Our verdict
the Norvan LD 3 from Arc’teryx is a breath of trail runners, the Norvan LD 3 from Arc’teryx is a breath of fresh air. It’s a no-nonsense shoe from physique to features—providing only what you need (but more than enough of it) when you’re out on the trails: a roomy upper, a responsive midsole with road-shoe comfort, and a protective and deceptively grippy sole.
Pros
- Also comfortable to use on roads
- Incredible grip
- Want a running shoe that performs well on both slippery trails and hard roads
- Well-padded
- Arcteryx Norvan LD 3
- Roomy fit
- Secure lockdown
- Arcteryx Norvan LD 3
- Same brand only
- Great for long distances
Cons
- Same brand only
- ans of the ASICS Gel Cumulus or
- Great for long distances
Who should buy the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3
Lugs that can log trail AND road miles:
- Need a nbsp; | the Norvan LD 3 from Arc’teryx is a breath of.
- Get the Norvan LD 3 if you.
- Want a running shoe that performs well on both slippery trails and hard roads.
Get the Norvan LD 3 if youWhy trust us Brooks Ghost.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
If you like feeling more connected to the terrain as you’re running, the Same brand only has a firmer midsole that doesn’t totally block out ground feel while remaining protective underfoot.
If wearing longer socks to protect your ankles isn’t your thing, the Get the Norvan LD 3 if you’s padded and flexible heel won’t cause you any problems.
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With stack heights of 29mm heel, 23mm forefoot, the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 really does look and feel like the cushioned trail shoe it is. Experts felt that its hefty cushioning—which they say rivals some road-running shoes—allowed it to take the brunt of impacts and spared their joints.
Can keep your feet dry or really wet
Reviewers reported that the Norvan LD 3’s Vibram MegaGrip outsole was “incredibly reliable on both dry and wet surfaces,” even “in thick mud and down slippery slopes.” They also added that while the 4-mm lugs were “so sharp that they would sometimes slice leaves on the ground,” they weren’t too hard and too taxing to use on pavement.
Can keep your feet dry or really wet
Testers loved the comfort, protection, and support incorporated in the LD 3’s upper. Given its copious amount of padding, they noticed that the material used still had decent breathability.
Though some runners appreciated the added support the heel collar provided, others thought it was too high and were annoyed at how it kept rubbing their ankles during runs.
Cushioning that your knees will thank you for
While the LD 3 isn’t waterproof, one expert noted that the TPU wrapping around the shoe gave it some level of water resistance. Consequently, it also prevented any moisture from “draining out of the mesh.”
Who should not buy it
Users said that the Norvan LD 3 fits true-to-size. Its roomy fit is “great for runners with a larger volume foot,” and the slightly wide-ish toe box can accommodate splaying and swelling.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
Users loved the shoe’s tried-and-true laces and lacing system which, in the words of one expert, is now “shocking for a trail runner.” Coupled with a lace garage and a well-padded, gusseted tongue, they felt that the LD 3 offered a snug, secure, “cocoon-like” lockdown.
It’s not for everyone
Running experts said that the Norvan LD 3’s thick cushioning and noticeable 6-mm drop make it a bit restrictive to forefoot strikers and those who prefer to feel the terrain more.
On the other hand, those looking for this kind of ground protection and comfort are surprised at how light, springy, and agile the shoe can get. One runner who took it on a 35-km run noted that it was able to “pick up the pace nicely” and feel “great the whole way.”
Won’t bog down your tired legs
Thanks to its heavy cushioning, light weight, and versatile outsole, runners have enjoyed using the Norvan LD 3 for long runs on roads and trails. Some experts also believe that it is an ideal shoe “for hikers and those new to, or apprehensive about, trail running.”
