NNormal Cadi ($175)
Introduction
Sam: The Cadi is a brand new all terrain, any distance extra cushioned choice from Kilian Jornet’s NNormal.
It appears the OG Goat at any distance on any terrain recognized earlier in his profession for probably the most minimal and light-weight of extremely sneakers is shifting up in consolation and stack top.
However not too far because the Cadi nonetheless is a comparatively modest 35mm heel / 29 mm forefoot stack top she in comparison with path tremendous sneakers that are nearer to 40mm on the heel however it’s NNormal’s highest stack top shoe to this point surpassing the Kboix at 33mm heel / 27mm forefoot . The on the floor platform could be very broad at 120mm forefoot / 80 mm midfoot / 95mm heel.
The stats level to searching for a steadiness between path really feel and agility, stability, multi floor Vibram and sufficient rebounding and protecting however energetic supercritical foam cushioning for extremely distances whereas being additionally able to shorter distances, gravel and roads and for positive on a regular basis path runs and hikes. For NRegular elites it is going to be their extremely distance alternative.
NNormal describes the Cadii as follows:
Searching for a path operating shoe that places consolation, stability, and flexibility on the forefront? The Cadí Males Beige is constructed for runners who need a dependable companion for on a regular basis path coaching. Designed for all expertise ranges, it performs finest on easy to rolling terrain and through lengthy, regular mountain runs. With a generously cushioned platform, a naturally accommodating match, and confirmed Vibram® traction, Cadí raises the bar for accessible path operating with out giving up sturdiness or efficiency.
Professionals:
Extraordinarily versatile: from technical trails to roads, lengthy or brief distances: Sam, Jen
Densely cushioned, vibration and shock absorbing: Sam
Secure: very broad on the floor platform: Sam, Jen
Very snug, particles resistant higher with broad toe field room and really stable midfoot (double gusset padded tongue) and heel maintain: Sam
All terrain, any terrain Vibram outsole that’s easy and quiet on agency: Sam
A extra accommodating match and cushion than the Kjerag or Tomir with out sacrificing an excessive amount of technical terrain functionality: Jen/Sam
Cons:
Surprisingly heavy given supercritical foam and lowish stack top (however broad platform): Sam, Jen
Higher traps moisture and warmth: Jen
Stats
Approx. or spec Weight: males’s 10.1 oz / 286g US9 girls’s oz / g Listing US and EU sizes
Pattern Weights:
males’s 281g / 9.91 oz US8.5 / EU 42
girls’s 265 g / 9.35 oz US 8.5
Stack Top: 35mm heel / 29mm forefoot, 6mm drop
Platform Width 120mm forefoot / 80 mm midfoot / 95mm heel
First Impressions, Match and Higher
Sam: The higher is a tightly woven very skinny engineered mesh with a skinny mushy inside lining extending ahead from its begin because the inside tongue gusset. This lining is closed and barely stretchy. For positive no particles will sneak in however even in our reasonably heat (mid 60”s) spring temps the toes really feel a bit heat.
I stated inside gusset as at midfoot attaching to the 2 brown webbing loops we’ve a second gusset of a non stretch nicely perforated materials
The tongue is densely and nicely padded with the collars additionally amply padded.
The heel counter is semi inflexible right down to the realm the place an exterior clip makes it very inflexible.
Evidently, the general mid and rear foot maintain is completely safe and locked down however with out overdoing and with out being over constrictive permitting the foot some movement over terrain.
The toe field is kind of broad. Recall the entrance platform is 120mm which permits the foot to properly splay. The toe bumper is kind of pliable and is prolonged additional again by translucent protecting overlays. Toe space quantity is kind of massive however completely locked down regardless of the comparatively unstructured entrance of the shoe, and importantly the higher doesn’t intervene with foot flex when climbing.
My pattern suits completely in all respects at my standard US8.5 /EU 42 with a very fantastic, snug and safe higher up for something . The one remark is the relative heat up entrance as a result of inside lining within the entrance of the midfoot and toe field. I’m wondering why this inside lining materials couldn’t have been extra mesh-like and open or perforated because the outer higher is skinny and light-weight for positive reveals by means of so the outer mesh is breathable.
