“One Giant Leap for Trail-Kind”. It’s a slogan that invokes innovation, pushing trail running to the limits, and revolutionizing the trail world. And if you’ve looked into Norda shoes, you would quickly see that this is exactly what the trail running brand is all about.
Marathon Sports has been running New England road and trail since 1975. We’ve tested shoes from some of the oldest, most reliable running brands around, as well as some of the new, modern, innovative brands making their way into the running space today. And now, we’re excited to be bringing Norda running shoes into our trail running equation.
Norda’s a name you’ve likely come across in trail running news. The brand is taking the ultra and trail running world by storm with its durable, lightweight, and sustainable shoe designs built for technical terrain. And if you want to learn more about the brand itself and some of the shoes it carries, you’re in the right place.
In this guide to Norda shoes, we’ll provide an overview of the brand, as well as highlight some of the top Norda running shoe models on the market today.
Norda: History and Overview
Norda hasn’t been around quite as long as other running brands, but it has quickly proven itself as a top contender in the trail world.
The Canadian company dates back to 2020, when founders and runners Willa and Nick Martire set their sights on creating a shoe that was durable and technical enough to handle rugged Canadian terrain and conditions, all without sacrificing sustainability.
From this dream, Norda was born. Since then, countless trail runners and elite ultra athletes have turned to Norda trail shoes to deliver reliable comfort, support, and stability through every step of their outdoor adventures.
Since its inception, the brand has continued to grow and expand. Norda shoes made headlines in the ultra running world earlier this year, when Rachel Entrekin flew through the Cocodona 250, winning first overall and breaking records in an unreleased Norda shoe.
Now, we’re excited to be bringing these durable shoes, inspired by Canada’s toughest trails, to Marathon Sports. Whether you’ve heard of the brand and want to learn more, or are a newcomer simply curious about what the brand has to offer, our Marathon Sports team is here to help.
In this guide, we’ll highlight four of the best Norda shoes. We’ll cover some of the best options from the brand and who might benefit from each model to help you determine if Norda shoes could be the perfect fit for your next trail adventure.
The Four Best Norda Shoes for Every Trail Runner
All Norda shoes are built to handle the most rugged, technical terrain out there. But the brand offers a vast range of trail shoe models, all of which serve a different purpose and could benefit different trail runners and hikers.
Here’s a rundown of four of the best models, as well as a deeper dive into who should consider each option.
Norda 001A: Best All-Around Workhorse Shoe
The 001A is built for athletes who spend long hours on their feet during distance trail runs or hikes through rugged terrain. It delivers consistent, reliable comfort underfoot with the strength and resilience to handle whatever mileage or trail conditions you throw at it.
The Arnitel TPEE midsole foam boasts exceptional energy return, and the 26/21 mm stack height ensures plenty of shock absorption without sacrificing the shoe’s stability and lightweight construction.
The exclusive Vibram MegaGrip sole plate, paired with Litebase technology, ensures maximum grip and traction across both wet and dry surfaces. This outsole also lends itself to the 001A’s unmatched durability, making this the perfect all-around shoe for trail runs, hikes, race day, and more.
Lastly, Norda uses a bio-circular Dyneema upper fiber to ensure an ultra-light, strong, and secure upper. The sustainably sourced material secures the feet in place for maximum stability over tough terrain, creating a distraction-free fit for miles and miles. If you need a durable everyday shoe to help you push yourself to the limit out on the trail, you can feel confident that the 001A is up for the task.
Norda 002: Best Minimal Option
While the 001A shines in everyday adventures, the 002 is ready to help you quickly navigate tough terrain on race day. This minimal, low cushion trail running shoe keeps you connected to the ground with every step for maximum agility and precision.
Underfoot, the 19/15 mm stack height of Vibram SLE midsole foam and pyramidal geometry enhance groundfeel while maintaining an overall comfortable and supportive feel. The Vibram MegaGrip rubber outsole with aggressive 5 mm lugs delivers even more stability and protection in any terrain.
The woven one-piece Dyneema upper is built for performance. The lightweight material creates a secure, snug fit, with a Lock System and gusseted tongue for added stability and lockdown.
Overall, the 002 excels in durability, sustainability, and stability. If you prefer feeling the ground under your feet as you maneuver through trails, this lightweight, low cushion shoe is for you.
Norda 005: Best for Race Day
When you’re ready to kick it into high gear on race day, we suggest reaching for the Norda 005. This performance-focused shoe is speedy, lightweight, and energetic to help propel you towards the finish line.
