Norda 001a Review: A Remarkable Trail Running Shoe

Contents

The Norda 001a does not split the difference between design and trail running performance.

It never really feels like they compromise design for function or function for design.

Instead, it comes across as a shoe where both were pushed as far as they could go. Most shoes ask you to give something up somewhere along the way, but this one rarely does.

The First Thing I Noticed about Norda 001a

The first thing I noticed in the Norda 001a was the foam. It is slightly softer than the original 001, and it shows up right away.

That change is a little surprising if you know Norda. They tend to get things right the first time. Design, materials, positioning, even how they show up in the community. The original 001 was not for everyone, but for the runners it worked for, it really worked.

So when they updated it, it was not about fixing something broken. It was about refining the feel.

The midsole now uses a custom Arnitel-based TPEE blend, similar to what they introduced in the Norda 005. The result is more resilience and a bit more energy return without losing the grounded feel the 001 is known for.

You feel that balance immediately, even if you have never run in the original.

The defining feeling of the 001a, though, is still the fit. The way the heel locks in. The way the shoe holds you on technical terrain. It feels less like something you put on and more like something that moves with you. More extension than accessory.

What The Norda 001a Believes About Running

I believe the Norda 001a is a statement piece. In a podcast conversation with Inky Steve, we compared the original 001 to the Nike Air Max 1, not for performance, but for what it represents. It feels like more than just a running shoe.

Cofounder Nick Martire has spent his life building footwear companies, and the 001a reads like a culmination of that experience. Nothing about it feels compromised. The decisions come across as material-first, with design and function moving together.

It treats running as something worth elevating. It prioritizes what runners need and adds things they may not realize matter until they feel them. Price is not the starting point. The thinking is forward.

What stands out most is who it attracts. When I see someone wearing Nordas around Europe, I usually say hi. It feels like we might have more in common than just the shoes.

Norda 001a Specs

The Norda 001a is for runners who value connection and precision over softness. It suits those who want to feel the ground, move confidently on technical terrain, and are willing to invest in gear that reflects that priority.

It will not appeal to runners who prefer highly cushioned, forgiving shoes. This one feels more direct and asks a bit more from you.

The upper is made from Dyneema, giving it structure and long-term durability. The outsole uses Vibram rubber with reliable grip across varied terrain. Underfoot, a custom Arnitel-based TPEE midsole adds some resilience while keeping the ride grounded.

Key Specs