Here’s what we love about the Norda 055 for trail running (Spoiler: It’s everything)

Introduction to the Norda 055

TAYLOR: Norda. Just the name conjures up everything I love about trail running footwear. Norda’s design, performance, and quality are top-notch in everything they do. As a result, their rise has been exponential. Not many brands can claim to go from startup status to a household name in a handful of years.

Just last year, Norda released the 005. The short version of our review is that the shoe will certainly end up in the trail running hall of fame. It redefined lightweight performance, durability, and pure fun on the trails in the modern era.

It’s undoubtedly one of the best ever. Even so, a couple of issues kept it from GOAT status. Many folks had issues with the softer, unstructured heel collar. Others simply wanted more underfoot to take this shoe further in our ultra-oriented world.

This new model addresses both points. The Norda 055, in a nutshell, is an elevated version of the game-changing 005. It utilizes a higher stack of Arnitel foam and a more structured collar with an integrated knit collar. Other features are virtually the same, with a Dyneema upper and Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole — because why change what we loved?

Honestly, this is exactly what we hoped for in the successor to the Norda 005.

JARED: If you liked the 005 but wanted a little more, this is your shoe. More midsole, more tread, more ankle collar, more heel padding. It still has that magical midsole, but with almost 10mm more stack, it feels like you’re running on clouds. It’s essentially the maxed-out version of the 005, built from the same materials that made that shoe great — from the Arnitel TPEE midsole to the Bio-circular Dyneema upper to the Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole. I have no doubt that the 055 will last just as long, if not longer, than the 005.

And no, that’s not meant to be my conclusion — I’m just that pumped about what Norda pulled off. Let’s talk about it.

ALEX: I’ve been looking forward to getting into this shoe since it was announced late last year. Then Rachel demonstrated its capability at Cocodona, and I was even more eager to get it. I am always on the hunt for the shoe that hits a sweet spot with durability, design, stability, and all-day (after day after day) comfort.

Despite a couple of valiant efforts to make the 005 work, I failed to find a secure fit that addressed all of my highly specific heel and ankle demands. Just some context for my thoughts, as I know the others on the review have spent a lot of time in the 005 and will be drawing some comparisons.

This is the first model that has looked the most promising for what I’m typically looking for in a shoe, starting with more cushion and more protection for going longer. Because sometimes, more is more.

REESE: At this point, it feels like Norda, the brand, needs no introduction. Although a smaller brand volume-wise and I’d speculate revenue-wise, compared to say, a Brooks or Nike, maybe even your La Sportiva types. The Norda name has risen, like the rich cream on your favorite Brown Cow yogurt, to the top in the trail running space.

As a reviewer, I approach every shoe as if I’m a pretty terrible parent, and every shoe is like a child trying to prove itself to me. Exhausting, no? It would be a pretty terrible way to live, but to review, it’s not bad. It keeps my skepticism high, my “prove me wrong/right” in check. This is a long way of saying, I try very hard not to play favorites. However, Norda is one of those brands that tends to bring a glimmer to my eye and a smile to my face.

The 005? In a word, amazing. The 008 recovery slide? A shoe I wear daily. The 001a? Versatile, with a float-on-the-clouds-type feeling. Again, I’m being long in the tooth here, but Norda has proven itself over and over again, earning a reputation for making not just incredible shoes of the highest quality materials, but shoes that feel and look genuinely different than what’s on the market.

Finally, getting to the point, the 055 is the shoe I’ve been most excited about since I first laid eyes on it back at The Running Event in December. It promised to be the big sibling to the 005, one of my most loved shoes. On one hand, amazing. Who doesn’t want a new version of a favorite? On the other hand, lots of expectations to live up to. What if the 055 turns out to be the prodigal son, so to speak? Expectations are good, but, alas, they can set someone up to fail or be disappointed, depending on your vantage point.

Spoiler alert: no prodigal son here.

What we like about the Norda 055

TAYLOR: Knowing that all of us reviewers have buckets of thoughts we are ready to dump into this section, I’ll try to keep it brief but real.

Like the Norda 001a, the Norda 055 is one of those odd shoes that actually gets better with miles. That’s an all-inclusive clause covering the various aspects of this shoe, which is so rare in our modern era of performance footwear.

