Norda 001 Review | Worth It in 2025?
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Norda 001 review for those who are wondering whether they are still WORTH IT in 2025.
As a seasoned trail runner with over 12 years of experience testing trail running shoes, I recommend them for those who are looking for the most durable, premium trail runner that will last for years. The Norda 001 are a very popular premium trail runner, let’s find out why!
For this review, I have put in over 600 miles into testing my own personal pair of the Norda 001 throughout 2024 with continued testing in 2025.
I’m very familiar with how they feel and perform on the trails. I’ll go over comfort/fit, traction, stability & support, weight, overall protection, and durability. I’ll be giving a score of each category based on OBJECTIVE testing standards and an overall score with recommendations at the end.
Released by the Canadian brand Norda, the 001 quickly earned praise from trail runners for its revolutionary Dyneema upper and unmatched durability. Compared to traditional trail runners, the updates are groundbreaking, bio based dyneema construction that’s 15x stronger than steel, Vibram megagrip outsole, and a hand-bonded construction process for a truly premium ride.
Norda 001 Pros and Cons
- Incredible durability, longest-lasting trail runner we have tested to date
- Revolutionary dyneema upper construction
- Hand-bonded quality craftsmanship
- 360-degree reflective elements
- Premium price point at $285
- Required break-in period
- Snug fit requires sizing up half size
Should you buy the Norda 001?
Buy if
- You want the one of the most durable trail runners expected to last well above average based on current wear
- You want a trail running shoe with excellent long-term value assuming durability is your priority.
- You are looking for premium performance, willing to invest in the best materials
- You want a trail runner that performs in ALL conditions year-round
DON’T Buy if
- You prefer maximum cushioning and softness
- You prefer the “cheapest” trail runners on the market
- You need immediate comfort without break-in period
- You want wide toe box options
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Norda 001 Price
Right now, the Norda 001 retails for $285, but I found some awesome deals on specialty retailers for as low as $260.
Get The BEST deal on the Norda 001 at the LOWEST Verified Price Available!
Norda 001
Our top rated trail runner of 2025. Great durability on trail, tough enough to tackle technical terrain with ease. Tested over 100's of miles.
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Norda 001 Comfort & Fit
I was initially challenged by the comfort and fit of the Norda 001. The dyneema upper is quite snug initially, however after the 20-mile break-in period it definitely molds to your foot perfectly. I recommend sizing up a half size – I measured the toe box and it runs narrower than most trail runners.
Now lets get the cat out of the bag right away, this is NOT a super squishy trail runner like the Hoka Mafate 5 or even the Hoka Challenger 8. Now, this shoe is “optimally cushioned” as Norda states, BUT not overly cushioned where the outsole will breakdown prematurely, or lose traction on technical trails.
I felt the shoe did an excellent job of providing energy return without being too soft. The 26mm heel to 21mm forefoot stack height gives substantial impact absorption.
The heel area maintains excellent stability while the forefoot allows natural flex.
I was able to maintain smooth, efficient strides on technical terrain—no hot spots after break-in, no pressure points.
A lot of premium trail runners lack quality construction, but not the Norda 001. The hand-bonded construction creates a surprisingly durable yet comfortable platform built into it.
I would compare the upper construction to premium hiking boots (like the Merrell Moab 3) . It’s firm but incredibly protective once broken in.
Even with the proprietary Norda lace-lock system providing secure lockdown, there are no compression spots from the laces. The dyneema upper acts almost like armor, protecting your foot while moving with you.
One highlight of the Norda 001 is the gusseted tongue design. The seamless construction prevents debris entry while maintaining excellent breathability for such a protective upper. The upper is comparable to the NNormal Kjerag 2, very mesh-like with great stretch and flexibility.
The 360-degree reflective elements add safety value without compromising the clean aesthetic.
As for fit, I definitely needed to size up half a size. I initially tried my regular size but the dyneema upper runs snug, the half size up worked out perfectly.
No heel slipping after break-in, excellent lockdown—just a precise, performance-oriented feel.
Comfort/Fit Score: 8.5/10 (20%)
Traction
The Norda 001 is equipped with the Vibram megagrip outsole, an industry-leading outsole known for extreme grip and traction on all terrain.
The 5mm chevron lugs with mini-spike integration provide unmatched grip. I tested them on wet rocks, mud, loose gravel, slate, limestone, and technical terrain and they performed flawlessly. The Norda traction is comparable to approach shoes meant for the most technical terrain.
Compared to the Hoka Speedgoat 5, which uses a standard Vibram outsole, the Norda 001 absolutely dominates. The megagrip outsole combined with the aggressive lug pattern creates confidence-inspiring traction that outperforms almost every trail runner I’ve tested.
The outsole is extremely firm, the resilience under pressure is outstanding, you’ll never have to worry about your outsole compressing too much on uneven terrain.
