Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 Review: Ready For Six More Weeks of Winter

Introduction to the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3

MELISSA: This is my first experience with an Arc’teryx shoe, so I approached the Norvan LD 3 with an open mind and no preconceived notions — just my usual standards for a trail running shoe. For me, it’s all about cushion, grip, and comfort — qualities that keep me going strong, whether it’s a 10-mile training run or a 100-mile race. The Norvan LD 3 packs a lot into its design, boasting a durable and breathable upper, a cushioned EVA/polyolefin midsole, and a grippy Vibram Litebase outsole, so let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.

MATT: Like Melissa, the Norvan LD 3 was my first trail shoe from Arc’teryx. I was lucky enough to test the GTX version of the shoe, which features a Gore-Tex-enhanced upper. The rest of the shoe is identical, but you notice some differences between Melissa and my comments below, and I wanted to let you know where they might come from ahead of time.

I didn’t have any past experience to base my expectations on, but I was cautiously optimistic. Over the past couple of years, I’ve seen a trend in the trail running space where more broad outdoor apparel and gear brands have exploded onto the footwear scene. A few years ago, I was skeptical of Merrell and The North Face in a similar regard, and both have gone on to create some of my favorite designs and cement their legitimacy in the sport.

I realize that Arc’teryx is not new to the trail shoe game, but it does feel like some brand changes may have sparked a new approach and reimagined designs with their 2025 line. And, as a longtime fan of Arc’teryx’s apparel, especially for winter running, I was very curious to see how that might transition over to footwear and the Norvan LD 3.

What we like about the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3

MELISSA: The Norvan LD 3’s upper provides a comfortable fit with just the right amount of roominess and breathability — a great balance for long trail efforts. While I didn’t get the chance to test the Norvan LD 3 in snow, it handled wet conditions pretty well. The outsole design is also very neat and easy to clean — a quick spray with a hose post-run leaves it looking as good as new.

Moving up, the lockdown is secure with appropriate padding around the heel and in the tongue. I’m pleased to add that I finished a few longer runs with zero hotspots or blisters. The midsole delivers adequate cushioning and stability, making every stride feel smooth and supported. The Vibram Litebase outsole and 4 mm lugs provide excellent grip for any surface.

MATT: At first glance, the Norvan LD3 GTX doesn’t have any design features that jump out at you (other than the color, as the colorway I tested was an orange and red design that Arc’teryx calls Solaris). This basic and clean design grew on me, as there’s something to appreciate in simplicity, especially when it just works and isn’t over-engineered.

The upper is a single-layer mesh design reinforced with Gore-Tex and a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, of course, referring back to the all-important GTX name. I thought the entire upper provided a really comfortable and secure fit, including a splayed toe-box design that felt like the perfect width for me.

Also, the LD in LD 3 stands for “Long Distance,” and this shoe definitely feels like a long-distance cruiser for the trails. The midsole is on the firmer side, but it’s not harsh at all — it just promotes more ground feel and a locked-in ride, especially when navigating technical or sloppy trails.

I knew the Norvan LD3 reminded me of another shoe, but it took me a few runs before I realized it was the Salomon Ultra Glide 2. The shape of the shoe, the midsole stack and feel, and even the lace storage built into the tongue feel the same. Where the Norvan LD 3 GTX stood out in comparison was when it came to mud, rain, and snow. The Gore-Tex upper kept my feet dry and warm during a couple of wet and cold winter runs, and the Vibram Litebase Megagrip outsole was about as rock solid as you could ask for when it came to giving me confidence in my steps and keeping me upright.

What we don’t like about the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3

MELISSA: While the Norvan LD3 is generally on the lighter side, it personally feels a bit bulky and slow, so it might not suit runners who prefer a faster, more nimble shoe. The midsole is on the stiffer side — a feature that adds stability and protection on technical terrain but may not appeal to those who favor a more flexible and adaptable midsole for the trails.

My real complaint, though, is that I received my pair of the Norvan LD 3 in all-black. It’s crazy — previously, I loved the idea of a solid black running shoe. However, now that I see the execution, I’m actually not thrilled. This pair reminds me of the non-slip kitchen shoes I used to be forced to wear when I waited tables in college. Of course, this could just be me reliving my Shoes for Crews trauma, and it probably doesn’t bother anyone else.

MATT: I got lucky and really liked the Solaris colorway that Arc’teryx sent me, but having seen Melissa’s service industry worker black version, I can firmly say she got the short end of the stick here.

The Norvan LD 3 GTX is labeled as lightweight, and my US M10 came in at a bit over 9.5 oz, which, for a Gore-Tex trail shoe, is pretty impressive. The shoe feels heavier on foot for some reason, which I think could be because of the firmness of the midsole and the lack of spring in the toe-off in a world where we’re spoiled by carbon plate technology. This shoe is definitely more about keeping you comfortable, protected, and dry over the long haul.

Arc’teryx has priced the Norvan LD 3 GTX at $200, which I think is a bit steep for what the shoe is designed for. There are a number of other Gore-Tex versions of trail trainers that could be had in the $130-$150 range, like the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX, Saucony Peregrine 15 GTX, or Xodus Ultra.

Final thoughts on the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3

MELISSA: Overall, the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 is a solid, straightforward, no-frills trail shoe ideal for longer training runs and race efforts. It has great stability, cushioning, and enough grip to keep you going for miles and miles. Although I wasn’t able to try the Norvan LD 3 on snow and ice, I have no doubt it would perform well.

MATT: I was really impressed with the Norvan LD 3 GTX, its simple yet effective design principles really provided a positive running experience. I think that if you’re looking for a shoe for the cold and possibly wet/snowy winter months that will let you rack up the miles on those long runs, you will be happy having this shoe underfoot. I especially enjoyed the blend of lightweight breathability and mix of warmth and protection that the upper provided.

If you don’t mind spending the extra $25-$45 to get a shoe that not everyone else will be wearing and are curious about Arc’teryx, I think the Norvan LD 3 GTX is a really solid Winter trainer.

You can pick up the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 for $165 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.