The Norda 001A
The Norda 001A The trail shoe built different.
What is Norda? Not your average running shoe brand.
Founded by Canadian runners Willa and Nick Martire, Norda was created with a clear goal: to build a better trail running shoe.
After years of running, travelling and working in the footwear industry, they wanted to create a shoe that could balance performance, durability and sustainability without cutting corners. Norda says its early prototypes were tested in tough Canadian conditions ranging from -35°C to +35°C, on the trails between Montreal and the Eastern Townships.
That harsh-weather testing ground says a lot about the brand. Norda is not built around soft lifestyle marketing or throwaway seasonal trends. It is built around technical materials, long-distance trail performance and shoes that are made to take a proper hiding.
For runners, hikers and outdoor users who want a premium shoe that can handle real terrain, Norda has quickly become one of the most interesting names in trail footwear.
"The world doesn’t need another trail running shoe."Norda Run
It needs a better one.
Why Norda is different. Familiar ingredients, rebuilt from scratch.
Most trail shoes are built from fairly familiar ingredients: mesh uppers, EVA foam midsoles and rubber outsoles. Some are light, some are grippy, some are comfortable, and some are durable. Norda's whole point of difference is trying to bring those qualities together in one package.
The Norda 001A uses three key pieces of technology: a woven bio-circular Dyneema® upper, a proprietary norda™ x Arnitel® TPEE midsole, and a norda™ x Vibram® soleplate with Litebase® and Megagrip® rubber.
In simple terms, Norda is for people who care about what a shoe is made from, not just what it looks like on the shelf.
Shop Norda at Land & SeaMeet the Norda 001A. The workhorse of the range.
Norda 001A · $500.00 NZD
The model to look at if you want one premium trail shoe that can handle a bit of everything: trail running, long-distance efforts, gravel tracks, wet ground, rocky terrain, fast hiking and general outdoor use. Norda describes the 001A as its most versatile "do-everything" model, built with enough cushioning for ultra-distance efforts while still being responsive enough for daily training or race efforts.
| Weight | 268g (US M 8.5) 232g (US W 8) |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Stack | 26mm heel / 21mm forefoot |
| Outsole | norda™ x Vibram® Litebase® & Megagrip®, 5mm lugs |
Pros
- Dyneema upper delivers exceptional abrasion, cut and wear resistance.
- Cushioned, stable and connected ride that suits ultra distances and daily training alike.
- Vibram Megagrip with 5mm lugs handles hardpack, gravel, wet rock and mixed surfaces.
- Built around long-term durability rather than seasonal trends.
Cons
- Premium price; this is not the shoe for someone chasing the lowest tag.
- Not a dedicated deep-mud shoe, and we would not pretend it is.
Our take, in short
This is not a soft, sloppy comfort shoe. It is a technical trail shoe with a premium build and a serious durability focus. That makes it a strong choice for New Zealand conditions, where one outing can easily move from hard-packed gravel to wet bush track, rock, mud, grass and short road sections before you are back at the car.
Norda, unboxed. See the 001A up close.
Key features. What you're actually paying for.
Dyneema® upper
The upper is one of the biggest reasons people pay attention to Norda. The 001A uses a woven bio-circular Dyneema® upper designed for high abrasion resistance at a low weight. Norda says Dyneema is up to 15 times stronger than steel by weight and gives the shoe exceptional resistance to abrasion, cuts and long-term wear. Rocks, roots, scrub, dust and repeated flex all punish shoes over time; a normal mesh upper can start looking tired quickly. The 001A is built for people who want a shoe that can handle repeated use without falling apart after a few hard missions.
Arnitel® TPEE midsole
The 001A is an updated version of Norda's original 001, and the biggest upgrade is underfoot. Norda says the 001A uses a new Arnitel TPEE midsole designed to improve comfort, responsiveness and energy return compared with the original 001. The goal is not maximum softness; this is not trying to feel like a marshmallow road shoe. The 001A is built to feel cushioned, stable and connected to the ground, which is useful on uneven terrain where too much softness can make a shoe feel vague or unstable.
Vibram® Megagrip outsole
Grip is non-negotiable in a trail shoe. The 001A uses a custom norda™ x Vibram® soleplate with Litebase® and Megagrip®, plus 5mm lugs. That means it is made for varied terrain: hardpack, gravel, wet rock, loose trail, forest tracks and mixed surfaces. It is not a dedicated deep-mud shoe, and we would not pretend it is. But for most trail and outdoor use, the outsole gives the 001A a strong mix of traction, durability and stability.
eTPU insole
The 001A also uses a custom eTPU insole, designed for energy absorption and return. That is a small detail, but it adds to the overall feel of the shoe. Instead of relying only on the midsole, Norda uses the insole as part of the ride. The result is a shoe that feels protective without feeling completely dead underfoot.
