A Lightweight Racer for Moderate Trails
Image: official product image from nordarun.com
Is the Norda 005 good for ultrarunning?
Yes, the Norda 005 is a strong option for ultrarunning on roads, fire roads and moderate trails. At 214 g with a springy TPEE midsole and grippy Vibram outsole, it feels nimble over long distances. Its 7 mm drop and limited protection make it less suitable for deep soft ground or highly technical routes; size up half a size.
Key facts
| Category | Trail shoes |
|---|---|
| Release | Unveiled at UTMB, August 2024; on sale 13 March 2025 |
| Price | $325 |
| Key specs |
|
| Best for | Ultrarunners seeking a lightweight race shoe for roads, fire roads and moderate, less-technical trails. |
| Consensus score | 8.0 out of 10 |
What is the Norda 005?
Released in March 2025, the Norda 005 is a lightweight trail racer weighing 214 g in a men’s US 8.5. It has a 28.5 mm heel and 21.5 mm forefoot midsole stack, with a 7 mm drop. Its Arnitel TPEE midsole sits beneath a Bio-Dyneema upper, while the Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole has approximately 4 mm lugs. Testers at iRunFar weighed their larger men’s US 9.5 sample at 230 g. The shoe comes with daily and lighter race insoles.
How does it perform on long runs?
Reviewers describe a springy, smooth and nimble ride that works across roads, fire roads and moderate trails. iRunFar highlighted traction on slick, manageable surfaces, while Believe in the Run stressed that the ground feel comes with limited protection on rougher routes. The approximately 4 mm lugs suit firm and moderate terrain better than deep, soft ground. For ultrarunning, the low weight and two supplied insole options add versatility, but the Norda 005 is best matched to less-technical routes.
Who should buy the Norda 005?
Choose the Norda 005 if you want a lightweight race shoe for mixed road and moderate-trail ultras, and value a lively ride over substantial underfoot protection. Reviewers report weak midfoot or heel lockdown, so it may work better for wider feet than narrow or low-volume feet. Norda recommends going up half a size. The low toe-box ceiling noted by one reviewer and laces that may come untied are worth considering. At the listed $325, it is a specialised option rather than a technical-terrain shoe.
What reviewers agree on
Strengths
- Very light, nimble and responsive ride
- Bouncy, smooth midsole with a broad platform
- Grippy outsole on slick and moderate surfaces
- Durable, abrasion-resistant upper
- Works well for road-to-trail routes and mixed-terrain racing
- Comes with daily and lighter race insoles
Weaknesses
- Limited lockdown at the midfoot and heel
- Runs small, with a low toe-box ceiling noted by one review
- Limited protection and stability on rough, technical terrain
- Short, shallow lugs are less suited to deep or soft ground
- Laces may come untied
Frequently asked questions
How does the Norda 005 fit?
The Norda 005 runs about half a size small, and Norda recommends sizing up half a size. Reviewers also report limited midfoot or heel lockdown, with the fit potentially better suited to wider feet than narrow or low-volume feet. One reviewer noted a low toe-box ceiling.
Is the Norda 005 durable?
Reviewers describe its Bio-Dyneema upper as durable and abrasion-resistant. The outsole uses Vibram Megagrip Elite rubber, but the approximately 4 mm lugs are relatively short and are better suited to moderate terrain than deep, soft ground. The available reviews do not establish a specific lifespan.
How does the Norda 005 compare with a more protective technical trail shoe?
The Norda 005 prioritises low weight, a nimble ride and road-to-trail versatility. Reviewers note limited protection and stability on rough, technical terrain, so runners tackling that kind of route may prefer a shoe designed for more underfoot protection. The 005 is better suited to roads, fire roads and moderate trails.
Sources behind this review
How this review works: the consensus score of 8.0 out of 10 condenses the verdicts of the independent reviews and lab tests listed above, compiled by endurance coach Paul Forrest. Prices and specifications are those quoted by reviewers at the time of testing and may have changed.
Training for an ultra? See endurance coaching with Paul Forrest.
