Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 GTX
(£180, arcteryx.com)
What the brand says: Featuring a high-abrasion mesh upper complete with Gore-Tex protection, this shoe offers breathable comfort in even the wettest of conditions. The dual-layer internal construction minimises friction, while the heel and forefoot stack absorb shock to improve comfort. Advanced materials, including a Vibram Litebase sole and an Infuse midsole, shed grams, while the sticky Vibram Megagrip outsole has aggressive 4mm lugs for confident bite on muddy trails.
This lightweight but firm, all-weather, long-distance trail shoe proved to be very grippy on a variety of terrains. The shape of the shoe allows for a roll from heel to toe with no flexing of the sole, so possibly more suited to those runners with a longer stride. Comfortwise, the shoe is excellent, with plenty of room for splayed toes (and a bunion in my case!). The tongue and lacing