I wasn’t expecting a biology lesson when I visited my doctor following what proved to be a minor running injury, but that’s exactly what I got. He explained that one of the reasons I experience frequent blisters has nothing to do with the socks I wear or the detergent we use to wash them. He guessed that my shoes were the culprits.
Once I left my doctor’s office, I made two promises to myself: First, I would do more research on how my feet function when I run. Second? Much as it pains me to write this, I committed to shopping for new running shoes. I dislike shopping—all shopping. But in this case, I was following doctor’s orders.
How ASICS DynaFlyte 2 running shoes wound up in my shoes rack
That biology lesson consisted of showing me how my foot rolls inward with each footfall. Because my doctor is a runner too, he emphasised the importance of weight distribution if I want to stop rubbing blisters and irritating my skin. He also delivered good news: I hit the genetic jackpot. I don’t over-pronate when I run.
“But that doesn’t mean you can’t get injured,” he cautioned.
Diagnosis determined, I applied due diligence in my search for proper running shoes. Brand comparison was made difficult by the sheer number of shoes on today’s market, but because I was specifically searching for shoes designed for runners who don’t over-pronate, the field was reduced substantively.
In the end, I wound up selecting a pair of ASICS DynaFlyte 2 running shoes.
Can I tell the difference between my old and new running shoes?
Not at first. But that’s to be expected since I’ve been plagued by break-in issues since I was a kid. But once I spent time getting to know my new shoes, the changes were dramatic. Having read everything I could get my hands on about the ASICS DynaFlyte family, I concluded that the Dynaflyte2 is a highly-evolved shoe that’s been re-engineered to improve on earlier models.
Now that I’m aware of the dynamics behind the way my feet contact the ground, I can feel how different the sensation is as my heel lands at a proper angle so my lower leg isn’t assaulted by the sort of shock that can lead to blisters and/or injury. As I push off, my small toes don’t feel much pressure and the high arches support my feet with every footfall on both hard and soft surfaces. Can I tell the difference? Does Singapore get muggy?
Why construction matters
Why do I love the seamless construction of the Dynaflyte 2? Because I prefer to spend my time running rather than cleaning my shoes and footwear featuring exterior seams tends to collect endless dirt and grime. Inside the shoe, I get a double benefit because absent seams, my chances of developing blisters, bruises and skin rubs and seriously reduced.
Having read about how ASICS uses organic “super fibres” to encourage a healthy bounce-back response, I paid particular attention to that on my first long run. Little touches like “discrete eyelets” may not seem like a big deal to you, but I found that they contribute to this shoe’s comfort, as does the rear foot GEL cushioning system. The sock liner is removable, a bonus for guys like me who suffer sweat build-up when running long distances.
Are ASICS DynaFlyte 2 running shoes perfect?
Not 100-percent. What I failed to mention earlier in this review is that I needed half a size smaller than usual. Shoppers feedback that ASICS shoes for women tend to run large while men’s run small. ASICS needs to standardise sizing parameters.
Runner’s Boon
- The ASICS Dynaflyte2 is an ideal pick for neutral pronators.
- Seam-free construction means less cleaning time and less skin irritation.
- Both cushioning and support are top notch.
Runner’s Bane
- Don’t make my sizing mistake. You may need a half size larger.
- Limited colours are available and one is tomato red! I went with the conservative mix.
- This shoe is not for runners who over pronate.
Have you been properly diagnosed by a medical professional to see where you fit on the pronation spectrum?
The ASICS DynaFlyte 2 retail for S$199 is available at ASICS stores and select sporting goods retailers.