Generally speaking, fit has always been phenomenal for me with all Norda models. I prefer to go a half size up from my typical M10.5 to a US M11 to completely dial in my preferences. There’s a little extra room for length; the forefoot is accommodating without being wide; and the midfoot/heel are secure thanks to the integrated knit sock/collar and the tried-and-true fitlock system in the midfoot.

As the Dyneema upper (which is bulletproof, btw) breaks in, it conforms around your foot. Reviewers have likened it to a trusty pair of jeans or a leather jacket. It also breathes and drains water really well. Honestly, aside from a single comfort issue I’ll get to in the next section, the fit is optimal.

I will be the first to admit that my initial runs in the Norda 055 were a little underwhelming, as I had my bags filled with expectations that this package, thanks to the added stack of Arnitel TPEE foam, would be extremely lively and fun. It took many miles to get there, but by 50 miles, the true character of the Norda 055 started to reveal itself.

Yes, it’s a luscious, bouncy, and protective ride. Arnitel is such a unique foam that it’s hard to compare it to anything other than other Norda models. Instead of being exactly like the Norda 005 or the same sensation as the 001a, the Norda 055 found itself right between the two. Even though the 38/31mm stack is high, there was still a slight amount of ground feel to maintain that connection with the earth below.

With more foam comes the need for a denser profile. As mentioned, I came to appreciate this the more I ran in them. In the end, the Arnitel midsole lacked some of the excitement of the 005, but it made up for it with performance over long distances and on technical terrain. This is one of the very few high-stack shoes that don’t give a rip about their stature — the 055 can send it regardless.

The more aggressive rocker delivers a very smooth ride on lighter terrain, while the broad footprint and foam density provide the dynamic stability needed for technical terrain.

Heel construction certainly has a hand in this fight, too. It has always been a point of contention with Norda — especially with the 001, 001a, and 005. The 055 puts a lot of attention on this region to promote a comfort-forward yet practical fit. The obvious adjustment is an integrated sockliner with a higher sock-like collar.

With this comes an optimally cushioned tongue, and a rim of padding lines the top half of the heel counter as well. The heel counter ain’t perfect, but it does provide more comfort than any of the aforementioned models. All of this strategic cushioning allowed for a more secure fit and contributed to a dynamic, stable ride as well.

Vibram Megagrip Elite is a no-brainer for a performance-oriented shoe. It’s lighter weight than pretty much any other outsole on the market and delivers S-tier grip. The 5mm lugs dug into everything from hardpack to mud and scree.

JARED: I’m a big fan of the Arnitel TPEE midsole. It’s a huge part of what made the 005 so good, and the same is true for the 055. With a 38mm stack, there’s an extra 9.5mm of cushion compared to the 005. As you might imagine, this gives it a much more protective ride, but it’s still bouncy, responsive, and reminiscent of the 005 midsole. Opening up on a long descent, I could really feel the extra cushion. It felt smooth and fluid, making me want to run faster.

The outsole is the real deal. It thrives on loose, steep, and rocky terrain, but is versatile enough to feel good on gravel and the half mile of pavement I have to run from my house to the trail. The lugs measure at 4.5mm, with a few knobs that extend to 7mm — the kind of tread you want for big mountain adventures. It uses the same Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole material as the 005 and the Brooks Cascadia Elite, which has a soft, tacky feel that’s great for traction on a variety of surfaces.

It’s hard not to be skeptical about the stability with a 38mm stack, especially given that the platform width is the same as the 005. I immediately took it on some steep, rocky terrain to test it, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it handles it all pretty well. I think this is due to the shoe’s flex and torsion; it seems to flex with the terrain, which keeps it from feeling tippy or rolling an ankle. Despite the high stack, I still feel connected to the ground in a way that gives me confidence.

A few other features that differentiate it from the 005 are the padded knit tongue, high ankle collar to help keep out debris, and a more padded heel. The 055 has excellent lockdown, no lace bite, and a heel collar that’s more padded than the 005’s. I didn’t experience heel slip at first, but I did later. I think it might have been temporary due to lacing, but more on that in the next section.

