I think this is an interesting concept. I agree on the conclusion points where it is less about this pair of shoes in particular, but what we can learn from the industrial designing perspective about the future of making shoes.
NNormal is a very intrigueing company. I have hear a lot of good things about their shoes. Killian also seems to be one of the best possible brand "ambassdors".
I read in RoadTrailRun that NNormal is claiming 240g in a standard size 9. That’s more than Kjerag but very light for a trail shoe. If it was anyone but Killian, I’d write this off as a gimmick. Because of Killian, I want to know more. But it is a ton lighter than the original Speedland design, which is 305g in reference size 9. Also Speedland no longer makes the shoe that is like this design. They gave up on a lot of the modularity after their first shoe design. Their strategy is to make one run of each design and now they are doing something very max cushioned and less modular. The matryx upper is very light material. I imagine the outsole rubber having to wrap around the midsole and be stitched to the upper is the extra weight. The Kjerag is very interesting. It seems like a very direct evolution of a Salomon s/lab Pulsar but with the CO2 supercritical EVA midsole and vibrant outsole. The heel and ankle collar do not get a lot of discussion but they are sublime. I have a pair and they are both absurdly light and somehow just protective enough to handle rough terrine. I took them running in the mountains in New Mexico. They are very much the kind of thing I like and so close to hitting it out of the park for me. But the fit is quirky and too narrow in the forefoot or I need a half size larger - which they unfortunately do not make. I’m really interested in this company. They really seem to be trying to be innovative and thoughtful in their designs.
I read the RTR too, which is what informed my thinking that this was a shoe meant for racing for Kilian and not just another trail shoe. Agree, if this wasn't from Kilian, it would just be another design concept. But he seems intent on really evolving things and has the knowledge and passion to actuall do it. Speedland was interesting to me with their first shoe, but I've now lost interest. Their current models do nothing for me. I like Cam Hanes, but not enough to go further with Speedland. The Kjerag is the direct descendant of the Salomon Pulsar SG...it's Kilian with free reign, not needing to make any compromises Salomon wanted. I've never run in the Pulsars but I'm now curious due to the Kjerag. The fit of the Kjerag is also quirky, not narrow, but very long, requiring a .5 size down for most (including me).
I don’t think it’s the SG. It’s like the regular pulsar. The SG has wider spaced lugs and 5mm lugs. One of the stunning things about the Killian Kjerag story is the lugs are only 3.5mm. There is no deep lug version for mud. But for Killian somehow it does not matter. I used to run in the s/lab sense but one iteration did not work for me and I ended up with an extremely painful gout-like great toe injury. The doc told me not to run in those again and I have been afraid of Salomon since. But I know the Salomon fit and I have been tempted to go back and try the s/lab pulsar. Maybe the pulsar 3.
@brianreiter5572 Interesting. Kilian directly mentioned the SG as the shoe he started the Kjerag development… and specifically how he toned down the lugs but started with the more flexible outsole idea. I’m dealing with a big toe joint issue now, not as bad as you described, but definitely conscious of how certain shoes fit my fit at the moment. Luckily the Kjerag is a very welcoming fit for my foot, even with the narrow fit. I’m happy about that. The upper on it is so clean. I have alot of technical steep rocky/muddy trail here in Taipei. I’ll definitely be putting the 3.5mm lugs to the test on the Kjerag. I think I have some thought as to why the low lugs work on so well, but I need some more time in the shoe to confirm.
I don’t think I have seen that video or story about Killian flat-out saying he copied the Salomon Pulsar. I mean I thought he did that but not that it is something you would ever say. Do you have a link to it?
@brianreiter5572 I’ll try to look for it when I have time… but it was from one of the podcasts he was on around the launch of Nnormal. The host asked about the Pulsar SG and I remember Kilian talking about the development of the model… then the hat asked is that where the Kjerag started in his mind and he confirmed. Kilian never outright says it, rather he implies it and talked about how he liked the ground feel in the SG and it was something he was trying to get right with the Kjerag and why they didn’t use a superfoam on it (too bouncy).
