Arc'teryx - Norvan SL 3

For dirt roads I picked up some Nike Ultrafly. Retired a pair at 615 miles and am about 400 miles into a second pair. Tried a pair of Nike peg trail 4’s in between, but they were a let down after the ultraflys. Most of my real running is on steep, rocky trails in the mountains, though, where I switch between Arcteryx Norvan SL3 for really fast efforts and VJ Maxx2 as my all arounder. Love both of these shoes. Edit: rocky trails in the mountains, not “Rocky Mountain” trails.

I use Nike Ultrafly for the exact scenarios you describe. It’s not a lightweight shoe, though. But that hasn’t bothered me. And I’m someone who seeks out light shoes because I run a lot of steep technical ascents where weight really is noticeable. For example, I wear Arcteryx Norvan SL3 a lot, and I don’t think you can find a lighter trail runner on the market right now.

My two current favorites for technical rocky trails are Arcteryx Norvan SL3 and VJ Maxx2. For the 50k distance I’d give the nod to the VJs. Norvans are super light and nimble. VJs offer more protection and better grip but are a little heavier and slightly less precise. I might also consider the VJ Ultra 3 for a 50k. I find the extra squishiness and taller stack to be a liability over the other two when trying to run fast (particularly downhill) on super technical terrain. But at 50k pace that liability is likely to diminish and the extra padding will be nice. These feel way faster on flat non-technical terrain than the other two too. Maybe it’s the rocker design or some propulsion from the extra foam.

Thanks for the review. I run in similar terrain with similar preferences for shoe characteristics (grippy on wet or dry rock, low stack, precise fit, lightweight). Current favorites are Arcteryx norvan sl3. Can you comment on sizing? Maybe compare to Inov-8. I used to run in Inov-8’s a long time ago. (F-lite 195, x-talon 190, Roclite 243 & 285). Do you know the stack height? Their website notes pebax midsole and 4mm drop, but what I really care about is the stack height. Surprised they didn’t list it for a shoe like this. How does it do with water? Does it drain and dry out well after getting wet? Thanks

My recommendation would be the VJ Maxx2 I also really love Arcteryx Norvan SL3 for steep technical uphill stuff, but these are maybe a bit too minimal for a lot of people’s taste and I think they’re discontinued. Bought a pair of Vertex Speed Low to try as replacements? But they’re not really the same. You could also try Nnormal Kjerag. This kind of splits the difference between the two shoes I listed above. I found the upper to be a bit too sloppy (foot will move/roll relative to the sole on off camber stuff) compared to the other two though, so I don’t trust them at speed in serious technical terrain. That’s pretty specific to my foot though, otherwise I think I’d be a big fan.

My go to for this is the Arcteryx Norvan SL3. They might be discontinued though. I recently picked up a clearance pair of Merrel Skyfire 2 Matryx that see very very promising. Never owned a merrel shoe before, but excited for these this year. Wouldn’t be my first choice for pure rocky trails given the lack of surface area in the lugs. Another similar shoe is the Nnormal Kjerag. I don’t love the fit. Seem a little too sloppy in the upper midfoot for my taste on really technical terrain, but everyone’s feet are different. Common theme among those - lightweight, matryx upper, megagrip sole. I find that to be a good recipe. You could also check out VJ Spark. I put a few hundred miles on a pair, but honestly I wish they had more rock protection and a less bulky upper. VJ Maxx2 is a great all around shoe. It’s not heavy, but not super light either.

Here’s my contribution. I haven’t done controlled tests like you did, but I run a lot of rocky vertical terrain and have put lots of miles in all these shoes. Trying to focus here on wet rock grip from the outsole and ignore other shoe attributes (fit, lock down, flexibility/stiffness, weight, cushion, etc) that also come into play with their overall ability to do the job on wet rock 5: VJ Maxx 1&2 VJ Spark Arcteryx Norvan VT (limited mileage) 4. Arcteryx Norvan SL 1, 2, &3 Salomon s/Lab Sense 7&8 Nnormal Kjeraq 3. La Sportiva Helios SR La Sportiva Vertical K & VK INOV-8 F-Lite 195 2. Whole bunch of older inov-8 x-talon and RocLite models NB minimus Salomon s/lab ultra 3 Salomon s/lab sense 7SG 1. Old Nike Terra kiger Salomon s/lab sense 1, 2, 3 For spiked shoes, I actually think they suffer quite a bit on rock because they don’t stick instantly like pure rubber soles. 4. VJ Devil 4 3. VJ bold race, VJ ice hero, INOV-8 ORoc 280

Big fan of their Norvan SL shoes. And a couple staples for mountain running for me have been the Squamish hoody and Norvan SL rain jacket. The Norvan SL shoes and jacket really don’t have many competitors out there. I also run in Gamma LT pants and an Acto MX hoody all winter, but I’m sure people could find better options given they weren’t even designed for running in the first place.

