Norda 002 Performance Review

The Norda 002 takes the Canadian brand’s formula from the 001, lowers the stack height for increased ground feel, and increases the heel collar padding for comfort. Is it a better overall shoe? Let’s find out.

What is the Norda 002?

The Norda 002 is the second offering from Norda, focusing on a shoe that puts the runner closer to the earth. Where most technologies focus on providing as much protection underfoot as possible, the 002 takes an opposite approach and anchors the runner to the trail. When you need to count on every step, the 002 is your friend.

Cushion

Sam: Similar to the 001, the Norda 002 features a Vibram-made SLE midsole compound developed specifically for Norda. The obvious difference here from the 001 is the loss in stack height, which enables more groundfeel and stability. The same eTPU insole from the 001 sits in the 002 as well, adding an extra pop and response to the ride. 

The 002 midsole is, obviously, not as plush as the 001 and rides a bit stiffer. This is due to the lack of stack, as the shoe is meant to have minimal cushion to keep you close to the ground. Groundfeel is great in this midsole, and the lower stack height makes the shoe feel minimalist and nimble in the right ways.

Although rigid out of the box, the midsole broke in for me over the first handful of wears and is now softer than I expected. Overall, the midsole here is nothing flashy; it’s meant to be stripped down and keep your foot as close to the ground as it can without being painful.

So far, I’ve found it a sturdy foam that enables quick and precise steps, making it a good option for technical running. It’s not particularly mind-blowing, but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. I’ll be interested to see how this shoe holds up over the miles. Naturally, a lower-stack shoe can break down quicker than a higher-stack one as there’s just less midsole to go through. I’m hopeful the 002 holds up like its predecessor.

Drew: Sam nailed it. This is a shoe meant for the trail runner that prioritizes groundfeel and whose body has built up sufficient joint strength and tolerance to embrace the low-stack lifestyle. As a 6’6”, 200-pound recreational trail runner…that’s not me. But I can see the appeal.

The groundfeel is really useful when your favorite trail is covered by a layer of snow. In that type of circumstance, cushion isn’t a priority; being nimble and reactive to the hidden ground features is what counts. As such, the Norda 002 is now my go-to snow shoveling shoe. It’s got just enough cushion so that no footstep is overshadowed under harsh environmental conditions. It’s got that “yep, there’s a step there” or “whoa, that’s the edge of the trail” ability that shines when the elements conspire to obscure your running route.

The way the Norda 002 is built, specifically in the cushion department, makes me think of it as a tool for a certain type of trail adventures. Sure, there are some hearty trail runners that are more goat than person that could do anything in this shoe, but most of us will break it out when safety and security trump all other needs.

Upper

Sam: The 002 returns with a fully seamless Dyneema upper that is super durable and comfortable. Contrary to the 001, this upper feels softer yet slightly denser (a weird combination). It’s somewhat pliable and allows for more foot movement than the 001 yet holds its shape without stretching in wet conditions.

There’s ample room in the forefoot, and the upper does a great job securing your foot in place without constricting it – which is helpful in technical terrain. The heel collar is fully padded (opposed to that of the 001) and overlaid for comfort and security. This shoe easily locks your heel in place without any discomfort while the room in the forefoot allows for foot flexion and movement. A gusseted tongue is secured by Dyneema laces that fit nicely. I did find it a bit strange that there weren’t any additional lace lockdown eyelets, but I haven’t needed them so far. 

This upper is really the winner for this shoe. Where I feel the 001 is somewhat too minimal, the 002 upper is super plush and comfortable. The Dyneema weave is thick but forgiving, and nothing on the upper is going to bite into your foot as you take it through precarious terrain. Oddly enough and to my surprise, I found that the Dyneema material used on the 002 is slightly water resistant – which was a bonus for some of the wet and snowy days I put these shoes through. The 002 provides the comfort you want for your foot in technical terrain. 

Drew: The upper is another reason the Norda 002 has become my go-to snow shoveling shoe. Though not designed to be waterproof, the Dyneema upper repels most moisture and keeps the foot warm even in subzero temperatures.

