I may be underselling my running process a little bit, but there are a handful of running shoe companies out there that I feel mildly guilty lacing up. That’s silly, of course—shoes are made for everybody—but for an above-average runner like myself, it sometimes feels like overkill to pull on something that looks like it belongs on the feet of a mountain ultrarunner.
That’s usually how I’ve felt with Norda. I’ve often passed their shoes off to our resident trail guru, Drew, who eats up elevation gain the way the rest of us breathe. But considering I’m probably in the most well-rounded shape of my life—and fresh off what I consider the most challenging trail race I’ve ever done (a trail marathon in Hawaii)—I figured it was high time I gave Norda a spin myself.
Enter the Norda 001A.
See all our reviews on Norda here!
What’s New
The Norda 001 earned cult-classic status when it debuted, and the new 001A builds on that reputation with one key upgrade: an all-new Arnitel TPEE midsole. Translation:
- 70.8% energy return – about a 30% boost from the first version.
- Up to 10% lighter on foot.
- Tested to last over 1,000km (three times longer than the lifespan of most foams).
Durability has always been in Norda’s DNA, but now it comes with a midsole that has actual race-day pop. Their trail testing team calls it their “do-anything shoe”—good for daily training, long mountain days, or toeing the line at your local ultra.
The Build
Beyond the midsole, Norda stayed true to its roots and premium reputation:
- Dyneema upper: seamless, abrasion-resistant, and stronger than steel by weight.
- Vibram Litebase + Megagrip outsole: balance of sticky grip on slick rock and bite on loose dirt.
- Bio-circular Dyneema laces & eTPU insole: thoughtful touches that keep the ride dialed-in.
The lineup includes four core colorways (White Gum, Core Black, Stealth Black, Cinder) plus seasonal rotations like Pewter, Calcite, and Loam.
As with most Norda shoes – go a half size up.
Specs:
- Weight (Men’s US 8.5): 9.45 ounces
- Drop: 5mm
- Stack Height: Heel: 26mm / Forefoot: 21mm
Impressions:
I half expected the 001A to feel like “too much shoe” for me. Instead, the balance was the biggest surprise. It’s technical without being overwhelming, light without feeling flimsy, and has just enough snap underfoot to make me feel like I was working with the shoe instead of against it.
At $295, it’s undeniably a premium option. But if the promised 1,000km lifespan holds true, it starts to look like a long-term investment rather than a splurge. Instead of burning through a couple pairs of trail trainers every season, this one might just be your one-and-done.
The Verdict:
If you’ve ever hesitated to lace up a shoe that looks built only for elites, the Norda 001A makes a strong case for everyday runners, too. Durable, technical, and now with a bit of propulsion, it feels less like overkill and more like a smart choice for anyone who wants to stay out on the trails longer.