Jen: From the primary time I put these on, it was clear that the Cadí is a big departure from NNormal’s different choices. I’ve run within the Kjerag 01 and 02 (liked the lightness, locked-down match for my low-volume toes, and agility) and tried on the newest model of the Tomir (appreciated the additional cushion as in comparison with the Kjerag, however the heel match was too unfastened for me).
The Cadí is noticeably extra comfort-oriented once you step into it, with beneficiant padding on the tongue and ankle collar in addition to a properly cushioned insole. Whereas the additional padding might contribute to the surprisingly heavy weight for NNormal, it capably delivers on the promise of a extra accessible, long-distance-friendly shoe.
As Sam notes, the dual-layer Sincetech higher incorporates a durable-feeling woven mesh over a silky inside liner. The mixture could be very snug however does lure each warmth and moisture. I count on that it might be very snug within the winter, however the lack of breathability might be a limitation for spring/summer season/fall operating on my Auburn, California trails.
Regardless of the absence of reinforcements or overlays, the higher locks down nicely. I’ve comparatively low-volume toes, and the match feels true-to-size. NNormal has designed a extra accommodating match right here than within the Kjerag, with a extra spacious toebox. I particularly respect that they provide a girls’s-specific match within the Cadí (a primary for the model), which delivers a way more safe match by means of the heel than within the Tomir regardless of becoming equally by means of the midfoot and toebox.
Midsole & Platform
Jen: At 35 mm, the Cadí is high-stack solely by NNormal requirements, however the cushioning nonetheless feels beneficiant. Particularly for runners who’re used to the Kjerag, the Cadí will really feel plush.
The midsole consists of an unspecified however we all know supercritical light-weight foam designed to steadiness consolation and responsiveness. For my cash, the steadiness ideas barely in favor of consolation – the midsole definitely supplies some vitality return, however extra suited to straightforward cruising over lengthy path miles than aggressive shorter-distance racing. The Cadí isn’t a heavy workhorse for plodding alongside, although.
It has a really secure foot plant as a result of large base on the heel after which rolls gently by means of the 6 mm drop to a still-stable toe-off because of a reasonably large base on the forefoot. Mission completed so far as NNormal’s need to make an accessible, versatile shoe for a wide range of runners and trails.
Sam: As Jen says, the Cadi is excessive stack by NNormal requirements at 35mm heel / 29 mm forefoot with probably the most comparable Tomir at 31 mm heel / 23 mm forefoot ( 8mm drop spec). For 2026, much more velocity centered path sneakers have comparable stack heights and extremely centered sneakers push or exceed 40mm on the heel.
What’s notable is how broad at floor the platform is at 120mm forefoot / 80 mm midfoot / 95mm heel. These are dimensions few extremely centered sneakers have on the floor. So it’s clea,r NNormal was searching for a steadiness between enough floor really feel, agility and suppleness from a lowish stack top and total extremely cushioning by going “low” and broad on the floor as a substitute of upper and narrower
It really works very nicely in my opinion however the mass of cushioning ( and that tremendous comfortable higher) does clearly contribute to the shoe’s considerably heavy weight for an excellent essential foam midsole with a comparatively low 3mm lug outsole.
Outsole
Jen: A mixture of angled and chevron-shaped 3 mm lugs (measured by Sam) supplies traction right here for the Vibram Megagrip outsole. NNormal notes that the outsole is “deliberately tuned for simpler terrain”, and I’d agree. It feels most at residence on straightforward to reasonably technical singletrack (dry to considerably muddy), however may not be my best choice for mountain operating or actually sloppy circumstances. The flip aspect is that the shallower lugs really feel nice on hard-packed surfaces and even highway or gravel, making it an awesome road-to-trail shoe.
I discovered that the form and spacing of the lugs within the midfoot did lure sticky mud and particles, whereas the chevron-shaped lugs on the forefoot and heel have been barely higher at offering traction with out gathering something.
Sturdiness is promising to date with no indicators of outsole put on in over 60 miles of testing.