The Vibram megagrip compound maintains its tackiness even in wet conditions, providing reliable grip season after season.
One area where these trail runners excel is versatility. While I was running on everything from muddy singletrack to granite slabs, the grip was unwavering, especially on technical terrain.
The heel extension gives additional contact surface for steep downhills. The extended heel is more subtle than on the Speedgoat 6, and works MORE effectively.
Overall, the Norda 001 has the best traction packages we have tested on wet rocks and slabs. The grip and confidence is so exceptional, it rivals technical mountaineering footwear meant for alpine terrain.
Right now, it has the HIGHEST traction rating we have ever given to a trail shoe.
Traction Score: 9.5/10 (20%)
Stability & Support
The precision fit of the dyneema upper and heel counter design of the Norda 001 help with eliminating any internal movement. Seriously, this shoe has some of the best lockdown we have ever tested.
The dialed-in fit keeps your foot completely secure on uneven ground, which dramatically improves stability especially on exposed terrain or fast descents.
The seamless upper construction cradles your foot in a performance-oriented position. The contoured dyneema upper acts almost like a second skin, helping your foot move precisely with the shoe, creating perfect unity.
The structured heel counter definitely added substantial lateral stability, especially while traversing or landing off-center. It provided a secure platform without feeling bulky, which maintained precision on more technical terrain.
The torsional stability of the 001 is exceptional throughout the entire shoe, this was critical for steep, uneven terrain. I experienced zero ankle support issues thanks to the precise stability platform of this model.
We measured the heel-to-toe drop at 5mm with our caliper which is ideal for natural foot movement, it felt balanced while descending technical terrain, the moderate drop allows excellent ground contact and natural proprioception.
The Stability and Support of the Norda 001 are exceptional, given the extreme terrain we tested it on during our rigorous evaluation.
Stability & Support Score: 9/10 (20%)
Weight
The Norda 001 achieves impressive weight for such a durable construction. At 9 oz, they’re lighter than expected given the premium materials and hand-bonded construction.
The Norda 001 proves you don’t have to sacrifice durability for reasonable weight.
Per Vibram, the Vibram SLE foam midsole technology provides 30% weight reduction compared to traditional EVA based midsole foam while maintaining superior performance.
Regarding weight, foot fatigue was minimal during ultra running testing. For reference, I compared the Norda 001 at 9 ounces to the Hoka Speedgoat 5 at 10.76 ounces.
Despite being similar in weight, the Norda felt significantly more efficient due to the precise fit and energy return properties.
The overall sole weight feels substantial without being cumbersome, and the sole weight distribution helps maintain natural gait cycle efficiency during long distances.
Weight Score: 9/10 (15%)
How’s The Overall Protection Of The Norda 001?
The Norda 001 incorporates incredible protection through its dyneema upper construction. The bio based dyneema is 15x stronger than steel by weight, providing unmatched protection.
They do not incorporate a rock plate with this shoe, I didn’t miss a rock plate on sharp, rocky routes thanks to the firm SLE midsole.
The seamless upper design has no exposed vulnerable areas – the dyneema construction extends from toe to heel with consistent protection. The substantial stack height at 26mm heel protects from sharp rocks and roots from below.
The toe area features reinforced dyneema construction so you can confidently tackle steep, rocky terrain. The heel area maintains the same protective properties while providing excellent ground contact.
Shock absorption is outstanding with this model. Whether you’re a heel-striker or forefoot runner, the Vibram SLE midsole provides excellent impact protection. I maintained aggressive pacing on technical terrain without joint stress or discomfort.
The one-piece upper construction prevents debris entry while maintaining breathability. No gaiters needed – the gusseted tongue and seamless design keep everything out while allowing airflow. The overall protection of the 001 is very similar to the Altra Olympus 6 (which we named the “tank” of the year) without sacrificing weight.
Norda 001 Overall Protection: 9.5/10 (10%)
Durability
I have had zero durability concerns with the Norda 001. The revolutionary dyneema upper construction provides unmatched longevity that outperforms traditional synthetic or mesh uppers by years.
The Vibram megagrip outsole has maintained its aggressive tread pattern and compound tackiness after 100+ miles of testing, showing minimal wear on even the most abrasive surfaces.
The Norda 001 is simply constructed from the best materials available, prioritizing longevity over weight savings which creates trail runners that literally last for years of heavy use.
The Norda 001 has shown to outlast multiple pairs of traditional trail runners; there is really no comparison regarding durability with this model.
After extensive testing on varied terrain, the shoe shows minimal signs of wear that would typically appear on other shoes after just a few hundred miles.
The outsoles remain intact with excellent lug retention, and the uppers show no signs of the typical mesh breakdown or synthetic material failure I’ve experienced with other brands. This shoe has outlasted most peers in our testing so far.
