Norda® & Envalior develop high-performance trail running shoe with Arnitel® midsole

• The norda® 055 is built on the success of the award-winning 005, featuring Envalior’s 100% Arnitel® midsole technology, engineered specifically for ultra long-distance racing and highly technical terrain.
• A thicker Arnitel® midsole delivers enhanced rebound and cushioning while maintaining the lightweight durability, stability and resilience trail runners demand.
• Next-generation Arnitel® foaming grades are designed to further improve foam performance and expand processing capabilities for advanced footwear applications.

Düsseldorf, July 6, 2026 – Norda® and Envalior continue to push the boundaries of trail running performance with the launch of the 055, the latest evolution of high-performance footwear powered by Envalior’s Arnitel® thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC) midsole technology. Building on the success of the norda® 005, the new 055 is engineered specifically for ultra long-distance racing and highly technical terrain, combining enhanced cushioning and rebound with the lightweight durability and stability required by elite trail runners. Demonstrating its performance in competition, ultra runner Rachel Entrekin recently won the Cocodona 250 race in Arizona in a record time, while wearing the 055 throughout the full 250 miles.

The 055 highlights the versatility and resilience of Arnitel® foam technology across multiple trail running applications. While the norda® 005 was designed as the lightest and fastest trail racing shoe, the 055 expands the performance platform with a thicker Arnitel® midsole for greater cushioning and protection during extended efforts on rugged terrain.

“Arnitel® continues to redefine what trail runners can expect from high-performance midsoles,” says Andre Oosterlaken, Market Development Manager for Arnitel® at Envalior. “Working with brands like Norda®, who does not settle for anything less than perfection, keeps pushing us to continue developing next-gen midsole foams to meet and exceed their expectations.”

Compared to conventional lightweight, high-rebound foams, Arnitel® delivers superior mechanical property retention, consistent performance across varying temperatures and trail conditions, and long-lasting rebound performance. The material’s low energy loss after foaming enables midsoles to maintain responsiveness and comfort across extended distances and challenging environments.

“Each one of our shoes is a specific tool for a specific purpose, and with the 055, we set out to create an all-mountain shoe that’s explosive, yet stable,” explains norda® co-founder Nick Martire. “Arnitel’s unique mechanical properties made it the only foam that could strike the perfect balance between rebound, stability, and durability necessitated by the 055’s use cases.”

The launch of the norda® 055 also coincides with Envalior’s introduction of next-generation Arnitel® foaming grades developed to improve foam performance and expand processing capabilities for footwear applications. The new materials support continued innovation in lightweight, durable and high-performance footwear solutions.

An overview of norda® products and sustainability strategy can be found at nordarun.com.

Further information on Envalior's products and services can be found at www.envalior.com.

About Envalior
Envalior is a global leader in Sustainable & High-Performance Engineering Materials with annual sales of around €3 billion. The company’s broad portfolio includes PA6, PA66, PBT, PA46, PPS, TPC (TPE-E), PET, PA4T, PA410, and Thermoplastic Composites. With a global network of 18 production sites, 12 R&D centers, and more than 4,000 employees, Envalior serves key markets such as Mobility, Electronics & Electrical, and Consumer and Industrial Goods. The company was established in 2023 through the merger of Lanxess Performance Materials and DSM Engineering Materials. For more information, visit www.envalior.com.

About norda
Founded in Montreal, Canada in 2020, and headquartered in the mountains of the Eastern Townships of Quebec, norda® run, inc. is a privately held footwear and apparel company. norda® is inspired by Canada’s toughest conditions and is committed to craftsmanship in creating the highest-performance products. The brand’s mission is to empower all runners to achieve their peak potential and to provide the best performance footwear while leaving the lightest footprint possible. Through science and cutting-edge technology, norda® has created the world’s first seamless (trail) running shoe with bio-based Dyneema®, the world’s strongest and lightest fiber. This achievement breaks historical boundaries in the footwear industry and proves that the highest performance, durability, and sustainability are achievable together. For more information, visit: nordarun.com and IG: @nordarun