Norvan SL

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.

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.

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.