Durability Score: 10/10 (10%)
Is the Norda 001 worth it?
If you are looking for the ultimate durability and performance trail running shoe, then the Norda 001 is MADE for you.
As a premium trail runner, the Norda 001 does not compromise on materials or construction quality.
It appeals to serious trail runners and ultra-distance athletes who demand the absolute best.
Don’t overlook the fact that they offer the best long-term value we have tested to date.
If you’re after a trail runner that exceeds expectations—durability, traction, precision fit, and uncompromising performance—the Norda 001 delivers.
Getting this level of revolutionary construction and materials for $285 is actually excellent value considering the longevity.
The strengths of this shoe are its unmatched durability, confidence on technical terrain, precision construction, and long-term value!
The drawbacks to consider would be the premium price point and break-in period. Also firmer ride compared to maximally cushioned models such as the Hoka Challenger 7, or Mafate X.
Overall, as a serious trail runner willing to invest in premium performance, I don’t think you can go wrong with the Norda 001.
The secure fit and high performance characteristics make this an ideal choice for more runners who prioritize quality over budget constraints.
Value: 4.5/5 (5%)
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort & Fit (20%): 8.5/10
Traction (20%): 9.5/10
Stability & Support (20%): 9/10
Weight (15%): 9/10
Overall Protection (10%): 9.5/10
Durability (10%): 10/10
Value (5%): 4.5/5
Total Weighted Score: 1.70 + 1.90 + 1.80 + 1.35 + 0.95 + 1.00 + 0.45 = 9.15 / 10
Our Rating
Right now, the Norda 001 retails for $285, but I found some awesome deals on specialty retailers for as low as $260.
Get The BEST deal on the Norda 001 at the LOWEST Price Available! (Do NOT pay retail):
Norda 001
Our top rated trail runner of 2025. Great durability on trail, tough enough to tackle technical terrain with ease. Tested over 100's of miles.
If you’d like to save some money while supporting MountaineerJourney’s 100% independent reviews, consider using the affiliate links below to shop or compare prices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best trail running shoe?
Right now, our best rated trail running shoe is the Norda 001, with a score of 9.1/10 based on our objective scoring system.
Are Norda 001 a good trail running shoe?
Yes! The Norda 001 are EXCEPTIONAL trail shoes for people looking for premium durability and performance. They offer unmatched traction and construction quality, with a break-in period for optimal comfort.
What Is The Heel Drop On Norda 001?
The Norda 001 features a 5mm heel-to-toe drop, which we confirmed through our own measurements.
Do I need to size up for Norda 001?
Yes, we recommend ordering half a size up due to the snug-fitting dyneema upper construction.
What Is The Difference Between Norda 001 and other trail runners?
The big difference is the revolutionary dyneema upper construction, hand-bonded craftsmanship, and excellent stability and support technology.
How long do Norda 001 last?
The Norda 001 can last 800-1000+ miles due to their premium dyneema construction and Vibram outsole durability.
What is the best trail running shoe?
Currently our best rated trail runner is the Norda 001, with premium materials, and has excellent performance scoring.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Norda 001 over extensive mileage since their release with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
Over the past 15+ years, I’ve logged thousands of trail miles across everything from smooth single-file roads to steep, technical singletrack.
This includes long run sessions in the Rockies, muddy East Coast climbs, loose desert terrain, and fast descents through alpine switchbacks.
This kind of hands-on experience helps me evaluate how a trail running shoe truly performs—whether it’s truly stable, grips well on varied terrain, and holds up over time under real mileage.
During my testing period, I specifically focused on how these Norda shoes performed during different phases of the gait cycle, how the TPU sockliner affected energy return, and whether the proprietary materials lived up to their promises.
The testing included everything from race day simulations to casual long runs during my free time, ensuring I understood how the shoe performs across different use cases.
I tested the ankle collar comfort during long distances, evaluated how the heel tab affected the overall fit, and compared the performance to other shoes in my rotation.
The Vibram SLE midsole foam technology was put through rigorous testing on more technical terrain to assess both midsole compression characteristics and overall durability.
I also evaluated how the shoe performed for different types of runners – from those coming from a fashion background who prioritize aesthetics to serious ultra running athletes who demand maximum performance.
We buy shoes with our own money so brands can’t influence our reviews. That way you know you’re getting the real pros and cons.
This ensures our reviews maintain integrity and provide honest assessments that serious trail runners can trust when making their purchasing decisions.
We buy shoes with our own money so brands can’t influence our reviews. That way you know you’re getting the real pros and cons.
Our Founder Tyler has over 15+ years of experience in the outdoors, including Hiking, Trekking, Mountaineering, Survival Skills, and much more. Tyler also serves as a Mountain Guide.
