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Arc’teryx to release its first-ever trail running shoe

 

Arc’teryx is getting into the shoe game. On Thursday, the brand announced their first ever trail shoe: the Norvan VT.

The Norvan (we’re guessing a portmonteau of “North” and “Vancouver,” where the Canadian company is based), which emphasizes running on vertical terrain (hence “VT”) is intended to be worn during regular trail training or for top performance on uneven terrain in your most difficult trail race. In designing it, the brand aimed to create a lightweight feel in the upper and marry it with a durable sole that runners.

“Runners, climbers and athletes are continuously pushing themselves highers and further,” said design manager Greg Grenzke. “We wanted to Norvan to be an extremely high performance trail runner that had no compromises while running with the added benefits of approach footwear when steep and technical terrain came into play.”

One of the potentially most exciting features of this new shoe, and certainly the design feature that immediately stands out, is their 360-degree tightening lacing system. The unusual lacing system allows serious mountain runners to adjust the fit for steep approaches. Other aggressive characteristics include a high sidewall around the ankle to keep feet from slipping, a sticky grip on the outsole, a 9mm drop and what the designers are claiming will be an extremely durable upper. There will also be a Goretex version called the Norvan VT-GTX for some nasty winter trail and mountain exploring.

As of next year, the outdoor company plans on revamping its entire Endorphin line to make the products more run-specific. The VT shoe will also nicely compliment the Norvan SL, the lightest Goretex running jacket yet to be produced. We got a sneak peak of that jacket and then one of the 800 from the initial production run and have been quite impressed.

Although it’s the brand’s first trail shoe, it’s not going to be the last. As the company explains, this is the lead model in a line of trail running footwear. The Norvan VT will be available as a part of their spring 2017 lineup, so it should hit the market in late winter.

The Norvan VT will go for $200 with the Gore-Tex model going for $230.

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