In a world where some high-end performance running shoes might only have a few proper races in them, Norda has done something radical: built a shoe that lasts. Properly lasts. One that can tear through mountain trails, survive the worst weather imaginable, and still scrub up well enough to wear at the weekend. It’s a serious trail runner engineered for serious athletes. But somehow – against all odds – it has also found a place in the wardrobes of stylists and fashionistos who have never so much as set foot on a fell in their life.
Founded in Canada, Norda set out with a simple yet wildly ambitious goal: to create the best trail running shoes on the planet. Not just good. Not just competitive. The best. The one you’d wear if you were running an ultra-marathon through the Rockies or hiking the entire length of Iceland. The result was the Norda 001, an unassuming, stripped-back silhouette that hides some of the most advanced materials in the footwear industry.
Norda: Built to survive
The key to Norda’s appeal is Dyneema – a high-tech fibre originally developed for things like bulletproof vests and high-performance sailing gear. It’s 15 times stronger than steel and, when woven into a shoe’s upper, makes it practically indestructible. You can scrape it against rocks, wade through rivers, or put it through hundreds of miles of abuse on the trails, and it still holds its shape.
Underneath, Norda partners with Vibram, the Italian outsole specialist responsible for the grippy rubber on some of the world’s best hiking boots. The result is a sole that clings to wet rocks and loose gravel just as well as it does to tarmac. Add in bio-based Dyneema laces, a lightweight yet responsive midsole, and a water-resistant finish, and you’ve got a shoe that feels over-engineered in the best possible way.
This is why serious athletes – the ones who measure their mileage in triple digits – swear by them. Unlike most trail runners, which wear down quickly, the Norda 001 is built to go the distance. It’s why you’ll see them on the feet of ultra-runners tackling multi-day races and mountaineers pushing through harsh terrain.
The unexpected fashion crossover
Yet, despite being a no-nonsense performance shoe, Norda has somehow caught the attention of the fashion world. You’ll find it stocked in places like SSENSE, END., and Dover Street Market – boutiques better known for avant-garde streetwear and couture than technical footwear.
Part of that is down to its understated, futuristic aesthetic. Unlike some of its more aggressive-looking rivals, the Norda 001 keeps things minimal – clean lines, monochrome colourways, nothing unnecessary. It’s a performance shoe that doesn’t scream performance, making it wearable for people who spend more time in the city than on the trails. And another part of it is no doubt down to the aspirational price point. Make no mistake – cheap shoes there are not.
It also speaks to a broader shift in the way people dress. Thanks to so-called gorpcore, function is fashionable now. Salomon, Hoka, and Arc’teryx have all seen their gear cross over into streetwear, and Norda – with its mix of brutalist styling and extreme durability – is the latest brand to make the leap.
A sustainable future for performance footwear?
Unlike most sneaker brands, Norda also puts sustainability at the centre of its design. The Dyneema it uses is bio-based, its materials are sourced responsibly, and its philosophy is simple: make something that doesn’t need replacing every few months. It’s a direct counterpoint to the fast-consumption model of mainstream sportswear, and in a category notorious for excess waste, it stands out.
Norda: More than just a running shoe
There are plenty of running shoes that work in the mountains. There are plenty of sneakers that look good on the streets. There aren’t many that do both.
Norda has somehow managed to create a shoe that blends these worlds without trying too hard. It’s a serious piece of kit for people who need it, but it’s also a beautifully made object, appreciated for its design as much as its performance. And whether you’re racing across a ridge line or just heading out for a coffee, that’s a rare thing to find.
Next up: The best trail running shoes to buy in 2025.
