dont rush feel the journey arcteryx norvan ld trail running shoes
This review is for the Arc'teryx brand men's NORVAN LD trail running shoes (night blue upper + red large-tooth sole).
Arc'teryx is a well-known outdoor brand from Canada, often described as 'top-tier' and 'high-end, grand, and classy.' The NORVAN LD, released in late 2017 to 2018, is positioned as 'lightweight long-distance,' emphasizing its 'comfortable and breathable yet supportive' design and 'MEGAGRIP integrated sole for effective anti-slip' features suitable for all terrains.
From the pictures, you can notice the OrthoLite TM logo on the insole at the heel, indicating its 3D molded insert cushioning structure. Pulling the strap on the tongue reveals a compartment at the front of the tongue, convenient for tucking in the laces after tying.
The first impression upon unboxing was understated luxury, perhaps too understated. For example, the laces match the color of the upper, which I feel is not prominent enough. In contrast, I prefer the color scheme of the Codoon shoes with a blue upper and orange laces.
According to the tag, the product is made in Dongguan, Guangdong, China.
Although the product name says men's running shoes, the large, widely spaced lugs on the sole indicate that they are indeed suitable for trail running!
The Arc'teryx NORVAN LD has a streamlined shape with a slightly wider forefoot, which suits my foot shape (my 3D foot model test shows Egyptian foot type, common among Asian men). The seamless inner lining design makes it easy to put on and take off, enhancing comfort during long-distance runs.
The sole of this shoe is relatively hard (probably to enhance its trail running characteristics), with firm cushioning and rebound. It lacks the 'stepping on poop' feeling on tracks and roads (I'm used to Codoon smart running shoes, so it took some getting used to), especially during winter road runs, where the first 5 kilometers felt very hard underfoot.
However, the feedback from the sole is excellent when trail running.
Eager to share my mountain running experience—indeed, the MegaGrip rubber compound integrated sole provided a solid and stable feel on gravel, rocky, and stepped paths. The fully cushioned EVA midsole of the Arc'teryx NORVAN LD protected my feet from sharp objects, offering comfort and peace of mind. The ground feedback was clear, making mountain running feel like running on flat ground.
The heel is snug with no slipping, and the collar fits well, offering good wrapping. As a 'lightweight long-distance' trail shoe, I suspect its design sacrifices the mid-high cut typical of trail shoes for a low-cut design, increasing the likelihood of debris entering the shoe (I had to remove a small twig during my test).
The TPU film and synthetic material in the toe cap and forefoot area provide good protection while maintaining breathability. I didn't feel any discomfort after running up and down the mountain for most of the day.
In terms of traction, the 3.5mm square lugs ensured sufficient grip on slopes, preventing slipping on loose soil covered with thick leaves—excellent performance (thumbs up).
Summary
The Arc'teryx NORVAN LD excels in trail performance with its durable sole, comfortable and breathable upper, stable grip, and thoughtful design details, allowing me to relax and fully enjoy the trail.However, the combination of the laces and upper is somewhat understated, lacking the 'contrasting color' effect, which is a bit disappointing.