Canadian shoe brand norda teams up with DSM for bio-based first

The norda 001 trail running shoe. Photo Credit: DSM

Norda, a new running shoe brand out of Canada that focuses on sustainable, high-performance trail shoes, has introduced what it calls the first seamless trail running shoe, made with bio-based Dyneema fibre from material supplier Royal DSM.

Called the norda 001, the shoe upper is described as being seamlessly constructed with Dyneema fabric, which DSM says benefits from the intrinsic properties of the super-strong Dyneema fibre – engineered at the molecular level to provide high strength, low weight, waterproof and breathable properties.

“In addition to the increased foot stability and wearer comfort of the upper, Dyneema fibres are also used to increase abrasion resistance and stretch in the shoelaces – providing four times the level of strength when compared to standard lace materials like nylon and polyester,” DSM officials said.

“When we set out to create the norda 001, our mission was to design an ultra-strong and durable high-performance trail running shoe, and do it as sustainably as possible,” said Willamina and Nick Martire, the CEO and co-founders of norda, which is headquartered in Montreal. “To achieve our goal, we had to look outside of the standard materials used by the footwear industry. We realized the properties of bio-based Dyneema beat everything available today.”

In line with DSM’s commitment to protect people and the environment they live in, bio-based Dyneema offers the same exact performance as conventional Dyneema with a carbon footprint that’s 90 per cent lower than generic HMPE. “Sourced from renewable, bio-based feedstock, [this] latest advancement in fibre technology uses the mass balance approach to further reduce the reliance on fossil fuel-based resources, while still contributing to a more circular economy,” DSM said.

The shoe also features Dyneema laces, lightweight Vibram Litebase technology with Mega Grip rubber for enhanced traction on dry and wet surfaces, a reflective finish on the front and rear of the shoe, and a custom TPU insole.