Arcteryx Norvan SL was pretty much an evolution of the s/lab sense lineup. Megagrip and matryx materials are an upgrade over the old salomons too

Arcteryx Norvan SL might be a good option for you. These are what I use for light and fast.

Yeah looks like they no longer offer it on their site. Still available through other retailers. Looks like the vertex speed could be the successor. They say it’s for technical vertical running and it uses similar matryx upper and megagrip sole as the Norvan sl3. Looks like it’s a couple ounces heavier than the Norvan sl3 though. Still not heavy, but the norvan’s 6oz weight really is one of its best attributes. I’ve never seen a Norvan LD (nor have I seen the vertex) in real life, so I don’t know how it compares to the SL. I’ve put around 1000 miles combined across all 3 generations of the Norvan SL, so I’m pretty familiar with it. Very similar to the old Salomon s/lab sense line that I used to love too. I think the pulsar may have replaced that line. Might want to check those out. I may look at the pulsar too if the Norvan SL’s disappear off the market.

I had the SL 3s. Unfortunately it doesn't look like they make them anymore, I thought they were awesome.

Arc's focus has been on outdoor lifestyle goods, and their core sports like skiing and climbing. I've also heard rumours that they're mad that 7mesh is doing so well, and they want a piece of the Mountain Bike clothing market now. Trail running gear has been a mixed bag for them, which is odd because Vancouver and Squamish are a Mecca for Trail and Ultrarunning in North America. Their only amazing trail running focused product was the Norvan SL, made from Gore Shakedry, which Gore discontinued as a fabric. I've been part of some focus groups they've conducted on the design of their trail running products, and it doesn't feel like they're taking that feedback into account.

Love my Norvan SL shoes as well. I hope they make some more. Love it way more then my S-Labs

Honestly such a good shoe for summer running and bike packing, being durable light and good amount of grip. I wish they had slightly more padding but I think they are my favourite trail runner out there currently.

Two things come to mind: Arcterix (sp?) makes a super light weight trail runner with basically flexible mesh upper - flattens to just the thickness of the sole Allbirds isn’t really a running shoe and the traction sucks but they’re reasonably nice looking for wearing around and I’ve used it for running in a pinch - not ideal, but good for like a couple days of exercise if space is a concern. They also pack flat to about the thickness of just the soles.

I’ve always used trail runners for this Salomon speed goat 6s or Arcteryx Norvans line up are my go to depending on the grip I need.

As a counterargument, I've been scrambling in all conditions, in Poland and various European alps, across summer and winter, in Arc'Teryx Norvan for 5 years and if i wasn't for the outer sole being worn out and me being too lazy to replace only that, they'd still be my main hiking shoe. I'm also lousy when it comes to pulling my feet high and hit rocks, roots and branches all the time. The reinforcements are placed exactly where they should be. Even the mesh part, of which I recall being worried about when buying those, survives thousands of thorns and branches trying to pull it apart. With all honesty I could not be happier with a hiking shoe. I might purchase another pair this winter. In spring I've gotten Dachstein X-Trail as they have similar attributes to Arcteryx ones and I loved the design and fit. I can't vouch for their quality yet though, other than the fact that they look and feel very well made.

I have used Zamberlain, Solomon Ultras, La Sportiva Prodigios, Arc'teryx Norvan, Topo Ultraventure, Altra Lone Peak, and I am currently using Kailas Fuga EX. Zamberlain - sole delaminated La Sportiva Prodigios - most comfortable yet not durable Solomon Ultras - too hot, heavy, fit was bit sloppy. Decent traction Topo Ultraventure - good toe box but not durable Altra Lone Peak - not for me Kailas Fuga EX - Best Grip, most durable, one of the lightest, took a bit of break-in and is now very comfortable (La Sportiva still is most comfortable), great on mud yet durable on pavement, runs narrow but they have a wide model with plenty of room. https://preview.redd.it/6l8apbqae0gg1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e3631376751409ad88a8d3d4b91bc11f1133c8e6 sum of the attributes make it my current favorite I am a westerner living in Asia so availability may matter depending on your location. Most use cases are softer trails or mud with roots. Some pavement. Have used them in Southeast Asia and Nepal.

Mine were squeaking and the sizing was odd. Length was okay, still narrow. The La Sportiva last isn't for slightly more than standard width, I am afraid. Given the spectacular reviews this shoe got, I can only say it was a grave disappointment. Will rather run again in my unspectacular but absolutely reliable Xodus Ultra 3, Salomon Ultra Glide 2 or Arc'teryx Norvan. For Hiking I would say the fit is just too firm and the foam squeaky, it got even louder after some 22km in both shoes.