Some of the new 2024 Arc'teryx shoes are the brand's first to be designed in-house. We cover the full range and take a couple out on the trail.
Arc'teryx, owned by Antra subsidiary Amer Sports, is a sister company to Salomon, so it wasn’t a surprise to see the brand launch footwear in 2015. This year, though, we’re treated with something different because in February 2024 Arc'teryx launched its first shoe models designed in-house. Arc'teryx opened a footwear-specific office in Portland, Oregon, and the Sylan, Vertex, and Kragg models are the first products to come out of it. In this article we aim to provide one place to get the specs and details on every model in the 2024 Arc'teryx shoes product line. Whether seeking info on mountaineering, hiking, approach, or running, look no further. Let’s go.
We've trail tested some of these shoes. See our detailed reviews.
Jump to a specific shoe
Arc'teryx Shoes - Specification Chart
Model | MSRP | Weight per shoe | Waterproof | Drop (stack) | Activity | Use | Fit | Sole |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Acrux AR GTX Unisex | $750.00 | 940g / 33oz | Yes | 11mm | Alpine | Mountaineering, Ice climbing, Mixed climbing | Standard Width | Custom Vibram® AR outsole w/ Vibram® Mont rubber compound |
Acrux LT GTX Boot Unisex | $400.00 | 650g / 23oz | Yes | 11mm | Alpine | Mountaineering | Standard Width | Vibram® Mont w/ Vibram® LiteBase |
Vertex Alpine Men's - Women's | $220.00 | 336g / 12oz | No | 8mm (18mm : 10mm) | Alpine / Rock | Technical approach | Precision Fit | Vibram® XS Flash 2 |
Vertex Alpine GTX Men's - Women's | $250.00 | 336g / 12oz | Yes | 8mm (18mm : 10mm) | Alpine / Rock | Technical approach | Precision Fit | Vibram® XS Flash 2 |
Konseal FL 2 Leather GTX Men's - Women's | $220.00 | 310g / 11oz | Yes | 11 mm | Alpine / Rock / Hike | technical approaches and hikes | Standard Width | Vibram® Megagrip |
Acrux TR GTX Boot Men's - Women's | $250.00 | 550g / 19oz | Yes | 11mm | Hike | multi-day treks with a full pack | Standard Width | Vibram® Megagrip |
Norval LD 3 GTX Men's - Women's | $200.00 | 265g / 9oz | yes | 6mm (29mm : 23mm) | Mountain Run | extended trail runs | Standard Width | Vibram® Megagrip w/ Vibram® LiteBase |
Norvan LD 3 Men's - Women's | $165.00 | 265g / 9oz | No | 6mm (29mm : 23mm) | Mountain Run | extended runs | Standard Width | Vibram® Megagrip w/ Vibram® LiteBase |
Sylvan Men's - Women's | $200.00 | 292g / 10oz | No | 6mm (28.6mm : 22.6mm) | Mountain Run | Trail running speed | Comfort Fit | Vibram® Megagrip w/ Vibram® LiteBase |
Sylvan GTX Men's - Women's | $230.00 | 310g / 11oz | Yes | 6mm (28.6mm : 22.6mm) | Mountain Run | Trail running speed | Comfort Fit | Vibram® Megagrip w/ Vibram® LiteBase |
Sylvan Pro Men's - Women's | $200.00 | 292g / 10oz | No | 6mm (28.6mm : 22.6mm) | Mountain Run | Trail running speed | Comfort Fit | Vibram® Megagrip w/ Vibram® LiteBase |
Konseal FL 2 Men's - Women's | $145.00 | 310g / 11oz | No | 11 mm | Rock / Boulder | approach shoe | Standard Width | Vibram® Megagrip |
Kragg Men's - Women's | $160.00 | 308g / 11oz | No | 7mm | Rock / Boulder / Everyday | quick approaches and recovery after the climb | Comfort Fit | Vibram® Megagrip |
Norvan SL 3 Men's - Women's | $160.00 | 171g / 6oz | No | 7mm (19mm : 12mm) | Training/Fitness / Mountain Run | Technical trail running | Standard Width | Vibram® Megagrip w/ Vibram® LiteBase |
Features, Fit, and Drop
Before we jump into the shoes let's talk about some features that are present throughout the Arc'teryx shoes line.
GTX - Waterproof
GTX represents Arc'teryx waterproof shoe models, thanks to upper material that includes GORE-TEX for protection and breathability. You'll see the GTX designation across their line of footwear.
