We hit the trails in Arc'teryx’s high-end Norvan LD 4 GTX shoes to find out whether their sharp looks and waterproof promises are worth the hefty £180 price tag.

Arc'teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX

Ideal for: Light walking and trail running in cool conditions, general day-to-day wear

Not suitable for: Serious trail running, use in warmer weather

Designed for long-distance training and mixed-surface trails, the Arc'teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX is a waterproof trail running shoe that weighs 298g per shoe (UK size 10). It combines a grippy Vibram® Megagrip outsole with TPU reinforcements and a GORE-TEX liner. There’s no doubt it’s a sharp-looking shoe with superb traction, but limited breathability and a flat-feeling midsole stop it short of greatness. At £180, it comes in above key rivals from Hoka, Nike and Saucony — and unfortunately, doesn’t quite deliver enough to justify the price.

Arc'teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX trail running shoes review

Arc'teryx is one of those brands that carries a certain mystique. Born out of the Canadian wilderness and favoured by climbers, hikers, and anyone who appreciates serious outdoor engineering, they’ve made a name for themselves by delivering rugged, high-spec gear with a minimalist aesthetic. Known primarily for their technical outerwear, Arc’teryx has slowly been expanding its trail running range over the past few years. We’ve had good experiences with some of their kit in the past, but trail shoes? That’s still relatively new territory.

Enter the Norvan LD 4 GTX — a waterproof trail runner built for everyday training and longer off-road adventures. Weighing in at a respectable 298g per shoe, this is a lightweight package considering it includes a full GORE-TEX liner. It features a Vibram® Megagrip outsole with 4mm lugs, TPU reinforcements in high-abrasion zones, and a dual-foam midsole for shock absorption. It retails at £180, firmly planting it in the “premium” category.

At that price point, you’re expecting something special — especially when stacked against competition like the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX (£160), Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX (£145), and Saucony Peregrine 15 GTX (£150). All three boast similar specs — waterproof membranes, solid traction, and well-earned reputations in the running world — but cost less. And crucially, they’ve been designed by running specialists. By contrast, the Norvan LD 4 GTX feels more like a lifestyle shoe that’s moonlighting as a trail runner. If you want something to wear from café to crag, it’s got curb appeal in spades. But if you’re looking for a shoe to carry you through long, wet, wild miles? We’ve got reservations. Here’s why.

How we tested the Norvan LD 4 GTX trail runners

We put the Norvan LD 4 GTX through its paces across three different test locations — Devon, Shrewsbury, and the rugged paths of Northumberland. From dry and dusty trails to dewy grass and coastal breezes, we racked up distance on mixed terrain, tracking both performance and comfort. Runs ranged from quick 10Ks to longer efforts along Hadrian’s Wall and the St Oswald’s Way. Across the board, we kept a close eye on grip, breathability, and overall feel on the move.

Features and performance on the trail

Let’s start with the positives — and in fairness to Arc’teryx, there are a few. First up is the Vibram Megagrip outsole, which is every bit as good as you’d hope. It’s a tried-and-tested compound from a company that we’ve come to trust over the years, and in the Norvan LD 4 GTX it delivers once again. Whether you’re gliding over hard-packed singletrack, picking your way across damp grass, or navigating slippy rock on the coast path, this outsole gives you confidence with every stride. The 4mm lugs are thoughtfully pitched — aggressive enough to bite into softer ground, but not so deep that they feel awkward or cumbersome on firmer trails, and they shed mud well. For UK runners dealing with unpredictable terrain underfoot, this is one of the Norvan’s biggest assets.

Then there’s the TPU lamination around the toe and heel, which quietly goes about its job of protecting high-abrasion zones and adding structural integrity. It’s the sort of design decision you only really notice when it’s not there — but over time, this kind of reinforcement can make a real difference to a shoe’s lifespan. On rocky or root-strewn routes, we found it gave an extra bit of assurance that the upper wouldn’t split or scuff at the first sign of trouble.

Another detail we appreciated is the tongue design. Often overlooked, the tongue on the Norvan is thick, cushioned, and — crucially — doesn’t bunch or slip around mid-run. This allows you to really cinch down the laces without creating uncomfortable pressure over the top of your foot. It’s a small win, but one that makes the shoe feel more dialled-in from the get-go. The pull tabs are also well executed — easy to grab even with cold fingers or gloves — and the lace pocket, while largely an aesthetic choice, does keep things neat and avoids the odd snag on trail-side brambles or branches.

Underfoot, the dual-foam midsole is something of a mixed bag. On one hand, it definitely helps with shock absorption. We felt well-cushioned on longer runs, and there’s a plushness here that will appeal to anyone looking to reduce fatigue over big distances. On the other hand, there’s no real energy return to speak of. It’s a comfortable ride, but not a lively one. If you like to feel a bit of spring in your step, especially on uphill efforts or tempo sessions, you might find the Norvan lacking.

