Norda 055 Trail Shoe Review: A Plateless Super Shoe

The Norda 055 is a $325, sub-8-ounce trail running shoe designed as a plateless super shoe. According to a Runner's World review, it combines a poppy TPEE midsole, a single-piece Bio-Dyneema upper, and a Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole.

Runner Rachel Entrekin famously wore them to break the record at the Cocodona 250-mile race. The reviewer, who tests about 100 pairs of running shoes annually, was so impressed during testing on trails from the Adirondacks to New Jersey that she purchased a second pair.

A Grounded and Zippy Build

The shoe occupies a unique position. It is marketed as a super shoe but contains no carbon plate. Instead, it uses a TPEE midsole and has a relatively low stack height. The sub-9-ounce weight and grounded dimensions create a zippy, quick feel without sacrificing comfort, making it suitable for ultrarunners.

Runner's World Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate, who normally prefers Adizero shoes, praised the model. "I love this shoe," Dengate said, noting its surprising capability despite Norda's typically firmer ride.

Stability on Technical Ground

The 055's stability on rough terrain is a standout feature. Dengate tested it on a mixed trail loop after running in Adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra 2s. He found the Norda shoe far more planted on rocky stretches. "Every step was confidence inducing," he stated.

The reviewer trusted the shoes on the perilous 25-mile Great Range Traverse, citing their secure feel. The shoe offers enough flexibility for uneven surfaces while maintaining structural integrity to prevent getting wedged. This stability is aided by the Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole, which is described as stupidly sticky and lighter than standard Megagrip.

Durability and Drainage

The upper is constructed from a single piece of Bio-Dyneema, an ultralight and strong woven mesh. This one-piece design eliminates stitched overlays that can cause irritation, allowing the shoe to move with the foot. Despite its thin appearance, the material proved durable on East Coast trails.

The open weave promotes breathability and fast drainage. Water is pushed out quickly if you step in a creek. The gusseted, padded tongue can hold some water but dries relatively fast due to its wave-shaped stitching.

Fit and Sizing Imperative

A critical point from the review is sizing. Norda shoes run short, and the company itself recommends going up a half size. The reviewer states this is not a suggestion but a requirement to avoid jamming toes on descents. The shoe is narrower through the midfoot but has a roomier heel. The reviewer used a heel lock lacing technique for a better fit and wished for more adjustability across the midfoot.

The shoe also features a taller integrated cuff to keep out debris, which even self-described gaiter haters like Dengate appreciated.

Justifying the Premium Price

The $325 price tag is acknowledged as high. The review argues that for a do-everything, race-anything trail shoe with this level of technology and material quality, the cost aligns with other high-end options. It concludes that finding a better shoe for grip and stability during a pursuit for a personal record would be difficult.