Should you opt for the waterproof version of a shoe? This question is becoming harder to answer as technology improves. My standard way to approach this decision is always to default to non-waterproof shoes unless the application requires it. The thought being that no matter how good the waterproof membrane is, a non-waterproof shoe will always breathe better. As GORE-TEX continues to innovate, though, this has become less noticeable in my on-trail testing. In most cases the weight between a standard version and waterproof version shoe is the same. You'll also find in most cases there is only a small price difference, so GORE-TEX isn't breaking the bank. I'd probably give a slight preference to the standard non-waterproof version for comfort, but if you're traversing alpine environments in the spring or live anywhere with a propensity for rain, then the GTX is an easy choice.
Sole tech
Our spec chart has a column to show the sole technology of each Arc'teryx shoe. Here are explanations of each:
- Vibram® MegaGrip™ rubber compound is durable and grippy. You'll find this on top shoes from Hoka, Scarpa, Zamberlan, and other brands.
- Vibram® XS Flash 2 outsole delivers outstanding grip and durable, sure-footed performance across a range of conditions. This technology is found primarily on indoor climbing shoes. It has great edging properties for grip and performs in low temperatures.
- Vibram® Mont has been tested on the world's highest peaks. Maintains performance at extremely low temperatures. Firmer compound for maximum support and durability. Found on mountaineering boots from Asolo and Aku, as well as ski boots from K2 and Scarpa.
- Vibram® AR outsole is found only on the Acrux AR GTX boot. It is made to be exceptionally stiff and supportive for mountaineering ascents and descents. It uses the Vibram® Mont compound and is designed to perform in subzero temperatures.
- Vibram®LITEBASE technology reduces sole weight by 30% and sole thickness by up to 50%.
Stack and Drop
These two measurements are essential to how a shoe will perform for you. There aren't magic numbers here; the proper drop and stack for you is based on your walk/run dynamics. It takes experimentation, but once you know what works for you these become hugely important.
Let's start with stack height. This is an indication of the amount of cushion your footwear has. It is measured from the top of the insole to the bottom of the outsole lugs. Lower stack height will provide more ground feel, while a larger stack height provides more cushioning and protection.
Drop (aka offset) is the difference between the stack height at the heel and toe. Generally, a larger drop is advantageous for those who tend to heel strike, while a low drop is good for a midfoot and forefoot strike. That's a general rule of thumb; don't rule out a drop until you have tried it.
You can have a low offset and still have plenty of cushion. Altra has the best known zero-drop shoes and they still have models with 33mm stack height.
If you don't have experience with these measurements then go into your closet and pull out a couple pairs of your favorite shoes and hiking boots. Do some research and see if you can find out what you've been using. If you can't find anything, head to your local shop and try on shoes from each end of the spectrum in terms of both stack and drop.
Understanding Arc'teryx Shoe Fit
While Arc'teryx uses standard methodology to measure the length of your foot (back of heel to tip of longest toe), their fit designations for select shoes is unique.
Here is a link to Arc'teryx's shoe size chart:
https://arcteryx.com/help/sizing/footwear
The new in-house-designed Kragg, Sylan, and Vertex models each have a default fit along with suggestions to tailoring the fit to your preference. If you are looking at these models I really suggest you take the time to understand this, as it took me a few runs and spending time with these charts to realize that I prefer a "precision fit" for trail use.
Comfort Fit - This gives you the most space at the toe and a less snug fit around the foot.
Precision Fit - This fits snug across the width of the foot with slightly less space in front of the toes.
Technical Fit - This is the most snug option for fit. Picture the fit of a climbing shoe or ski boot.
Here is how Arc'teryx describe it from the perspective of a Comfort fit. This is right from their product pages:
The Precision fit is essentially the opposite. Size up for comfort.
My take: I'm a little surprised that a shoe like the Sylan Pro, which is made for fast trail running, would default to a Comfort fit. I've always liked Altras for the room in the toe box, and this fit does provide that. In practice, though, I ended up sizing down a half size U.S. compared to other brands and still ended up with a Comfort fit. I pulled out my Nike Zoomfly, Hoka Mach 6, Altra Timp 2, and Brooks Launch. All are 10.5 US, 44.5 Euro, and 28.5cm. My Arc'teryx Sylan Pros are 10 US, 44 Euro, and 28cm, and they feel like the Comfort fit described above.
