Arc’teryx Shoes | Norvan LD 3 GTX Review

Putting trail miles on the waterproof running shoe from Arc'teryx that is built for comfort, stability and performance over long distances

August 2024 was a great month to test running shoes in northwestern Colorado as there has been a healthy amount of rain to create variable trail conditions. We took this opportunity to head to altitude with the Arcteryx Norvan LD 3 GTX.  After three runs I've gathered my thoughts to give a full review anyone considering a new set of Arc'teryx shoes for extended trail runs.

Let's start with the technical details of this shoe before I give my feedback.

The difference between the women's and men's versions are colors and sizing, so everything in this article is applicable to both.

Here are some notes on the construction:

InFuse™ - This is technology from Dow and is described as a Olefin Block Copolymer (OBX). The only reason you should care is because its purpose is to provide exceptional recovery from compression. This is used in the midsole of the Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3 shoes to provide comfort and durability since it is very good at taking a beating and returning to its original shape.

Ariaprene® - This is a synthetic foam fabric used on the tongue of these shoes. It is aimed to balance stability, compression, stretch, and breathability. You'll find this on high-end shoes from other brands such as Hoka, Merrell, Keen, and Five Ten.

GTX - This, of course, is the GORE-TEX membrane that provides waterproof and breathable performance. 

Dynamic Foam - This is a 3D-molded, Ion Element 100% recycled EVA (closed cell) insole. Dynamic Foam is based in my hometown of Steamboat Springs, CO and is an industry leader in footbed applications partnering with brands such as Superfeet, Altra, and Arc'teryx.

Vibram® MegaGrip™ rubber compound is durable and grippy. You'll find this on top shoes from Hoka, Scarpa, Zamberlan, and others. 

Vibram®LITEBASE technology reduces sole weight by 30% and sole thickness by up to 50%.

Fit and comfort

I have shoes from Nike, Hoka, Altra, and Brooks that are all 10.5 U.S. / 28.5cm. I ended up with a size 10 U.S. / 28cm Norvan LD 3 GTX. I've found that I size at least a half size down (U.S. sizing) in the Arc'teryx shoes I've worn. That said, for this testing I measured my foot at exactly 28cm, which is spot on for a size 10 U.S. per Arc'teryx's size chart. My suggestion is to take your measurement in centimeters (back of the heel to end of longest toe) and rely on it to find the right size.

Here is the Arc'teryx shoe size chart:
https://arcteryx.com/help/sizing/footwear

Putting on these shoes for the first time I found them immediately comfortable. There is ample room in the toe box. I over pronate, and while I don't always wear structure shoes, stability on the strike is important. The Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX have a very even strike thanks to the 6mm drop, which is middle of the pack for running shoes. They also feel light, especially for a waterproof trail shoe intended for long distances. The Norvan SL variant is crazy light, but even this GTX LD version is still lighter than my New Balance 860s and only 35g heavier than my Hoka Mach 6 (both road running shoes). The textile selection in the Norvan LD 3 GTX's - like Ariaprene® in the tongue - helps save weight.

With the shoe laced tightly on my foot, my other first impression was that these look like an all-day hiking sneaker and not a running shoe. It may be just the grey color scheme but I had to jump back onto Arc'teryx's website and look at the stock images to convince myself these are running shoes. Over the next few weeks the performance of the Norvan LD 3 GTX  proved that I shouldn't always trust my cosmetic judgement. 

Breaking in the Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX

I'm often guilty of ignoring recommendations to ease into a new shoe (I bought my New Balance 860s and went right from the store to an 8-mile run). For the Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX I had the opportunity to wear them as my only shoe for five days of hiking and camping around Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Each day was 10,000+ steps across pavement, packed trails, and rocky riverbeds. Daytime temperatures often reached the upper 80s, and there were a few days of heavy rain. I was impressed at how comfortable, light, and breathable these shoes are. The only waterproof footwear I've owned have been hiking boots, so dry socks after a morning deluge in Yellowstone was a novelty. I had nothing but positive feedback after the break-in period, but I really needed to take these on some runs to gauge performance.

Hitting the trail in the Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX

I took this shoe out on three runs for my initial performance testing. The first route is one of my go-to 5-mile loops close to home on Emerald Mountain in Steamboat. The profile includes 700 feet of gain on the way up over some rocky sections but generally buttery singletrack. The way down is fast with some off-camber sections. I noticed two things about these shoes - they have a great spring to them, and the Vibram® Megagrip is really impressive for the handling it provides. I've also ran in the Arc'teryx Sylvan Pro and they've made me a huge fan of the Vibram® LiteBase technology. This sole is so tacky and grippy without feeling like it has huge, heavy lugs.

For the second run I took these shoes up another 1,500 feet in altitude to Summit County, CO to hit some rocky high-alpine terrain. Running on Red Mountain brought me to 9,500 feet above sea level with climbs that are considerably steeper and rougher than my Steamboat lunch loop. The outsole once again provided great traction on loose scree and even some slick creek bed sections in the shade. The other notable feedback from this test run is that the outsole at the toe and 29mm stack height protected my feet when stubbing or stomping through sharp rock gardens. I came away with no hot spots, rubbing, or aching arches. These shoes feel very stable and comfortable. 

My third run was my longest of the test at 8.5 miles and also had the most ascent and descent at 1,500 feet gain in both directions. These shoes are light and feel lively. My go-to shoe for runs like this is an Altra Timp 2 (which is quite old now) and I have to say that the Arc'teryx Norvan LD GTX 3 has more spring to it. On paper the stack height is the same between these, but the Norvan LD 3 GTX feels livelier. The Norvan is also 20g lighter than the Timp 2 and 12g lighter than the current Timp 5. They're very similar shoes and I'd like to post a future test of these once I pick up the newest Altra.

Conclusion

After three solid trail runs I can say that my initial impression of these as a hiking shoe are unfounded. The Arc'teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX feels light and lively on the trail. It's also super stable, even for an over-pronator like myself. Would I say these are speedy like a race shoe? No, but that's not their intent. Would I run a trail marathon in these? Absolutely. 

Other takeaways after testing:

• I'm a fan of the Ariaprene® tongue. It feels great when you really cinch down your laces.
• The pocket on the tongue to stow the laces is another detail I really like. It keeps the shoe looking slick and prevents dangling laces from flapping around.
• The GORE-TEX application in the GTX model is pretty impressive. I never felt like I was wearing a waterproof shoe or sacrificing breathability. I haven't tested these head to head against the the standard Norvan LD 3, so maybe I'd feel differently, but these breathe really well. I wouldn't hesitate to go with the GTX if you think you'll at all need the protection.