norda 001 vs Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust

norda 001 vs Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust, side by side on equal terms. Differences are emphasised; matching specs are dimmed.

Specification	norda 001	Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust
MSRP	$295	$280
Weight	268g	311.85g
Drop	5mm	6mm
Stack (heel/forefoot)	26/21mm	41/35mm
Lug depth	5mm	4mm
Surface	Trail	Trail
Primary use	Long Distance	Long Distance
Cushion	Moderate	High
Firmness	Balanced	—
Stability	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	None	None
Waterproof	No	No
Midsole	—	optiFOAM / optiFOAM+ (PEBA and EVA mix)
Outsole	—	All-Terrain contaGRIP
Width availability	Standard	Standard
Best for	Ultra runners who prioritize a durable, lightweight shoe with reliable Vibram Megagrip traction and are willing to pay a premium.	Long and ultra-distance runs on mixed and dusty or sandy terrain where the built-in gaiter earns its keep.
Avoid if	You want maximum plush cushioning, wide sizing, or a rock plate for very technical terrain, or you're price-sensitive.	You want a light, fast shoe for short efforts or you run mostly on technical terrain needing deep, aggressive lugs.
Lowest offer	—	—

Which should you pick?

head-to-head · opinion

The norda 001 and Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust are both plate-less trail shoes for long efforts, but the trade-off is protection versus lightness: the norda is lighter at 268g with a lower, more moderate 26/21mm stack, while the Salomon runs heavier at 312g with a much taller, plusher 41/35mm platform. Ultra runners chasing a nimble, durable shoe with Vibram Megagrip should take the norda 001, while those wanting maximum cushioning for long dusty or sandy miles—with a built-in gaiter—should choose the Salomon. Note the norda costs more at $295 versus $280.