Norda Shoe Comparison

January 29, 2026January 26, 2026

Team RunRun Coach Dandelion tested and now shares her Norda shoe comparison. Dandelion is a coach, an adventurer, a gear expert, and an all around outdoor enthusiast – Enjoy!

Name of Gear:

Norda 001, 002 & 005

Where to Buy:

Nordarun.com, runningwarehouse.com & REI.com

Norda Shoe Comparison: 001, 002, and 005 — Left to Right: 001, 002 and 005

Best Use: What did you use this piece of gear of most? Roads, track, trails, long runs, post-run, workouts only, racing only?

Norda	001	002	005
Lugs	5mm	5mm	4mm
Stack	Heel 26mm Forefoot 21mm	Heel 19mm Forefoot 15mm	Heel 28.5mm Forefoot 21.5mm
Drop	5mm	4mm	7.0mm
Upper	Seamless Dyneema	Seamless Dyneema	Open weave Bio-Dyneema
Outsole	Vibram Litebase Megagrip Soleplate	Vibram Litebase Megagrip Soleplate	Vibram Megagrip Elite Soleplate
Weight (US 8W)	232g	219g	177g
Price	$285 USD	$295 USD	$325 USD
Intended Use	All-round ultra/trail running workhorse shoe	Ultra/trail Running shoe designed for especially technical, scrambly terrain	Ultra lite, race day, trail super shoe for ultra and sub-ultra distances

The Norda Shoe Comparison: 001, 002, 005

Norda 001: The 001 (recently replaced by the 001A) is the shoe I reach for when I will be traveling long distance on varied terrain. I have used this shoe in the desert many times and it performs well, but it really shines in alpine settings. The high cushion prevents fatigue over long distances in the mountains on both smooth and technical trails. If the adventure happens to take me off the beaten path and into the high country, I trust the soles to adhere to rocks of all kinds, edge on technical scrambles and secure me to low angle snow slopes if needed. Beyond being an all-round adventure shoe, the 001 is also an excellent race option. I wore two pairs of 001’s during Hardrock 100 in July 2025. Having a highly durable shoe that would hold up through the rugged terrain of the San Juans while remaining comfortable over the extended distance was my highest priority and the 001 checked every box.

Norda 002: The 001 performs well on scramble missions, but the 002 truly excels on rocky, technical terrain. With a lower stack height, the 002 provides better ground “feel” which allows the athlete to mauver with confidence through granite, limestone and sandstone even in slick conditions. I reach for the 002 when I am going on a short scramble adventure (less than 50K) or longer trips that are mostly off trail in rocky, alpine environments. It is important to note that the 002 is compatible with micro-spikes, but they will not work with traditional strap on crampons. A bit surprising for a shoe meant to tackle more remote environments.

Norda 005:

This shoe is incredibly light! When I first tried them on, I was blown away by the hardly-there feather weight. The lugs are not particularly aggressive, but the shoe somehow still performs well on techy, rock covered trails and butter-smooth single track alike. I have experienced no issues with construction or durability. However, the midsole foam has been noted to become compressed and a bit hard underfoot on outings exceeding 50 miles depending on the weight of the user. To stay on the safe side, I have not utilized the 005 for runs beyond the 50-mile distance because of this reported tendency. It is an outstanding trail “super shoe” option for races. I love using it during the back half of a 100 miler when I really appreciate something light on my tired feet.

The treads. Norda Shoe Comparison: 001, 002, 005 — Left to Right: 001, 002 and 005

Additional Sizing Comments:

The website suggests going a half size up from your typical running shoe and I agree with this recommendation. I typically wear size 8.5W and ordered size 9W. This was absolutely the right decision. The 9W fits like an 8.5W. Nordas are made accommodate a wide foot.

Comparison to Past Models:

The 002 and 005 Norda have not upgraded any of their models aside from the available colorways. Recently the 001 was promoted to the 001A which has an upgraded midsole.

