Asics new DynaFlyte shoe is the company’s solution to the long battle between cushioning and weight. Typically one would need to sacrifice weight for cushioning or vice versa.
That is not the case with the DynaFlyte. Asics has created FlyteFoam which they claim offers 76% better shock absorption and weighs 55% less than Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA).
Coming in at approximately 270g for a size nine and 295g for a size 11 the shoe breaks the 300g (10.5 oz) mark. Asics claims that it has set this shoe up for speed.
Asics DynaFlyte General Info
The packaging for the DynaFlyte is nicely presented in a natural colored box with a keychain and the motto “Don’t Run, Fly” on the lid. Pulling the shoes out of the box, the first thing I noticed was how light they were for their seeming substance.
Asics DynaFlyte – Toe
That is not to say that they are bulky by any means, but there is noticeable cushioning. The mesh uppers are soft. The colors have a bit of a retro feel with the neon yellow, green and orange mixed with the gray.
It’s most definitely a running shoe and not a style shoe to be worn casually. The tongue is nicely padded as is the heel with a durable lining in the shoe.
My first run with the shoe is a 12km (50% road, 50% unpaved pathways) and about 400m of climb and decent. The shoe is light, much lighter, 60 grams lighter in fact, than the shoes, On Cloudrunners, I’d been running with over the past few months.
It’s an interesting comparison because On claims to let you “run on clouds,” a statement I feel is true.
Nonetheless, the swing of my legs with the DynaFlytes feels easier, and the softness of the landing is remarkable, as well as unexpected based on my experience with light shoes and racing slicks of this weight category.
At the end of my run, I’m about 15 seconds/kilometer faster than my average on that distance.
Along with the cushioning and added speed, what I so greatly enjoyed about this shoe was the feel of the upper, or rather lack of feel. It’s so form-fitting that it’s more like a sock, and you nearly forget that you’re wearing it.
Asics DynaFlyte Sole Unit
The DynaFylte uses Asics latest FylteFoam technology that they’ve tested in over 300 iterations before releasing the DynaFlyte. The foam is incredibly impact-absorbent and light.
Asics DynaFlyte – Sole
The treading on the soles is designed for urban running and light trails but not an off-road tread. There is stiffer arch support, which some runners will surely appreciate.
Though the shoe is inspired my minimalist shoe design, it is still a performance shoe, and only the front of the sole has flexibility. The colors of the shoe are loudest in the soles as well.
Asics DynaFlyte Upper Info
Asics excels at uppers. They have made an art of making their uppers so comfortable that you forget you’re wearing shoes. The fit could be further helped with the implementation of a new and smarter lacing system.
The tongue is nicely padded and while many shoe manufacturers are moving to a front and side fastened or connected tongue the DynaFlyte’s tongue is free on both sides. I find that this gives it a more symmetrical feel.
Asics DynaFlyte – Top
The upper also fits so well that the tongue does not move from side to side. The mesh upper is light and breathable. That said, my feet did feel warm after my run.
The rear or the shoe nicely cradles the heel with the top being supportive and accommodating for the Achilles’ tendon.
Asics DynaFlyte Conclusions
After well over 150km with the DynaFlytes, I’m a fan. My speed has improved, and my runs are more enjoyable.
Whether I go for an easy 10km or a longer 25km the shoe’s cushioning takes away the pounding on my joints and lets me stay in stride and keep my tempo.
The DynaFlyte delivers on its promise to be lightweight and offer shock-absorption. I would recommend this shoe to anyone looking for a performance shoe for long distances and to improve their speed.
We thank the nice people at Asics for sending us a pair of DynaFlyte to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.