Lastly, I love the Norda aesthetic, and in my opinion, the 055 is the best-looking shoe they’ve made, yet. Norda brings effortless style and function together better than anyone.

ALEX: Norda does an incredible job when it comes to design principles. Their commitment to purpose-driven minimalism, applied to every single thing they produce, won me over at the very beginning.

I have always been drawn to their neutral colorways and minimal designs. If you’ve read any of my reviews, you know I always take issue with the “shrink it and pink it” approach that way too many brands apply to women’s running shoes and clothing. Sue Bird does a great job explaining why this actually matters.

I typically wear a US W8.5, but sized up to a W9 in the 055. While not quite as roomy as my most recently worn Hoka Speedgoat 7 or Altamesa 500, they fit well, though I did opt for a slightly thinner sock to give myself a bit more room. If I were to run a 100-mile race (or longer) in this shoe, I would size up a full size to accommodate my trusty blister-prevention sock layering technique.

One of the first things I noticed and immediately appreciated was the padded tongue. Instead of the thinner suede/micro-suede single layer, the tongue on the 055 has what I would describe as the plushest tongue on the market. The padding is just right for aiding in a secure fit, keeping debris out, and preventing lace bite. It is also fully, seamlessly integrated into the knit heel collar to function as a hybrid gaiter.

The 055 gaiter rocks. At preventing rocks. I used to religiously wear gaiters. My early go-to was the Dirty Girl gaiters, until my ankle swelled so bad during a 100-mile race that I thought I was going to have to cut them off. I definitely didn’t panic at all… Fast forward 10 years, and I found the full-zip Kahtoola INSTAgaiter, which I wore for all of Cocodona and loved, though it is an extra thing to carry and think about.

Up until this shoe, poorly designed, built-in gaiters have ruined a number of shoes for me. Often, the issue occurs at the seam where it attaches to the heel collar, causing rubbing. For example, I loved everything about the La Sportiva Proigio Pro… except the gaiter. I had terrible hot spots on long runs, so I had to abandon the shoe.

The 055 increases the stack height by 9.5 mm over the 005, providing maximum shock absorption. Paired with a well-designed rocker, the ride feels plush, protective, and smooth, and instills confidence. As previously noted, the Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole lends itself to traction that is exceptional. It feels sticky and secure on technical terrain and isn’t so aggressive that you notice the lugs on roads or hard-packed, smooth trails.

I have the pleasure of living in the same household as Jared and have seen him put the 005 through a lot of tough miles. He is still reaching for it at 600+ miles. While the price point is high, I am confident that the 055 will prove as hardwearing as every other shoe in the Norda lineup. The bio-based Dyneema upper is tough and light, and has an unmatched strength-to-weight ratio. In addition, the Arnitel TPEE foam, along with providing high energy return, resists premature compression, effectively enhancing durability and lifespan. I really appreciate it when a brand can both tout and deliver on durability. That term is thrown around too loosely in my opinion, and I have found very few brands that can live up to the standard.

REESE: A lot has already been written here, so unlike my intro, I’ll keep this brief and leave the totally unnecessary fluff, analogies, and metaphors that always seem to creep their way into every single one of my reviews behind.

On a scale of one to 10, 10 being: no notes, perfect, hold it right there, don’t change a thing ever, the 055 scores 9.5 from this judge. The fit is far better than the 005, at least from my somewhat low-volume foot and narrow-heel vantage point. I was able to securely lock my foot in, without it feeling anywhere close to a vice grip (shoot, I’m doing it). This is due to one part to the excellent lacing system and one part to the design of the upper. If you were also someone who loved the 005 but wished it fit a little more snugly, this 055 might be the proverbial Goldilocks’ perfect bowl-of-porridge fit. (whelp.)

If you’re expecting the exact same midsole feel as the 005, you’ll be a bit disappointed. Not because the Norda 055 midsole is bad; it’s not at all. In fact, I like it maybe more than the 005 or at least, it’s just different, and I love it for being different. Because of the higher stack, if Norda made this shoe feel exactly like the 005 does, I assume it would be like running on suspiciously pliable playdough that is 1000% eyeing your ankles and stabilizing muscles from below.

