Norda, a Canadian brand known for pushing the status quo in trail running, is unveiling its newest innovation: the 005. The shoe is designed as the ultimate race-day trail shoe, combining lightweight technology and midsole innovation for unparalleled performance. It’s set to launch in spring 2025.
If you’re unfamiliar with Norda, the brand was founded in Montreal by husband-and-wife Nick and Willa Martire in 2021. Over the past three years, it has built a reputation for crafting durable, high-performance shoes without the flashiness typically associated with top-tier running footwear. Norda focuses on integrating elite technology and sustainable materials to create the lightest, strongest and most efficient shoes on the market. The 005 model is no exception.
Technology meets durability
The 005 combines three components: Dyneema, Vibram, and Arnitel. “Our goal was to make a race-day shoe that provides the highest performance possible for athletes but also lasts for many races — not just one,” shares Louis-Martin Tremblay, head of design at Norda. Super shoes are traditionally designed for one-time, peak performance, but Norda aims to disrupt that norm by delivering durability that defies the limits of trail running footwear.
Midsole innovation: The 005 features an Arnitel thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC) midsole, providing resilience and rebound. After two years of testing, Norda’s athlete team determined Arnitel to be the most durable and high-performing foam for trail running, outlasting typical superfoams.
Advanced outsole: Vibram’s new Megagrip Elite rubber soleplate, making its debut on the Norda 005, delivers unparalleled traction on both wet and dry terrains. This cutting-edge compound is Vibram’s lightest and stickiest rubber to date, engineered exclusively for the 005. The Megagrip Elite is essentially a “Formula 1” race-day compound for trail running, providing ultimate grip and precision on technical courses. Paired with Vibram Litebase technology, which reduces the outsole weight by 30 per cent, this soleplate maximizes both grip and stability while keeping the shoe as light as possible.
Lightweight upper: The upper of the 005 is constructed from a unique bio-based Dyneema and recycled nylon weave, making it incredibly lightweight (just 210 grams) without sacrificing strength or sustainability. Dyneema is a remarkable material because, despite its feather-light feel, it’s one of the world’s toughest fibres, giving the shoe resilience and flexibility. This thoughtful combination means the Norda 005 isn’t just built to last through rugged terrains but also aligns with environmental responsibility.
Who is the 005 for?
The Norda 005 stands out for its unique combination of components, making it both a high-performance option for elite athletes and a durable investment for any dedicated trail runner. This shoe is specifically geared toward athletes aiming to push their limits on race day. Norda recommends the 005 for any runner looking to maximize their potential. By merging durability with advanced trail-running performance, the Norda 005 promises to appeal to both elite runners and serious amateurs.
The Norda 005 will be available for CAD $325 at nordarun.com in spring 2025.
