The Norda x Black Diamond 000 is the perfect mashup shoe for trail running

Introduction To The Norda 000

ALEX: Norda keeps showing up in big ways. I had no idea what to expect when I pulled this Norda x Black Diamond collaboration out of the box. I immediately loved what I saw. Despite being a bit unsure about what I was seeing. At first glance, I saw a 001-esque midsole and outsole, with a 002-esque heel collar. And maybe an upper material that will outlast us all.

I am a big Norda fan, so I fully admit there’s some bias when it comes to my review of their products, though I think that bias is deserved. They've proven again and again that they make products that not only check all the aesthetic design boxes for me, but also make things that last. Norda is expensive, and I think it's important that we don’t gloss over that fact. But in a world of seemingly disposable gear, I do think there’s value in paying more for something that’s genuinely built to last. If it actually does. Norda has proven themselves in this area.

There’s also a lot of hype around the brand. From the materials, the design aesthetic, the athletes, the collaborations. So with this one, I went into my testing with the goal of really trying to make the shoe earn any praise on its own. For example, if you take away the Norda x Black Diamond branding, and all the cool factor that comes along with it, how good is the shoe?

TAYLOR: I’ll join Alex in saying that I’m a fan of Norda, Black Diamond, and really any brand that creates such quality products that it is synonymous with their names. That’s why when I first heard about this collab, it just made sense.

The 000 is a shoe that we’ve asked for since before the 002 even dropped. As good as the original 001 was, pretty much all of us reviewers wanted more comfort and lockdown from the heel construction. Boom. 

Then the 002 came to town, and we had that… then we just longed for the comfort and confidence that the midsole/outsole combo from the 001. The 003 almost filled that niche but lacked some runnability because of its position as an approach shoe.

Time went by. 

The 005, ground-breaking. The 008, comfort central. The 055, technical terrain and ultras beware. The 000... Finally.

What we like about the Norda 000

ALEX: This is the best of the best. Norda worked with Black Diamond to take what feels like both of their best design elements and materials, and integrated some important new technology to produce a mountain-ready shoe that will take you just about anywhere.

I put over 70 miles in this shoe and ran on everything from buffed-out trails to loose, steep, technical terrain in the Wasatch, then took it to the San Juans for a training weekend where I got to test it on big climbs and descents hitting 30% grades and everything in between.

After all of that, I think I have a confession: I missed ground feel. I think I talked myself out of being someone who appreciates or needs it. Ever. Between this and the Salomon Genesis 2, I’ve come to realize that I like it. I missed it, even.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of days when I greatly appreciate feeling nothing but soft, bouncy, protective foam underfoot. But lately, I’ve noticed how much more confident I feel with more contact with the ground. I’ve been a lot more cautious in my high-stack, dense-midsole shoes, running with some reservations as a result. With more ground feel, I feel a bit more free.

The Vibram Stream Flow midsole feels fantastic. I know nothing about it other than that. The ride is protective like the 001 and agile like the 002. Add the Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole, and there is nothing you can’t take this one on. It feels like this could be the answer to some of the midsole chunking that we have seen on the 005 and 055 after some aggressive wear through technical terrain.

I don't know what Vibram Stream Flow is, but I love it.

The fit is secure through the mid and forefoot, aided in part by the FitLock lacing system that Norda fans will feel right at home in. The heel is very well designed; once I put it on, I didn't even think about it. The amount of padding, height, and overall shape was perfect. After 100-plus miles in the 055, I started to get a little heel rub, so I was really happy to see a more universally fitting, traditional heel collar on the 000.

The upper is made from a seamless, bio-circular Dyneema fiber that is incredibly strong and both weather- and abrasion-resistant. I have no doubt that this upper will last. The entire package – down to the laces that are also made with Dyneema – is so durable.

If/when I get into Hardrock, I'm going to run in this shoe. Unless someone else makes something this good. It moved so well in that type of terrain, and the level of all-around protection, stable ride, traction, and durability make this a standout for me. I had a blast testing this and I find myself continuing to reach for it.

TAYLOR: Durability is always at the forefront of Norda conversations. It’s baked into their DNA. The Norda 000 seems to take that to another level here with a familiar recipe. 

We’re talking about a seamless Dyneema upper, a Vibram Stream Flow midsole, and a Vibram Megagrip outsole. All are proven warriors on the trail that will undoubtedly allow for hours in the shoe more than any others on the market. I can see this shoe lasting twice as long as the Salomon S/Lab Genesis 2 or one-and-a-half times the North Face Offtrail Ultra or Arc’teryx Vertex. The build quality is truly top of the pyramid.

