Stats
Approx. Weight: males’s 8.6 oz / 244g US males’s 9
Pattern Weight: males’s 9.1oz / 258g US males’s 10
Stack Peak: males’s 30mm heel / 24mm forefoot (6mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 80mm heel / 67mm midfoot / 105mm forefoot
First Impressions, Match and Higher
Out of the field, the Alpine DNA 2 feels light-weight and with a contemporary, technical look/construct. The recycled mesh higher is safe, breathable and nicely held, with strong overlays and good safety, but is breathable and versatile.
The double quicklace is exclusive, offering fast, safe, as soon as and down changes. Merely seize one with every hand and pull up and outward and it snugs down tight. There’s a lace storage (below the puma face within the photograph above) that takes a bit of labor to insert, however in the long run is comfy, tidy and well worth the effort. To loosen, merely fish out the middle nylon tab and pull, which releases the strain. The toe bumper is skinny and versatile, but adequately protecting and sturdy.
The collar and heel counter is minimal, nicely held and semi versatile, with a sock like booty design and knit collar to maintain dust and particles out.
Match is race like, the place in my regular measurement 10, match is exceptionally cosy and a bit brief. I’m virtually all the time a ten in such becoming sneakers.
This doesn’t trigger me any hassle actually, as I decide this shoe for shorter, extra technical runs, however I feel sizing up a half measurement can be applicable for me and in case you are on the lookout for additional room to unfold out, even perhaps a full measurement (though if you need a shoe to unfold out in for lengthy distances, this isn’t actually your shoe anyhow).
Midsole & Platform
The Velocity+ midsole is gentle and responsive. Mixed with the complete size Pebax X formed plate for added stability and safety, the Alpine DNA 2 is exceptionally fast, dynamic and confidence inspiring over technical mountain terrain. Whether or not working uphill, downhill or on the flats, I discover them to be very quick and agile. Cushioning is superb for such a lightweight shoe about 8.6 oz in a US 9 with a good 30/24 full stack peak , however it’s in no way maximal in cushion stack.
Outsole
The Vibram Megagrip outsole with Litebase options sharp, directional 4mm lugs. Traction has been wonderful on all surfaces and in all circumstances and regardless of being “solely” 4mm, the lugs present extra chunk than one would anticipate.
They’re low profile sufficient to usually go unnoticed underfoot and assist add to the flexibility and wide selection of terrain for which this shoe excels. Sturdiness to date has confirmed to be excellent with minimal if any put on.
Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions
The trip is fast and agile via all kinds of terrain, from straightforward cruiser trails to technical mountain trails. The Alpine DNA 2 is greatest suited to mid distance to shorter runs over technical terrain and quicker working, however they’re versatile sufficient to carry out nicely at any tempo, on simpler trails or for some door to path. I feel their most important limitation for not being appropriate for longer distances is primarily because of the very race-like match,though when you measurement up, they might be nice for full days out on the paths, as cushioning and safety is ample.
I might suggest the Alpine DNA 2 as an uptempo coach or racer for average to technical terrain and mid to shorter distances. The sizing as talked about earlier is small and I might suggest sizing up a half measurement, not less than.
Jeff’s Rating: 8.9/10
Journey (50%): 9, Match (30%): 8 Worth (10%): 9 Model (5%): 9.5, Traction (15%): 9.5, Rock Safety (10%): 9
4 Comparisons
Dynafit Sky DNA (RTR Evaluation): The Sky DNA are over an oz heavier, with much less stack and fewer drop. The Sky has a barely extra aggressive outsole and maybe are a bit higher in additional free and rugged mountain terrain, however that’s it. The Sky feels type of onerous and agency underfoot with a considerably harsh and jarring trip. The Alpine DNA 2 in distinction has a a lot softer midsole with a fast and really comfy trip. The Alpine DNA 2 is $40 extra however is general a significantly better shoe.
VJ Maxx 2 (RTR Evaluation): The VJ is lighter, has extra cushion, higher traction and prices $40 much less. The VJ is my decide for the cash in all regards (a tricky act to observe although, because the Maxx 2 will simply be the most effective shoe in its class this yr).
Merrell MTL Skyfire (RTR Evaluation): The Skyfire is lighter, quicker and extra of a zippy race really feel to them, although the Alpine DNA 2 is extra plush underfoot and extra protecting.
Hoka Zinal 2 (RTR Evaluation): The Zinal 2 is lighter, quicker, cheaper, extra responsive and can be a greater all out race shoe, whereas the Alpine DNA 2 has higher cushioning and safety.
Index to all RTR critiques: HERE
The Alpine DNA 2 is out there at Dynafit HERE
Tester Profiles
Jeff Valliere likes to run and discover the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and extra technical the higher. He has summited the entire 14ers within the state, many 13ers and different peaks in Colorado and past, plus, he has summited his native Inexperienced Mountain over 2,100 instances prior to now 20 years. He could be discovered on mountain trails every day, regardless of the climate, season, circumstances or whether or not there may be daylight or not. On the facet he likes to ski (all kinds) bike and hike, typically together with his household, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outside. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, however has known as Colorado residence for over 25 years. He’s 5’9” and 145 lbs.
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