Arc’teryx launches first trail running shoe – built for vertical terrain

Today, trail running can be a vertical experience. Launching Spring 17, Arc’teryx proudly announces the launch of its first trail runner, the Norvan VT and Norvan VT GTX. A first-of-its-kind, the Norvan is built for alpinists and climbers who use trail running to increase their fitness, and dedicated trail runners looking for new territory to explore. The shoe’s design, fit, features and materials combine to free athletes to push past traditional shoes’ boundaries and extend into steeper, more technical landscapes. The Norvan VT is the first of many Arc’teryx trail running shoes to come. Built to allow the trail runner to adapt quickly to varying terrain, the Norvan VT combines comfortable, supportive lightweight performance and confident traction on technical trails, with a precise fit that allows a quick transition into scrambling and ascending steep rocky terrain via an ingeniously simple adjustable lacing system. Employing a new (patent pending) 3600 Support System made of internal and external components, the shoe can be easily tightened and secured to pull a runner onto the ball of the foot for a precise, supportive fit while scrambling, then disengaged to restore the higher internal-volume needed while running. The system wraps the forefoot for evenly-distributed, reliable support while edging and scrambling. “Runners, climbers and athletes are continuously pushing themselves further and higher,” said Greg Grenzke, Arc’teryx’s design manager for Ascent & Footwear categories, “We wanted the 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.” The Norvan VT delivers unprecedented scrambling ability and durability due to a use of strategically-mapped outsole compounds and lug geometries. The EVA/polyolefin blend midsole lasts 36% longer than standard EVA. Non-stretch, PU-coated and highly-durable synthetic material wraps both the midsole and upper. 0.4 mm TPU film overlays are used in all high-abrasion areas for extra protection. A raised perimeter sidewall helps the foot sit deeper in the shoe for inherent stability, and 9mm heel-to-toe drop and a 26 mm/17 mm stack height deliver comfort and protection on rugged trails. An advanced Vibram® rubber sole combines a sticky Idrogrip forefoot for traction on slickrock and wet trails with a Megagrip compound for durability and sure-footedness. The Norvan VT is the only running shoe on the market that utilizes this sticky rubber compound in its forefoot. While inspired by athletes and alpinists, the Norvan VT is a perfect option for anyone looking to spend time moving fast in the mountains. Every consideration was made in the design process to ensure the Norvan VT is the most comfortable, lightweight, advanced trail running shoe on the market. The shoe is available for both men and women, in a Norvan VT style and Norvan VT GTX style, complete with GORE-TEX ® protection. [gallery link="file" ids="16817,16819,16821,16823,16825,16827"]