Norda 001A Review: Much more than an A for Effort

Introduction to the Norda 001A

TAYLOR:  Landmark. That’s one way to describe the Norda 001. It brought premium to run performance in a way that made them viable in both the trail and boutique markets.

Long story short, Norda’s quality ingredients and attention to technical detail made for one mean trail shoe that lasted so long that the $295 price tag was a legitimate offer.

Following on the heels of that success came the more technical performers in the Norda 002 and the Norda 005. While the 002 was a lower-to-the-ground technical beast, the 005 was truly next-gen in the trail racing category, which has made the race day option one of the most popular this year. A large part was due to the Arnitel foam used underfoot.

The Norda 001A is their third drop in a calendar year. I imagine the product briefing for this was pretty quick. If customers liked this from the 001 and loved that about the 005, why not combine them for an ultimate crowdpleaser?

Nods all around. Enthusiastic thumbs up accompanied the grinning silence.

Think of this update as a 0.5, which we have seen in the past when a brand keeps most of the shoe intact but makes a key swap for performance purposes. Well, maybe it’s more like a 0.75 update because while the biggest change is a major one with the midsole swap, there are other little difference makers included as well.

REESE: I’ve been lucky enough to own some Nordas, but I’ve never run in a pair. I’ve certainly seen them showing up more often at races, and I love, love, love my 008 slides. But I’ve always had this weird notion that they were a little too fashionable for me, which likely meant I wouldn’t be the biggest fan of how they felt on a run.

Sometimes, not always, looks don’t translate to practicality. Oop. I was wrong. The 001A is an update on the previous 001, which I own and have merely walked around in. Mostly while golfing. So I can’t offer a comparative look, but I’ll be the voice of the fresh Norda eyes.

THOMAS: Do I belong here? Maybe. Maybe not, but like an ill-fitted plaid blazer-wearing inebriated uninvited guest, I’ll come in and knock over the champagne fountain to share my opinion.

What we like about the Norda 001A

TAYLOR: Visually, the Norda 001A is identical to the original model. That’s purposeful for the continuation of the instant-classic styling and to leverage the existing performance. I’m here for it, because even though the 001 debuted four years ago, it is still involved in trail runners every day rotation. I can’t think of any other shoe from 2021 that still exists in this way.

We know the Norda 001A is beautiful. Let’s move on.

But let me tackle the little things first. This shoe is softer all the way around, with a slightly lighter and softer Dyneema upper, a more forgiving liner, and, of course, the Arintel TPEE midsole. This is all felt to the touch and in motion.

The upper is one of the Norda 001A’s hallmarks because it is virtually indestructible. Like the previous version, the fit also slowly gets better with age. Because I have experience with other Norda models, I was actually looking forward to this break-in period.

The Norda 001A’s shape has always impressed me, too. It simply works for a variety of feet. It has a slightly more rounded toe box as opposed to the traditional one, and the midfoot/heel region offers some wiggle room. Even though I wouldn’t consider it a wide option at all, because of the shape and Norda Lock System (fully-gusseted tongue with reinforced medial midfoot), it simply fits in a performance-enhancing way where both comfort and technical abilities are honored. I love that there was continuity in the way.

Keep in mind that you should size up at least a half size.

As in the original 001, the Norda 001A stuck with the tried-and-true Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole with 5 mm lugs. It performed expectantly, too. The tacky full-coverage rubber gripped well in a variety of terrain and conditions.

Some runners have claimed that the outsole wears down quickly; however, I believe that is because the rest of the shoe outlasts the outsole. Based on my wear testing of previous pairs before the new Norda 001A, the Vibram outsole has a promising durability rating that will last hundreds of miles.

If you didn’t know, the sole also has a topo map etched into it, paying homage to the Canadian Shield. I love these kinds of easter eggs.

Are you finally ready for the verdict on the updated midsole? FYI, you were a victim of a journalist’s version of clickbait by getting everything else out of the way.

Is it actually better than the Vibram midsole used on the original? Well, you’re talking to someone who really loved the first foam because of its durability, versatility, and protective yet connected nature. To be honest, this new Arnitel midsole takes all of those characteristics and adds a more comfortable and performance-enhancing spin.

While this is the Arnitel TPEE foam famously utilized in the 005, it doesn’t feel as light and squishy as that race-day shoe. In my opinion, that’s actually better for this specific case. The Norda 001a has a denser version of this foam that still gives the soft step-in and moderately energetic ride, allowing the wearer to feel very in control on even the most technical terrain. Natural stability was very noticeable.

For those who thought the original was too firm or lacked character, take the 001A on for size.

Being that the Norda 001a has a midsole stack of 26/21 mm, plus the 5 mm outsole, and about a handful more millimeters with the eTPU insole, the Norda 001a lands in the moderate this stack height category. This is a shoe I would personally use for an extensive variety of trails. It could easily go the distance of 50k to 50 miles with confidence.

REESE: The best way to start this section is to describe the feeling I had on one of my first runs in the Norda 001A. I had just been resting for five days, fresh off the six-day TransRockies running race. I wasn’t expecting to feel great. Running 120 miles over six days at high elevation and camping definitely took it out of me. And yet. There I was, running one of my recovery routes. Through my headphones, the song, Purple Sun, by Cannons hit my brain like a massive flood of serotonin.

