Norda 001

The Norda 001 is a non-plated trail racer priced at $285. Made by its namesake—boutique Canadian brand, Norda—its standout feature is a rugged and durable Dyneema upper and a niche, heritage-driven appeal. We picked up this shoe after wearing the Nike Pegasus Trail Gore-Tex and feeling it didn’t have enough traction for the wet, muddy conditions common on North Carolina trails—especially during the rainy winter months. The Norda 001 is built for endurance-focused, long-distance off-road events. It’s not a super technical shoe but is marketed more as a hybrid trail-road option. It features 5mm lugs, a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole, a snug-fitting upper, and a cushioned EVA foam midsole. The EVA did take about 30 miles to break in, but once it did, the moderate stack and standard foam made it feel just right for trail use. While it performs better on muddy, single-track trails than on roads, it still offers a stable, planted feel even on more technical terrain. The Norda 001 is a great option for anyone looking for a one-shoe trail rotation—it’s incredibly versatile, working well for hiking, light runs, and trail races. It’s not the fastest or most exciting trail shoe out there, but it’s comfortable, has excellent traction, is great for extended time on feet, and stands out from the usual crowd of big-name shoe brands.