GoKawiilRunning is supposed to be an affordable hobby. But we are in the era of ultra-premium running kit, where boutique brands and fashion-running collabs tout high-spec, high-tech gear with high prices to match. From Satisfy’s $140 mothtech tees to SOAR x Altra’s $285 trail shorts, there are some eye-watering, pricey kit on the shelves. That goes for shoes, too.
Road racing shoes like the Adidas Adizero Pro Evo 2 now tip the $500 mark. On the trails, brands like Speedland and Canadian shoemaker Norda are pushing the prices. Norda’s shoes start at $295. The new 001A G+ that we tested costs $325. That’s not far off the price of an Apple Watch Series 11. It’s also a step up on the already-pricey top-tier trail super shoes from brands like Hoka, Asics, and Adidas.
Is it really worth it? As a full-time shoe tester, I’ve run in dozens of trail shoes right across the price range. But this is my first time lacing up a Norda. I put 50 miles into the 001A G+ to see if you can really justify spending more than $300 on a trail shoe.
New Kicks on the Rock
Photograph: Kieran Alger
Footwear industry veterans Nick Martire and Willa Leus-Martire founded Norda in 2021. The pair set out to create high-performance trail shoes that would last. Like most boutique brands, Norda focuses on using top-quality materials with a heavy attention to detail, right down to the toughened recycled polyester laces. The company also delivers a touch of stylish swagger.