Comparison to Other Brands:

Nordas fall into the high-end material & craftmanship running shoe category. In doing a Norda shoe comparison, the most comparable brand would be Speedland. Both shoes are highly durable and created with true artistry and attention to detail. Speedland’s main differences include a Michelin outsole, ripstop mesh upper, BOA fit system, cuttable lugs, water drain and a removeable outsole. I have put many miles on my Speedland GS shoes and love the ride especially on slickrock and desert terrain. However, I believe the Nordas are superior in highly technical and rocky mountain environments especially where edging is required. I also prefer simple laces while scrambling over rocks and alpine landscapes over the BOA system. Though the BOA is excellent in a race scenario I worry that off-trail I could bang the mechanism against a rock and damage it leaving me with a shoe that cannot be tightened. Finally, Dyneema seems to better shed mud than the ripstop mesh of the Speedlands.

Norda shoes: 001, 002, and 005 — Left to Right: 001, 002 and 005

Durability:

Overall, all the shoe models are extremely durable. I have put over 300 miles on each model and they are still in working order with plenty of life left. My two sets of my 001s showed minimal lug wear even after traveling over highly technical terrain featuring lots of scree, talus and boulders in Hardrock 100 and the Wind River Range. However, my 002 upper collar experienced wear and holes after about 150 miles (see picture) which I found disappointing as they are the scramble specific model. So far, my 002s have not been compromised by this blemish though.

Changes for the next model:

I’d like to see some more durability added to the shoe collar of the 002. This shoe is meant to be used in highly technical/rocky terrain and I expected a bit more abrasion resistance.

The True Test If your friend were looking for a piece of gear in this category, would you recommend they buy it and/or would you give this as a gift to that friend because you like it so much? Would there be something else you recommend they get instead because this gear doesn’t fit their needs?

After doing this Norda shoe comparison, I think these are near perfect mountain running shoes and I highly recommend them for trail runners; especially folks who regularly take on gnarly alpine routes.

Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.

On Cloudsurfer 2 Shoe Review

May 16, 2025

Instagram advert for On's #SoftWins campaign featuring Elmo and the Cloudsurfer 2. PC: Instagram @on — *Instagram advert for On’s #SoftWins campaign featuring Elmo and the Cloudsurfer 2. PC: Instagram @on*

Well, well, well, I finally got to try a pair of On running shoes: the On Cloudsurfer 2. After seeing the On logo everywhere–in the mall, on various roads and running paths, on Rich Roll’s t-shirt–I finally got to see (well, feel) what all the Swiss fuss is about.

The On Cloudsurfer 2 is the main protagonist in On’s new #SoftWins campaign. This updated Cloudsurfer model has had a starring role in TV commercials alongside Roger Federer, Yared Neguse and Elmo. While I was under no impression that the On Cloudsurfer 2 would give me the footspeed of Yared or the hand-eye coordination of Federer, I was hoping the shoes would impart some Elmo-like whimsy into my daily runs.

On Cloudsurfer 2: A Brief Overview

The premium every day trainer in the On lineup, the Cloudsurfer 2 is a cushioned, neutral shoe designed with the everyday runner in mind. It’s $160 price tag places the Cloudsurfer 2 in the upper tier of the daily trainers, but a notch or two below other superfoam competitors. The midsole, made of On’s proprietary Helion superfoam, together with the computer-optimized outsole create a smooth, cushioned ride.

Did the On Cloudsurfer 2 deliver any of that long sought after running-whimsy? It’s time to find out!

Upper

On first impression, the On Cloudsurfer 2’s upper looks and feels heavy. While not overdone with overlays and plasticy patchwork, the mesh upper materials feel thick to the touch. However, once on the foot, the stretch of the mesh does a good job of forming to your foot shape, without feeling constricting. Breathability? Dialed for warm weather running. The upper has kept my feet from getting too warm on the run, although I also wear ultrathin lightweight socks with the Cloudsurfer. Better safe than overly sweaty feet!

*Kyle Fulmer modeling the On Cloudsurfer 2.*

Midsole

I had heard that previous On models were a bit stiff and rigid underfoot. With the new #softwins campaign, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. In my opinion, this midsole is neither overly stiff, nor overly soft. I have grown a bit annoyed with the uber-softness of the Hoka Clifton 9s, and so the responsive, but not overly “soft” transition of the On Cloudsurfer 2 was a welcome relief. Their signature CloudTec Phase cushioning, while not super obvious, allows for a smooth rocker like flow, while maintaining the advertised neutral ground feel.