Norda 001A technical specs.
| Feature | Norda 001A |
|---|---|
| Weight | 268g US M 8.5 | 232g US W 8 |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Stack height | 26mm heel / 21mm forefoot |
| Lug depth | 5mm |
| Upper | Woven bio-circular Dyneema® |
| Midsole | Proprietary norda™ x Arnitel® TPEE blend |
| Insole | Custom eTPU |
| Soleplate | norda™ x Vibram® Litebase® and Megagrip® |
These specs are listed on Norda's official website.
What terrain is the 001A best for? Mixed trail. That is the sweet spot.
For New Zealand use, this is where the shoe starts to make real sense. A lot of our tracks are mixed. You might have gravel access, wet roots, exposed rock, clay, grass and packed dirt all in one session. The 001A is built for that kind of variety.
A good option for
- Gravel tracks and hard-packed trails
- Dirt singletrack and forest roads
- Rocky terrain and wet bush tracks
- Light mud
- Fast hiking and long-distance trail efforts
- Short road sections between trails
Not the best choice if
- You only run on the road
- You want the cheapest possible trail shoe
- You prefer a very soft, plush road-shoe feel
- You need a heavy hiking boot with ankle support
- You are looking for a dedicated mud racing shoe
That does not make the 001A bad. It just means it has a specific job. The 001A is for trail, mixed terrain and long-term use. If that sounds like overkill for what you do, it probably is. If that sounds exactly like what you need, this shoe is worth a proper look.
Fit, value and FAQ. The questions we get in store.
Is the Norda 001A good for hiking?
Yes, especially if you prefer moving light and fast. The 001A is technically a trail running shoe, but many of the features that make it good for trail running also make it useful for hiking. It has grip, cushioning, durability, a secure upper and a stable platform.
It will not replace a heavy hiking boot if you need ankle support or you are carrying a big pack through rough backcountry terrain. But for day hikes, fast hikes, travel, hut approaches, coastal tracks and lighter outdoor missions, it is a strong option.
This is where Norda appeals beyond pure runners. Some people do not want a bulky hiking shoe. They want something lighter, more breathable and more versatile, without stepping down into a flimsy casual sneaker. That is the 001A's sweet spot.
How does the Norda 001A fit?
Norda shoes run small, so sizing matters. Norda recommends measuring heel-to-toe in centimetres to find the correct size. If you are between sizes, take the larger size.
Norda also says the 001A has an anatomical toe box for natural foot splay, while still offering secure lockdown through the midfoot and heel. In plain English: expect a secure performance fit, but do not blindly order your usual size without checking the size guide.
Simple advice: measure your foot, check the Norda size chart, and if you are between sizes, go up.
Who should buy the Norda 001A?
The Norda 001A is a strong choice if you want one premium shoe for serious outdoor use. It suits:
- Trail runners who want durability and grip
- Ultra-distance runners wanting a protective daily trainer
- Fast hikers who want something lighter than a boot
- Outdoor users who move across mixed terrain
- People who are hard on shoes
- Customers who care about materials and long-term performance
- Anyone wanting a premium trail shoe that can double for casual outdoor wear
It is especially good if you are sick of chewing through trail shoes and want something built with a durability-first mindset.
Is the Norda 001A worth the money?
Let's be blunt: the Norda 001A is expensive. But it is expensive for a reason. You are paying for Dyneema, Vibram, Arnitel, premium construction and a shoe built around long-term durability. This is not the shoe for someone chasing the lowest price. It is the shoe for someone who would rather buy one serious pair and use it hard.
Norda says many of its athletes exceed 1,600km in the 001A while maintaining performance, although actual lifespan will depend on terrain, use and how hard you are on your shoes.
That is the real value argument. The 001A is not about being cheap up front. It is about cost per wear, durability and performance over time. For the right person, that makes sense.
Final verdict. Built to go further.
The Norda 001A is the shoe that best represents what Norda is about: premium materials, technical trail performance, strong grip and long-lasting construction.
It is not a basic running shoe. It is not a fashion sneaker pretending to be technical. And it is not a soft road shoe with trail lugs slapped underneath. It is a serious trail shoe for people who want durability, grip and confidence across mixed terrain.
If you run trails, hike fast, explore rough tracks or simply want a premium outdoor shoe that is built to go further, the Norda 001A deserves a place on your shortlist.
