Trail Running Shoe Review: NNormal Kjerag 02
The Kjerag 02 launched this summer, and when I read a description of the new shoe by NNOrmal, I was immediately intrigued. In this review, I’ll share the improvements from the first to this latest edition of the shoe, what I like about the Kjerag 02, and why it could be worth your while.
Over the last few years, I’ve worn several pairs of NNormal shoes, from the first Kjerag and Tomir to the Tomir 02 and now the Kjerag 02. With the brand’s commitment to sustainability and producing long-lasting shoes, thereby reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing and distributing running footwear, I have always been a supporter of NNormal. Additionally, Kilian Jornet created the brand; what more can be said?!
It turns out there is a lot more to say! The Kjerag is NNormal’s lightweight trail shoe, designed for faster paced training and racing, usually over shorter distances but Kilian ran UTMB in a pair! The 02 remains a lightweight trail running shoe, but it offers slightly more cushioning than the 01 edition (2.5mm more, to be exact), and EExpure foam instead of the more traditional EVA. There is a rock plate in the mid-sole, a rocker-type design to aid running flow, and a protective cap around the toe box to limit damage from rocks and prevent abrasion to the shoe. The toe box itself feels a little roomier, but the shoe still molds to your foot quite snugly. I thought the arch support was more pronounced in the 02 versus the 01 when I first put on the shoe, but it hasn’t caused any issues or blisters, and now I hardly notice the difference. The upper material is a stretchy, jacquard-type fabric with the tongue sewn in, ensuring it doesn’t slide around. And despite no separate inner sole, the shoe’s fit and feel are quite cozy. Thanks to the added texture, the laces stay tied, and I’ve never had to stop mid-run for that awkward shoelace-tying moment. The Vibram ® Megagrip Litebase outer sole is great, without being clunky, and I’ve been pleased with the shoes on more rocky and technical terrain. I have not run in them in muddy or wet conditions, so unfortunately I can’t comment on how they hold up on those types of trails but I imagine they’d be pretty good. So far, I’ve put about fifty miles into the shoes (easy runs, strides, a few workouts and a couple of 2hr long runs), and overall, they’ve been very comfortable. I’m looking forward to running many more miles in them.
Here are the Kjerag 02 stats:
- Weight: UK size 7.5 214g.
- Stack height: 20mm/26mm.
- Drop: 6mm.
- Lug length: 3.5mm.
- Outer sole: Vibram Megagrip Litebase.
Overall, the Kjerag 02 is great for training sessions when you want a light-weight, snappy feel in your legs and feet. It performs well during shorter trail-based workouts (hills, intervals and/ or tempos) and I think it would be ideal for short to mid-distance trail races. It might not be the best choice for a long run or an ultra-event, but I am considering wearing them for a 55k in December. If you prefer a shoe with deeper lugs and a more all-weather design, such as for a wet and boggy UK fell run, consider the Kjerag Brut, which has 6.5mm lugs and more weather-proof upper materials. If you’re running an ultra-distance event and know that some extra cushioning would make a difference then the Tomir 02 is a great choice (which I’ve worn for 50milers and the Cocodona 250). NNormal shoes are more costly than other brands, but they do last longer and the investment has been worth the price to me (no holes, no seams splitting or coming undone, and reliable, long-lasting tread). In terms of other trail running shoes that fit into the ‘lightweight, racing shoe’ category (without a carbon plate), competitors might include the new Nike Kiger 10, the Hoka Torrent, the Icebyg Pytho6, Inov8’s Trailfly Zero, or Merrel’s MTL Long Sky2.
Have you tried NNormal shoes? What do you think and which one is your favourite? We’d love to know!
Happy trails,
Susie.