Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. With a focus on delivering “unrivaled durability and performance in extreme conditions,” Arc’teryx released the Norvan LD 4, the latest iteration of their most popular trail running shoe. Focused on pure mountain running, the shoe adapts to rugged conditions on just about any terrain.
Released in March, the Norvan LD 4 is a long-distance trail shoe “designed to inspire confidence for mountain training and adventures.” Updated from the LD 3, the LD 4 includes a low profile with a reduced stack height of 6mm (25mm/19mm). This allows for a more stable, secure ride over rocks and mountainous terrain. The 4mm lugs are designed to release mud and maintain grip in almost any weather with the Vibram Megagrip outsole with Litebase technology. Our testers found this to be true while waiting for the winter snow to melt off the trails. When traversing everything from muddy single track to rocky climbs, the Norvan LD 4 gripped terrain with ease, keeping our testers confident on technical trails. The lugs remained mud-free throughout over 100 miles of testing we put on the shoes, however, we did experience some wear between the midsole and the outsole. Constructed with 45C dual-density EVA compound, the midsole offers cushion and shock absorption for long miles in the mountains, and our testers found that it maintained both stability and support throughout testing.
The upper is consistent with Arc’teryx’s high quality standards. Senior director of global footwear development, Pam McNelis, says, “We brought in a better material than we had on the 3. It’s a little more durable with all the flexing and running into things on the trails.”
Made of two woven materials, free of PFAS, the upper was mapped to combine flex and breathability with targeted abrasion-resistance. The tongue wraps around the foot to provide a comfortable fit with added cushion to protect the top of the foot. Our testers loved the soft, pliable upper that moved well over miles of running and protected their feet throughout.
With the absence of any hard overlays, our testers appreciated the design of the upper along with a wide, soft toe box for a more relaxed toe splay.
“We keep evolving things—keep getting better at the individual aspects of the shoe—so that it maintains its integrity,” said McNelis.
With a locked-in heel and a lacing system that reinforces the upper to get a custom fit, the Norvan LD 4 is a shoe that performs well on mountainous terrain or buttery single track. With a solid grip and flexible upper, the enhanced performance keeps runners confident when out on the trails. Available in three colorways for men and five for women, we’re pretty sure we need an extra pair just to wear out on the town given their sleek style. Find them at arcteryx.com.
Features and Specs:
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- Stack Height (heel/toe): 25/19mm
- Heel-Toe Drop: 6mm
- Upper: Two woven PFAS-free materials
- Midsole: Dual-density EVA compound
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip outsole with Litebase technology
- MSRP: $170