I did a bit of hiking last year in a modular shoe by Haglofs called the duality. It uses 2 bloom foam replaceable midsoles. A softer red insole for most trails and paths, and a denser stiffer grey insole for rocky terrain. I like the idea. I had wondered if the insoles wouldn't settle the same way when I changed them out but that wasn't a problem. They slotted into place consistently and the feel was the same. So I think this concept can work well. I didn't change the mid/insoles that much because I wasn't so happy with the stiffer feel of the grey one on all but the rockiest terrain. And I have other boots that handle that terrain better. If I could have ordered a midsole with slightly different characteristics to both of them, I could have made the shoe even better. This is where the Kboix can really take off. Give runners the chance to tune their midsoles and shells and many will want to try the Kboix. Swap out a carbon plate midsole from your regular Kboix to your Winterised waterproof one? No problem. Buy an aftermarket midsole from a specialist vendor? Yes please. It's not just a shoe anymore, it's an ecosystem
This is one of the differences with the Kboix… Nnormal is really looking at it as an ecosystem fully. The concept has a lot of legs in many mountain applications.
Is the Kjerag midsole really the "soft" foam? I mean I like it, but I guess my midsole ignorance is showing. Maybe I am confusing certain brands (Salomon, Nnormal) being firmer than others, but I guess I still am not able to really "get" the differences between soft, reactive, and bouncy. I mean I know my alphaflys feel like trampolines, but now I am afraid to use any of those three descriptions without being wrong. Great video btw, very thoughtful.
Trail shoes are also more firm than road shoes. No one has experienced Nnormal’s form beyond their (excellent) supercritical EVA. I don’t find it soft, like a road shoe, but I find it absorbent in the best ways. I’ll have my Kjerag review up this weekend. It’s one of the things I’m going to talk about in it. I am very curious about Nnormal’s TPU and PEBA foams though…. ZoomX and especially Alphafly ARE trampolines compare to trail shoes, even the Ultrafly (I’m also working on this shoe and will be discussing it as well). So much to talk about in trail shoes right now!
@@SagasuRunning very helpful, thank you. This gave me some thoughts about my training which for practical reasons almost always starts from my front door with a 2mi commute to the nearest trail.
@@colinmcc8564 Given how well Vibrim MegaGrip LiteBase wears, even on roads, this shoe could be ideal for that type of mixed surface running. I can’t wait to try hot swapping on a run when I change from dirt to road.
I threw my name in the hat for the Kboix aswell and also found it weird that they're looking for people with a lot of instagram followers since we would have to sign an NDA. Fingers crossed anyway but I don't think I'll be getting them. As for the Kjerag I hope you'll enjoy them. They are my absolute favourite trailrunningshoe. Honestly even shoe in generell with the Suberblast. Keep up the interesting videos.
I was so happy to find a pair where I was in the US and have been saving them. I'm almost done with Novablast 4 content...and will be moving to the Kjerag. I haven't looked forward to a shoe as much as this one in a LONG time. Thank you for the kind words. 🙏🏻
Thank you for your comment. For this experience, we won't base our selection on Social Media Influencers, nor even the Instagram Followers. Still, has a brand we always look to have an hybrid approach (mixing digital with in-person experiences) since the Kboix Experience is more than just a testing project.
I’ve run 700km+ in my Kjerag’s now and just ordered a new pair for the spring although they are still in good shape. Also the Speedland has a removable carbon plate, so modular in a sense. The Tomir is like a tractor, so I hope this shoe will be something in between. And Boa would be great as I miss the Salomon quicklace on my NNormals. Thx for a good insight.
I’m curious what type of durability I will get out of my pair of Kjerags given the bit of road running I’ll need to do to/from trail I have available. The Tomir = tractor 😂 (sounds like a good hiker) I would expect the Kboix to be more tractor than racer… but we will see. I’m so curious on the engineering on this one. I’m actually not a fan of BOA, I hope it never becomes a norm for running (I’m a former cyclist and have had enough BOA drama in my life)… but it does solve engineering problems. I too would like to see some type of speed lace system on Nnormals, especially given how well the uppers are designed and fit. Thanks for watching! 🤙🏻
Since you mention BOA, I think it is interesting that Tadej Pogacar has a custom DMT cycling shoe that has laces like the 1980s before Velcro closures and the Sidi Genius buckle system.
@@brianreiter5572 I just googled them. Nice. The 2024 models looks like a Salomon. I also like the lace pocket at the top of the eyelet chain. You can never fully get rid of pressure points somewhere on the foot with BOA. It’s just the nature of the system. In a running shoe, with thinner uppers it’s a bigger issue. Speedland’s current design solution is interesting but still could be problematic for some foot shapes.
