Months of Testing The Norvan LD 4 on Aussie Trails — Here’s The Verdict
The Norvan LD has a reputation for being Arc’teryx’s one-quiver trail option, and this latest version carries that torch well.
I put the Norvan LD 4 through its paces and found it’s a no-nonsense trail shoe that feels secure and responsive, making it a strong contender for runners looking for a reliable all-rounder.
After months of testing on South East Queensland trails, from slick rainforest tracks and off-trail bush-bashing to dusty gravel fire roads, I’m convinced that the Norvan LD 4 could handle most trails you’ll find in Australia.
Stand Out Features
What stood out for me is the fit. Its medium-to-wide shape, spacious forefoot, and toe box make the Norvan the go-to shoe for more runners, especially those with wider feet, like me. That being said, they do run a little large, so consider sizing down by half a shoe size. Once you’ve got the perfect shoe size, the upper wraps the foot in a glove-like fit that feels secure, and the lace garage is a neat touch to keep things tidy.
The Midsole
The midsole will suit more traditional runners. With a 25mm heel and 19mm up front, the Norvan sits on the conservative side of today’s trail shoe market, especially compared with Hoka models that push stack heights up to 48mm. The dual-density midsole provides cushioning that doesn’t feel mushy; instead, it strikes a fine balance between firmness for responsiveness and softness for support. Even after a couple of hours running, my feet felt supported without being weighed down.
All Norvan shoes utilise the Vibram® Megagrip compound with strategically placed lugs, and during testing, the LD 4 delivered exactly that – traction was never an issue on wet or dry surfaces.
Design wise, Arc’teryx has gone for clean, sleek simplicity, and I’m up for it. The Norvan LD 4’s upper combines breathable mesh through the midfoot with a tough TPU overlay around the lower section, which adds protection for rougher trails.
One Thing To Note
Like most shoes, not everything is perfect. The flat-knit tongue tends to bunch or catch when first putting the shoes on, making it a bit fiddly. It’s a minor annoyance, but something to note if you like slipping shoes on quickly. A way around it is to pull the tongue forward when you slip the shoe on (check the video for more on that)! The good news is, it’s comfortable once you’re running.
Overall Verdict
I think the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 is definitely well-deserving of its great all-rounder reputation. The glove-like fit is a standout feature for me and made long runs super comfortable. The balance of responsiveness, good support and traction across a wide mix of trails made me feel I could rely on it no matter what. The only real gripe is the fiddly tongue, but that’s a small trade-off for a shoe that can take on just about anything you can throw at it.
The Low Down
Great for: Mixed terrain, long runs and those needing traction on wet or dry ground
Not so great for: Runners who prefer high-stack shoes and very narrow-footed runners
Ideal foot type: Wider foot
Test terrain: Dusty fire trails, off-trail bush-bashing, slick rainforest singletrack and a bit of road
Vitals
RRP: $280.00 AUD
WEBSITE: arcteryx.com
Conditions: Shoes provided for testing by Arc’teryx
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