I am generally suspicious of any shoe that falls into the high-stack category, but I found the 055 to be one of the more stable high-stack shoes I’ve tested. I typically avoid all crazy descents if I’m in a high-stack shoe, but I trusted this one. And thus far, it’s given me no reason to suspect it’s maliciously watching my ankle ligaments for just the right moment to lose balance and snap wildly to the side.

The 055 midsole is indeed “responsive,” but that doesn’t do it justice. Because of the rocker and the Arnitel TPE, the closest word I can even begin to land on for how I feel while running on smooth single track is “nirvana.” Which, yes, is a noun and also not typically a descriptor for a midsole, but I’m just callin’ it as I see it.

The Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole stuck to everything incredibly well, yet somehow it didn’t bother me or feel like a tractor tire on the road. And I didn’t feel like a tractor on a main road, going slow with a bunch of cars angrily lined up behind me. (I’ve given up on being concise, I see.) In fact, it didn’t bother me at all to run on the road in this shoe. Which is crazy to think that, on one hand, this shoe is the perfect choice for a 100-plus-mile trail race. And on the other hand, it’s totally unencumbered on a road. Nirvana indeed.

Aesthetically, I love this shoe. So there’s that. Also, fit-wise, like all other Nordas, I went up a half size from my normal size (W7.5), and the fit was perfect.

What we don’t like about the Norda 055

TAYLOR: With sincere trepidation, I come to you bearing news that none of us wants to hear. As with all Norda shoes (minus the 002), the heel still has a bite. There is definitely more cushion and structure compared to other models. Both elements are integral to the success of this shoe; however, the heel counter rubbed on steep uphills and had some consequent digging on the downs (much more noticeable uphill).

A little lubricant and a longer break-in period continued to improve the issue. Going a half size up helped even more. For me, though, the problem was never dire (like in the 001), but it never went away completely either.

Outsole durability is slightly concerning as well. After 60ish miles ranging from smooth gravel to 13k peaks, my forward-most lugs (wrapping up toward the toe bumper) are deteriorating noticeably. The rest of the outsole is completely intact with minor chinks on a couple of lugs. While the rubber is light and very tacky, its softness may limit the shoe’s longevity. At the same time, because of the overall durability, it might offer a rare, sensible example of getting a shoe resoled. My glass is still half full, obviously.

On a more personal note, I think the Arnitel midsole, which is admittedly optimal for this design, lacked the wow factor I was hoping for. I wanted it to be closer to the standout 005, but it wasn’t. And that’s more than okay. I’m just prepping some of you for the slight letdown if you notice the same thing. Rest assured, it gets better with miles.

Lastly, weight will be of utmost concern for some. Like some of my favorite high-stack shoes, the Norda 055 isn’t a featherweight, but it can still run like one. My US M11 came in at 11.6oz (330g). It tips slightly toward the heavy side of average and lands in the category of the Nike ACG Zegama Trail (11.9oz/337g), Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 2 (11.2oz/317g), Kiprun Kipsummit Max (10.5oz/299g), and Scott Kinabalu Ultra (10.1oz/286g) despite costing quite a lot more.

JARED: There’s not much I don’t like about the 055, but there are a couple of minor things.

The extra weight. I get it, you can’t make a shoe with more of everything without it gaining some weight. I was still a little surprised to see 336g. (11.8oz.) in my US M11.5. It’s really not that heavy compared to a lot of trail shoes, but I can’t help but compare it to the super-lightweight 005 (261g / 9.2oz). That being said, if you want light and minimal, the 005 is a better choice. If you want a little more of everything for those big mountain days and 100-mile or 250-mile races, the 055 is your shoe. Most importantly, once you start running, the 055 doesn’t feel heavy.

I didn’t have an issue with heel rub on my first couple of runs, but once I took it out on some long, steep climbs, I started to notice some rubbing. Eventually, I stopped and tightened my laces, which seemed to help. It’s hard to say if this will be an issue in the long term, but it’s worth noting.

Also, it’s worth mentioning the sizing. Despite Norda’s recommendation to size up, I find the 055 fits true to size. There seems to be some inconsistency depending on who you talk to, though. Some size up, others stay true to size. If you’re new to Norda, it might be worth finding a pair locally so you can try it on.