Outsole

Side profile of the On Cloudsurfer 2, showcasing the outsole’s CloudTec system and upper design. PC: On website

After 50 miles, I am starting to see some very slight wear on the back of the sole. I am a heel striker, who tries his darndest to be a midfoot striker …one of these days! The rest of the outsole looks great. Word of warning, the CloudTec system does pick up rocks and debris if you’re jogging on gravel paths and trails (see picture to the right). It is definitely a road shoe, not an “all-rounder”. I usually mix in some dirt running on almost every outing, so I have to pay attention to not picking up any unwanted stones on the go.

Fit

True to size. I wear a US Men’s size 12.5, and the fit is spot on.

Weight

Weighing in at 314g for my US Men’s size 12.5, the On Cloudsurfer 2’s do not feel heavy. While they would not be my go-to for hard workout days, they are just fine for my daily miles, alongside random strides and intervals from time to time.

Weight comparison with my other daily trainers in the shoe cubby: (Again, for a US Men’s size 12.5)

On Cloudsurfer 2 – 314 grams
Hoka Clifton 9 – 294 grams
Nike Pegasus 40 – 341 grams (!!)

On Cloudsurfer 2: Overall Thoughts

In summary, I think On is very close to making a very fine daily trainer with the Cloudsurfer 2! With a minor tweak to the upper (thinner mesh materials), this shoe would be a standout. My usual barometer for shoe durability is upwards of 350-500 miles, and I hope this shoe can take me there. For daily running, I am more often than not gravitating to the On Cloudsurfer 2 over the other trainers listed above. Next up, I’ll look to try some of their trail offerings, since I saw some of those on the trail yesterday!

For more nitty gritty details and shoe technology, take a look here.

Kyle Fulmer is a coach with Team RunRun and our social media manager extraordinaire. He is an experienced trail and ultra coach and athlete based in Boulder, Colorado.

Mountain Air Altitude Tent Review – Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott

September 20, 2024November 29, 2022

Product: MountainAir Complete System Automatically Controlled Altitude Tent

Typical Price: $4,820.00

Where to buy: https://mountainaircardio.com/

Best Use: Altitude acclimatization via normobaric hypoxia exposure. In simpler terms, this tent system can be a good altitude acclimatization alternative for an athlete who does not have the luxury of arriving to a high elevation race with enough time (typically about 2 weeks) to adapt naturally via hypobaric hypoxia exposure.

Sizing: Bigger than expected

Additional Sizing Comments: See “Changes for the next model”

Comparison to Past Models: NA

Comparison to Other Brands

I personally have not used any other brand of altitude tent. However, before purchasing from MountainAir Cardio I did extensive research on several brands and altitude tents in general. I discovered that most folks agree that altitude tents can be hot, humid and loud. Those three items can disrupt the sleep cycle and, therefore, inhibit recovery. This would cancel out an acclimatization benefit. MountainAir recognized these three issues and took mitigation measures not found in other brands which is why I ultimately decided on their tent system.

To keep noise to a minimum an extra-long air delivery hose is provided so the air separation unit can be kept in a different room. Additionally, the output end of the hose is equipped with a silencer. These additions do not eliminate sound completely, but they do keep it tolerable for me.

To address the hot and humid factor MountainAir Cardio added a fan for both ventilation and accurate elevation tuning. The altitude is assigned via an app which can be set in 500ft intervals. Adjusting the dial on air delivery unit alone will bring the tent to roughly the altitude the user is hoping to achieve. However, the controller box, which is unique to MountainAir, monitors and records the altitude data from inside the tent. As the altitude in the tent approaches the set level on the app the fan will turn on allowing for cooler outside air to enter and a precise altitude (the fan will change speed to keep the altitude at the level you indicated in the app).

The fan ventilation system worked well for temperature control in the spring. In the hot summer months the built-in fan system in conjunction with running the air conditioner on high didn’t work well to combat heat. During both seasons a layer of condensation coated the inside of the tent in the morning as well. I tried to further regulate humidity and temperature with a battery-operated fan clipped to a little loop made for this purpose on the tent ceiling. It helped, but it was still not the best sleep situation for me.

