The Norda 001. All pictures: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Is the Norda 001 ($285) your subsequent 007? Norda hails from Montreal, Canada, with a mission to provide robust and comfy path sneakers prepared for any situation, whereas wholly dedicated to materials sustainability and technological optimization. The Norda 001 encapsulates direct discipline notes from the corporate’s path operating founders and is additional augmented with important shoe trade expertise.
Initially, 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 operating within the 001s during the last a number of months, I firmly endorse the shoe’s distinctive endurance and longevity — that means it will possibly run lengthy distances and it’ll stay steadfast within the path operating shoe rotation for longer than most different manufacturers and fashions. It has endurance.
Out of the field, I assumed the Norda 001 expertise was going to really feel clunky and heavy, solely primarily based on the general width and the look of its important outsole basis. Surprisingly, the 001 was nimble and lightweight sufficient to information me on quite a lot of path runs, typically excelling at lengthy downhills, each technical and clean. 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 elevate and cushion, which may typically end in a disconnected really feel in different sneakers. This was not the case with the 001.
Norda has three most important shoe fashions — the Norda 001, Norda 002, and Norda 003 — every aimed toward totally different path niches. Norda advises to order a half measurement up, since their sneakers have a tendency to suit small. One downside is the sticker shock of $285, however if you happen to 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 totally different colorways and designs obtainable for the Norda 001 — a few of which look rad — I obtained a pair of their White Gum mannequin. I initially questioned why some corporations even make a white path shoe. After one run, the highest of my Nordas had been many various shades of grime brown — they stayed that means. I concede as path runners we aren’t within the enterprise of at all times trying sharp and clear like highway runners or triathletes and that, sure, I might 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 colour for its Norda x Vibram outsole, built-in with Litebase and Megagrip. The outsole makes an announcement and stretches its means up the again of the heel.
A Dyneema sturdy higher retains the ft duly protected after which some with what Norda and trade specialists check with as “the world’s strongest fiber.” If you happen to aren’t acquainted with 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 a virtually 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 offered good midfoot lockdown assist along side the Nordo Lock System. The Lock System is the tandem mushy sock match with twin mesh gusset and felt heel cup. It’s mushy and does assist the ft keep firmly in place, however the higher stays unfastened alongside the ankle. If I truly had gaitors, I might put on them on longer path runs wit these sneakers to maintain out particles. I might additionally advocate for extra ankle assist 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 might 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 season, because it isn’t probably 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 desperate to discover what the Canadian path runners had been to up.
Norda’s “optimally cushioned” outlined my ideally suited cushion, which remained removed from plush. It retained needed stiffness. The 001 midsole strikes with the foot by means of the gait cycle and promotes vitality return and luxury, particularly from the beaded insole with expanded-Thermal Polyurethane (e-TPU) know-how on prime of a proprietary Norda x Vibram SLE cushion, which is EVA primarily based.
The journey 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 operating, however was by no means fairly educated about why some outsoles continued up the heel. For the reason that Norda 001 turned my downhill shoe of alternative, I reckoned that this design alternative augmented total stability and decrease heel rigidity. The 001 advantages from this design characteristic. I sort of dig the look, and possibly the outsole wished an opportunity to be seen.
The Litebase Vibram Megagrip outsole grips nicely and retains transferring over moist and reasonably technical trails. The combination of Vibram within the midsole and the outsole makes the 001 underfoot really feel cohesive and built-in. The outsole has often 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 Total Impressions
A prime view of the Norda 001.
The Norda 001 is unquestionably a 007 in some ways. For me, it was the consolation and base of assist it offered on all types of descents. I feel it helped me sharpen my downhill sport in quite a lot of methods this season, psychologically and by offering optimally cushioned traction. I’ll add that the lightness contributed to ease of uphill operating.
The place I dwell in Southern Oregon, the paths lead up for miles after which down for miles. The Norda’s total design and pledge to sustainability contribute to its steadfast endurance. It should positively 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, outfitted with high quality traction for quite a lot of average path situations. The mix of the Vibram Megagrip Litebase and midsole permits for gentle pavement-to-dirt operating. The 001 can go locations and you’ll too.
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