Waterproofing is provided by a full GORE-TEX liner, and in fairness, it does what it says on the tin. We ploughed through wet grass and shallow puddles without a hint of water getting in. For winter walkers or those with conditions like Raynaud’s who genuinely need to keep the cold and wet out, this is probably a welcome feature. But for most UK runners, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. Yes, it keeps the rain out. But it also seals in heat and moisture like a sweatbox. Even on cold, dry days, we finished runs with damp socks — not from leaks, but from sheer foot sweat. The breathability just isn’t there, and it undermines much of what the shoe does well elsewhere.

Finally, we can’t ignore the looks. This is a handsome bit of kit — sleek, technical, and well put together. If you’re someone who likes your trail shoes to double up as day-to-day trainers, the Norvan absolutely ticks that box. There’s no question that Arc’teryx has nailed the aesthetic side of things.

So yes — there are things to like here. The grip is top tier. The build quality feels solid. The design details show care and intention. But while the features all add up to a shoe that works well in short bursts and looks great doing it, the moment you start piling on the miles or the weather turns muggy, the cracks start to show. For casual trail users and city dwellers with the odd off-road ambition, it’ll probably serve you just fine. For dedicated trail runners, though, there are better-balanced options out there.

How they hold up on real-world UK trail runs

Across multiple outings, the Norvan LD 4 GTX proved to be a bit of a contradiction. It’s got grip for days, a decent fit, and a look that turns heads — we actually had a couple of compliments mid-run in Shrewsbury, which doesn’t happen often with trail shoes. The sleek silhouette and premium finish wouldn’t look out of place on a city street, and that’s perhaps the point: this is a shoe that wants to do it all. Unfortunately, when it comes to putting in the miles on real British trails, it starts to show its limits.

In Devon, we took them out on a dry, hard-packed loop just shy of 10K. It was a crisp day — sub-8°C — but within minutes our feet were uncomfortably hot. By the end of the run, our socks were saturated with sweat, not because the shoes had let in any water (they hadn’t), but because the GORE-TEX liner trapped everything inside. It felt like running with cling film over your toes.

Shrewsbury brought more of the same. Another dry day, another slow-paced plod, and yet again we finished with feet that were damp and uncomfortable. The Norvan held its shape well on the foot, and the lacing system (aided by that excellent padded tongue) did a good job of keeping things secure without creating pressure points — but no amount of secure fit can save you from swampy insoles.

Northumberland offered the only partial redemption. Strong winds along the exposed coast path helped wick away some of the heat, and a colder ambient temperature meant we sweated less. This was the one time we actually enjoyed running in the Norvans, and even then it was mostly down to the environment doing the heavy lifting. On sections of wet rock and slick grass, the Vibram Megagrip outsole performed brilliantly — stable, surefooted, and confidence-inspiring. But beyond that, there’s little else to get excited about.

The midsole, while comfortable enough for walking and casual use, lacks that pop you want underfoot when you're out for a proper run. There’s decent shock absorption — which means it’ll protect your joints over longer distances — but absolutely zero energy return. Every step felt flatter than the last, and on hilly terrain that quickly takes a toll.

In the end, what we were left with was a shoe that wants to be technical, wants to be fashionable, and wants to be functional — but ends up not committing properly to any of those roles. It’s wearable, yes. It’s durable in some key areas. But it’s not something we’d lace up again if the goal was to chase trail miles rather than compliments.

Arc’teryx Norvan ld 4 gtx trail running shoes FAQs

The shoes feature TPU reinforcements in high-wear areas and a Vibram outsole that should hold up well over time. However, creases across the toe box have already appeared, which could lead to fraying if they deepen. Long-term durability is decent but not class-leading.
Traction is where these shoes shine. The Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4mm lugs offers excellent grip across dry, wet, and mixed terrain. Whether you’re scrambling up coastal paths or hammering down slick woodland trails, they’ll keep you planted.
Very. Perhaps too warm. The GORE-TEX liner traps heat and moisture, making the shoes uncomfortably sweaty even in cold weather. Unless you suffer from circulation issues like Raynaud’s, this level of insulation is likely overkill for UK conditions.
Breathability is one of their biggest flaws. The waterproof liner severely restricts airflow, and sweat build-up is noticeable even on short runs. This could lead to blisters and general discomfort over time — especially on warm days.
At £180, these are hard to justify. The grip is outstanding but the same soles are available on much cheaper shoes out there. And while the design is undeniably stylish, the poor breathability and lacklustre ride make them a tough sell as running shoes. For casual wear, maybe. For trail running? There are better options for less.

Conclusion

Who are these shoes for? If you want a sleek, waterproof trainer to wear around town that happens to be trail capable, these might fit the bill. If you’re brand loyal to Arc’teryx, they’ll no doubt scratch the itch. But for serious trail runners, especially in the UK where conditions fluctuate and breathability matters just as much as waterproofing, the Norvan LD 4 GTX feels like style over substance.

They look great. They grip well. But at £180, you can do better — and your feet will thank you.

Arc'teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX trail runners review: stylish & sturdy, but ultimately sweaty