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. In 2021, Norda launched itself into the trail running shoe market with the release of the 001 model. This debut shoe set the company standard for combining premium materials and durable construction elements, and became a dependable, “go anywhere, do anything” shoe. Their product lineup expanded to include the 002 model with a lower stack height, an approach shoe with the 003 model and a lightweight, high-performance shoe when the 005 was released earlier this year. The brand recently released the 001A, which is essentially a mash-up of the workhorse 001 model and the race-ready 005.
The “A” nomenclature represents the use of an Arnitel TPEE compound, which was the superpowered ingredient in the 005 in a slightly different formulation; otherwise, the model includes the same midsole geometry and stack heights. Uppers of the 001A see a significant upgrade in the use of Dyneema bio-mesh, the same material used on the 005 and maintain the Vibram Litebase outsole compound seen on the original 001.
Parts of our review of the 001A are informed by our ongoing experience with the 005 shoe. For example, the open mesh Bio-Dyneema uppers of the 005 have proven to be remarkably abrasion and puncture-resistant in our ongoing use (approximately eight months), and this same material is featured on the 001A, so we’re confident it’ll have a similar long-term performance benefit. Dyneema has a strength-to-weight ratio that surpasses steel and is known for its exceptional durability; the bluesign-approved bio-circular variant maintains those same properties while being responsibly sourced, primarily from timber industry waste. Seamless construction is utilized on the 001A just as on the 005, with slightly more substantial TPU overlays that combine with a Fit Lock system through the rear and midfoot to keep the uppers well anchored to the midsole. The increased overlays seem to effectively address the one quibble we had with the 005, which is that the forefoot fit can feel a little sloppy, especially for narrower feet. We were pleased to experience a locked-down upper fit in the 001A, even on stretches of technical roots and rocks on trails in the Sierra Nevada. Similar to other Norda shoes, the lasts run slightly small, and users are recommended to order up by a half size.
As for the midsole compound, Artitel TPEE, we have experienced it in a handful of shoes. The material’s high-performance qualities include strong elasticity, outstanding durability, a wide thermodynamic effective range and very light weight. Use of this compound is the primary reason why spec weights of the 001A are a full ounce lighter than the 001, while at the same time, it delivers a much more responsive overall ride. Norda’s research claims the shoe has a 30% resiliency upgrade in the new midsole compound compared to the original 001 model. One distinction between the 005 released earlier this year and the new 001A is that the 005 uses 100% Arnitel, while the 001A is described as a “bespoke” proprietary blend that is predominantly Arnitel but infused with other compounds.
Performance lifespan is another hallmark of Arnitel TPEE, and this is an additional aspect that is influenced by our ongoing use of the 005 shoe. With a few hundred miles on our 005 test pair, the energy return and “pop” from the midsole is still just as effective as it was during our initial miles. Norda states the midsole compound of the 001A will maintain consistent mechanical properties for more than 600 miles (1,000k), and this doesn’t seem like hyperbole from our experience with Arnitel thus far. Even better, the overall ride quality of the 001A is a combination of comfortable cushioning with great bounciness and elasticity, making easy miles more enjoyable and faster miles less of an effort. Stack heights on the 001A are a couple of millimeters lower than the 005 model, which isn’t a significantly perceptible difference in terms of overall ground feel, but if your feet feel a major impact from super-long days, the difference may become noticeable between 100k and 100 miles of continuous use.
Outsoles of the 001A stick with the Vibram Megagrip Litebase found on the original 001, with similar shape and configuration of the 5mm lugs to facilitate grip while going uphill and braking or maintaining stability on steep descents. Another carryover from the 001 is the application of the outsole rubber extending quite far up the back of the heel, which seems specifically designed for bombing down loose scree fields. The lug pattern has a smoothness on asphalt and road-to-trail scenarios, but is really more at home off-road, where it provides dependable, secure traction on wet and dry terrain, as well as technical and irregular surfaces.
The Norda 001A offers significant upgrades to the original shoe that launched the brand and remains positioned as a do-it-all shoe. The Norda 001A is available in men’s and women’s sizing at www.nordarun.com.
Features and Specs:
- Weight: 9.4oz men’s / 8.1oz women’s
- Stack Height (heel/toe, in mm): 26/21
- Heel-Toe Drop (mm): 5mm
- Upper: Dyneema Bio-based mesh
- Fit Lock upper and Dyneema laces
- Midsole: Proprietary Arnitel TPEE blend
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip Litebase with 5mm lugs
- Sizing: Recommended to order up by a half size
- MSRP: $295