I would be inclined to go a half size down and get the Precision fit and that would put me at a 9.5 US, which I haven't worn since I was a teenager. That said, my foot measures exactly 28cm and that matches the 10 US on Arc'teryx's shoe size chart. I'll also say that after putting 20 miles on the Sylans through rocky terrain I have zero complaints about stability or foot slip. The takeaway here is that you should measure your foot in cm and check the U.S. and Euro sizing on Arc'teryx's size chart. For Comfort fit stay true to your cm measurement.
Details on Arc'teryx shoe models
Abbreviations used across Arc'teryx shoes
- AR - All round. High-performance weather protection and materials, emphasizing versatility for multiple activities.
- FL - Fast and light. Minimalist, high performance and lightweight, for rapid travel in variable conditions.
- GTX - GORE-TEX. Waterproof, windproof and breathable textiles that offer fully protective environmental shelter.
- LD - Long distance. Light, durable footwear providing comfort, support and protection on extended trail runs.
- LT - Lightweight. High-performance, minimalist design that is durable for its weight.
- SL - Superlight. Superlight materials and design, emphasizing lightweight and packability over durability.
- TR - Trail. For technical mountain activities, durable and protective designs with a focus on freedom of movement for remote and varied conditions.
This list of footwear is organized into the activities that Arc'teryx uses to denote the target use of each mode.
Alpine
Uses include mountaineering, ice and mixed climbing, and technical approaches.
Acrux AR GTX
Mountaineering, Ice climbing, Mixed climbing
A pinnacle of design for mountaineering, ice and mixed climbing, the Acrux AR is the lightest, most durable, and lowest profile insulated double boot available.
The Acrux AR is very light and has a low profile for being a true mountaineering boot suitable for iced and mixed climbing. Arc'teryx claims it is the "lightest, most durable, and lowest profile insulated double boot available." The low volume design while still being a double-layer boot aims to allow for freedom of movement and agility in the mountains while still offering protection in alpine environments as high as 5,000 meters above sea level. Arc'teryx customer service reports direct experience taking this boot up to 6,000m in elevation, so it is proven beyond its stated elevation range.
The removable bootie uses stretch fabrics to conform to your foot and eliminate hot spots. The inner-bootie uses polyethylene (PE) foam to be quick-drying. It also features a rubber sole, making it suitable for use as a camp shoe. The midsole features EVA foam for shock absorption and stability. The outer boot is fully waterproof thanks to the laminated GORE-TEX gaiter. The inner bootie has both laces and a velcro strap at the collar, while the outer seals it all in with the T-ZIP WaterTight™ front closure zipper.
Material details:
- GORE-TEX 3-Layer with 0,6 mm TPU protection film
- Inner Shell - 4mm 3D formed perforated PE foam
- Insole - Carbon fiber with expanded PU foam core
- Toe & Heel - Injected TPU heel and toe counters
While this boot should work with most crampons on the market, be aware that there is not attachment points for a secondary gaiter.
Acrux LT GTX
Mountaineering
Light, supportive GORE-TEX mountaineering boot delivering outstanding climbing precision.
The Acrux LT is designed for precision mountaineering. The 3mm carbon plate provides stiffness and support while the Vibram® Mont outsole keeps things grippy. The upper features a GORE-TEX membrane for waterproofness, while the SuperFabric® Polyester weave exterior of the upper is made to withstand abrasion. At 650g per boot this is a lightweight, very capable technical mountaineering boot.
Material details:
- Crampon compatible
- 0.6mm TPU protective film
- 3D-moulded TPU toe cap provides protection with a streamlined profile
- Compressed EVA midsole provides lasting cushion and support
Alpine / Rock / Boulder
The shoes in this section are versatile sneakers for technical trail use.
Vertex Alpine and Vertex Alpine GTX
Technical Approach
Technical approach shoe balancing stability and grip with a light, fast design.
I love approach shoes because they have technical features in a sneaker design. I tend to only wear hiking boots when on a rugged alpine ascent or backpacking trip. For the rest of my exploring I prefer a sneaker, but one that provides grip, support, and a sufficient level of protection. The Vertex Alpine is one of the first shoes designed in-house at the Arc'teryx footwear office in Portland, OR and checks the boxes as a very technical sneaker.
This shoe is offered in the standard version and the GTX for a waterproof option. The only difference between the Vertex Alpine and the Vertex Alpine GTX is the material in the upper and the GORE-TEX liner.
Features common across both models
Both the Vertex Alpine and Vertex Alpine GTX feature a knit collar integrated with the tongue to create an ankle seal, a TPU shank to guard against sharp rocks, and a toe cap. The outsole has 4mm lugs and features Vibram® XS Flash 2, which is typically found on indoor climbing shoes. The design is perfectly suited for the intended use as an approach shoe and provides performance on-rock.
