Norda 001 Performance Review

When Norda burst onto the scene circa 2021, it immediately boasted one of the toughest all-around shoes in the trail-sphere. The Norda 001 has stood the test of time and continues to gain popularity for its durability, plush and smooth ride, and, for lack of a better word, aesthetics. However, this isn’t just a pretty shoe; the Norda 001 offers high-performance running for most trails you’ll come across. 

It’s hard to find something to compare it to, but I got the same “oh, this is a beast” feeling I got when first putting on the Hoka Speedgoat 3. Although the Norda 001 is pricey, you’re paying for a shoe that will last a long time. I think Norda serves a necessary purpose in the trail shoe space, and the 001 is the brand’s flagship model.

What is the Norda 001?

Norda calls the 001 “one giant leap for trail-kind” – which we appreciate for its callback to the iconic moon landing and the implication that the Norda 001 can go where no trail shoe has gone before. It’s marketing language that subtly helps the reader’s brain make connections that reinforce the key aspects of the shoe. Nice job, Norda marketing team.

Cushion

The midsole of the Norda 001 uses a proprietary Norda x Vibram SLE foam, which Norda developed in tandem with Vibram specifically for the creation of this shoe. It’s an EVA compound, so at a base level, we get a sturdy midsole with good cushioning. Norda worked with Vibram to make it as light as possible, while also adding some rebound to your step.

I found this compound to break-in quite nicely and, as the age-old adage goes, age like a fine wine. Simply put, the more miles you put in this shoe, the more the midsole will soften up and work with your foot. At a modest stack of 26mm, it’s still low enough to the ground to provide lots of control and stability.

An eTPU insole sits on top of the Vibram SLE midsole that adds a little bounce to the ride and, as it breaks in, holds your foot nicely into the footbed. With a more traditional EVA midsole, the eTPU insole brings some extra spice that you’ll find supplies a boost to your legs on the long days. I’ve also found that, as I reached ~500-600 miles in my first pair of the 001, the midsole/insole combo transitions nicely to a beater road shoe.

Traction

The outsole is a Vibram Soleplate, developed in partnership with Norda and Vibram. It features both Vibram Litebase and Megagrip technology, making it a super-light compound, yet rugged and traction-heavy. The pattern features multi-directional lugs at a 5mm depth, which is towards the more technical end of lug depth.

I love this outsole and find it’s held up shockingly well over several hundred miles. The Megagrip component will enable you to hold on rock, wood, and any other surface, making it a versatile option for long days in varied terrain. If you’re running on lots of slick ice, pick up a pair of the 001 G+ Spike (with actual carbide spikes built in), and you’ll be sure not to slip.

Upper

Perhaps the most notable feature of the Norda 001 is the bomb-proof upper, crafted with what’s heralded as the world’s strongest fiber: Dyneema (which, by its weight, is 15 times stronger than steel). As a plus, the Dyneema is bio-based, making it a sustainable option. 

This upper was developed by norda to provide structure, protection, and comfort for hundreds of miles. Each shoe’s upper is handmade. A fully gusseted tongue and norda’s fit-lock lacing system help secure the foot and wrap it into place. The laces have some stretch, which means you may need to adjust mid-flight. The upper is complete with a heel pull tab to get your foot settled in, and many hi-vis designs throughout that add reflection for those early-morning or late-night runners.

The Norda 001’s upper earns its right to be considered virtually indestructible – in my opinion, the midsole or outsole will give out before the upper does (and I’ve yet to reach any of those points). Although rough and rigid, the gusseted tongue provides a softer layer, and I find this upper actually quite comfortable.

Although Dyneema is ultra-durable, the stretch and last of the upper remove any rigidity that other shoes of similar performance may bring. I had no discomfort with the tongue or lace placement, and found I was able to lock my foot into the shoe. There are a couple caveats with the heel/ankle area that I’ll touch on in the Cons section.

In addition to the performance, the colorway selections of the 001 continue to be industry-best and what other brands should consider following to make their shoes look better off the trail.

Cons

The most glaring issue with the Norda 001 is the heel/ankle collar. To save on weight, Norda opted for a minimal heel and ankle collar, which certainly makes the shoe lighter; but it also leads to some discomfort. It’s a raw Dyneema edge on the heel with no added padding, which can add some unwanted pressure at times and create hotspots with no-show socks.

Additionally, I find that the stretch of the upper leads to a fanned-out ankle closure, allowing debris and the like into the shoe. No matter how tightly I laced, I could never find a way to avoid this. It doesn’t affect me too much, but it’s notable.

Is the Norda 001 wide foot friendly?

Yes, the norda 001 has a roomy build throughout and is wide-footer ready.

Is the Norda 001 worth $285?

It’s certainly worth the price if you plan to get the most out of the shoe and wear it for 600+ miles of trail running. The Norda 001 is a triple threat in that it’ll perform on trails, switch nicely over to road whenever you need it to, and looks good enough to just wear out and about if you want some extra comfort.

How to use the Norda 001

The Norda 001 is built for serious trail runners and hikers who are on the trails daily, tackle various trail types and terrains, and need a shoe that lasts.

Norda 001 Summary

The Norda 001 should be credited as a model that helped elevate the trail running industry as a whole. It changed the way we look at shoe durability, longevity, and aesthetics. 

At its core, the Norda 001 is a trail shoe built to crush any distance and terrain, constructed with meticulous detail and rugged materials. There’s no doubt the shoe will last well past what you’d normally expect, and it was one of the first shoes in the industry to elevate the idea of a lifespan upwards of 600-700 miles. If you’re looking for a sleek, versatile, and durable trail running or hiking option, the Norda 001 is worth your attention.

How does the Author Run?

Drew Whitcomb (age 43, 6’6″ 200lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.

Sam Lohse (age 28, 6’0″, 170 lbs): Runs daily, sometimes morning/night doubles, with one rest day a week (typically). Hangs right around 40-50 miles a week in general unless in race-specific training. Races distances from 50K to 100 miles, almost always on the trails. 

Disclosure

While Norda did provide pairs of the 001 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.