
The Norda 005 is the lightest trail racing shoe on the market and a true premium product. At $325 MSRP, it’s priced above competitors like the Hoka Tecton X 3 ($275) and Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide ($250), but the premium materials immediately justify the cost, including a Dyneema upper, TPEE midsole, and Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole. On foot, it feels incredibly light, low to the ground, and peppy—noticeably lighter and faster than most trail shoes, including the original Norda 001. The fit is exceptional, with a perfectly dialed lockdown, excellent laces, and an upper that cinches smoothly without bunching; we recommend going up a half size. The ride is energetic and bouncy without being max-cushioned, delivering great stability and confidence in footstrike on technical terrain. Grip is outstanding, especially in snow and icy conditions, making this a standout option for fast trail running. It’s not built for roads, but as a pure trail racer, the Norda 005 is a lighter, faster, and softer evolution of the 001—and firmly in contention for best trail shoe of all time.