Two call-outs:
- Precision fit - Make sure to check out the section in this article around the fit profiles of these shoes. My summary is that a Precision fit is true to size based on the cm measurement of your foot. If you want more room in the toe then go up a 1/2 size for a Comfort fit.
- Integrated tongue pocket - This is a small feature but one I've come to appreciate on Arc'teryx shoes. Tuck your lace loops out of the way so they don't snag on underbrush and keep things looking tight.
Vertex Alpine
The Vertex Alpine offers a Matryx® woven polyester upper, which is a breathable fabric designed specifically to withstand abrasion. You'll find this material on a number of technical trail and running shoes.
Vertex Alpine GTX
The waterproof Vertex Alpine GTX uses a standard Polyester upper with a GORE-TEX liner. We've tested the GORE-TEX liner on the Norvan LD 3 GTX and are impressed with the breathability.
Konseal FL 2 and Konseal FL 2 Leather GTX
Nimble and supportive shoe for technical approaches and hikes.
Made for approaches with varying conditions, the Arc'teryx Konseal FL 2 is made to be fast, light, supportive, and durable. A TPU midfoot chassis increases torsional stiffness for stability when wearing a pack. A 3D-moulded TPU toe cap gives protection up front and the Vibram® Megagrip sole provides traction in wet, rocky environments.
Bonus points: 0.8mm microfiber heel lining to eliminate hot spots.
The only difference between the Konseal FL 2 and the Konseal FL 2 Leather GTX is the material in the upper, and the GORE-TEX liner.
Konseal FL 2
This model uses a 60% Polyamide (nylon) / 40% Polyethylene (plastic) mesh upper that is abrasion resistant and flexible.
Konseal FL 2 Leather GTX
The Arc'teryx Konseal FL 2 Leather GTX features a PFC-Free Split-Suede Leather upper. I particularly like the classic look the leather gives this shoe. That said, the leather drives a $75 price jump from the standard Konseal FL 2, which is bigger than you see when it is just a difference of the GORE-TEX.
Kragg
Comfortable, supportive footwear for quick approaches and recovery after the climb.
Another of the three in-house designs from Arc'teryx in 2024, the Kragg approach shoe has an interesting design. The Stretchy Spacermesh™ upper, breathable sock liner made with a 50% bio-based poured PU compound with an open-cell foam top layer, and collapsible heel scream comfort. The molded toe cap and Vibram® Megagrip outsole tell us this shoe is still ready for the business. It begs the question, is this the mullet of the approach shoe? We think so, and that's awesome.
Bonus points: Removable, easy-to-clean INSITE® Contoura® foam insole cushions, supports, and is made from 50% plant-based material to reduce petroleum use. Keep your shoes feeling fresh.
Hiking
For days on the trail with or without a pack. These boots and shoes tend to be lightweight but provide support for whatever load you carry.
Acrux TR GTX Boot
Multi-day backpacking
Light, exceptionally durable GORE-TEX boot for multi-day treks with a full pack.
Made for technical, multi-day routes over any terrain, the trail version of the Acrux line is a compelling option for an over-the-ankle waterproof boot intended for backpacking. The weight of the Acrux TR GTX is on par with similar offerings from KEEN, Danner and Lowa. For gram-counters, the Nucleo High II GTX from La Sportiva is 75g lighter, but this boot is certainly a leader in this segment. The SuperFabric® upper offers breathability and flexibility compared to a traditional leather upper, while still providing plenty of abrasion resistance. Wateproof performance is as expected with a GORE-TEX insert. The stability comes from the TPU chassis, which provides torsional rigidity across the mid and forefoot. For comfort, Arc'teryx injected EVA foam into the midsole. Additionally, there is a 4mm OrthoLite™ 3D molded insert. The toe cap and Vibram® MegaGrip™ outsole are the same found on many Arc'teryx shoes.
Mountain Running
Trail shoes for running fast and running far.
Norvan LD 3 and Norvan LD 3 GTX
Long distance trail running
Lightweight, supportive shoe for lasting comfort on extended trail runs.
We have put some solid miles on the Arc'terx Norvan LD 3 GTX trail running shoe in the mountains of Colorado, and you can read our in-depth review here.
