Norda has collaborated with Envalior on the 001A trail running shoe, integrating a midsole based on Arnitel Performance. The company positions the 001A as the next iteration of the original 001, with testing by the Norda trail team over the past 18 months. Debuting at the UTMB race in Chamonix, France, the model focuses on responsiveness and energy return. Relative to the Vibram SLE midsole used in the 001, the new midsole delivers a reported 70.8 percent resilience rate and a 30 percent increase in energy return. Overall shoe weight has been reduced by 7 to 10 percent, and the midsole itself is 15 percent lighter, compared with the original 001. These gains are presented as achieved without compromising durability or consistency across temperatures and terrains, with the shoe designed to deliver reliable performance for over 1,000 km.
According to Envalior, Arnitel Performance combines a lightweight foam structure with rubber-like strength and flexibility, targeting a balance of comfort and durability in sports footwear. Compared to TPU, midsoles made from Arnitel Performance are reported to show 17 percent higher rebound. The material is also described as exhibiting very low energy loss after foaming, supporting wear performance during intensive use. Envalior adds that Arnitel-based midsoles can be recycled and are available in low carbon footprint and renewable source or biobased grades.
Beyond the midsole, the 001A adopts a Vibram soleplate with Litebase and Megagrip technologies to reduce weight and optimize traction on wet and dry surfaces. The upper is built from a proprietary bio-based Dyneema and recycled nylon weave, with an areal weight under 90 g/m² and tear strength above 3000 N. The Norda Lock System is designed to provide a secure, sock-like fit aimed at stability in variable trail conditions.
Material performance and testing
Andre Oosterlaken, Product and Market Innovation Manager for Arnitel at Envalior, outlined the attributes behind Norda's selection of Arnitel Performance for the 001A midsole:
- Benchmark rebound: Arnitel outperforms other midsole foam materials in rebound when weighted by foam density.
- Outlasting: Arnitel outlasts other high-performance midsole foam materials that can only perform at peak conditions for a limited time.
- Consistent performance: Arnitel FM grades are designed to exhibit stable mechanical properties at different temperatures, supporting consistent feel in varied climates and trail conditions.
- Sustainable options: Arnitel-based midsoles can be recycled and are available in low carbon footprint and renewable source or biobased grades.
Commenting on the collaboration, Nick Martire, co-founder and CEO of Norda, said: "At Norda, we’re always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in trail running footwear. Partnering with Envalior to integrate Arnitel Performance into the 001A midsole allowed us to significantly increase rebound and reduce weight, without sacrificing the durability and long-distance performance our runners rely on. This isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a redefinition of what a trail shoe can deliver, from the first kilometer to the thousandth."
Availability
The 001A is planned for consumer availability in fall 2025. All 001A models will include the upgraded midsole while retaining the Bio-Dyneema upper and the Norda x Vibram soleplate.