Intriguing. I've only started watching this video. But why hasn't other shoe companies played with this idea? (monster insole). It seems obvious when shown here. Hopefully it's not because of forced obsolescence (mid soles of running shoes tend to get crushed out before the outsole, upper are ruined)
It’s what I said in thevideo… complexity and manufacture costs. I’ve seen this concept in many a design concept portfolio and in design magazines but there are massive challenges bringing it to market. I’m very curious about all the little details of this one they Nnormal are working through. It really is a “the devil is in the details” type thing with this execution.
@RowOfMushyTiT … and many others did it before Speedland. Plus this is a very different implementation of the idea than what Speedland did. They were trying to make the plate in the shoe removable and have an extremely different design solution as well. I did reference Speedland in the video though. Give it time to see where it goes.
I didn’t know that. I remember Camper doing something with interchangeable midsole about 20 years ago. Basketball shoes have much simpler needs than a trail shoe. But good to know the underlying idea works there.
@SagasuRunning Indeed it started many years ago by Nike Kobe 7 system and now there is new company called serious players only: ua-cam.com/video/kS-_VfX49hA/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
Sort of. This is a multisport and/or trail shoe and the concept could be done in a very focused way. It could work, though there are many challenges for sure.
Honestly, I really like the normal laces on Kjerags (compared to Salomon speedlace) - you can adjust the fit much better. I also don't see that much point in dual BOA. I don;t believe that it would enable big changes in the thickness of the midsole. I prefer to have at least somehow affordable shoe rather than making it even more futuristic and costly. Because let's be honest - if you care about reducing ecological footprint, wide adoption is the single most important factor. And even though people are willing to spend a bit more for more long lasting shoes, you can't go crazy like Norda etc.
Ya, I’m not a big proponent of BOA for running shoes due to the extra complexity, weight and cost. I was merely brainstorming and idea on how to remove the excess upper for smaller midsole stack units. It could be done with laces as well, though it could be more complicated. I also agree, an affordable cost… around what a “normal” trial shoe would be is key here. There are already other companies pushing the upper edge of price for “innovation” or “durability/materials”. That’s not the play here.
It really depends on the target market they are going for. Are they going for people who don't care what the shoe costs? Or are they hoping for mass market appeal? That will strongly influence how engineered that upper will need to be. A dual BOA system won't be cheap, but it would be completely customizable to the unique user AND insert type on the fly, But for the mass market they might need to go with something similar to a Salomon speed lace system with a wider traditional tongue to allow for more lockdown give, while at the sametime keeping costs in check. Now from a personal standpoint, I might consider a shoe that has a large upfront cost, but can last potentially thousands of KMs via insert replacements, if I was or end up transitioning from road to trails. But I have 6/7 majors to run first. ;) Great content, definitely providing value over the "instagram" "tik tok" style that seems to be taking over the shoe/running space.
I’m unsure of the market opportunity they see here, but I’d guess it’s more niche for the moment. The “mountain multisport” aspect of this shoe makes me think they have eventual aspirations for more though. Also Camper has played with this idea in the past (about 20 years ago as I remember) for sneakers/casual shoe. I bet they have some learning there too. I fully agree on BOA… it’s going to add significant cost, weight and complexity to the shoe AND it stops the shoe from looking “normal” so would limit daily wear for those who want it. Salomon’s speed laces are an interesting idea. I seem to remember seeing and hear interview with Kilian somewhere where he said he wasn’t a fan of them (no memory of where this was, it wouldn’t have been Salomon content). A larger upfront cost, within reason, would work for some given the promise of many many kms… but it’s also something they can’t be guaranteed given how dynamic running is. Thank you for the kind words. I’m covering what’s interesting to me and making the content I want to see that I don’t see out there. I’m glad it’s hitting the mark. 🤙🏻
I would explore a simplified design using an inflatable midsole like the Reebok Pump basketball shoes from the 90's. No need to bring different midsoles to the trail. Manually pumping air to adjust air pressure offers infinite adjustment on cushioning. Outsole needs to be puncture proof though
Interesting idea. I think Nike would have a lot to say about another brand doing any type of “air” midsole. Beyond that, for a dedicated trail shoe full puncture resistance is a tough ask. However, the Reebok pump air idea would solve some of the upper issues for being able to swap in different stack heights of midsole pucks.
Yes the Reebok was inflatable in the upper only. But looking at it from this angle would maybe solve some of the complexity in terms of the design. Nike probably would have a big fit with this but their air units are fixed in PSI values when installed. This would be a fully adjustable bed.
