Guide to pick the right running shoe: From trail running to mountaineering
Perfectly fitting shoes are the holy grail for every endurance athlete. But, do you need a different model for long distance vs. shorter distance runs? Which shoe is best for Via Ferratas? And what should you consider when making a purchase? Here are some tips to help you find the right trail running or mountaineering shoe!
Shoes for ultra runs (above 42k)
If you like to run ultra distances on mixed terrain that are above the marathon distance of 42k, then either our Ultra 100 or Ultra 50 might be the perfect fit for you.
Shoes for allround runs (up to 42k)
Shoes for skyrunning and verticals
If you like flexibility and versatility you should look into our Alpine and Alpine DNA shoe made to explore it all.
If you like short and extreme up- and downhills on technical terrain with a focus on elevation gain, then our Sky DNA shoe is the ideal selection for you.
Important features you should know about
When conquering the mountains the focus of your shoes should be on optimum support and maximum grip. With that being said, below are a few features that you should take into account when getting your new pair of shoes:
Cushioning: Refers to the capacity to absorb the force of an impact in order to ensure a soft landing while running and can be leveled in high, moderate and minimal.
Minimal to moderate cushioning is better for more technical and steep terrain, where you need more agility, whereas maximum cushioning is especially popular on long distance running.
Reactivity: The amount of energy that the shoe is able to return when force is exerted upon it. The different levels range from maximum, moderate to minimum.
When running fast sky races or focusing mainly on speed you'll need to utilize the full power in your legs and this requiring maximum reactivity of your shoes. Meanwhile on your everyday runs or longer distances, where the focus is less on pushing for every second, you'll need moderate to minimum reactivity.
Protection: The ability of the shoe to protect your feet from external obstacles (rocks, roots) and impact with terrain (mud, wet trails) but also protection deriving from cushioning. Protection can be maximal, moderate and minimal.
Foot type: Our Trail running shoes offer different fits which range from wide, normal to slim.
In a wide fit you have more space for a proper blood circulation on longer distances even when your feet swell on. If you want to keep a high versatility of usage the best is to choose a normal fit. Last but not least the slim fit offers full control and sensitivity where the shoe feels tight like a glove on the feet.
Shoes for alpine mountaineering (incl. climbing passages)
Shoes for speed mountaineering
Scrambling sections or a Via Ferrata are always included in your tours? Then our Transalper mountaineering shoe will be your perfect fit!
Do the edges between trail running and mountaineering blur a bit on your outdoor adventures? Easy, lightly and efficiently is how you like to move on any terrain to get more out of each day? Then the Traverse and the Feline SL shoe are made for you!
Ultra 100
Ultra 50
Alpine
Alpine DNA
Sky DNA
Transalper
Feline SL
Traverse
Compare all shoes - Trail Running
|
Used for |
Ultra runs (>42k) |
Allround runs (<42k) |
Skyrunning, Verticals |
||
|
Shoe model |
Ultra 100 |
Ultra 50 |
Alpine |
Alpine DNA |
Sky DNA |
|
Best for |
Utralong distance runs |
Long distance runs |
Mid distance runs |
Mid distance runs |
Skyrunning and verticals |
|
Terrain |
Mixed |
Mixed |
Mixed |
Mixed |
Rocky |
|
Running level |
Intermediate |
Intermediate |
Intermediate |
Expert |
Expert |
|
Cushioning |
High |
High |
Normal |
Normal |
Low |
|
Reactivity |
Moderate |
Minimal |
Minimal |
Maximal |
Maximal |
|
Protection |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Minimal |
Minimal |
|
Feet type |
Wide |
Wide |
Normal |
Slim |
Slim |
|
Waterproof version |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
Racing |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Used for |
Alpine Mountaineering |
Speed Mountaineering |
|
|
Shoe model |
Transalper |
Traverse |
Feline SL |
|
Best for |
Via Ferrata, scrambling sections |
Combining trail running and mountaineering |
Combining trail running and mountaineering |
|
Terrain |
Technical |
Mixed |
Mixed |
|
Cushioning |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Moderate |
|
Protection |
Maximal |
Moderate |
Moderate |
|
Comfort |
Maximal |
Morderate |
Morderate |
|
Feet type |
Normal |
Normal |
Normal |
|
Waterproof verison |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Compare all shoes - Mountaineering
Developed together with the best ultra runners on our DYNAFITSQUAD Race Team.
The go-to choice for long trail adventures that takes you very far, very comfortable.
Your versatile companion for daily runs - no matter if it's a 10K after-work run or a longer run on the weekend.
Lighter version of the Alpine trail running shoe specifally made for racing.
Most responsive and lightest model in the DYNAFIT Collection.
Shoe for high-alpine tours in the mountains with technical terrain.
Light and versatile, like a trail runner, but with the protection, comfort and grip of a mountain shoe.
Sturdy allrounder for trail running and mountaineering that excels in soft and muddy conditions.
Trail Running
Mountaineering
| Best for | Ultra runs |
| Terrain | Mixed |
| Running level | Intermediate |
| Cushioning | High |
| Reactivity | Moderate |
| Protection | Moderate |
| Feet type | Wide |
| Waterproof version available | No |
| Can be used for racing | Yes |
| Best for | Long distance runs |
| Terrain | Mixed |
| Running level | Intermediate |
| Cushioning | High |
| Reactivity | Minimal |
| Protection | Moderate |
| Feet type | Wide |
| Waterproof version available | Yes |
| Can be used for racing | Yes |
| Best for | Mid-distance runs |
| Terrain | Mixed |
| Running level | Intermediate |
| Cushioning | Normal |
| Reactivity | Minimal |
| Protection | Moderate |
| Feet type | Normal |
| Waterproof version available | No |
| Can be used for racing | Yes |
| Best for | Mid-distance runs |
| Terrain | Mixed |
| Running level | Expert |
| Cushioning | Normal |
| Reactivity | Maximal |
| Protection | Minimal |
| Feet type | Slim |
| Waterproof version available | No |
| Can be used for racing | Yes |
| Best for | Skyrunning |
| Terrain | Rocky |
| Running level | Expert |
| Cushioning | Low |
| Reactivity | Maximal |
| Protection | Minimal |
| Feet type | Slim |
| Waterproof version available | No |
| Can be used for racing | Yes |
| Best for | Via Ferrata, scrambling sections |
| Terrain | Technical, high-alpine |
| Cushioning | Moderate |
| Protection | Maximal |
| Comfort | Maximal |
| Feet type | Normal |
| Waterproof version available | Yes |
| Best for | Combining trail running and mountaineering |
| Terrain | Mixed |
| Cushioning | Moderate |
| Protection | Moderate |
| Comfort | Moderate |
| Feet type | Normal |
| Waterproof version available | Yes |
| Best for | Combining trail running and mountaineering |
| Terrain | Mixed, soft, muddy |
| Cushioning | Moderate |
| Protection | Moderate |
| Comfort | Moderate |
| Feet type | Normal |
| Waterproof version available | No |
Keep in mind: There is not one perfect trail running shoe! We recommend that you always try the shoes out if you can. One model of a trail shoe may work great for someone, but not work for you.
#SPEEDUP