Sam: A “good” outsole design I say! Whereas NNormal has large 6.5 mm lugs on their Kjerag Brut (RTR Assessment), a shoe for mushy unfastened terrain and never nice enjoyable elsewhere, and 4-5 mm lugs for his or her Tomir, right here they go with 3mm lugs (measured and never 4mm as in specs which can embody backside plate) and with broad contact surfaces.
This design permits the shoe to run notably nicely on firmer much less technical surfaces and even highway with minimal slapping, much less distinction on the floor between outsole and midsole than standard for a MegaGrip outsole and easy transitions. It’s an outsole that performs nicely on a really broad vary of terrain with out getting in the best way when issues easy out.
Trip, Conclusions and Suggestions
Jen: The Cadí represents a leap into new territory for NNormal, they usually stick the touchdown. Because the catalog description notes, “consolation, stability, and flexibility” are the guiding ideas right here. I do know a big variety of runners who’ve needed to like NNormal sneakers, however couldn’t get previous sure points prior to now, whether or not the minimal cushioning and slim width of the Kjerag or large heel match of the Tomir. If that sounds such as you, give the Cadí a strive – it’s a well-executed all-around coach that might be a stable addition to anybody’s shoe quiver.
Jen’s rating: 9.23/10
Trip (30%): 9 – not a flashy velocity demon, however reliable consolation
Match (30%): 9.5 – enormous bonus factors for a girls’s particular match
Worth (10%): 9.5 – lots comes right down to sturdiness right here for me. If it’s as sturdy as claimed, nicely value $170
Type (5%): 9.5
Traction (15%): 9
Rock Safety (10%): 9
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Sam: NNormal mellows out experience and match with their most cushioned shoe to this point with out compromising efficiency and whereas enhancing match and luxury over their Tomir 2.
On the similar time additionally they enhance versatility over the Tomir to ship a real mountain to highway, run to hike choice and a possible one shoe quiver within the true sense of the phrase.
Worth, given the various makes use of and anticipated sturdiness is powerful.
The very stable higher is a bit heat given its lining and double gusset tongue however in any other case suits comfortably and true to measurement.
What would possibly I want for? A lighter extra aggressive weight given the reasonable stack top and comparatively low 3mm lugs with a bit much less dense extra rebounding midsole.
Sam’s Rating: 9.24 /10
Trip (30%): 9.1 Match (30%): 9.25 Worth (10%): 9.2 Type (5%) 9 Traction (15%): 9.5 Rock Safety (10%): 9.5
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7 Comparisons
NNormal Tomir 2 (RTR Assessment)
Sam: The Tomir has 4mm much less stack top on the heel and 6mm much less on the forefoot and is an 8mm drop shoe vs 6mm for Cadi. Whereas it has much less stack top and cushion, it has a deeper 4-5mm lug MegaGrip outsole. Weights are related with the Tomir about 0.25 oz / 7g lighter. The Tomir higher just isn’t as plush or as supportive. The Tomir 2 had deeper traction, the Cadi is a extra refined and versatile shoe with in lots of circumstances its barely much less aggressive traction as a lot a profit as a unfavorable.
Norda 001A (RTR Assessment)
Sam: The 001A is considerably heavier (0.4 oz) decrease stack and barely much less broad on the floor. It has a full protection 4mm MegaGrip outsole, and within the A model right here, a brand new TPPE supercritical midsole that has a excessive vitality return. As a Norda, it has a really rugged and refined Dyneema higher with virtually flawless match and luxury. Virtually I say, as its rear maintain lags the Cadi’s plushly supportive strategy. Each run fairly equally though the Norda has a considerably blocky flat heel and lacks the very efficient rocker of the NNormal. Each ought to show very sturdy. The fashionable Norda is significantly costlier, +$120. The Cadi is a greater worth for a fairly related use sneakers
La Sportiva Prodigio Professional (RTR Assessment)
Jen: The Prodigio Professional is one in every of my different favourite latest all-around sneakers. Whereas equally large within the forefoot, the Cadi is 10mm wider on the base of the heel, making it really feel barely extra secure and fewer agile. The Prodigio Professional is 10g lighter at 255g vs 265g in my USW8.5, and its experience feels barely extra race-oriented. Each sneakers characteristic sturdy dual-layer uppers and loads of midsole cushion, coming in at 34/28 mm stack top (Prodigio Professional) and 35/29 (Cadi).
