The aim of eco-minded design and fashion is to help protect the natural environment. To ensure that we still have a diverse and beautiful world to explore for years to come. For some brands, this feels particularly resonant. As a manufacturer of off-road, trail running shoes, norda is one of those brands. In its own words: “[it’s] our collective responsibility to protect exactly what makes trail-running so spectacular: the natural world we run through.”

Founded by a group of endurance athletes, the Canadian-based outfit works with innovative materials that combine performance and sustainability. Its latest release is an update of its flagship shoe, the norda 001.

The upper is made from Dyneema®, a bio-based fiber which is BlueSign® approved material and ISCC certified, in a seamless construction. norda claims that it’s “the world’s lightest and strongest material.” The fiber also boasts a low carbon footprint because of the renewable energy sources it uses in manufacturing. The Dyneema® fiber is combined with recycled Cordura® nylon to create an abrasion resistance upper.

On the sole plate is a Vibram exclusive design with grippy 5mm lugs, inspired by the rocky features of the Canadian landscape. These are designed to keep your foot from slipping on wet and dry ground. The midsole uses Vibram® SLE for soft cushioning on those long runs.

Elsewhere, the laces use recycled polyester while the insole uses a custom designed TPU to absorb the impact of foot hitting ground.

The norda 001 comes in three colors: all white, yellow, stone. All feature high-vis details to keep you visible in the dark. There’s also a special edition in collaboration with ​​Ray Zahab, the Canadian long-distance runner. This comes in a blue and orange colorway, inspired by the ice and desert landscapes that Zahab runs through. Five percent of sales of this particular model are donated to the charity impossible2Possible.

All this results in a strong and durable shoe that’s built for any trail you throw at it. A shoe that will last full seasons of hard training and racing. It’s also a shoe that provides something new for the category. It looks different and norda’s commitment to more sustainable design practices is refreshing to see in the running shoe world.

Take a look at the norda 001 on the brand’s website.