MountainAir does recognize that their fan system is not perfect. To help further combat the heat issue, they partner with ChiliSleep and offer a discount code on their website. The ChiliSleep systems are expensive even with the discount, but I found that the ChiliPad and ChiliBlanket Cubes combined with the air conditioner made the tent comfortable during hot summer months. Now that winter is here I set the ChiliPad Cube on a higher temperature to stay warm at night which is a nice bonus. As far as the humidity issue, it vanished when I relocated to an area that happens to have very dry air so I am no longer searching for a solution to combat condensation as it no longer occurs.

Durability

The tent and air delivery unit seem durable and the app provides reminders for periodic maintenance to help prolong the life of the system. After about 10,000 hours (3-4 years) the air delivery unit can be sent back to MountainAir Cardio for a full “tune up”.

I would also like to note that the customer service is top notch at MountainAir. When I first got the unit the provided smart plug malfunctioned and wouldn’t work. MountainAir had a new smart plug delivered to me in two days. A few months later I moved and the controller refused to connect to my new wifi system. Two days later I had a new controller and MountainAir arranged a UPS pick up for me to return the old controller as I live in a remote area with no UPS Store. They also patiently answered my questions during the setup of the system and are prompt and courteous with responses.

Changes for the next model

It would be nice to see an add-on product to make the tent more compatible with the ChiliSleep Products. There are three tubes that run from the ChiliPad and ChiliBlanket inside the tent to the outside water cooling cubes. The tent is zipped around these tubes, but there are gaps that allow air to escape the tent creating a “leak.” I stuff these gaps with microfiber clothes and it works well to keep the regulated air inside the tent contained. However, they need to be checked/adjusted often making it not the most streamlined system.

The tent is marketed to fit a full or queen size bed. While it does fit my full-sized bed the tent droops and sags in places as it’s really made for a queen. A tightened piece of webbing holds the tent tightly to the mattress to combat the poor fit and needs to be re-adjusted every few days. It would be nice to have a tent that truly fits a full sized mattress or an adapter kit of some kind to help the current sized tent match better with a smaller bed.

The True Test – Would you recommend it?

The altitude tent absolutely helps me with performance at higher elevations. However, I am not sensitive to the noise and can sleep well inside the tent now that I have a good temperature regulation system. Other folks may have a different experience, so I would not recommend that prospective buyers purchase the tent outright. It’s a lot of money to spend on a product that may inhibit sleep quality. I suggest renting the system for a few weeks to see how sleep is impacted (if at all). MountainAir allows the rental of their systems for a minimum of 4 weeks with the option to apply the rental fee to the cost of buying the unit should the athlete decide they would like to commit to a full purchase. I personally rented my system before buying it.

Keeping it Honest

I received a coach discount when purchasing this product.

Dandelion is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out Dandelion’s coach profile.

UltrAspire Bronco Race Vest Review

September 26, 2022

Looking for your next running vest to carry water, gear and fueling? Check out the UltrAspire Bronco Race Vest, reviewed by Coach Hunter Burdette!

Typical Price: $130

Where to buy: runningwharehouse.com

Best Use:

This is a great vest for racing. This vest eliminates a few key problems that I have had with other race vests. I typically struggle to reach items that I have placed in the back pockets of most race vests. The Bronco sits higher up on the back so that I can actually retrieve items from the back of the pack without having to take the vest off. Also, it covers a smaller are on my back and since it sits higher up I get better air flow on my back and don’t retain heat as much as I would with other packs. The vest is also not as constrictive as some other that I have owned allowing me to breathe easier with the vest on.

Sizing: True to size

Comparison to Other Brands: It really feels like an extension of the body. I have typically used other UltrAspire packs or Ultimate Direction packs in the past and this is far more comfortable.

Durability: Not sure on durability at this time. I have only had this vest for about one month but everything seems very durable so far.

Changes for the next model: Maybe add a built-in holder for poles

Would you recommend it? Yes I would recommend this to a friend.

Keeping it Honest – did you get this gear for free? No, but I get a discount on their products

Hunter Burdette is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.