ALEX: I agree with Taylor’s assessment of the heel. My left foot is slightly bigger than my right, and I experienced some heel rub at the base of my heel on steep uphills. I did not have any issues on the downhills, and I’m hopeful that as the shoe breaks in, some of the rubbing might resolve on its own. Apart from that, the heel and heel collar worked well for me and my chubby, chronically inflamed Achilles.

My only other complaint is stability. I found it to be a little less stable than some of the other shoes I am running in right now, granted, one is the North Face Altamesa, which was built with a deliberately wider underfoot platform and foam sidewalls. This could be a me, not them, problem, however. Sometimes running in highly stable shoes makes me a bit complacent.

Ok, one more minor thing that does bug me — every time I take it off, the insole comes out with my foot.

REESE: I don’t have a lot of substance in this section. My narrow ankles and Achilles didn’t mind the heel and collar. I once had some rubbing on my forever swollen ankle/Achilles on the second run, but I’ll chalk that up to just getting out the kinks, as it has not happened persistently or since that one run.

I’d recommend double-knotting the laces (even though these laces are better than the ones that come on all other Norda shoes).

Lastly, and this is maybe just a “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” type deal, but even though I love the look of the shoe, I can’t help but look at the padded tongue and think of the iconic Reebok ’90s pump-up shoes. The ones in which you (and I) obsessively squeezed the little basketball pump on the tongue of the shoe, which allegedly adjusted the ankle fit. And honestly, given the structural integrity of my left ankle, it isn’t something I’m opposed to. (If you’re reading this Norda…)

Final thoughts on the Norda 055

TAYLOR: The Norda team has done it again. They’ve brought an entirely new offering that honors their intention while having one of the sleekest designs and top-shelf quality.

I’ll be the first to admit that the Norda 055 didn’t match my excitement expectations. I’ll also be the first to admit that the package itself is better. There’s still a bouncy, cushioned, and functional ride that is extremely versatile. The Norda 055 feels equally at home on fire road as it does among the peaks. With such a high stature, that’s seriously incredible.

For me, the Norda 055 works best in moderate-to-technical terrain and prefers longer distances. With that being said, I’d do just about anything in this shoe and be happy as a lark.

While $325 is a shocker of a sticker price, I honestly believe it would last the life of 1.5x any other shoe on the market while retaining its integrity. I don’t have the time to fully prove that it would be 2x or 3x more durable, but Rachel Entrekin would vouch for those stats.

JARED: The 055 took the very successful 005 platform and built it out into a more maximal shoe made for longer days and bigger adventures. Wherever the 005 falls a little short, the 055 delivers, and vice versa. With more protection, comfort, and better traction, while still maintaining that magic midsole feel, the 055 truly feels like a shoe that excels at whatever you need it to. I’m looking forward to spending a lot more miles in this shoe.

ALEX: I had more fun testing this shoe than maybe any other shoe, ever. Maybe it was the anticipation, maybe it was that good. I think it was both. It is so much fun to anticipate something and have it live up to expectations. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate that the 055 is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. I cannot wait to see how many miles I can get out of this shoe and how it gets better and better. It thrived in the Wasatch, next up: some San Juan adventures. It’s going to be a very good summer full of adventures together. Also, I know change is the only constant in life or whatever… but Norda, never change this shoe.

REESE: While I’m kidding about pretending to be a sadistic parent who can never be pleased regarding the shoe-reviewing approach, I have to admit, Norda has yet again proven why its name is synonymous with quality and innovation in the trail-running space. With the 055, Norda has stayed true to its brand and ethos, creating a shoe that is of the highest quality, using materials that will all but ensure it will last far longer than most shoes on the market, and yet the shoe isn’t pigeonholed into this discipline or that, ie, only good for gravel roads or only good at short technical efforts.

It’s a shoe that can excel just about anywhere you take it. And they didn’t sacrifice aesthetics for functionality or vice versa. As the French Canadians might say, “Parfait, j’adore ça!”

You can pick up the Norda 055 for $325 from Norda by using the buttons below.