The 001 trail running sneaker from norda is a technical marvel, constructed from elite materials like custom bio-based Dyneema fabric and Vibram rubber. Though its tech specs are lofty and lab-approved, its purpose is to bring its wearer into nature — so norda’s SS23 collection of 001s is inspired by the natural world and all of its beauty. The collection is made up of an “Azure” collab with Ray Zahab plus fresh “Retro White/Forest” and “Lemon” colorways, each of which spotlights the advanced tech on display and nods to the trails the 001 is made to take you through. Ray Zahab is an ultra-endurance athlete and a longtime norda pattern, and his “Azure” sneaker is inspired by a vision of a butterfly that he had on a multi-day journey through the Amazon. Its eponymous blue shade is accented with both black and white details while a special swirling graphic arrives on the tongue. “Retro White/Forest” offers a calm off-white base with elegant forest green accents, and, for the first time ever, a suede heel tab. Its colorblocking and details are straight off of an Aimé Leon Dore moodboard, which is fitting: 001 designer Louis-Martin Tremblay worked closely with ALD before norda was founded in 2020. Last but certainly not least, the “Lemon” contrasts its light yellow upper with hits of dark slate grey and medium smoke grey for a mixture of vibrancy and sturdiness. Each model features norda’s signature custom bio-based Dyneema upper as well as Litebase midsoles and Megagrip outsoles from Vibram.All three pairs are available now via the norda webstore. The “Retro White/Forest” and “Lemon” colorways are priced at $285 USD, while Zahab’s “Azure” retails for $295 USD. 5% of sales from Zahab’s collaboration will benefit the i2P foundation, which leads free adventure-based learning programs for students around the globe.For more from norda, check out Hypebeast’s feature on the brand’s history, technological innovations and design cues.
