Running shoes that help you through tough runs tend to hold a special place in your heart, and I have a great deal of affection for the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX waterproof trail running shoe because it kept my feet dry and warm on several long trail runs in freezing conditions in Scotland last winter.
It’s one of the best trail running shoes you can get and my favorite waterproof off-road shoe. The only thing I don’t love about it is the normal price of $200, so it’s great to see REI slice over $40 off that price to bring it down to $159 in its sale.
The waterproof upper is a crucial feature of the shoe, and it kept my feet dry even when stepping through ice into puddles or splashing along shallow streams of water on my runs in Scotland. It’s also good for keeping your feet warm on winter runs when it’s dry, and the Gore-Tex liner still breathes quite nicely, so my feet didn’t overheat if the temperature was a bit milder.
I also really liked the midsole on the shoe, which was comfortable and stable over long distances. The cushioning isn’t maxed out like on some shoes, which means the Norvan LD 3 feels a bit more nimble when tackling climbs, but there’s also enough protection underfoot for when running downhill fast.
The 4mm lugs on the outsole have gripped well for me on a range of terrains, including frozen grass, mud and rocky paths, and it’s also a comfortable shoe to use for long stretches of road running if you’re on a mixed terrain route.
Even with the discount, the Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX is an expensive trail shoe, but if you regularly battle the elements on your trail runs, it could make all the difference to your enjoyment of the sport. If you like the sound of the shoe but don’t need the waterproof upper, REI has also discounted the regular Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3, which is available in a couple of sizes for $131.
