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Review of Dynafit Pantera and Pantera GTX trail running shoes

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Dynafit Pantera & Pantera GTX Overview:

  • dynafit-pantera-gtx-both-main-2Usual full price: around $140.00 USD  and $160.00 for GTX version
  • Weight: 410 g and 430 g for GTX (10.0 men’s US)
  • Pros: comfortable, good cushioning, traction in mud/gravel, durable
  • Cons: poor grip on rock
  • Suitability: running any distances and all surfaces but specifically better for lots of pavement or running on rocks
  • How we go it: Given for free (disclosure notices)

Bottom line:

I’ll be using the Pantera for longer trail runs in the valley and the Pantera GTX for days in the mountains where I anticipate encountering snow. A good addition to the Dynafit shoe quiver.

Online stores that carry Pantera and Pantera GTX:

Photos:

Product description and How we tested it:

The Pantera is Dynafit’s newest addition to their summer running shoe line (also available in women’s sizes). It is an interesting departure from their usual minimalist attitude towards endurance gear. Not particularly light but well padded and supportive, the Pantera is very different from the ultra-light Feline Ghost.
I’m not a running minimalist and appreciate the extra padding the Pantera’s provide when running on rooty or rocky trails. My feet feel significantly less beat up than when running the same terrain on a less padded shoe. I’m a toe-stubber so a beefy toe cap is always appreciated. The toe is less reinforced compared to the Feline, likely reducing weight without much loss in protection (it still has the ‘Ballistic Bumper Toe Cap’ to afford good protection).
The deep tread pattern provides good traction on dry trails, gravel, dirt, mud, and snow but the grip fails on wet rock. The rubber compound does not seem well suited for technical rock scrambling where a grippier shoe is required. For days when I know I will encounter wet granite slabs, I fall back on my noticeably grippier Dynafit Feline Ghosts.
The Pantera construction seems of good quality. After several hundred kilometres, nothing has torn or ripped and the lacing system is in good condition. The laces start off slippery and quick to come un-tied but after a few muddy runs, the treatment wears off and they stay done up no problem.
I’m not a huge fan of Gore-Tex shoes except in very specific situations with significant amounts of snow or mud. Unfortunately, as soon as we start getting out of the valley and on some real mountain runs (more like walks), mud and especially snow are commonplace. While breathability is compromised (don’t wear them driving on a road trip unless you want sweaty feet), the protection from slushy summer snow is awesome. When postholing across a snow-field or glacier, slush instantly penetrates most trail shoes but the GTX treatment keeps my socks dry. (A good gaiter is necessary to keep snow from coming in the top!)
The reinforced toe and padded heel also accepts a crampon well making the Pantera a good choice for mountain days.

Pros:

  • Comfortable, wide fit with a decent toe box means they are comfortable on long runs.
  • Solid toe and foot protection mean feet take less of a beating on trails.
  • 8mm drop is reasonable compared to some shoes out there.
  • Have taken a beating and still not fallen apart! Durability is good, improved even over other already durable Dynafit shoes.

Cons / What can be improved about this product:

  • I think a better sole compound or shape would improve traction on granite/wet rock for scrambling. For me, this is an issue. For someone running primarily on gravel or dirt/mud, this would be a non-issue as the shoes excel

Online stores that carry Pantera, Pantera GTX and Feline Ghost trail running shoes:

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