Norvan SL

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.

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.

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.

>Bonus if **waterproof**, but I have noticed that mostly it doesn't matter because if shoes get wet with a huge downpour, they're going to get wet For this reason non-waterproof shoes are preferred by a lot of people in trail running and hiking circles. If you make peace with the fact that your shoes WILL get wet, then a non-waterproof actually dries out way faster. Reduces odor and are more comfortable to wear while wet. Just bring more, fast-drying socks. To kind-of answer your question I have a pair of Arcteryx Norvans in all-black that I use for running, hiking, and noodling around. They're ultralight (which is nice for both wearing and packing) and very functional, don't look totally ridiculous. But really... it kind of doesn't matter/is so personal, you're better off just trying on a bunch and getting the ones you like.

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.