Quickly rising to the top of the running world in just five years, Norda is now said in the same sentence as many of the longtime favorites in the space. Today, the Montreal-based boutique brand adds a fourth shoe to its lineup already consisting of the 001, 002, and 003 (and its variants).
The Fastest Trail Runners Ever
Billed as the “lightest and fastest super shoe ever crafted for trail runners,” the 005 is also Norda’s first-ever racing shoe. If you’re unfamiliar with what a super shoe is, it’s essentially a sneaker built with carbon fiber plating, thus decreasing the weight and improving your speed. Norda is known for its innovative materials and techniques (like hand-stitching and laser-cutting), and you’ll see more of that with its latest addition.
It’s All About the Materials
Debuting after two years of R&D, the 005 is essentially a road runner transposed for the trail. Like all of Norda’s shoes, the 005 leverages the brand’s favorite material for the upper: Dyneema, a water-resistant synthetic that’s also considered to be the strongest and lightest in the world, pound for pound. In this case, it’s a recycled version called Bio-Dyneema, and it features a weave pattern that helps with water drainage and reflective piping for better visibility. Available in an off-white Neve colorway intended to get dirty, the uppers are paired with smaller, 4mm Dyneema laces (instead of 5mm) for weight reduction.
There’s also some new tech, such as an interior foot binding that’s “engaged via the laces and ensures unwavering stability.” Norda is most proud of its proprietary fit lock system designed for racing. Basically, the heel collar features pods for locking in your foot, improving comfort, and preventing debris from getting inside — crucial in the wilderness. Likewise, the tongue is built with a microsuede that molds to your foot while also allowing heat to escape with its perforations.
Trail runners typically have a slightly larger stack heights than road runners, but the 005 bucks tradition with a 28.5mm heel height and a 7mm drop.
Interior Comfort
On the inside, you have two insole options. Regularly, you’ll likely opt for the molded Arnitel TPEE insole for training mileage. However, on race days when weight and time are of the essence, you can swap in the die-cut insole for improved performance.
Norda also utilizes Arnitel TPEE for 100% of the midsole — some 3x more than the competition, according to the brand. This allows for even more responsiveness and durability, along with less weight. Overall, these shoes weigh a about 7.5oz (U.S. men’s 8.5).
Underfoot, you’ll also experience a brand-new soleplate, under which features Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole — the world premiere. This outsole is said to be the “grippiest and lightest formulation ever created by Vibram,” including varying lug heights which optimize off-road running.
Proof in the Pudding
While the 005 is certainly one of the lightest trail runners on the market (we also know the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 is just under 6.8oz but without as much tech), Norda sent out one of its ambassadors, ultramarathoner Matt Seidel, in the 005 for the 2024 JFK 50 Mile Race. The shoes were just a prototype back then, but the runner finished the race in third with the eighth-fastest time in the history of the marathon.
Spec Sheet
Upper: Bio-Dyneema
Midsole: Arnitel TPEE
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip Elite rubber
Weight: ~7.5oz
Heel Drop: 7mm
Lug Height: Varying
Pricing & Availability
A pair of trail runners this amazing won’t come cheap. Currently, the 005 is priced at $325 — which is to be expected for all the tech and materials you’re getting. Head over to Norda’s website to grab a pair now.
Recap
Norda 005 Trail Runner
Norda adds the 005 to its lineup, an ultra-light trail runner with a Dyneema upper and some new tech for comfort and durability.
