Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Seamless, strong and lightweight, the men's norda 001 trail-running shoes have a dialed-in design that provides optimal cushion and rebound, so you can run farther and faster on the trails.
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Imported.
Best Use | Trail Running |
---|---|
Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 5 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 26 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 21 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Seamless woven with bio-based Dyneema and recycled nylon |
Midsole | norda x Vibram SLE CMEVA |
Outsole | norda x Vibram Megagrip rubber with Litebase technology |
Rock Plate | No |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 3 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 |
UK | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
EU | 40-2/3 | 41-1/3 | 42 | 42-2/3 | 43-1/3 | 44 | 44-2/3 | 45-1/3 | 46 | 46-2/3 | 47 |
Foot Length (in.) | 10.3 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.5 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 |
Norda recommends you add a 1/2 size (US) up from your normal size.
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
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This is the best trail shoe I’ve ever owned and it’s not even close! I’m a size 11 and sized up to a 11.5 in mens (like most of my running shoes). I would compare the sizing to Brooks shoes. The fit is snug but comfortable. On trail it is extremely stable. The toe box is wide but not as wide as a Altra. There is no padding at the heel so it is an interesting feeling at first. Out of the box, this shoes is ready to go. I went for a run after purchasing the shoes and had zero issues. 8 miles on them and they feel great. I understand why you may be hesitant to buy these but they are worth $285. They don't breath like other shoes so if you run hot that can be an issues.
Saw these on a recent trip to Canada and got a pair of the 001 at a great price. Great feeling show right out of the box other than one issue. On the models with the unpadded heel counter (001) the fabric and leather makes a fairly rigid edge the rubbed a spot on my left ankle. I had some irritation in the right side but not as bad. Since it is just 1-2 layers of material I used some good scissors and cut out a section lowering it about 1/4-1/3 ". Hope that solves the problem as it is a great feeling shoe.
Awesome shoe, great fitting, incredible ground feel and grip. Unfortunately, had bad luck with durability on this one. Ran with the 001, 165km which supposed to be nothing to this shoe, but it already shows some manufacture flaws. The dyneema seems to be separating from the material at the base. Maybe the different stiffness of the materials may be leading to this. (Shown on pics)
Great show, but could be a lot better. First off sizing. They run super small. I had to upsize one full size. I normally wear a size 10 in women's shoe which isa 8.5 in men's, So I ordered a size 9 in men according to the Norda website suggestion. The shoe was way too small. Ordered a size 9.5 from the 001 and 002 version. Both fit well. Now my other issues with the 001 model, the heel. Why on earth would there be zero padding? No padding = blister galore for me. The 002 model has padding in the heel but no flap to pull the shoe on/off like the 001 has. Besides the stack height is lower. Hopefully one day Norda will have a 001 version with padded heel. Oh. an it could be a tad wider in the toe section.
Amazing comfort. I have model 01 and 02 both run half a size small so I went up from a 10 to 10.5 the 02 has a thicker heel counter so it’ll take a bit to break in. They have a strong chem scent to start but it fades. Strongly recommend even at the high price. I usually don’t leave reviews but I saw the only other one on here was terrible and misleading due to person not getting their correct size.
The Norda 001s are my favorite trail running shoes period. I have over 560+ miles in one pair and they still have several hundred miles of life left. The durability, style, comfort, and grip of them are great, but it did take around 100 miles to break them in. Yes, they are expensive but worth the cost. As recommended by Norda, go up half a size for the intended fit.
Amazing shoe. They run small so make sure you get a half size up. It takes the heel of the shoe about 15 ish miles to break in. The Dyneema can be warm on your feet if you're running in the heat. I've had mine through all kinds of different weather and conditions, they do excellent in everything i throw at them. Longest run I've taken them on was a 20 miler and my feet were fine the whole time. Midsole is amazing. Outsole is epic. Love these shoes.
Man, I really wanted to enjoy these shoes. I’m an avid trail runner, backpacker, hiker. Love the uppers and the midsole, and the lugs. BUT, I’ve literally never had hot spots like this on my heels. I couldn’t make it two miles on the trail just now. Burning heels due to the heel cup design/rigid Dyneema material. If you have flat heels that don’t protrude at all, you will likely be fine. If you have any protrusion, let alone any bone spurs, you’re doomed with these. Sad, because everything else seems like a standout winner.
Have about 600 miles on mine from trail running, hiking walking, traveling. Kept blowing through trail shoes with mesh uppers and these are finally a pair of shoes that last. The dyneema forms to your foot over time. They're definitely firm shoes and not cushy. The dyneema doesn't breathe super well so feet overheat sometimes but totally worth it for such a durable and good looking shoe. Remember to size up a half size.
The shoe is great - REI online, not so much. For the record, I'm a huge proponent of the REI return policy. That said, when I purchase an item at full retail, I expect it to be "new" not an apparent return. These shoes arrived pretty much looking as though they'd been thrown in the shoebox - no packaging of any kind. The shoe bag Norda provides was rolled up and stuffed in one of the shoes. While overall the shoes were in good shape, one of them still had some dirt/mud in the bottom treads. Simply put, REI, you need to be better. As for the shoe, you'll need to spend some time breaking it in, specifically the upper, as it's pretty stiff. But after a couple days of walking around in it, and a couple short runs, it really feels great. Soft but not mushy, responsive but not overly firm.