Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Norvan SL

I should start off by clarifying that, in hindsight, I probably didn't choose the correct shoes for the job. I do a lot of climbing/running on Colorado's 14er trails and probably should have chosen the Norvan VTs. I have had the SLs for 2 months and put 250 miles on them and about 100k vertical feet The Good: The traction on the bottom was great out of the box. Very grippy with no fear of slipping even on class 4 terrain. The weight is impressively light. This may be a personal preference, but the blue color is fantastic; compliments from others seemed to confirm this. The Bad: DURABILITY. After only two months (under admittedly heavy use) the soles have lost much of their initial traction. Where I never used to slip on rocks, I occasionally do now. Smaller rocks on-trail are more evidently felt through the soles as well with a couple feeling like they punch through. If I had only been using these shoes solely for running on well-defined trails, I think they would have held up better. There is a secondary issue with some pain in my Achilles as well, but I don't want to place blame solely on the shoes. I have never experienced this pain while doing similar activity in other shoes, but it could also be due to forgetting to stretch sufficiently...

I bought these shoes primarily as an approach shoe. I prefer a shoe with minimal support and something that is lightweight. I like to go sock-less, especially in the summer so I was looking for something breathable that wouldn't get stinky. I've had them for almost a year now, and while I initially worried about durability (they showed some small amounts of wear quickly) they are stood the test of time. I've worn them on short and long approaches/hikes (up to 16km), wearing a heavy climbing day pack (rope, rack, personal gear and lunch) for up to 5km. I've never found them uncomfortable even on long approaches with a heavy pack (but I really like light, minimal shoes) The breathability has never been a problem. My feet barely sweat when I don't wear socks, and even if they smell for a little while after a long hike without socks, the smell goes away quickly. These have met and then exceeded the expectations I had for them!

I bought these shoes primarily as an approach shoe. I prefer a shoe with minimal support and something that is lightweight. I like to go sock-less, especially in the summer so I was looking for something breathable that wouldn't get stinky. I've had them for almost a year now, and while I initially worried about durability (they showed some small amounts of wear quickly) they are stood the test of time. I've worn them on short and long approaches/hikes (up to 16km), wearing a heavy climbing day pack (rope, rack, personal gear and lunch) for up to 5km. I've never found them uncomfortable even on long approaches with a heavy pack (but I really like light, minimal shoes) The breathability has never been a problem. My feet barely sweat when I don't wear socks, and even if they smell for a little while after a long hike without socks, the smell goes away quickly. These have met and then exceeded the expectations I had for them!

i nearly sent these back when i received them as they seemed too small. luckily, i read a review that suggested they need 'breaking in'. and they do. it only took one run for them to form to the shape of my foot. saying that, although the toe box is spacious, if you are in any doubt and can't get to a shop to try these on first, maybe go for a half size up. i've worn them on tarmac, treadmill, woodland and muddy scrubland runs. i've worn them on a night out in london. they look great, are light weight and pack up small. the vibram sole is seriously grippy and show no wear after 3 months of use.

i nearly sent these back when i received them as they seemed too small. luckily, i read a review that suggested they need 'breaking in'. and they do. it only took one run for them to form to the shape of my foot. saying that, although the toe box is spacious, if you are in any doubt and can't get to a shop to try these on first, maybe go for a half size up. i've worn them on tarmac, treadmill, woodland and muddy scrubland runs. i've worn them on a night out in london. they look great, are light weight and pack up small. the vibram sole is seriously grippy and show no wear after 3 months of use.

Using as all around/trail running shoes and I love them so far, great experience as always from Arc'teryx

This has been my go-to shoe for long alpine rock climbing routes when I need to clip my shoes to my harness. At 180 grams/shoe I hardly notice they're on me. If they need to be stuffed in a pack they disappear with out a trace. The rubber is also surprisingly sticky and I've felt comfortable climbing 4th and easy 5th class pitches in them. I've bashed through a lot of scree, some off-trail travel and loads of boulder fields and they've held up surprisingly well. I've put a small (~1cm) tear in the side but so far nothing has been bad enough to think that I'll need to retire them anytime soon. I'd expect that I can get 2 more seasons of summer guiding in them...

This has been my go-to shoe for long alpine rock climbing routes when I need to clip my shoes to my harness. At 180 grams/shoe I hardly notice they're on me. If they need to be stuffed in a pack they disappear with out a trace. The rubber is also surprisingly sticky and I've felt comfortable climbing 4th and easy 5th class pitches in them. I've bashed through a lot of scree, some off-trail travel and loads of boulder fields and they've held up surprisingly well. I've put a small (~1cm) tear in the side but so far nothing has been bad enough to think that I'll need to retire them anytime soon. I'd expect that I can get 2 more seasons of summer guiding in them...

