Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX Review: Sleek Design, Standard Performance

Introduction to the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX

MATT: It seemed like only a few months had passed since I published my review of the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 when a package arrived on my porch. I had to do a double take when I unboxed the shoe, as I was shocked to realize that version four was already here because, at first glance, I mistook the Norvan LD 4 GTX for the Norda 005.

The design, featuring a super clean and sleek upper that just blends into the midsole with a monotone Sage colorway, was done by the FOARMS design agency, who are also behind the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide and the upcoming Satisfy TheRocker trail running shoe. This one definitely gave me major Norda vibes, which is a good thing considering the fact that I think Norda is producing some of the top trail shoes in the game. Once I had overcome the initial design shock, though, I noticed some subtle changes from the Norvan LD 3, mainly that the stack is visibly lower in the LD 4.

I had also tested the GTX version of the Norvan LD 3, so I was excited to see if I noticed any differences in the water protection features on top of the fit and ride. Overall, I found the LD 3 to be a bit of a basic yet solid daily trainer that checked all the boxes. For the price, it didn’t really wow me in any category, and I was hopeful that the minor changes Arc’teryx worked into the LD 4 would yield better results.

A quick overview of what this shoe is made of: First off, it’s GTX, which means it’s waterproof thanks to the Gore-Tex liner with Invisible Fit technology. An abrasion-resistant PFAS-free woven polyester upper is overlaid with laminated TPU reinforcement zones. The tongue pocket provides a secure stash area for the laces. A dual-density midsole looks to provide both comfort and energy return. The whole thing is finished off with a Vibram Megagrip with Litebase midsole, featuring 4 mm lugs.

Let’s get into the review.

What we like about the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX

MATT: As mentioned above, I can’t give enough praise for how good the Norvan LD 4 GTX looks. It’s a stunner and by far the best-looking model that Arc’teryx has made to date. If you’re being mistaken for a Norda shoe, you’re doing it right, and Arc’teryx has selected some unique colors that lend an earthy vibe on top of the clean lines. I’m particularly fond of the Sage colorway that I received, which looks just as good with some dirt on top.

Equally as important, the fit of the Norvan LD 4 GTX felt pretty similar to that of the LD 3, blending comfort with a streamlined design. I didn’t notice any extra or unnecessary features or overlays, which keeps the LD 4 GTX protective and secure in bad conditions without adding any weight underfoot.

The Gore-Tex-lined upper performs very well in wet and soggy conditions, keeping my feet dry despite a rainy run and a handful of stream crossings. I also don’t feel like the reinforced upper added any weight to the shoe, which is always a plus in my book. In what feels like an ode to Salomon, the lace pouch on the tongue is a nice touch, especially for a shoe built to encounter messy conditions.

Moving down, the choice of Vibram Megagrip on the outsole and the adaptable lug design delivers top-notch stability through soggy and wet single track, as well as dry and technical terrain, without feeling heavy or sluggish. I do not yet have the number of miles on the Norvan LD4 GTX to back up my claim, but the shoes seem to have another quality, aside from aesthetics, in common with Norda: Durability. The materials feel bomb-proof but are also easy to clean.

What we don’t like about the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX

MATT: As I mentioned above, the first noticeable difference between the LD 3 and LD4 was the lower stack in the LD 4. I didn’t initially take this as a negative, as often trail shoes with a lower stack can really excel in nailing the ground feel and stability you are looking for, especially in a shoe designed for four-season running and handling the elements.

The Norvan LD4, however, has a ride that was much firmer than what I experienced with the LD 3, and at first, I wasn’t sure if I just needed to break things in a bit. Now, after a handful of runs and no improvement, it seems that the combination of midsole foam choice and the lower stack has yielded a ride that is too firm for my taste.

I also found some heel slippage and extra space around the ankle, which were less than ideal for a shoe you may be eyeing to navigate technical and sloppy conditions. I don’t think it was a sizing issue, as the rest of the footbed and toe box felt secure and comfortable.

Lastly, and it has no bearing on performance, but with a sticker price of $200, the Norvan LD 4 GTX is not a cheap shoe. I do believe that the materials used are top-notch, and the shoe will last for a very long time, so that is part of the overall consideration. However, with other Gore-Tex-lined trail shoes, like the Nike Pegasus Trail GTX, often available for less than $150, I think it’s a fair callout.

Final thoughts on the Arc’Teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX

MATT: Overall, I love what Arc’teryx is doing with its designs of late, and I think that the Norvan LD 4 GTX is up there with the best-looking trail shoes money can buy. It’s well-constructed and built to last for a mountain’s worth of miles — it’s just a solid performer that will keep you dry and stable if you need something for rainy days and muddy trails. That said, it’s on the firm side, so if you like something softer underfoot, you might want to track down the Norvan LD 3, which I thought was more forgiving.

You can pick up the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX for $200 from Arc’teryx by using the buttons below.