Norda 001A G+ Trail Running Shoe Review: As Expensive as an Apple Watch

Norda’s 001A G+ Spike Trail Shoe: The Ultra-Durable, High-Rebound Trail Runner Built for the Long Haul

When Norda launched its first trail shoe, the 001, it immediately carved out a niche for itself with a cult-classic design and ultra-cushioned ride built for long-distance runners. Now, the Canadian brand is back with the 001A—a refined evolution that comes in three versions: the standard 001A, the weatherproof 001A G+, and the 001A G+ Spike, which I tested. Priced at $355, the G+ Spike is engineered for rugged, all-season performance, featuring spikes and waterproofing to tackle snow, ice, and harsh trail conditions.

At the heart of the 001A G+ is Norda’s proprietary midsole foam—a thermoplastic polyester elastomer blend developed in partnership with Arnitel. The goal was ambitious: to create the most advanced trail midsole foam available, combining maximum resiliency with a lifespan 5 to 10 times longer than typical super foams. According to Norda, this new formulation delivers 30 percent more rebound than the original 001, weighs 10 percent less, and maintains durability beyond 1,000 kilometers (over 621 miles).

On the trail, the 001A G+ delivers a balanced, grounded ride. The midsole offers a mild energetic feel, aided by a softening eTPU insole, but it stops short of the springy responsiveness found in shoes like the Asics Metafuji Trail ($295) or the Hoka Tecton X3 ($275). Instead, the 001A G+ leans toward a smooth, protective feel that keeps you connected to the ground. With a modest stack height—26 mm in the heel and 21 mm in the forefoot—it’s not a plush, pillowy ride, but rather one that feels stable and responsive across varied terrain, from hard-packed trails to grassy forest floors.

The shoe’s upper is cut from sustainable, Bluesign- and ISCC-approved, bio-based Dyneema fibers. Dyneema claims its material is 15 times stronger than steel at the same weight, and after 50 miles of testing, the uppers show no signs of wear. Previous iterations of the 001A were already praised for their toughness, and the G+ Spike seems poised to continue that legacy.

While the 001A G+ doesn’t deliver the high-energy pop of some competitors, it excels in durability, protection, and all-season versatility. If you’re after a trail shoe that can handle long miles in tough conditions without sacrificing comfort or connection to the trail, the Norda 001A G+ Spike is a compelling option.

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Viral Sentences:
“Engineered for 1,000+ km—this shoe is built to outlast the competition.”
“The ultimate trail runner for those who demand durability without compromise.”
“Spikes, waterproofing, and next-level tech—Norda’s 001A G+ is ready for anything.”
“Feels grounded, not plush—perfect for runners who want to feel the trail.”
“15x stronger than steel? Dyneema’s bio-based upper is next-level tough.”
“From snow to singletrack, this shoe handles it all.”
“If you’re logging mega miles, this is the shoe that keeps going.”
“The cult-classic gets an upgrade—Norda’s 001A G+ is here to dominate.”
“High-rebound foam that lasts—finally, a super shoe that doesn’t quit.”
“Trail runners, meet your new long-haul partner.”,