Norda 001 Review

The Norda 001. All images: iRunFar/Bryon Powell

Is the Norda 001 ($285) your subsequent 007? Norda hails from Montreal, Canada, with a mission to supply powerful and cozy path footwear prepared for any situation, whereas wholly dedicated to materials sustainability and technological optimization. The Norda 001 encapsulates direct subject notes from the corporate’s path working founders and is additional augmented with important shoe trade expertise.

At first, Norda prides itself on making a sturdy product. Secondly, the corporate strongly holds that “efficiency and sustainability ought to at all times run collectively.” Whereas working within the 001s during the last a number of months, I firmly endorse the shoe’s distinctive endurance and longevity — which means it might run lengthy distances and it’ll stay steadfast within the path working shoe rotation for longer than most different manufacturers and fashions. It has endurance.

Out of the field, I believed the Norda 001 expertise was going to really feel clunky and heavy, solely based mostly on the general width and the look of its important outsole basis. Surprisingly, the 001 was nimble and lightweight sufficient to information me on a wide range of path runs, typically excelling at lengthy downhills, each technical and easy. The Norda 001 additionally proved amenable to transition miles on pavement and forest roads.

The Norda 001 has an precise weight of 10.5 ounces (298 grams) for a U.S. males’s 9. One of many highlights of the Norda 001 is the low profile with a reported 26-millimeter heel stack and 21-millimeter forefoot stack, for a 5-millimeter drop. These specs make me really feel like I’m the driving force in charge of the paths forward. I don’t like getting misplaced in an excessive amount of raise and cushion, which might generally lead to a disconnected really feel in different footwear. This was not the case with the 001.

Norda has three primary shoe fashions — the Norda 001, Norda 002, and Norda 003 — every aimed toward completely different path niches. Norda advises to order a half dimension up, since their footwear have a tendency to suit small. One disadvantage is the sticker shock of $285, however should you place the acquisition within the context of very good craft, dependability, and longevity, it makes extra sensible sense.

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Norda 001 Higher

A lateral view of the Norda 001.

Though there are completely different colorways and designs obtainable for the Norda 001 — a few of which look rad — I acquired a pair of their White Gum mannequin. I initially questioned why some firms even make a white path shoe. After one run, the highest of my Nordas have been many various shades of grime brown — they stayed that approach. I concede as path runners we aren’t within the enterprise of at all times wanting sharp and clear like street runners or triathletes and that, sure, I may have washed them, however I made a decision that maybe the grime is a badge of arduous work and depiction of enjoyable occasions.

I’ll contact upon this later, however the White Gum mannequin makes use of a tan-yellow shade for its Norda x Vibram outsole, built-in with Litebase and Megagrip. The outsole makes an announcement and stretches its approach up the again of the heel.

A Dyneema sturdy higher retains the toes duly protected after which some with what Norda and trade consultants discuss with as “the world’s strongest fiber.” If you happen to aren’t conversant in Dyneema fiber, its strength-to-weight ratio is rated to be 15 occasions stronger than metal, and the 001 makes use of the “first seamless Bio-Dyneema higher,” which is a bio-based woven materials that’s extremely abrasion resistant. The laces are additionally made out of Dyneema and recycled polyester, making the 001’s higher an almost indestructible wrap — all with a really low carbon footprint — a precedence for Norda.

The Dyneema withstood a beating after many outings and the laces stayed tied and supplied good midfoot lockdown help together with the Nordo Lock System. The Lock System is the tandem delicate sock match with twin mesh gusset and felt heel cup. It’s delicate and does assist the toes keep firmly in place, however the higher stays unfastened alongside the ankle. If I really had gaitors, I’d put on them on longer path runs wit these footwear to maintain out particles. I’d additionally advocate for extra ankle help or a tighter heel match for extra technical terrain.

Different 001 higher odds and ends embrace additional ancillary safety afforded by that addition of reflective stripes atop the toebox, and important materials on the heel counter resulting in a pull tab. The latter an accoutrement on trainers I typically applaud. The reflective accents are eager for early-morning runs or late-night race ramblings. Moreover, I’d be remiss if I didn’t add that the Norda 001 could also be finest utilized in drier situations and never on the warmer days of summer time, because it isn’t essentially the most breathable.

Norda 001 Midsole

A medial view of the Norda 001.

The Norda 001 midsole introduced welcome baseline cushion on lengthy runs with out the sacrifice of a deadened or unresponsive platform. I had a modicum of apprehension after I learn that the Norda 001 was a cushioned path shoe, however I agreed to the project as a result of I used to be wanting to discover what the Canadian path runners have been to up.

Norda’s “optimally cushioned” outlined my very best cushion, which remained removed from plush. It retained needed stiffness. The 001 midsole strikes with the foot by way of the gait cycle and promotes vitality return and luxury, specifically from the beaded insole with expanded-Thermal Polyurethane (e-TPU) expertise on high of a proprietary Norda x Vibram SLE cushion, which is EVA based mostly.

The experience feels acquainted to my affection for the Topo Traverse and the Topo Pursuit 2, particularly with the e-TPU insole addition. Any midsole compression is lifted by the beads and assists with the longevity of the shoe as a complete.

Norda 001 Outsole

The outsole of the Norda 001.

An attention-grabbing yellow and textured outsole runs up the again of the Norda 001 heel. I perceive that outsole extensions assist with downhill working, however was by no means fairly educated about why some outsoles continued up the heel. Because the Norda 001 turned my downhill shoe of selection, I reckoned that this design selection augmented general stability and decrease heel rigidity. The 001 advantages from this design characteristic. I sort of dig the look, and possibly the outsole needed an opportunity to be seen.

The Litebase Vibram Megagrip outsole grips nicely and retains transferring over moist and reasonably technical trails. The mixing of Vibram within the midsole and the outsole makes the 001 underfoot really feel cohesive and built-in. The outsole has recurrently spaced 5-millimeter chevron-shaped lugs, contoured to the wants of touchdown and propulsion whereas retaining a level of flexibility. It isn’t overly aggressive and is conducive to pavement runs when needed.

Norda 001 General Impressions

A high view of the Norda 001.

The Norda 001 is unquestionably a 007 in some ways. For me, it was the consolation and base of help it supplied on all kinds of descents. I feel it helped me sharpen my downhill recreation in plenty of methods this season, psychologically and by offering optimally cushioned traction. I’ll add that the lightness contributed to ease of uphill working.

The place I dwell in Southern Oregon, the paths lead up for miles after which down for miles. The Norda’s general design and pledge to sustainability contribute to its steadfast endurance. It’s going to undoubtedly stay in my rotation throughout the winter months and past, notably for its sturdiness. The Canadians crafted their shoe fashions for some tough and chilly situations, and I nonetheless have to check its mettle in its native climate.

Moreover, it’s a nice transition shoe, geared up with high quality traction for a wide range of reasonable path situations. The mixture of the Vibram Megagrip Litebase and midsole permits for mild pavement-to-dirt working. The 001 can go locations and you may too.

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