I'm very impressed with these shoes so far. From long trail runs, technical scrambles, mud, wind and rain, I've put them through almost every condition imaginable. One thing that sticks out for me is how responsive they are. It's easy to read the terrain underfoot, and I'm able to move quickly with how lightweight they are. They also breathe well and are great for hot summer days. But if there is rain in the forecast you might want to go with another option as your feet will get wet. My favorite feature is the Megagrip. It gives me a lot of confidence while running down steep rocky terrain. It's as if there are small suction cups glued to my feet.

I'm very impressed with these shoes so far. From long trail runs, technical scrambles, mud, wind and rain, I've put them through almost every condition imaginable. One thing that sticks out for me is how responsive they are. It's easy to read the terrain underfoot, and I'm able to move quickly with how lightweight they are. They also breathe well and are great for hot summer days. But if there is rain in the forecast you might want to go with another option as your feet will get wet. My favorite feature is the Megagrip. It gives me a lot of confidence while running down steep rocky terrain. It's as if there are small suction cups glued to my feet.

When I first bought these shoes I had my doubts on whether I would use them. I initially bought these as trail shoes; shoes that I would switch into when I'm at camp while backpacking. But after wearing them for some time, they became my main shoe for everything; be it trail running, water crossing, backpacking, or even walking around town. The sheer amount of features packed into this shoe is incredible. Every little detail is accounted for, be it the extremely breathable mesh to the carbiner loop that allows for my shoes to clip my harness with ease. These shoes are the most comfortable shoes i have ever worn, being breathable while lightweight. And when I'm on my way to the crag, I feel at ease knowing that I wouldn't slip on wet rock. If you're considering getting a pair of shoes, get these! I absolutely recommend these shoes and will continue wearing mine until the thread breaks.

First time running in a pair of Arc'teryx trail shoes, and I was really happy I took the chance on a pair. My first run was an easy 10km on relatively flat gravel track, with a few wooden walkways and tree roots. My first impressions were how light and responsive these shoes were, making moving around obstacles and roots really easy. I had wondered how good the grip would be, but was really pleased with how well these stuck to all the terrain and at varying gradients. Can't wait to take them out on longer and more technical runs very soon!!

First time running in a pair of Arc'teryx trail shoes, and I was really happy I took the chance on a pair. My first run was an easy 10km on relatively flat gravel track, with a few wooden walkways and tree roots. My first impressions were how light and responsive these shoes were, making moving around obstacles and roots really easy. I had wondered how good the grip would be, but was really pleased with how well these stuck to all the terrain and at varying gradients. Can't wait to take them out on longer and more technical runs very soon!!

So definitely not your typical use. These shoes have THE most rock-solid grip on wet granite. When you're jumping off 40ft plus cliffs you better hope the shoes don't fail you on take off. When throwing tricks on weird angles and rocks they literally stick to the rock. The Norvan SL is a reliable partner in the whole ordeal. Now when you need to make the ascent up after a water entry the shoes come alive doing scrambles and some vertical climbs back up to the top. When you're all done hiking out is no problem at all. The mesh allows easy drainage and they dry within 20 minutes... unlike any other shoe I've cliff jumped with. Only quam..... That carabiner loop on the back heal digs into your ankle if you're going barefoot. I think over time it will soften up but initially, it was quite uncomfortable.

So definitely not your typical use. These shoes have THE most rock-solid grip on wet granite. When you're jumping off 40ft plus cliffs you better hope the shoes don't fail you on take off. When throwing tricks on weird angles and rocks they literally stick to the rock. The Norvan SL is a reliable partner in the whole ordeal. Now when you need to make the ascent up after a water entry the shoes come alive doing scrambles and some vertical climbs back up to the top. When you're all done hiking out is no problem at all. The mesh allows easy drainage and they dry within 20 minutes... unlike any other shoe I've cliff jumped with. Only quam..... That carabiner loop on the back heal digs into your ankle if you're going barefoot. I think over time it will soften up but initially, it was quite uncomfortable.

Love 'em. Very impressive design. Super light weight. Very sensitive feel under foot, which demands precise and delicate foot placement esp. on rocky terrain. Cushioning is limited and dense but effective. If you're accustomed to wearing pillows on your feet, then these are probably best used over shorter distances (< 30km). Tread is super tacky on rock and hard surfaces. Superior breathability and fast drying. Snug fit + breathability = limited insulation in cold (-10c) temperatures.

I have a very wide forefoot. Yet these shoes stretch enough that it isnt a problem. These will be my go to shoes for climbing areas where I need to bring my shoes along. They are SOOOO light. It's really cool.

