Norda
001A
The 001A updates Norda's do-it-all trail shoe with an Arnitel TPEE midsole, a Dyneema upper and a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs. Reviewers found it soft yet responsive and naturally stable, with strong grip, though several had rubbing from the collar.
What's new: Swaps the original 001's Vibram midsole for Arnitel TPEE foam, which Norda says gives 30% more rebound and up to 10% less weight, with a slightly lighter, softer upper.
About the 001A
Norda calls the 001A its most versatile, do-everything model: an optimally cushioned ultra-distance trail shoe that also covers daily training, racing and technical terrain. It upgrades the original 001 with a bespoke Arnitel TPEE midsole, a foam that Norda says improves comfort, responsiveness and energy return without a break-in period.
Underneath is an exclusive norda x Vibram soleplate combining Litebase, which Norda says cuts overall sole weight by 30%, with Megagrip rubber and 5 mm lugs. The seamless woven upper is bio-circular Dyneema, laced with Dyneema and recycled polyester, and a removable 5 mm eTPU insole sits inside. The heel stack is 26 mm with a 5 mm drop. A G+ membrane version is made for wet, cold weather. In the range, the 002 is lower to the ground, the 055 is the taller all-mountain model and the 005 is the lightweight race shoe.
Specs and features from nordarun.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.
Video reviews
Watch Norda 001A reviewsOpens YouTubeWhat the critics say
The reviews in briefBelieve in the Run's Taylor Bodin, Reese Ruland and Thomas Neuberger rated the Norda 001A highly for its softer, responsive midsole, stability, grip and durable upper, but all three had rubbing from the collar or heel counter. UltraRunning Magazine's Donald Buraglio also found it bouncy and secure, a versatile and significant upgrade.
- Positive: Soft but responsive midsole that feels stable on technical ground
- Positive: Secure midfoot lockdown from the lacing system
- Positive: Grippy Vibram outsole on wet and dry trails
- Mixed: Toe box is roomy, which suits some feet more than others
- Negative: Collar and heel counter rubbed several testers
- Negative: Little weight saving over the original 001
Paraphrased from published reviews. Read them in full:
The numbers
- Trail
- Type
- 298 g
- Weight
- 26 mm
- Heel stack
- 5 mm
- Drop
- No plate
- Plate
- Neutral
- Support
Weight for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. New model: figures are early and get re-checked every month.
What it feels like
Fit
Runs small
Norda and reviewers advise going up half a size; Believe in the Run testers found the toe box roomy but some had rubbing from the tall collar and heel counter.
What Reddit runners say
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On TikTok
001A on TikTokShort reviews and wear tests from runnersWhere to buy the 001A
RRP around £260. Tap through for today's price.
Norda 001A
In short
A good pick if you want one durable, grippy trail shoe for daily miles through to ultras on mixed terrain. Size up half a size, and look elsewhere if tall collars tend to rub your ankles.
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