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Did Trail Running’s Trendiest Brand Just Win Its Biggest Arms Race?

With its latest footwear release, Norda steps into the sport’s most competitive battleground.

Norda 008 recovery slideJack Seemer for Gear Patrol

By Jack Seemer

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Times change and nowhere more quickly than in running.

First it was super shoes. Can you even call yourself a serious running brand without one in your catalog?

Having crossed that milestone off its list earlier this year, Canadian upstart Norda steps into trail running’s latest arms race, releasing a recovery slide to take on Nike, Hoka and countless others that have made it one of the sport’s most competitive battlegrounds.

Norda 008 recovery slide
The Norda 008 (left) competes with shoes like the ReactX Rejuven8 from Nike (right).
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

The road to recovery

Named the 008 in order of the Fibonacci sequence (Norda’s previous release was the 005), the slide eschews the use of Dyneema — a.k.a. the world strongest fiber — which founder Nick Martire recently told me was Norda’s “reason for being.”

Norda 008 recovery slide
The 008 is the first Norda release to eschew the use of Dyneema.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

No matter: the slide is every bit as technical as its fan-favorite trail shoes, even if they’re decidedly less rugged. After all, they’re not exactly made for the trail — but rather, everywhere off of it.

For example, the 008 slides are crafted using a dual-density foam that feels soft underfoot, without losing its grip on stability. In my experience, some recovery shoes are so cushioned that tired muscles have to work overtime just to balance themselves.

Norda 008 recovery slide
The textured footbed doesn’t just massage your foot, it channels away sweat.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Meanwhile, the slide’s textured footbeds, resembling a topographic map, have a two-fold effect: first they provide a light massage-like sensation underfoot, while simultaneously creating channels for sweat to escape.

Norda 008 recovery slideJack Seemer for Gear Patrol

That design also extends on the sole, where Norda equipped the 008 with Vibram Ecostep EVO plate — a step beyond most recovery slides that simply reuse the midsole material and cut corners in the durability department.

Norda 008 recovery slide
A Vibram Ecostep EVO soleplate levels up the 008.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Pricing and availability

The new 008 will be available from Norda’s official website starting June 12 for $145.

It comes in four launch colorways, including green (Sage), brown (Oud), yellow (Hinoki) and light gray (Névé).

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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