ASICS DynaFlyte 3 Quick Review

Without beating around the bush I will make this content concise and short to keep it productive for better readership.

2018 Autumn/Winter ASICS released 2 light-weight RUNFAST trainers RoadHawk FF 2 (which I reviewed earlier) and DynaFlyte 3. In this review, I will use DF3 to compare with RHFF2 and its predecessor DF2 for more precise comparison. The flow will be:

1. Upper (fit)

2. Midsole (responsiveness, cushioning)

3. Outsole (grip & traction)

4. Others (rating)

1. Upper:

Comparing with its predecessor DF3 has a new upper mesh fabric setup called "Adapt Mesh". In simple term, it's a dual-layer fabric with the outer textile room to stretch in vertical axis when the foot is expanded upon footstrike while maintaining the horizontal and inner layer's integrity. Whether this technology works or not I'm unsure but what is for sure is the outer fabric keeps the overall upper perforated and maintain decent level of breathability.

Picture cited from ASICS America

The fit is true-to-size for me, I'm using US7.5 (25.5cm) similar to RHFF2. Although I do wish the toe box is less pointy but my toes are still able to wriggle and splay. Laces have changed to the thin flat design skewing towards the direction of a racing flat. The length is a bit long so I have to do double knots just keep it tidy. Only unchanged from the previous edition is the heel counter which is still an internal TPU heel cup.

2. Midsole:

ASICS stated that DF3 has updated the FlyteFoam to FlyteFoam Lyte midsole. https://www.asics.com/sg/en-sg/technology/flytefoamlyte Simply to say it's suppose to be lighter than Standard EVA foam and yet more durable and responsive. My first easy run with DF3 I can instantly feel it's slightly softer and bouncier than RHFF2. If to rate the responsiveness for faster pace in term of ranking:

1. DF3

2. RHFF2

3. DF2

DF3 scores the highest that might be attributed to the new FF Lyte setup and a SpEVA lasting underneath the sockliner, another thin layer of bouncy material. The geometry still retains at 8mm drop (pitch height) and it does work well for most runners. Lastly, there is a GEL Cushioning pod in the heel for additional load attenuation just like its predecessor.

3. Outsole:

ASICS took away the medial TPU shank (aka Trusstic) and replaced with a full rubber outsole. The ride still feels stable even though I'm an overpronator and the medial (inner) construction does hold up well so as long I keep a decent cadence and best is I don't feel the plastic popping sound, unlike DF2, thumbs up for this. I have tested on PCN, concrete steps, gravel, grass and so far the traction is holding well. Otherwise, I speculate this outsole can last me 600km to 700km base on my DF2 usage.

4. Others:

Although this is a good improvement from DF2 I still do wish the weight (US7.5 = 237g) can be trimmed down with thinner shoe tongue and less constructed heel counter (since this is a neutral shoe). Otherwise "less is more" and simplicity is the way to go, not bad job for ASICS DF3's upgrade.

DF3 will be a good daily trainer up to tempo workouts for those fast runners and possibly a race day shoes for runners who have been using those traditional neutral cushioning shoes say ASICS Nimbus/Cumulus or Brooks Ghost. ASICS Singapore is retailing DF3 at RSP$199 right now at all their stores and authorised resellers.

My rating total 21/30★:

• Fit: ★★★★☆

• Performance: ★★★★☆ (semi-firm from midfoot to forefoot)

• Cushioning: ★★★☆☆ (not recommend for recovery run)

• Traction: ★★★★☆ (yet to test in wet surfaces)

• Weight: ★★★☆☆

• Looks: ★★★☆☆ (not bad, IMO subtle branding)

Other comparable brands/models similar along DF3 in the light-weight neutral trainer category will be Nike Pegasus 35 Turbo, Brooks Launch, Mizuno Wave Shadow 2, New Balance 890 V6, Hoka Clifton 5 and Hupana 2 and Saucony Kinvara 10.