As an Arc'teryx athlete, I had the privilege of working on early versions of the shoe and I am really excited with how it turned out. The Norvan SL shoe is the perfect mountain shoe designed for speed. This superlight trail running shoe is designed for moving fast, with climbing and scrambling as a forethought. It's the shoe I've been looking for for years. The shoe rolls well through your stride, meaning it runs very well on flatter terrain, but it really shines when things get technical. The ultra-lightweight forefoot TPU plate protects against trail debris, which is really important for mountain runs and the mega-grip sole inspires confidence when moving in the mountains. It is probably not well suited for ultra ling runs, but depending on your comfort with a minimally built and cushioned shoe, it is awesome for half day missions. It's also very well suited as an approach shoe for climbers looking to get to the crag quickly, or link up different zones.

As an Arc'teryx athlete, I had the privilege of working on early versions of the shoe and I am really excited with how it turned out. The Norvan SL shoe is the perfect mountain shoe designed for speed. This superlight trail running shoe is designed for moving fast, with climbing and scrambling as a forethought. It's the shoe I've been looking for for years. The shoe rolls well through your stride, meaning it runs very well on flatter terrain, but it really shines when things get technical. The ultra-lightweight forefoot TPU plate protects against trail debris, which is really important for mountain runs and the mega-grip sole inspires confidence when moving in the mountains. It is probably not well suited for ultra ling runs, but depending on your comfort with a minimally built and cushioned shoe, it is awesome for half day missions. It's also very well suited as an approach shoe for climbers looking to get to the crag quickly, or link up different zones.

I've worn the Norvan SL Shoe over the winter on a wide range of trails and terrain, and I've to say that I find it the perfect shoe for technical running for distances up to 30k/20 miles. It performs best on rocky and sometimes slippery trails/surfaces, as the Vibram sole has a super strong grip on almost every surface. The cushioning is enough to protect your feed but still leaves you with a good sensation for the ground, so that your feet can work at its full potential. The outer material is super lightweight but still durable enough to tackle rough and rocky trails. As I said, my choice of shoe when I'm hitting technical trails with rocks, roots and roughness for short to middle long runs.

liked the shoe. ran out of the box for a 100 miler. liked it being light weight, breathability, fit. did notice the trail under my feet quite a bit. but with a light shoe i expect that even with the tpu plate. didn't like how much debris was getting into the shoe throughout the race. had to empty the shoes several times. from other posts... the shoe "puckers" the ankles and lets in rocks, sticks, etc. this happened within the first five miles. this was frustrating. hope this get's addressed in the next model.

These are perfect shoes for mountain biking. I have a front foot injury and for trail running, I would like more cushioning forward of the arch (though behind the arch is fine). But I can't imagine a better shoe for mtn bking, light, ventilated, sturdy and are great for trail sections not possible to ride (i run these while carrying the bike over my shoulder)

I can't comment on the effectiveness of these shoes for trail running but they've been excellent as a climbing approach shoe. They're incredibly light and I barely notice them when they're clipped to my harness on multi-pitch routes. Also, despite being lightweight these shoes are still able to stand up to abuse. I've scrambled my way through boulder fields and slid down a few scree slopes without inflicting any significant damage. They're surprisingly sticky and I've used them to tackle some relatively technical terrain without any concerns. The soles may not offer as much support as more traditional style approach shoes but (for me at least) this flexibility is an advantage, as it makes them significantly more comfortable on long approaches. I only have two minor criticisms. Firstly, the clipping loop on the heel is good to look at but I don't find it as practical as a standard sewn loop. When the shoes are new and snug fitting it can be hard to use this loop to pull them on to your feet. Secondly, the laces are more prone to coming undone than any shoe I've ever owned. I'm baffled as to why this might be the case. Maybe I need to practice tying knots. Neither of the above points would prevent me from getting another pair. I really like these shoes.

I can't comment on the effectiveness of these shoes for trail running but they've been excellent as a climbing approach shoe. They're incredibly light and I barely notice them when they're clipped to my harness on multi-pitch routes. Also, despite being lightweight these shoes are still able to stand up to abuse. I've scrambled my way through boulder fields and slid down a few scree slopes without inflicting any significant damage. They're surprisingly sticky and I've used them to tackle some relatively technical terrain without any concerns. The soles may not offer as much support as more traditional style approach shoes but (for me at least) this flexibility is an advantage, as it makes them significantly more comfortable on long approaches. I only have two minor criticisms. Firstly, the clipping loop on the heel is good to look at but I don't find it as practical as a standard sewn loop. When the shoes are new and snug fitting it can be hard to use this loop to pull them on to your feet. Secondly, the laces are more prone to coming undone than any shoe I've ever owned. I'm baffled as to why this might be the case. Maybe I need to practice tying knots. Neither of the above points would prevent me from getting another pair. I really like these shoes.