I sized up half a measurement within the PP and went true to measurement within the Cadi and would advocate that for others as nicely; in any other case, not many notable sizing variations.
The Prodigio Professional could also be a extra polarizing shoe: I liked it, have heard rave critiques, and was contemplating it as one in every of my high selections for Canyons 100k, however different runners I’ve talked to have had points with the higher and its knit tongue inflicting numbness on the highest of their foot or have had different sizing points. General, I’d lstill ean PP for an extended race or extra technical terrain and the Cadi as a shoe for every day miles.
Salomon Extremely Glide 4 (RTR Assessment) and S/Lab Extremely Glide 2 (RTR Assessment coming quickly)
Jen: The Extremely Glide 4 is sort of precisely the identical weight (265 vs. 264g in my US W8.5), however larger stack at 41/35 mm. They’re sneakers with an identical function: every day path miles and lengthy races, with consolation and accessibility high of thoughts. I discover each sneakers fairly snug, however the Cadi locks down within the midfoot slightly higher, and the outsole doesn’t have the identical stress factors which can be created by the UG4’s 3D outsole geometry.
La Sportiva Prodigio Max (RTR Assessment)
Sam: 2mm larger in stack top and about 0.6 oz heavier, the Max has in like trend to Cadi an excellent supportive double gusset tongue/midfoot building and in a but extra substantial and likewise warmish higher. Its traction is extra aggressive with 4mm lugs with sharper profiled considerably small floor lugs. As with all Sportiva for me, and for many measurement up half a measurement with the NNormal true to measurement. Each are excellent throughout path sneakers that may vary from mountains to roads with the Max the extra mountain leaning of the 2.
Mount to Coast H1 (RTR Assessment)
Sam: Final 12 months’s massive shock hit, the H1 is significantly lighter at 8.2 oz / 232g on the identical 35 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot stack top. Its non-traditional CPU rubber outsole just isn’t as aggressive because the Cadi’s however completely satisfactory for much less technical trails with the Cadi going past. Its midsole is faster reacting and its experience total quicker on easy terrain and highway. Its higher could be very snug, mushy and surprisingly supportive for its extra mellow trying construct. In case your runs lean extra door to path and gravel H1. To go extra technical Cadi.
Mount to Coast T1 (RTR Assessment)
Sam: The T1 weighs 9 oz /255g US males’s 8.5 so is 26g lighter on 4mm drop barely larger 36/32 stack top. It has a 4mm lug Vibram outsole that’s extra aggressive in grip, and fewer pleasant on smoother surfaces. The T1 midsole is barely softer and bouncier however not fairly as protecting because the Cadi’s. The distinction in weight possible comes from the Cadi significantly extra supportive and efficient higher. I’d go additional within the Cadi than within the T1.
Index to all RTR critiques: HERE
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Tester Profiles
Jennifer Schmidt discovered path operating in her mid-20’s and started dabbling on the roads just a few years later. Path 50k’s are nearest and dearest to her coronary heart, and he or she lately took wins on the Fourmidable 50k in 2026, and Silver State 50k and Manner Too Cool 50k in 2025. Lately, you could find her totally on the paths round Auburn, CA, chasing aggressive and private objectives over a wide range of surfaces and distances. Relying on the season, she additionally competes within the USATF highway and XC circuits for Sacramento Working Affiliation’s racing staff, with a marathon PR of two:41.
Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Street Path Run. Hex is in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th 12 months of operating roads and trails. He has a a long time previous 2:28 marathon PR. Lately he runs halves within the simply sub 1:43 vary. if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week largely at reasonable paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Park Metropolis, Utah be it on the run, mountain climbing or on nordic skis. Sam is 5’9” /175cm and 160 lbs/ 73kg if he’s not having fun with too many fantastic New England IPA’s.
Jen’s pattern was offered at no cost for evaluate functions. Sam’s was a private purchaseNo compensation was offered by manufacturers for writing this text. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought through purchasing hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are totally the authors’.
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