Kit & Gear

REVIEW: NNormal Kjerag

BE FAST. GO HARD. TREAD LIGHT

NNormal Kjerag is a max-performance trail running shoe born from strong beliefs and relentless research. Made by people as committed to protecting the planet as you.
Every runner at every level gets lightweight reactivity, high-speed comfort, extreme grip and stability. From training for your 1st VK to making the podium on your 50th 100-mile, Kjerag makes you uncatchable.
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''From athletes to designers, we came together to make a shoe with incredible rebound, cushioning, and stability – even in the most technical terrain. I’m so proud to wear Kjerag for trail racing – and also SkyRaces, ultras, scrambling, roads… everything!'' – Kilian Jornet

Our SportsShoes athlete, Ben Mounsey, has been busy putting the NNormal Kjerag trail shoes to the test. Check out his review below;

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The tech

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Upper

Featuring a Matryx Evo Jacquard upper mesh, the highest-rated material Matryx produces, which is 10x more durable than standard mesh running shoes, increasing the durability and lifespan of the shoe. Made from a combination of polyamide and kevlar fibres that have been weaved together, the combination provides an abrasion-resistant finish that keeps your feet and shoes protected from rocks and trail debris.

These shoes are also really breathable, ensuring a constant supply of airflow, allowing air to enter the shoes whilst releasing built-up heat keeping your feet feeling fresh and comfortable during intense trail running sessions.

Further increasing the comfort of the shoe Nnormal has included a wrap-round tongue to reduce chafing and irritation whilst also providing a stronghold and snug fit to reduce in-shoe movement as you run. Increasing the protection Nnormal has added TPU foils on the toe box and around the shoe to help prevent injury from knocks and scrapes whilst also acting as a mudguard. Finishing the upper of the Kjerag, is a traditional lacing system, that provides you with a locked-in and personalised fit for a comfortable run every time.

Having tried and tested hundereds of trail shoes over the last three decades, I can say with absolute confidence that this upper material is the best of them all - strong, lightweight and extremely durable.

It's testament to their durability that Kilian Jornet wore the same pair of shoes for his entire race season in 2022.

Worth mentioning here that the fit of both the Kjerag and the Tomir is different to most brands. Whilst I would describe the width as somewhere between standard and precision, the length of shoe is longer than most. I usually hover somewhere between a UK 10 and 10.5, depending on the brand - for NNormal I wear a 10 and it's a roomy fit. So, I'd recommend ordering at least 1/2 a size less than usual, or if you're in between sizes like me, then go for the smaller option.

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Midsole

The midsole of the Kjerag is made from EExpure, an alternative to standard EVA. The foam is created when heating the foam materials with CO2 gas which returns to its liquid state, this creates a new form of foam. The benefits of the process are that this provides you with a shoe that offers a high rebound and energy return, reducing fatigue so you can run further for longer, making it easier to clock up those miles. Not only this but it reduces the weight of the foam and the weight of the shoes overall, keeping you light on your feet and ready to hit those PB's. Although lightweight, the midsole is resilient, resisting wear which increases the life of the shoe. The midsole sits in direct contact with your foot, providing you with instant step-in comfort for a softer feel as you are running. This also helps to reduce in-shoe movement for a stable footing when on the trail.

In a market dominated by high-stack shoes, especially for ultra-distance running, the Kjerag has a relatively low stack height in comparison. Granted, the Tomir is billed as the more cushioned shoe in the NNormal range and does indeed have a higher stack, however, the Kjerag is built as a multi-distance trail shoe, designed to cover the entire spectrum of races. And what I most love about this lower profile is that fact it helps you feel more connected with the trail and gives you more ground feel, whilst at the same time providing a surprisingly high-level of cushioning. In my opinion, the balance between the two is perfect. I would feel confident racing a 5-mile trail race and equally a 30-mile trail race in this shoe.

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Outsole

The Kjerag uses a combination of Vibram compounds in the outsole. The first is Vibram Megagrip, a high-performance rubber compound that offers unparalleled sticky grip and optimal ground adaptability, allowing you to tackle tricky terrain with ease whether the surface is wet or dry. The durable rubber offers rugged longevity providing unprecedented grip hike after hike and trail after trail.

The second is Vibram Litebase, which reduces the overall sole weight by 30%, through a reduction of the sole thickness by 50%, while still maintaining Vibram's quality in grip, traction and durability. The two Vibram compounds make the outsole of the Kjerag lightweight and grippy ready to tackle any trail you put in front of it.

Overall, I'm impressed with the durability and grip of the outsole, which is most suited to hard, rocky and technical trails. I've found traction on the wet rock is also impressive, especially when compared to other trail shoes. For example, last year at the prestigious Trofeo Vanoni Relay, in wet conditions, the Kjerag was a popular shoe of choice and the post-race feedback (from those particular athletes wearing it) was overwhelmingly positive.

I still don't think there is anything on the market that can handle wet limestone, but this shoe is as good as, if not better, than most models on the current market. As highlighted in Kilian's quote above, the Kjerag is an excellent all-rounder - ideal for Skyraces, Ultras, technical trails, even roads!

However, one thing to make clear is that the Kjerag isn't suitable for extreme soft and muddy terrain. Although the dual rubber compound is great on rock, the 3.5mm lug depth just isn't aggressive enough to cut through the deepest mud and slop, especially during the winter months. Instead, think of the Kjerag as your Sierre-Zinal shoe or even an option for the UTMB finals. Let's be honest - if it's good enough for Kilian, it's good enough for anyone!

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The NNormal Story

World-renowned mountaineer and trail runner Kilian Jornet has partnered with family-owned footwear company Camper to launch NNormal. NNormal's products reflect the partnership's shared philosophy: authenticity and utility that inspire people to enjoy and respect nature-a mission which is expressed through timeless gear that's functional, performance-oriented and built to last. All the Outdoor equipment was designed in Mallorca and tested in Norway as hinted in the name of the brand (Nor-way + Mal-lorca).

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