If it was me, i would copy the adios pro evo where you can change the outsole tread instead of the midsole, like the peg trail 4 its great for sandy soils but bad for wet clay, and my solomon is bad for sand but good on clay
As unsaid in the video, I think this shoe may only be the first step. They will refine the idea and execution over time, increasing durability but also adding features for sure. Changing the drop in the midsole picks wouldn’t be a big issue in this design. It’s more stack height changes would be challenging.
Interesting idea… more challenges for sure… but ultimately they do need to solve for a way to change the outsole, as that is the highest wear part of a shoe AND the one that (especially trial runners) need to most change in often.
Thinner midsole will give you to much space in the shoe.. Can use thicker shoes so offroad thin insole with thick socks and road max midsole with minimal socks 🎉🎉🎉
I think this is an interesting concept. I agree on the conclusion points where it is less about this pair of shoes in particular, but what we can learn from the industrial designing perspective about the future of making shoes.
Ya, this is just a first step for Nnormal to really start to break this problem down with new solves. It will be fascinating to see.
Thank you for the video and the analysis.
it’s an exciting project… so much possibility!
NNormal is a very intrigueing company. I have hear a lot of good things about their shoes. Killian also seems to be one of the best possible brand "ambassdors".
Their pricing also inst that crazy for a boutique brand.
Agree. I’m really impressed with what they are producing.
Agree fully. Especially for the build quality you are actually getting.
I read in RoadTrailRun that NNormal is claiming 240g in a standard size 9. That’s more than Kjerag but very light for a trail shoe.
If it was anyone but Killian, I’d write this off as a gimmick. Because of Killian, I want to know more.
But it is a ton lighter than the original Speedland design, which is 305g in reference size 9. Also Speedland no longer makes the shoe that is like this design. They gave up on a lot of the modularity after their first shoe design. Their strategy is to make one run of each design and now they are doing something very max cushioned and less modular.
The matryx upper is very light material. I imagine the outsole rubber having to wrap around the midsole and be stitched to the upper is the extra weight.
The Kjerag is very interesting. It seems like a very direct evolution of a Salomon s/lab Pulsar but with the CO2 supercritical EVA midsole and vibrant outsole. The heel and ankle collar do not get a lot of discussion but they are sublime. I have a pair and they are both absurdly light and somehow just protective enough to handle rough terrine. I took them running in the mountains in New Mexico. They are very much the kind of thing I like and so close to hitting it out of the park for me. But the fit is quirky and too narrow in the forefoot or I need a half size larger - which they unfortunately do not make.
I’m really interested in this company. They really seem to be trying to be innovative and thoughtful in their designs.
I read the RTR too, which is what informed my thinking that this was a shoe meant for racing for Kilian and not just another trail shoe.
Agree, if this wasn't from Kilian, it would just be another design concept. But he seems intent on really evolving things and has the knowledge and passion to actuall do it.
Speedland was interesting to me with their first shoe, but I've now lost interest. Their current models do nothing for me. I like Cam Hanes, but not enough to go further with Speedland.
The Kjerag is the direct descendant of the Salomon Pulsar SG...it's Kilian with free reign, not needing to make any compromises Salomon wanted. I've never run in the Pulsars but I'm now curious due to the Kjerag. The fit of the Kjerag is also quirky, not narrow, but very long, requiring a .5 size down for most (including me).
I don’t think it’s the SG. It’s like the regular pulsar. The SG has wider spaced lugs and 5mm lugs.
One of the stunning things about the Killian Kjerag story is the lugs are only 3.5mm. There is no deep lug version for mud. But for Killian somehow it does not matter.
I used to run in the s/lab sense but one iteration did not work for me and I ended up with an extremely painful gout-like great toe injury. The doc told me not to run in those again and I have been afraid of Salomon since. But I know the Salomon fit and I have been tempted to go back and try the s/lab pulsar. Maybe the pulsar 3.
@brianreiter5572 Interesting. Kilian directly mentioned the SG as the shoe he started the Kjerag development… and specifically how he toned down the lugs but started with the more flexible outsole idea.
I’m dealing with a big toe joint issue now, not as bad as you described, but definitely conscious of how certain shoes fit my fit at the moment. Luckily the Kjerag is a very welcoming fit for my foot, even with the narrow fit. I’m happy about that. The upper on it is so clean.
