Norda 001A and 002

My son uses them 3 to 4 days a week day hiking and running, and gets a full (Canadian) 3 season out of a pair.  He finds them very grippy, and pretty breathable.  He prefers the 002 because the 001 chafe his heels, he figures due to thinner material in back.   Size up on them.  He’s a 12 but needs a 13 in Nordas.

These are made in Montreal so a bit easier to get for us Canadians.

Good to know about the heel. How’s the toe box? Narrow or roomy?

He said it was roomy, letting his toes splay out nicely on descents.  IIRC, he has normal width feet.  Its been a while since we had to buy him shoes :)

Pulled the trigger on the Nord 001A.  Haven’t taken it yet on a trail but thus far has a very good ground feel yet the Arnitel TPEE midsole softens the steps. There is a comfortable amount of room in the forefoot yet not sloppy. It is heel-lock capable but I haven’t had to use it thus far. I have fiddled around with various other lacing  techniques.

I haven’t had any issues thus far with the dreaded heel blisters but that remains to be seen in the weeks to come. I did use a new pair of Balega Blister Resist socks and will use Leukotape P is there is any sensation of unwanted rubbing.

The bottom, with its Vibram Megagrip, felt sticky and in control so I expect it will allow me to move about the trail with confidence. I’ll put it through its paces in the next few weeks and report back. The good news is it has passed the inital fit-and-feel test with flying colors.