The Norvan LD series is all about support and comfort for long distance trail running, but that doesn't mean it sacrifices performance. Key features focused on longer runs include a toe box shaped to allow splaying of your toes, a dual-layer internal construction to prevent hot spots, the InFuse™ midsole that is resilient against repeated compressions, and a 29mm stack height at the heel (23mm at the forefoot). All of this and each shoe weighs only 265g, making this the second lightest in the Arc'teryx shoe line (the Norvan SL is an amazing 95g lighter).
For more detail on the material and construction, hop over to our review. The summary from the hours we've spent pounding dirt is that it lives up to its mandate as a long-distance performance trail shoe. The toe box, midsole, and stack height come together to make it a very comfortable shoe, even if you overpronate.
The only differences between the Norvan LD 3 and Norvan LD 3 GTX are the GORE-TEX membrane and color options.
Norvan LD 3
Norvan LD 3 GTX
We're impressed with the breathability of this waterproof version. While we more often than not will recommend a non-waterproof shoe for the average runner, the GTX option as your go-to long distance trail shoe makes a lot of sense. Our test runs were often above 80°F and these shoes never felt hot.
Norvan SL 3
Ultralight trail running
Lightweight, supportive trail running shoe for lasting comfort on extended trail runs.
Ultralight and highly breathable, the Arc'teryx Norvan SL 3 is made for agility and performance. This is by far the lightest model in the Arc'teryx shoe lineup and has different construction and features than the LD version. With 1mm more drop but 10mm less stack, this shoe is going to give more ground feel (with a trade off of less cushioning). The Matryx® Micro upper is made of polyester fibers wrapped around nylon and is flexible and resistant to abrasion. We really like the knit collar while running in the Sylan Pro, and it is also found on the Norval SL 3. This Vibram® Megagrip outsole has 3.5mm lugs, where the Norvan LD 3 has 4mm lugs.
We're big fans of fast shoes. We also give high marks to the long-distance version of this shoe. The Norvan SL 3 makes our shortlist of shoes we're jonesing to put to the test. This is the shoe if you're looking for an ultralight option with a mid-height stack.
Sylan, Sylan Pro, and Sylan GTX
Trail racing and running
Mountain running shoe designed for maximizing speed.
The Arc'teryx Sylan series shoes are all about fast mountain running.
These features are common across all Sylan models and are unique to this speedgoat.
- Midsole rocker - Found on race shoes, a rocker increases propulsion during stride transition.
- Lug pattern - 6mm lugs are the deepest found on Arc'teryx trail running shoes and are spaced wide for grip in mud. The lug pattern is specially designed for steep terrain.
- Drop and stack: 6mm (28.6mm : 22.6mm) We'd call this a mid-high stack height, so you're getting max cushion.
The Sylan GTX is the waterproof offering in this line with the familiar GORE-TEX membrane found across Arc'teryx shoes. The application in this shoe is described as a full liner with Invisible Fit Technology to improve flex and comfort.
Fit: This shoe is designated as a default Comfort fit. Be sure to read through the detailed explanation in this article of what this fit means. My advice is to measure your foot in cm. If you like the roomier Comfort fit then stay true to your cm size in the Arc'teryx shoe fit chart (not your U.S. size). If you like a more Precision fit, then go a half size down. I prefer a Precision fit and in the end this will be a full size down in U.S. sizing compared to the other running shoes in my closet.
Bonus points: The tongue pocket stows laces out of the way so you don't snag them on brush, or have them come untied. There is also a lace tab that latches over the highest lace-cross and keeps the tongue in place. Having run a lot in the Sylan Pro, these are small details that make this a great shoe.
The difference between the Sylan Models
There are only a few differences between these shoes. The Sylan and Sylan Pro only have cosmetic differences from each other. Originally used by their sponsored athletes, the Arc'teryx Sylan Pro sports a large version of the fossil logo on the upper. Besides color options and the logo, the Sylan Pro is identical to the Sylan in all ways (including price).
The Sylan GTX obviously includes the GORE-TEX membrane for waterproof protection. Notably though, this shoe has a Nylon weave upper as opposed to the Matryx® Micro upper found on the other two Sylan models. The tradeoff in this case is 18g additional weight on the GTX. You're not going to notice a difference, but we mention it because this is a departure from what we see on the Vertex and Norvan models when it comes to GTX vs. standard model.
Summary:
- Sylan and Sylan Pro are identical except for the color options and the larger logo found on the Pro.
- The GTX adds GORE-TEX and weighs 18g/shoe more than the other two models because it uses a Nylon upper and not the Matryx® Micro upper.