegaGrip and Traction Lug technology.
Speaking of "Vibram MegaGrip," a rubber sole that provides surprisingly sticky grip even in slippery, wet rocky areas. The new Traction Lug Technology, which was born several years ago, is a complex lug structure that increases traction by up to 25% by adding steps to each lug (projection) on the sole by increasing the surface area by increasing the surface area by up to 50%. By combining these two with the Ultra 100, it offers top-class traction that provides firm grip even on harsh terrain.
I tried riding on the Ultra 100 over a variety of terrain, including steep gravel roads and trails in Okutama, Tanzawa and Nasu, mud, tree roots, wet rocks, scuffs and paved roads, but this outsole, studded with 4mm high chevron (inverted V-shaped) lugs, was firmly digging into the trail in every situation. Unless it's a very rough road, you can generally land with confidence and step on with force, and I think the more technical you become, the more you will be able to feel the effectiveness.
Summary: It's too much a waste for athletes. A reliable partner who supports you on a long, rigorous journey that combines kindness and strength
I was very surprised in a good way by the performance of Dynafit's long distance trail running shoes, the Ultra 100, which had previously been unfamiliar in Japan. Whether you run long distances on the trail or wear them all day long, you'll be comfortable to wear.
As long as your foot shape is a slightly tricky fit, it has less quirky and comfortable feel, and its excellent cushioning and protection, smooth and stable ride and reliable grip make it comfortable for any purpose, from off-road training to technical ultra races (and of course, it can also be used as everyday outdoor shoes). I haven't actually run 100 miles, but I can imagine that even a hard long distance run would be worth it if I ran a few dozen kilometers.
Although Dynafit I tried it this time and honestly I didn't think it would fit me this well. It really feels like I've found a rough diamond. These extremely versatile running shoes will work well no matter where you wear them or how long you run, and will become an essential partner to support you on your long, tough journey for a while.
Details and purchase of "Dynafit Ultra 100"
For more information about the Dynafit Ultra 100 products, please visit the official website
You can also try on the actual product at Kandaha Yamano Branch, located in Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (as of June 13, 2024).