Ultimate Direction Mountain Vesta 5.0 Gear Review – Kim Whitesell

January 6, 2021

Kim is a runrunner on the team and received this pack from Santa in 2020 and tested it out on a run right away. A special thanks to Kim for sharing her feedback on the pack!

Gear Name: Ultimate direction Mountain Vesta 5.0

Size: Small

Fit: The pack fits very well and snug. Once I had the elastic cords on the pack tightened, no bounce occurred while running. I wore 2 long sleeve shirts but didn’t notice any rubbing on the outside shirt. The outer edge of the front of the pack is firm, it feels like a thick plastic wire in the seam, which I wasn’t sure about at first but notice the less flexibility helped taking on and off easier and kept the pack in place better. I like the variety of pockets. So many pockets I’m not sure what I’d put in each one!

Pros: Snug fit and no bounce, a lot of space for food and gear, breathable

Cons: My biggest con is the collapsing water flasks. If you take them out of the pocket, they are hard to get back in to the pocket. I’m planning to order the bottle that comes with a straw so I don’t have to take it out of the pocket. Otherwise I like the flask because it isn’t chunky feeling or slosh around too much. Aside from that I haven’t found any other cons about this vest as of now.

Side note for the women who read this: I am a little “chesty” at 34dd. So I get worried about how packs will fit around my chest, which is another reason I like this vest has the firm and supportive seams.

Things I carried during this run:

Front right pocket: mashed potatoes and applesauce packets
Front left pocket: flask bottle with skratch hydration
Pocket below bottle on my left carried my phone.
A small pocket above the bottle carried the car key.
Doesn’t have anything in the back except my water bladder so I used the elastic cords to tighten the back of the pack and keep it from bouncing. I’m sure for longer runs I’ll be packing this more. I’m sure I could fit a packable rain jacket in the back and other gear.
There are several other small pockets in the front to carry gels, hand sanitizer, kleenex, as well as a zippered pocket, perhaps for cash and ID.

Have a piece of gear you’d like to tell more about? Write it here – we love to hear about gear – what works, what doesn’t, and what you have lots of info on. A special thanks once again to Kim for taking the time to write this gear review!

Naked Running Band Review – Nathan McBride

December 15, 2021September 25, 2020

Gear: Naked Running Band

Runner: Nathan McBride

Typical Price: $50

Where to buy: http://www.nakedsportsinnovations.com

Best Use: Earlier this summer I tried and did not like their vest because it just did not work on my long torso. About a week or so ago I bought their Naked Band and this thing is a game changer. I wore it on Monday for a 75k training run and again today for a 50k run and both times I had it absolutely loaded with crap…

Monday I had 8 clif blox gel packs, my cell phone spare battery and usb cable (about 5 oz), 2 baggies of tailwind, my car keys, my airpods case, spare buff and two hand wipe packs….ZERO bounce, zero movement and never noticed it was there. It just sits on the hips so perfectly…no chafing or rubbing and I found an added bonus with today’s run that I could just hook my hat to the back when it got too sweaty.

I used to have to carry all this crap in my vest and I just could never get comfortable with the bouncing effect. I only had two bottles in my orange mud pack and my phone and it was like I was completely freed up top and felt much lighter overall. Can’t recommend this belt enough. I will be wearing it for my 100 in 2.5 weeks and expect it to carry everything I need.

Naked Running Band Sizing: True to size

Additional Sizing Comments: I am a 37.25″ waist when I wear my CWX compression shorts so I ordered their 37″ size and it is a perfect fit.

Comparison to Past Models: Never tried a belt before – I have always tried to make do with either my OMud pack or my Nathan vest and always end up having to just cram crap in everywhere and then spend all this time trying to find what I need later in the race.

Durability: So far so good! 80 miles of abuse and sweat and it’s still like new. 🙂

Changes for the next model: I personally hope they don’t change anything.

The True Test – Would you recommend this to a friend? I plan on gifting this to several people this Xmas.

Keeping it Honest – Any affiliations or free gear? I am not affiliated and I paid my hard earned cash. Like I said, I tried their vest this summer and was disappointed but I liked the concept so gave it another try. Winner!!

Want tips on other gear? Check out our list of Essential Running Gear.