And you’d think that would mean the shoe would be too warm in normal conditions, but I found the Dyneema upper fairly breathable in 50-60 degree weather. My feet didn’t get overly hot even when wearing the Norda 002 all day for an event.

The above, combined with the generous forefoot, means the Norda 002 is ready for both technical mountain terrain or city streets. It looks hella good, and the casual performance matches up well with the looks. The upper does most of the work here making the 002 just as comfortable in jeans as fleece-lined spandex.

Traction

Sam: This outsole (or ‘Soleplate’ as Norda calls it) on the 002 is, to my knowledge, the same design and compound as on the 001. As a refresher, the outsole is a proprietary blend of Vibram Litebase and Megagrip, making for a (you guessed it) super light and super grippy ride. This outsole is one of the most durable in the game and will last you a long time.

Drew: Again, back to the Norda 002 being my snow shoveling shoe. The little nubs on the outsole function almost like cleats. This is perfect for the freshly driven snow whether you’re digging in with your snow shovel or pushing your body up a mountain.

Even when the Norda 002’s outsole hits a patch of ice, the slide is brief. The Vibram outsole, with its nubs, catches quickly and prevents potential wipeouts while keeping the wearer on-balance enough that the next step isn’t awkward or dangerous.

And the durability is likely better than the traction. Even 100% wear on cement would require 500+ miles to burn through the tread pattern.

Cons

Sam: The Norda 002 isn’t a particularly polarizing shoe, so nothing sticks out as a dragging con. With the midsole, I think Norda could’ve added a rockplate to help protect the foot a little more. The outsole, although bombproof, could have also been adjusted to make the shoe a little more technical; but that’s just a personal preference. Honestly, my biggest gripe with this shoe is how long the laces are, but that’s just nitpicky. 

Drew: The laces are very long, so I agree that’s annoying. It wouldn’t be so bad if there were a lace garage so they could be placed out of the way… Instead, they’re bouncing all over. The laces are also slick and come undone easily. The Norda 002 must be double-knotted.

The only other Con is the lack of impact protection…but that’s intentional, and Norda isn’t trying to say anything different. It just limits the body types and people that can really enjoy the 002 to its full potential.

Is the Norda 002 wide foot friendly?

Sam: Yes. There’s plenty of space in the forefoot with a solid heel lockdown.

Drew: Yes the Norda 002 has plenty of space throughout, but the toebox is especially spacious. Think Topo spacious. And even with all that space, the upper does a good job hugging the foot and preventing any rolling off the footbed. Wide-footers will have a great experience in this one.

Is the Norda 002 worth $295?

Sam: This is a tough question and predicated upon use case. For example, a shoe like the 001 is meant for ultra distances and everyday trail wear, so it will likely get lots of use and could be worth it for any runner. With the 002 being more about precision and technicality, you have to either feel it fills a void in your shoe quiver or use it as an everyday runner, of which it is certainly capable.

Drew: The Norda 002 at $295 feels high (Canadian tariffs are really hurting it here). The high-end materials almost warrant that price, but the total package – with a basic EVA midsole – makes it not worth it for most people. The price is right only for those who basically live on the trails, make good money, and are using the 002 to tackle specific trail conditions.

How to use the Norda 002

The Norda 002 was designed for precise steps and precarious environments. It will thrive in rocky and uneven ground where foot placement really matters. However, it’ll also feel great just going out and getting your daily miles. Use the 002 when you want a comfortable upper and nimble ride.

Norda 002 Summary

Sam: If the 001 was Batman, the 002 would aptly be its Robin: a capable and reliable sidekick who often thrives and excels in the specific areas the hero may lack. The Norda 002 is, at its core, a comfortable and reliable ride. The minimalist take on the midsole maximizes your groundfeel and connects your movement to the earth. The right fit matters, and the 002 ensures a comfortable ride in any environment. The bombproof Norda elements that set the brand apart are well-applied to a mountain running philosophy in order to make up the 002.

Drew: The Norda 002 is a ridiculously good-looking and capable minimal trail shoe. The extremely comfortable and durable upper works for casual wear or heavy-duty trail running. The outsole is built for sketchy situations, and the midsole is designed without much cushion on purpose. This is a shoe built for someone who needs groundfeel on their trail adventures.

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 Norda 002 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.