Norvan SL

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

I’ve been running in a pair this year. I’m not scrambling to the extent you are, but lots of fast running on granite boulders and rocks etc. The Norvan SL are some of my favorite shoes for steep rocky climbs. Picked up the Vertex Speed Low as it appears to be somewhat of a successor. I’m a little disappointed in how much heavier the Vertex are than the Norvan SL’s, even though they’re still a very light shoe. I do appreciate the added cushion the Vertex brings. Makes them a more versatile running shoe. And for your purposes of scrambling slabs, I’m sure the added stiffness of the Vertex is an asset. I prefer the more flexible Norvan for steep running, though. All in all, I’m quite happy with them and will likely continue to run in both the Norvan SL snd Vertex SL. Oh and if you like the vibram and la Sportiva grip, you should try VJ. I don’t think VJ makes an equivalent shoe for steep rocky stuff, but the grip on wet granite is significantly better than megagrip or frixion rubber.

I used to run in salomons (s/lab sense & ultra 3s). I’ve since found Arcteryx Norvan SL to be a great replacement for the Sense, with the SL3 sharing obvious DNA with the sense 8. I was thinking a Norvan LD might be worth a look as an ultra 3 replacement, even though I’ve never tried them personally.

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.

The Norvan SL was one of my favorite shoes, as I loved the lightness and they fit my feet perfectly. I've been wondering about the Vertex Speed because they seem like the most similar replacement from Arcteryx. However, the reviews I've read have made it seem like the fit and midsoles are really different from the SL? More stiff or something? I should just try them but the reviews I've read have made it seem like the Vertex Speed are better thought of as hiking or approach shoes, and I've started to lean toward trying other shoes instead.

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.