Responsive, comfortable, sustainable
Beyond the beaten path, the mundane everyday, awaits the call of the wild, inviting the wanderer in you to seek higher ground. Norda steps up the game with their latest marvel, the 002, which, with its intrepid claim, seeks to revolutionize the world of trail running shoes. The 002 isn't just a shoe, it's a testament to technical terrain mastery, an invitation to rise to the challenge, a covenant between you and the earth beneath your feet.
Crafted for the restless spirit, the 002 comes with a lower stack height, increasing your ground feel and fostering a bond with the terrain. A padded heel collar and a midsole designed with pyramidal geometry speak the language of comfort and assurance, fostering a bond of trust as you set your foot on new territories. You're not just wearing a shoe, you're embracing an ally to aid your journey, to traverse unfamiliar lands.
The upper, woven meticulously with bio-based Dyneema®, promises unmatched performance and resistance to wear and tear, while retaining a light footprint. The laces, a diamond pattern blend of Dyneema® and recycled polyester, mirror this resilience. The Norda™ Lock System, an ultra-light and comfortable sock-like structure, secures your foot for stability as you brave shifting conditions.
Equipped with a Hi-Vis Reflective strip running from the front to rear, 360° visibility is ensured, a beacon that glows amidst the darkness of the unknown. An eTPU insole custom designed for optimal energy absorption and return underlines the promise of unparalleled comfort. Cushioning powered by the norda™ x Vibram® SLE collaboration takes this comfort to an unrivaled level.
The Formation sole, exclusive to Norda™ x Vibram®, inspired by the rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield, stands as the embodiment of tenacity. It employs Vibram® Litebase® technology for energy conservation and performance enhancement, while reducing the sole weight by a staggering 30%. The Vibram® Mega Grip rubber fortifies this shoe with durability and superior grip, even on the most slippery surfaces.
The Dyneema® one-piece woven upper harmoniously converges with the world's strongest and lightest fibre™, to deliver the best performance while keeping sustainability at its heart. The norda™ 002 weighs a mere 219g for women's size US 8 and 249g for men's size US 8.5, shedding the burden of excess weight as you embark on your journey.
What strikes me about the norda™ 002 is not just the advanced technology it flaunts, but the spirit that it encapsulates. The spirit of exploration, of pushing the boundaries, of daring to traverse uncharted territories. Every trail. Every summit. Every cold, dark, windy morning becomes a new page in your story of discovery.
An investment of CAD $295 (around $218), the norda™ 002 is more than just a trail running shoe. It's a ticket to your next adventure, your trusty companion as you venture into the wild. The noir et blanc colorway adds to the enigma, an elegant statement that mirrors the exciting unknown that awaits. Be ready to heed the call of the wild, as these shoes are now available in Norda's webshop. Your journey to higher ground begins with the Norda™ 002. Reach out and embrace the thrill of exploration.
Currently the spiked version is only available in the 001 in case you're interested.
Pros:
- Performance: The Norda 002 is designed with high-performance materials like bio-based Dyneema and Vibram SLE, promising durability, abrasion resistance, and exceptional performance in various conditions.
- Ground Connection: With a lower stack height, the 002 aims to enhance your connection to the terrain for improved balance and control.
- Comfort and Fit: Features like the cushioned heel collar, custom eTPU insole, and the norda™ Lock System are designed for comfort, stability, and a snug fit.
- Safety and Visibility: The 360° hi-vis reflective strip enhances visibility in low-light conditions, a critical safety feature.
- Lightweight: Weighing in at only around 219g/249g (women's/men's size US 8/8.5), the shoe is designed to be lightweight and efficient for longer runs.
- Sustainability: Norda's use of eco-friendly materials like bio-based Dyneema and recycled polyester suggests a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Cons:
- Price: At CAD $295 (around $218), the Norda 002 could be considered expensive compared to other trail running shoes in the market.
- Availability: As a new product, its availability might be limited, potentially leading to wait times or issues with finding the right size or desired colorway.
- Durability: While the materials are touted as highly durable, the real test will be in their performance over time and in diverse trail conditions.
- Unproven Claims: As this is a new product, the claim of being the “world's most responsive trail running shoe” is yet to be verified by independent testers and reviewers.
- Comfort Adjustments: The lower stack height, while enhancing ground feel, might be less comfortable for some runners used to shoes with more cushioning.
As always, it's crucial to remember that individual preferences and needs can greatly influence the perceived advantages or disadvantages of a product. For a runner prioritizing sustainability and high-performance materials, the Norda 002 might be a fantastic choice, while those on a tight budget might find the price prohibitive.