The trail had become a larger crusher fine path; it was hot, but not too hot. I suddenly just felt like I was floating, flying, gliding. My stride felt so… so… easy. Did someone slip me mushrooms? I don’t know if it was the shoes, the delirium from the week before, or the five days off. I can’t say for sure, but it felt like the Nordas just carried me away, and I was just pure vibes. I promise no shrooms were involved. Jamming out to the music, smooth stride, nothing in my way. It was glorious. But really, the shoes just got out of my way. The foam, chef’s kiss.

Norda states that its Arnitel TPEE midsole delivers 30% more rebound, up to 10% less weight, and the same signature durability that lasts beyond 1,000 km. I can’t verify the 1,000 km claim, as your girl has certainly not run that much in this shoe. But I can confirm that the shoe is incredibly lightweight, and the foam is somehow so plush but so responsive. It’s trippy.

The Norda Lock lacing system and the laces themselves are actually quite nice. Nordas always look a bit wide to me, a bit shapeless, but the lacing system really allowed me to lock in my midfoot, where it felt snug and secure. I still feel like my feet are a little too narrow for the toe box, as I had ample room, but I don’t think that’s an overall negative for this shoe, just something to note. The laces didn’t feel particularly durable, but like everything about this shoe, they surprised me. Made from recycled polyester, these laces were light and stayed tied, which is all laces need to do.

The outsole is pretty incredible. Norda uses Vibram Litebase and Megagrip, which lighten the load, so to speak. This is great news, since the lugs are 5mm. That’s a luggy shoe. However, due to the tread pattern and the lightness of the materials, I didn’t feel bogged down by the shoe. They felt light and nimble.

I’ve used this shoe for speed workouts and road/trail runs, and even with the 5 mm lugs, I still felt that the shoe had some pop to it. It’s no road shoe, but even so, I found myself just being carried away with the Norda midsole. As for grip on technical trails? The shoes find grip on just about everything. Norda found a perfect combination with this outsole.

THOMAS: This shoe has everything I adored about the 001. Norda upgraded the shoe with foam that provides a better feel, more squish, and a lighter weight. Hold my beer; this shoe spanks. I liked the 001 so much that I was able to compromise on the weight and blockier midsole. The 001A feels like a true big brother to the 005. The 001A is sturdier but has that fun in the foam feel as you trample the trails.

What we don’t like about the Norda 001A

TAYLOR: It seems that maintaining the design has its blessings and curses.

For me, it meant the same old thing. Personally, the front ankle collar and tongue juncture bit me. It’s really a case of the collar being a bit too rough. I wish it were a case of the break-ins, but it persisted through each run, sadly.

As you’ll see from the testimonials below, the opposite side catches more people. I only had a little bit of rubbing on my first run in the Norda 001A, but it didn’t continue after that.

This isn’t necessarily a negative, but weight wasn’t much of a difference. I had a pair of US M10.5 in the Norda 001 that weighed 11.1 ounces, which is pretty standard in terms of weight. My US M11 in the Norda 001A was 11.0 ounces. So, even though lighter materials were used, the weight savings won’t be noticeable.

REESE: I don’t have much to put in this section — rare, I know. The only potential negatives I noticed are maybe just personal, based on my foot shape. Because I like a more snug fit throughout, I did have some extra room in the toebox that felt a little generous. This might be great for a lot of people, as I said above. I think this would be handy for ultras, but on my daily runs, it’s a bit much.

The other thing I noticed is that I experienced some rubbing around the ankle from the tall collar. It just occurred on my left ankle, so it might be because I land a little wonky on that leg. Guess my body is just imbalanced.

THOMAS: It’s the way the heel counter made me bleed that had me upset. Like, c’mon, Norda, this is one thing I would have liked fixed since the 001 came out.

Final thoughts on the Norda 001A

TAYLOR: Tasteful. That’s how I would describe the Norda 001A update. Perhaps, even classy?

Norda maintained the beautiful aesthetic and character and increased performance and comfort.

For those who have been Norda 001 fans, you’ll find this to be a magical alteration underfoot, but it does run the risk of irritating in the same old ways around the collar, too.

Even though this is a shoe that approaches 300 bones, because of the full value of performance, durability, and aesthetics, I would dare to say that the Norda 001a is worth most any trail runner’s consideration.

REESE: I judged the book by its cover too quickly, I suppose. Turns out I really like Nordas. Who knew? The design team perfectly balances form and function. They really do the whole “keep it simple, stupid.” What I mean by that is, even though the entire shoe is thoughtfully engineered, it just looks like a really simple and elegant shoe.

I could see this shoe being comfortable for ultra runs or races. It’s super versatile, which I enjoy. A lot of shoes I’ve run in lately have felt hyper-specific, like I’d need to find the perfect conditions to use them properly. But the Norda 001a is a shoe I’d be able to take just about anywhere and run comfortably in.

Although it sounds like my perfection conditions were met when I first tested them, I highly recommend everyone throw on this shoe, listen to Purple Sun, and just vibe out.

THOMAS: Oh, I am into this one for sure. If the heel counter didn’t bother you in the 001, you will find the update to be sublime. The 001A is like getting your favorite burger, but now they’ve made it with Wagyu Beef. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better. I’ll see my way out now.

You can pick up the Norda 001A for $295 from Norda using the buttons below.