Dynafish Xiaonian (Dyna Super) running shoe

Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe upper

The Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe upper is made from an engineered mesh with plenty of ventilation openings at the front and along the sides, giving it very good breathability. The upper material feels relatively rough and firm rather than soft, premium and comfort-focused. The upper is particularly wide around the toes, which is unusual in this category, narrows through the midfoot and has an average fit around the heel. Foot lockdown is not bad, although during sharper changes of direction you can feel that it is not perfect.

The shoe fits true to size in length, but the Chinese manufacturer does not appear to be particularly precise with sizing. Some runners have received shoes that fit smaller than expected, while others have received shoes that fit larger. This is probably because only a limited number of differently sized lasts are used during production, with adjacent sizes being made on the same last.

The tongue is moderately thick and sits more toward the thin end of the spectrum, but it is not paper-thin and provides good protection against lace pressure. The tongue is attached on both sides, so it does not slide sideways while running. The laces are the weakest point of the upper: they are thin and too long. Replacing the laces could solve the problem, but because the original laces are thin, the eyelets are also small, so substantially thicker laces cannot be fitted.

The heel collar is not heavily reinforced. It is soft and can be folded with a finger. It has moderate padding but is comfortable and wraps securely around the heel.

The internal insole is comfortable. In my pair it is removable and replaceable, although there are versions in which it is glued in.

Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe midsole

The Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe midsole uses a single material, a TPEE foam. More and more running shoes are using this material, which has very distinctive characteristics and delivers a very distinctive ride. It is soft, but your foot does not sink into it the way it does with PEBA foams. It compresses less but rebounds very quickly and energetically. It does not feel overly bouncy, but it pushes you firmly and dynamically away from the ground. Its flexibility sits somewhere in the middle: it is not rigid, but it has a definite level of structure. One of the best characteristics of TPEE foams is that they do not lose their responsiveness during longer runs. It remains just as energetic at 20 kilometres as it does during the first kilometres. At the same time, it breaks in during the first 100-150 km, becoming slightly softer and more flexible. Another positive characteristic of TPEE foam is that it is very lightweight and durable. The Xiaonian midsole is not only impressive because of the foam, but also because of its geometry. The midsole is particularly wide under the toes, giving the shoe very good stability. The midsole is heavily rockered at both the front and rear, and the curves begin so early that they practically meet, leaving very little flat section in the midsole. The slightly firmer foam and the outsole covering the full length of the shoe help maintain this curved shape, resulting in very smooth and dynamic transitions at every pace.

The Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe has a highly versatile midsole because both the foam and the geometry are comfortable during lower-intensity runs, while the shoe can also comfortably pick up the pace and maintain it for longer periods. This means it is suitable for long and/or faster runs, all the way up to race pace.

The shoe’s very low weight also helps it feel good during both longer and faster runs.

The wide platform provides a high level of stability for a neutral shoe.

Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe outsole

The Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe outsole covers almost the entire midsole. It is not segmented, with only a longitudinal cutout in the rear and middle sections. The cutout saves a small amount of weight, but its primary purpose is to prevent the outsole from making the midsole excessively stiff while also helping the midsole retain its curved, rocking shape.

The outsole is made from a firmer rubber compound, which gives it good abrasion resistance. This is particularly important because the outsole is thin. It is not as thin as the outsole of a racing shoe, but it is thinner than average. As a result, there are no deep lugs on the outsole, but it does feature many small knob-like patterns that grip the ground and improve traction.

Despite being made from a firmer rubber compound, the outsole provides decent grip. It grips well on both dry and wet asphalt, although you should not expect racing-shoe levels of traction.

What is it like to run in the Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe?

Cushioning and midsole

The Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe has a high-stack midsole, measuring 41 mm at the heel, which gives it a high level of cushioning. This is further supported by the TPEE midsole foam, which is soft but not sink-in soft. It does not compress significantly, but rebounds strongly.

The TPEE midsole retains its responsiveness over longer distances. The Dynafish Xiaonian is designed for runners looking for high cushioning at a low weight

Stability and guidance

The Dynafish Xiaonian is a neutral running shoe, but its midsole is wider than average and slightly firmer, giving it a high level of stability. It has a 7 mm drop, which works well for both heel strikers and runners who land on the midfoot or forefoot. The midsole is heavily rockered at both the front and rear, with the curves starting early, resulting in very smooth and fast transitions.

The Xiaonian delivers a soft ride without allowing the foot to sink into the foam.

Upper and comfort

The Dynafish Xiaonian is a lightweight running shoe that is also suitable for faster runs, so the upper is focused more on performance than comfort. There is some padding, so it is not uncomfortable, and it is wide enough not to put pressure on the foot, but comfort was not the primary focus of its design

Footstrike and traction

The Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe midsole supports both heel and forefoot landings, but runners who land on the midfoot will be able to take the greatest advantage of the heavily rockered midsole. The curved and slightly firmer-than-average midsole rolls through very smoothly and quickly. The outsole provides good grip on asphalt, but because it does not have deep lugs, it can only be used on hard surfaces without slipping.

Pace and responsiveness

The Dynafish Xiaonian is a highly versatile running shoe, and this is most evident in the range of paces it supports. It works at practically every pace because it does not feel overly firm at low intensity, while providing good stability and cushioning. At the same time, the responsiveness and geometry of the midsole support fast, tempo running even over longer distances.

Long runs vs tempo runs vs training

You will be able to do all of them in the Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe. It is comfortable enough for longer runs, you can pick up the pace in it, and in addition to training you can even race in it. Up to a 4:30 pace, this shoe will not be the factor preventing you from achieving a good result.

Who is the Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe recommended for, and who is it not for?

The Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe is highly versatile, so it is recommended for many different types of runners and runs. It is a good choice for longer, lower-intensity runs and interval sessions. Its good breathability also makes it a good choice for treadmill running, and it will serve you well during faster training sessions too. It can also be a good option for heavier runners

The Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe is not recommended for runners looking for a maximally cushioned running shoe. It is not recommended for walking (you can walk in it, but there are better shoes for that). It is not a typical beginner running shoe; a running shoe with a more comfortable upper is recommended for that purpose. Its racing capabilities are also limited. If you already run half marathon kilometres faster than 4:30, the Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe may not be enough for you.

Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe alternatives – comparison

Is there a difference between the men’s and women’s Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe?

The Dynafish Xiaonian running shoe is a unisex running shoe, so there are no separate men’s and women’s Dynafish Xiaonian models.