Norda 002 Review

I’ve been longing to review a pair of Norda trail running shoes for quite some time now, so I’m excited to be able to share my thoughts on the 002, a high-end all-mountain trail running shoe, after having thrashed them around my local trails.

There aren’t many trail running shoes that cost $295, so one of my key tasks has been to determine whether or not they’re worth that hefty price tag – whether it brings value from high end materials and durability in the manufacture process, if the performance benefits are are at the highest level, or whether they just fall flat and that price tag comes from some very clever marketing.

I’m ready to share my honest thoughts on the Norda 002, and by the end of this review, you’ll know my answer.

I have put them through a mix of technical trails, steep inclines, gnarly downhills, and faster flat sections, and overall, it’s clear they offer a blend of responsiveness, stability, and traction but are they really worth $295? Let’s find out!

Key specifications

• Price: $295 at REI.com / norda.com
• Weight: 9.7oz / 275g for a US(M)10
• Drop/Stack: 4mm drop (19mm under the heel, 15mm under the forefoot)
• Midsole cushioning: norda™ x Vibram SLE
• Upper: Woven with bio-based Dyneema for performance, abrasion resistance, and a light footprint
• Outsole: Norda x Vibram® exclusive design Formation sole with Litebase and Megagrip Rubber featuring 5mm lugs
• EXTRAS: Laces are Diamond design pattern using bio-based Dyneema and recycled polyester, includes Hi-Vis Reflective materials for 360° visibility, included insole is custom designed eTPU for energy absorption and return
• The colorway of my review sample is ‘SAND’

Sizing and fit

When it comes to sizing and fit, my Norda contact recommended I size up a whole size, and this advice is echoed on the Norda website.

However, I’d personally recommend only sizing up by a half size, otherwise there will be too much space inside the shoe, and your feet will slide around on the climbs and on technical trails. So, although I went one full size up, but I wish I hadn’t.

That said if you have wide feet, and you need lots of extra volume, then a full size up may be ok, but for most, just go half a size up on your usual sizing and you’ll be happy. The Dyneema upper feels pretty supportive, but again, it would be much better with a closer fit.

➡ RELATED POST: The Best Trail Running Shoes Right Now

What’s good

One of the first things I noticed is how the Dyneema upper conforms well to my feet whilst maintaining good breathability.

As you can see in the photos above, the Norda 002 had a very durable upper, with protection at the front with a plastic overlay – this isn’t a reinforced toe bumper/cap for those wondering. You can also see how nicely cushioned the collars and heel counter both are.

The high ankle walls add extra support, making it feel secure during uneven terrain but those with low ankle bones (you know who you are), likely won’t enjoy how this feels on their ankles (see photo below).

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The simple lacing system isn’t fancy, but it locks your feet in well, which is the main thing when it comes to a performance fit.

Sticking with the laces, they feel a little out of place for me, and for such an expensive shoe, I’d expect less ‘standard’ tennis shoe style laces. They’re just a bit too thick and cumbersome, and I’d expect to see a more lightweight, performance lace for such an expensive running shoe.

The midsole, combining Vibram SLE cushioning with the eTPU insole, provides a ride that is both cushioned and responsive, with a balanced feel that’s just right for tackling all mountain trails.

I appreciated how fast the shoe feels on flatter sections, with a low stack height, and a low 4mm drop, that maintains an agile connection to the ground and full on response.

This design reinforces a natural feel, even though it might result in a slightly firmer ride over longer distances, or if you trail run on a lot of hard ground surfaces.

Traction is another area where the Norda 002 stands out, and not surprisingly either. The Vibram MegaGrip with Litebase outsole, and its 4.8mm deep lugs, deliver a consistent grip, regardless of the terrain. This held true for steep inclines, and downhills suggesting a well thought out traction pattern.

On technical trails, wet surfaces, rock, mud, the confidence in footing that Megagrip gives, is always reassuring. This level of traction is particularly important for technical descents and quick directional changes, giving you a stable, planted feeling even when conditions are less predictable throughout a trail run.

Overall comfort is excellent, thanks to the combination of a well-contoured upper with plentify room inside, a secure lace lockdown, and a broad, cushioned footprint/platform works to absorb impact very well.

Even though the cushioning is minimal compared to higher stack all mountain trail running shoes, it really serves those who prioritize responsiveness, and a natural, more grounded trail feel – and this is something I personally like when I’m running on technical trails.

How it could be improved

There are a couple of aspects that I believe could be fine-tuned to make the Norda 002 an even better trail running shoe.

Firstly, the wide fit of the shoe, while comfortable for those with high volume feet, or wide toes, can feel a bit loose on steep ascents.

It might benefit from a slightly more tailored shape in the upper; for runners who encounter a lot of steep uphills, this could reduce the sense of a “sloppy” fit and improve overall performance.

The low stack height and firm midsole work really well for responsiveness when running shorter distances, or if you’re a particularly lightweight or light-footed runner, but over extended periods, it could contribute to fatigue if most of your route covers hard packed terrain.

However, if most of your running is on soft ground, like muddy or forest trails, for example, then you’ll have fun with these over very long distances no matter your style of running. That’s all I’ve got on the downsides, except for the obvious elephant in the room, that $295 price tag…

My verdict

The Norda 002 is a well-engineered lightweight, all mountain trail shoe that brings together a well balanced ride with great ground feel and good support, some stability, and excellent traction.

The combination of a low stack height and a firm yet responsive midsole makes it an agile choice for technical trails, though the wide fit can be a bit of a challenge on steep ascents so you really have to get the right sizing on these (half a size up from your usual).

This trade of on a low stack, balanced ride, means you get enhanced responsiveness and total ground feel which is essential for successfully navigating technical trails.

Is it worth a whopping $295 though? Well let me put it this way, it’s a fantastic trail running shoe, but you can definitely buy cheaper trail running shoes with just as good, if not better trail performance.

So, now it’s really down to a few factors, like if you love the Norda brand image and want some trail running shoes that not everyone has, or you simply love how the Norda 002 looks and want a great performing trail running shoe, oh and you’ve got a large money bag hanging from your belt. 💰

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a trail shoe that offers precision on technical terrain, and you don’t mind the very high price tag, the Norda 002 is definitely worth considering.

If you don’t have that kind of money, check out these other great all mountain trail running shoes, that you can buy for less.

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👋🏼 Not sure about these, but still looking for your next pair of trail running shoes? Head over to my Best Trail Running Shoes roundup. See you on the next review! -Alastair