The following review was written by trail runner Sarah Barber and features Dynafit Ultra DNA Unisex trail running shoe. Footwear was provided by Dynafit at no charge for the test and review.
You know what they say about the road to hell, right? It’s paved. I mean, it’s paved with good intentions, but also, it’s paved. The road to heaven, on the other hand, isn’t a road at all. It’s a trail that’s got stair-steppy crags, open meadows carpeted with wildflowers, steep pitches, crystal clear streams, and endless vert. Fellow trail runners, am I right or am I right?
I discovered an earthly replica of said trail during a recent vacation to Colorado, and I happened to be exploring it on a Sunday. Despite having good intentions, that was my first mistake. You see, I wanted to run on it the next day, too, but I don’t run on Mondays. My second mistake was that I test drove the new Dynafit Ultra DNA Unisex for the first time, and I liked them so much that I wanted to run in them again the next day. But I don’t run on Mondays.
Dynafit smartly tapped the end-user experts for the R and D of their newest speedster for extra-long trail races. Here’s a hint: the letters U-T-M-B are in the D-N-A of the Ultra DNA Unisex. The internet can answer any questions on this topic but suffice it to say that this shoe is no stranger to the rugged conditions of the Alps.
Lacing system
The Ultra DNA Unisex intrigued me at first sight, as I opened the box to find an unusual set of shoelaces staring up at me. Dynafit calls it “Double Speed Lacing,” but I call it brilliant. Simply tug on the two rabbit ears, applying the force vectors up and out on the diagonal, and the shoe is securely cinched to the foot. Tuck the plastic pulley and the excess lace into the tiny garage on the tongue, and you’re ready to roll. To undo, grab the tab on the little plastic pulley and draw it straight up. Poof! Liberated feet! Perhaps I’m easily impressed, but I’ve sampled a number of other non-traditional lacing systems that make tripping on untied shoelaces a foreign concept, and this one is my favorite. By far.
Nifty liner
A nifty built-in sock-like liner on the Ultra DNA Unisex eliminates the need for gaiters in all but the deepest sand. Once again, I’ve sampled trail shoes with similar devices, and while some of them present a frustrating struggle when fighting friction to get my sock-clad foot into the shoe, the Ultra DNA offers a smooth entry while still effectively securing the foot.
Other great features
If I’ve given the impression that my favorite thing about the Ultra DNA Unisex is the means by which it attaches my foot, let me correct that. Built for performance over long distances, these sneakers offer a fast ride without sacrificing protection, both in the form of cushion and a pared-back toe guard. The ripstop fabric of the upper keeps the shoe lightweight and breathable—two features that matter in the long haul on hot, high-altitude trails.
A self-proclaimed weight-weenie when it comes to gear, the nimbleness of each step felt addictive—it made me want to keep going and going. Coupled with the Speed Plus midsole, the energy invested in every stride is returned proportionally, especially on flowy descents. The understated lugs (just 3.5 mm) apply grip where it’s needed without impeding forward momentum.
Size up
As long as you remember to size up by at least a half-size, the Ultra DNA Unisex is a clear winner across the finish line of any trail event from the half-marathon distance and beyond. In fact, these kicks are a clear winner when it comes to teaching me to break my own rules once in a while: I ran on Monday. Life’s too short to miss a day on switchbacks, and Dynafit’s Ultra DNA Unisex is too good to be replaced.
Dynafit Ultra DNA Unisex Specs
Weight: 280 grams
Heel-toe drop: 8 mm
MSRP: $219.95
Editor’s Note: Enjoy more reviews and writing from Sarah Barber here.