I have alot of technical steep rocky/muddy trail here in Taipei. I’ll definitely be putting the 3.5mm lugs to the test on the Kjerag. I think I have some thought as to why the low lugs work on so well, but I need some more time in the shoe to confirm.
I don’t think I have seen that video or story about Killian flat-out saying he copied the Salomon Pulsar. I mean I thought he did that but not that it is something you would ever say. Do you have a link to it?
@brianreiter5572 I’ll try to look for it when I have time… but it was from one of the podcasts he was on around the launch of Nnormal. The host asked about the Pulsar SG and I remember Kilian talking about the development of the model… then the hat asked is that where the Kjerag started in his mind and he confirmed. Kilian never outright says it, rather he implies it and talked about how he liked the ground feel in the SG and it was something he was trying to get right with the Kjerag and why they didn’t use a superfoam on it (too bouncy).
Excited by this shoe, and really pleased you shared your insight on the design aspects. Nice job.
I’m pleased with how interested people are in this idea. Again, I think Nnormal are doing very interesting things.
Raidlight did something similar many years ago but Kilian takes things to another level
Agree. This idea is not new, though implementation can be and details matter. Kilian being behind it just adds to it…
I have zero idea of trail running and shoes; Thanks for all the information.. I love this concept.
Assuming weight can me controlled with this idea it has a ton of cross over to road running eventually, maybe more ultimately.
I did a bit of hiking last year in a modular shoe by Haglofs called the duality. It uses 2 bloom foam replaceable midsoles. A softer red insole for most trails and paths, and a denser stiffer grey insole for rocky terrain.
I like the idea. I had wondered if the insoles wouldn't settle the same way when I changed them out but that wasn't a problem. They slotted into place consistently and the feel was the same. So I think this concept can work well.
I didn't change the mid/insoles that much because I wasn't so happy with the stiffer feel of the grey one on all but the rockiest terrain. And I have other boots that handle that terrain better.
If I could have ordered a midsole with slightly different characteristics to both of them, I could have made the shoe even better. This is where the Kboix can really take off. Give runners the chance to tune their midsoles and shells and many will want to try the Kboix. Swap out a carbon plate midsole from your regular Kboix to your Winterised waterproof one? No problem. Buy an aftermarket midsole from a specialist vendor? Yes please. It's not just a shoe anymore, it's an ecosystem
This is one of the differences with the Kboix… Nnormal is really looking at it as an ecosystem fully. The concept has a lot of legs in many mountain applications.
Is the Kjerag midsole really the "soft" foam? I mean I like it, but I guess my midsole ignorance is showing. Maybe I am confusing certain brands (Salomon, Nnormal) being firmer than others, but I guess I still am not able to really "get" the differences between soft, reactive, and bouncy. I mean I know my alphaflys feel like trampolines, but now I am afraid to use any of those three descriptions without being wrong. Great video btw, very thoughtful.
Trail shoes are also more firm than road shoes. No one has experienced Nnormal’s form beyond their (excellent) supercritical EVA. I don’t find it soft, like a road shoe, but I find it absorbent in the best ways. I’ll have my Kjerag review up this weekend. It’s one of the things I’m going to talk about in it.
I am very curious about Nnormal’s TPU and PEBA foams though….
ZoomX and especially Alphafly ARE trampolines compare to trail shoes, even the Ultrafly (I’m also working on this shoe and will be discussing it as well).
So much to talk about in trail shoes right now!
@@SagasuRunning very helpful, thank you. This gave me some thoughts about my training which for practical reasons almost always starts from my front door with a 2mi commute to the nearest trail.
@@colinmcc8564 Given how well Vibrim MegaGrip LiteBase wears, even on roads, this shoe could be ideal for that type of mixed surface running. I can’t wait to try hot swapping on a run when I change from dirt to road.
I threw my name in the hat for the Kboix aswell and also found it weird that they're looking for people with a lot of instagram followers since we would have to sign an NDA. Fingers crossed anyway but I don't think I'll be getting them. As for the Kjerag I hope you'll enjoy them. They are my absolute favourite trailrunningshoe. Honestly even shoe in generell with the Suberblast.
Keep up the interesting videos.
I was so happy to find a pair where I was in the US and have been saving them. I'm almost done with Novablast 4 content...and will be moving to the Kjerag. I haven't looked forward to a shoe as much as this one in a LONG time.
