Nearly a year ago now, Norda and fellow Canadian apparel brand Haven teamed up on a laceless version of the former’s revolutionary trail runners. Now, Norda ventures on its own to add a G+ graphene membrane to the mix, making the approach shoe much more capable of tackling winter weather.
Who Is Norda?
In just four years, Norda has assertively positioned itself to compete with many of the longtime favorites in the running world while also becoming a forefront leader in the boutique running category. Today, the Montreal-based company has become known for its trail running shoes, such as its 001 and 002 lines, made with innovative materials and techniques like hand-stitching and laser-cutting. They’ve especially taken to the material of Dyneema, a water-resistant synthetic that’s also considered to be the strongest and lightest in the world, pound for pound.
Norda 003 G+ Basics
Retaining the same design language as previous 003 models, the new G+ edition debuts in this Maple colorway, featuring a light brown upper paired with an off-white, almost cream sole. Returning to the silhouette are the Bio-Dyneema uppers, enhanced even further by a proprietary elasticized Bio-Dyneema that allows the shoe to retain its fit while you wear it. After all, this approach shoe should be able to handle a variety of scenarios, from trail running to scrambling to regular ol’ hiking.
Other features include the custom eTPU insole for maximum energy absorption, 360-degree hi-vis reflectivity for nighttime running, a padded heel, and the reversed heel tab which lets you easily attach these shoes to a backpack via carabiner. Also, the midsole and soleplate are made in partnership with Vibram. The former is a version of Vibram’s SLE (SuperLight EVA) foam while the latter combines Vibrams Megagrip and Litebase rubber with 5mm lugs.
G+ Unit
Now, the marquee feature of this 003 is the addition of a G+ graphene membrane, which intends to keep you dry and warm, with a 10,000mm waterproof rating and solid temperature regulation. And just like GORE-TEX, it’s designed to be breathable as well. This isn’t the first hiking shoe to feature G+ graphene — even Norda has employed the tech in the past — but it might be the most stylish.
Spec Sheet
Uppers: Bio-Dyneema
Insulation: G+ graphene membrane
Midsole: Norda x Vibram SLE
Outsole: Norda x Vibram Litebase and Megagrip
Lugs: 5mm
Pricing & Availability
Let it be known that the Norda 003 won’t come cheap. Priced at a whopping $325, the G+ version is even more expensive than the regular 003. It’s currently available now from the company’s website.
Recap
Norda 003 G+ Approach Shoe
Norda adds G+ graphene to its laceless 003, which brings waterproof, breathable, and temperature regulated properties to the approach shoe.