While it's a rarity these days, it's not a surprise that the entire package took time to break in. As with jeans, good work gloves, a cast iron skillet, or a late bloomer, the 000 took time to come into its own. I’m glad I had that mentality approaching this review. Admittedly, the package was a bit too tough for my preferences initially, which just forced me into more rugged miles with the shoe.

As adventures piled on, the more its character came out. I don’t want to give the illusion that it softened up quite like the 001 did, but it gained some more flexibility that only improved functionality. With that came confident protection and more precision. Both qualities are more than appreciated in the alpine.

As for the ride, there’s no real rocker assisting you. There’s no supercritical foam bouncing you down the trail. It’s a very unmechanized underfoot sensation. This ride is fashioned for pure cognitive and physical stability. If you’re a frequent mountain goer or dine on technical terrain, it will be a trusted recipe for anything from the approach, to scrambling, to bombing the descent.

The combo of the Vibram Stream Flow midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole provides moderate protection while offering a similar amount of ground feel. The wider profile added natural stability, too. As mentioned above, this shoe took time to break in. When all was said and done, I felt a medium-firm sensation underfoot that can rock and roll wherever you want to.

I achieved a nice fit through the midfoot via the FitLock system that includes a full gusset and strategic lacing chain, allowing for comfortable lockdown. Perhaps the star of the show is the properly cushioned and structured heel. Although it's a little wider, the heel construction added to the ability to find a comfortably secure lockdown.

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What we don't like about the Norda 000

ALEX: The downside of this particular Dyneema upper is that it's thick and warm. It will be great for the days that bring a little weather, when you're moving through abrasive terrain, or generally sloppy conditions, but it's a bit on the warm side for summer. All that being said, I am still reaching for it on 95-degree days. It's that good.

At first glance, the price is hard to swallow. Norda sits at the premium end of the market. That said, the durability and materials help justify it. If the shoe outlasts two or three cheaper pairs of shoes, the value starts to make sense. All that being said, value does not equal affordable, and the price tag will put this out of reach for plenty of runners.

TAYLOR: Touché, Alex. The upper is extremely durable and weather resistant, but it also lacks breathability.

The tongue follows suit. It was rough and tough and caused some irritation on the front side of my ankle on my first couple of runs. Thankfully, like the rest of the shoe, it softened up with miles and became pretty much a non-issue. I’ll still add some Body Glide there for longer runs, though.

While the fit was mostly satisfactory, I found myself really wanting one more eyelet at the top of the lacing chain or more attention to the fit of the heel. It was a bit wide, which allowed for some side-to-side slippage on more techy terrain. It wasn’t ideal, but it also wasn’t detrimental.

Up next, let's merge the Norda 000 and the Norda 055 for the truly perfect Norda shoe.

If I could create a wishlist item, though, I’d throw an integrated tongue/gaiter on here that’s the same material as the 055 but just a little taller. I think it would solve both issues discussed so far.

Perhaps the most important thing we have to talk about is sizing. If you're eyeing the 000, go up a full size from your typical running shoe or another half size up from your Norda size to correct for length and materials that won’t stretch out. I went up to a US M11.5 even though I typically wear an M11 for Norda and an M10.5 for almost all other brands.

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Final thoughts on the Norda 000

ALEX: The Norda x Black Diamond 000 is my shoe of the year. There, I said it. It even knocked the 055 off the top of the podium for me, which is a surprise.

What makes this shoe so fantastic isn’t any single component or feature. It’s the way it all comes together: ground feel without sacrificing protection, a secure, stable ride that maintains agility, incredible traction, and materials that feel built to last more than a season. As the shoe breaks in, I find myself liking it more and more.

It’s expensive, a bit warm, and it won’t be for everyone. But if your idea of a good day involves big climbs, steep descents, rough terrain, unpredictable weather, and a lot of time on your feet, this is the ideal shoe for you.

TAYLOR: While Alex seems ready to drop everything for the Norda 000, I’m mostly happy with it. I see it as a tool in my quiver that does the job well, time and time again. A major perk is how this shoe gets better with time and, believe me, you'll get a lot of time out of it. It certainly makes the $295 price tag more interesting.

I have some reservations about fit and all-day comfort. I also think that if you want more “character” in the ride, there are some other options out there, but I can’t argue with how confident it makes me feel.

The Norda x Black Diamond 000 is a dependable offering for those who want predictable footwear for the unpredictable nature of technical terrain.

You can pick up the Norda 000 for $295 at Norda (and Black Diamond) by using the buttons below.

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