Thank you for the kind words. 🙏🏻
I also signe up, and I agree that that was a bit off-putting
@@cswanson9027 I found the comment. It makes sense. I get what they are ultimately looking for. It’s quite clear. So we shall see what happens.
Thank you for your comment.
For this experience, we won't base our selection on Social Media Influencers, nor even the Instagram Followers. Still, has a brand we always look to have an hybrid approach (mixing digital with in-person experiences) since the Kboix Experience is more than just a testing project.
@@nnormal_official Understood fully… very clear. 💪🏻
I’ve run 700km+ in my Kjerag’s now and just ordered a new pair for the spring although they are still in good shape. Also the Speedland has a removable carbon plate, so modular in a sense. The Tomir is like a tractor, so I hope this shoe will be something in between. And Boa would be great as I miss the Salomon quicklace on my NNormals. Thx for a good insight.
I’m curious what type of durability I will get out of my pair of Kjerags given the bit of road running I’ll need to do to/from trail I have available.
The Tomir = tractor 😂 (sounds like a good hiker)
I would expect the Kboix to be more tractor than racer… but we will see. I’m so curious on the engineering on this one.
I’m actually not a fan of BOA, I hope it never becomes a norm for running (I’m a former cyclist and have had enough BOA drama in my life)… but it does solve engineering problems.
I too would like to see some type of speed lace system on Nnormals, especially given how well the uppers are designed and fit.
Thanks for watching! 🤙🏻
Since you mention BOA, I think it is interesting that Tadej Pogacar has a custom DMT cycling shoe that has laces like the 1980s before Velcro closures and the Sidi Genius buckle system.
@@brianreiter5572 I just googled them. Nice. The 2024 models looks like a Salomon. I also like the lace pocket at the top of the eyelet chain.
You can never fully get rid of pressure points somewhere on the foot with BOA. It’s just the nature of the system. In a running shoe, with thinner uppers it’s a bigger issue. Speedland’s current design solution is interesting but still could be problematic for some foot shapes.
Killian uses the Tomir for running in snow and ice with tungsten carbide studs screwed into the lugs.
@@brianreiter5572 A literal "tractor" that. Thankfully, I no longer need to deal with snow and ice. Just mud and volcanic stone.
Deep as always.
Thank you. 🤙🏻
Intriguing. I've only started watching this video. But why hasn't other shoe companies played with this idea? (monster insole). It seems obvious when shown here. Hopefully it's not because of forced obsolescence (mid soles of running shoes tend to get crushed out before the outsole, upper are ruined)
It’s what I said in thevideo… complexity and manufacture costs. I’ve seen this concept in many a design concept portfolio and in design magazines but there are massive challenges bringing it to market. I’m very curious about all the little details of this one they Nnormal are working through.
It really is a “the devil is in the details” type thing with this execution.
Speedland did this already
@RowOfMushyTiT … and many others did it before Speedland. Plus this is a very different implementation of the idea than what Speedland did. They were trying to make the plate in the shoe removable and have an extremely different design solution as well. I did reference Speedland in the video though.
Give it time to see where it goes.
interchangeable soles are well known technology in basketball shoes which works well.
I didn’t know that. I remember Camper doing something with interchangeable midsole about 20 years ago.
Basketball shoes have much simpler needs than a trail shoe. But good to know the underlying idea works there.
@SagasuRunning Indeed it started many years ago by Nike Kobe 7 system and now there is new company called serious players only: ua-cam.com/video/kS-_VfX49hA/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
Camper Wabi
Interesting
Not these. It was an actual shoe as a remember. I only ever saw it in design magazines as well. So maybe it was never a real product.
I don't recall the brand name, but years back there was a running shoe that cam with 3 midsole inserts that can be replaced.
The basic concept has been around design magazines and press releases but has never made and real impact due to multiple issues.
Jack of all trades, master of none..
Sort of. This is a multisport and/or trail shoe and the concept could be done in a very focused way. It could work, though there are many challenges for sure.
Honestly, I really like the normal laces on Kjerags (compared to Salomon speedlace) - you can adjust the fit much better. I also don't see that much point in dual BOA. I don;t believe that it would enable big changes in the thickness of the midsole. I prefer to have at least somehow affordable shoe rather than making it even more futuristic and costly. Because let's be honest - if you care about reducing ecological footprint, wide adoption is the single most important factor. And even though people are willing to spend a bit more for more long lasting shoes, you can't go crazy like Norda etc.