The 005 is one of Norda’s lightest shoes, weighing in at only 7.5 oz for men’s shoes and 6.2 oz for women’s shoes. The 28.5/21.5 mm stack height delivers more cushioning than many other Norda shoes, but the super critical Arnitel midsole foam keeps the shoe feeling lightweight, stable, and responsive through every step.
The open-mesh Bio-Dyneema upper is another standout feature, creating maximum breathability and water drainage while maintaining the durability Norda is best known for. The microsuede tongue and interior Foot Lock system help keep your feet securely in place and prevent any debris from getting in the shoes.
Underneath the shoe, the Vibram Megagrip Elite rubber delivers race-ready grip and traction for the best possible performance out on the trails. Overall, the 005 is one of the best options to help you reach your goals on race day.
Norda 055: Best for Elite Trail Athletes
For most athletes, any of the 3 Norda shoes above should suit their trail needs. But those at the front of the pack may want to consider the elite, high-performance 055.
Like the 005, the 055 features a platform of Arnitel TPEE foam, although it has been modified to be denser and more resilient. The high stack of this midsole foam – 38 mm in the heel and 31 mm in the forefoot – guarantees maximum cushioning and bounce with every step.
Using Norda’s signature Bio-Dyneema upper and the Vibram MegaGrip Elite outsole, the 055 is geared towards helping any elite ultra athletes achieve next-level speed and stability on any trail terrain. Around the heel, the seamless knit collar and interior Fit Lock System provide the security and confidence you need to effortlessly move across slippery, rocky terrain.
Norda shoes aren’t cheap, especially performance-focused race day shoes like the 055. But if you’re looking for that extra boost and propulsion during your next trail race, you can’t go wrong with this elite, record-breaking trail model.
Norda FAQs
Where Can I Wear Norda Shoes?
Norda shoes are best suited for trails, and the Vibram outsoles and versatile lugs excel in a wide variety of conditions. Norda shoes can be worn on dirt paths, rocky, mountainous terrain, rugged trails, and in both wet and dry conditions.
That’s not to say you can’t wear Norda shoes on other surfaces. While they excel in technical terrains, most models are durable and versatile enough to be worn from everyday life and casual hikes to long treks and trail runs.
Are Norda Shoes Worth the Extra Cost?
Looking at Norda shoes compared to other traditional trail shoes, you’ll notice that Norda shoes have a higher price tag. Most models will range from $295 to $325.
Whether these are the right shoes for you – and if they’re worth the higher price tag – will come down to your running and fitness goals.
Runners training for an ultra marathon or other long distance running event will likely appreciate the shoe’s durability and longevity. The resilient foam, lightweight yet tough upper material, and dependable outsole keep the shoe feeling bouncy and comfortable for longer, so you can enjoy all the features the shoe has to offer from long training blocks to race day.
Anyone looking to take their trail racing to the next level may also enjoy all the performance-oriented elements the 005 and 055 have to offer. These shoes provide the energy return and agility needed to move through technical terrain with ease and can help you reach your time goal at your next trail race.
How Does Norda Incorporate Sustainability Into Its Designs?
More and more brands are leaning into sustainable practices and bio-based materials, and we’re happy to see Norda leading the way in this area.
Norda uses a bio-based Dyneema woven upper, which is sustainably sourced for the lowest possible environmental impact. Even the shoe laces are sustainably made from bio-based Dyneema and recycled polyester.
With these environmentally-conscious design elements, Norda proves that you can blend exceptional performance, durability, and sustainability in a high-quality running shoe.
Where Can I Try Norda Shoes?
Ready to try Norda shoes out for yourself? We carry some of the top Norda trail running shoes at several of our Marathon Sports locations.
And while inventory is dependent on store and location, you can also browse Norda shoes and learn more at our convenient online store.
Tackle Any Trail: Norda Final Thoughts
Norda is a relatively new player in the running shoe game. But even though they haven’t been around as long as some of the competition, the brand has quickly made its mark, particularly in the trail and ultra running community.
Marathon Sports is proud to offer some of the top trail running shoe options around, including some fantastic new options from Norda. Whether you want a cushioned everyday trainer, a minimalist training shoe, or a speedy racing shoe, the brand has something for you.
And the best part? The models are some of the most sustainable and durable designs around. For mile after mile, you can enjoy all the comfort, support, and reliability Norda shoes have to offer. Whether you’re trekking through muddy terrain or scrambling across slippery rocks, these trail shoes will keep you feeling confident and secure through every step.