Ya, I’m not a big proponent of BOA for running shoes due to the extra complexity, weight and cost. I was merely brainstorming and idea on how to remove the excess upper for smaller midsole stack units. It could be done with laces as well, though it could be more complicated.
I also agree, an affordable cost… around what a “normal” trial shoe would be is key here. There are already other companies pushing the upper edge of price for “innovation” or “durability/materials”. That’s not the play here.
It really depends on the target market they are going for. Are they going for people who don't care what the shoe costs? Or are they hoping for mass market appeal? That will strongly influence how engineered that upper will need to be. A dual BOA system won't be cheap, but it would be completely customizable to the unique user AND insert type on the fly, But for the mass market they might need to go with something similar to a Salomon speed lace system with a wider traditional tongue to allow for more lockdown give, while at the sametime keeping costs in check.
Now from a personal standpoint, I might consider a shoe that has a large upfront cost, but can last potentially thousands of KMs via insert replacements, if I was or end up transitioning from road to trails. But I have 6/7 majors to run first. ;)
Great content, definitely providing value over the "instagram" "tik tok" style that seems to be taking over the shoe/running space.
I’m unsure of the market opportunity they see here, but I’d guess it’s more niche for the moment. The “mountain multisport” aspect of this shoe makes me think they have eventual aspirations for more though. Also Camper has played with this idea in the past (about 20 years ago as I remember) for sneakers/casual shoe. I bet they have some learning there too.
I fully agree on BOA… it’s going to add significant cost, weight and complexity to the shoe AND it stops the shoe from looking “normal” so would limit daily wear for those who want it.
Salomon’s speed laces are an interesting idea. I seem to remember seeing and hear interview with Kilian somewhere where he said he wasn’t a fan of them (no memory of where this was, it wouldn’t have been Salomon content).
A larger upfront cost, within reason, would work for some given the promise of many many kms… but it’s also something they can’t be guaranteed given how dynamic running is.
Thank you for the kind words. I’m covering what’s interesting to me and making the content I want to see that I don’t see out there. I’m glad it’s hitting the mark. 🤙🏻
I would explore a simplified design using an inflatable midsole like the Reebok Pump basketball shoes from the 90's. No need to bring different midsoles to the trail. Manually pumping air to adjust air pressure offers infinite adjustment on cushioning. Outsole needs to be puncture proof though
Wasn’t the Reebok an inflatable upper though? I don’t think it was the nidsole
Interesting idea. I think Nike would have a lot to say about another brand doing any type of “air” midsole. Beyond that, for a dedicated trail shoe full puncture resistance is a tough ask.
However, the Reebok pump air idea would solve some of the upper issues for being able to swap in different stack heights of midsole pucks.
It was the upper only, and really just the ankle collar and tongue of the shoe at that.
Yes the Reebok was inflatable in the upper only. But looking at it from this angle would maybe solve some of the complexity in terms of the design. Nike probably would have a big fit with this but their air units are fixed in PSI values when installed. This would be a fully adjustable bed.
@@SagasuRunningwould a flexible kevlar plate solve the puncture problem?
If it was me, i would copy the adios pro evo where you can change the outsole tread instead of the midsole, like the peg trail 4 its great for sandy soils but bad for wet clay, and my solomon is bad for sand but good on clay
That’s just two differed shoes. However I think being able to change the midsole AND outsole would be a game changer in some applications.
Who else is repping Nnormal besides Killian and Allie Ostrander?
Their team/ambassadors here: www.nnormal.com/en_US/content/community
Dakota Jones, Emelie Gorsberg
Right. Those were the other two that I had heard of. Thanks.
Road running where it is relative consistent terrain, trail changes depend on geography. For dry and relative "smoother" I prefer
I’d would be insane to have the lugs attached to the midsole so when you put it in the lugs come out of the outsole!!!
As unsaid in the video, I think this shoe may only be the first step. They will refine the idea and execution over time, increasing durability but also adding features for sure.
Changing the drop in the midsole picks wouldn’t be a big issue in this design. It’s more stack height changes would be challenging.
Interesting idea… more challenges for sure… but ultimately they do need to solve for a way to change the outsole, as that is the highest wear part of a shoe AND the one that (especially trial runners) need to most change in often.
Thinner midsole will give you to much space in the shoe.. Can use thicker shoes so offroad thin insole with thick socks and road max midsole with minimal socks 🎉🎉🎉
This problem can be solved, without extra socks. 🤣