1200km. 197g in size 7,5UK. These are the numbers behind the first Kjerag prototype used by Kilian Jornet, co-founder and athlete of the NNormal team, used during this season.
Located on the west coast of Norway, Kjerag is a 1,100-meter mountain that rewards those who reach the top with truly spectacular views. To reach that peak one can conquer challenging trail running routes, or choose moderate hiking paths.
It’s this made-for-everyone versatility that inspired NNormal to name its first-ever shoe Kjerag [pronounced: sche-rak]. Because this shoe is made for every runner, at every level. The design team worked side-by-side with NNormal athletes like Kilian Jornet to create a shoe that’s made to be versatile, whether one is scrambling across technical trails or training on the road – just about anything.
VIBRAM® LITEBASE + MEGAGRIP, MATRYX® UPPER AND EEXPURE® MIDSOLE: THREE KEY COMPONENTS
1. VIBRAM® LITEBASE + MEGAGRIP
Designed in a unique partnership between VIBRAM and NNormal, the Litebase outsole drastically reduces the overall sole weight (by up to 30), through a reduction of the sole thickness by 50%, while retaining the perfect shape and 3.5mm lugs.
Snowy boulders, wet roots, muddy paths – whatever one is tackling, VIBRAM’s Megagrip is both super-sticky and extra-durable. With ground adaptation that makes your feet, muscles and joints one with nature. The grip is formed by 50 cleats, with a fast profile of 3.5mm that gives priority to speed as well as sensitivity to the terrain. All cleats have between 6 and 8 angles, and are strategically located to promote grip during propulsion, control at the lateral supports, and retention on technical descents.
2. MATRYX® UPPER
The exceptionally breathable, resistant, and durable upper is weaved from individually coated polyamide and Kevlar® yarns. Combined with a traditional lacing system, it ensures maximum support for the foot, even on rough terrain and over long distances. This fabric is also known for being extremely lightweight, and is easy to wash after a long day running through mud.
Produced in Ardèche, France, the dyeing process uses between 50-95% less water than other methods.
3. EEXPURE® MIDSOLE
A new generation of foam, engineered specifically for trail-running shoes, and the perfect match for Kjerag’s 6mm drop. The EExpure foam midsole sits in direct contact with your feet via a very thin membrane – no inner sole means best-possible propulsion and compression, less slippage, and fewer blisters!
The lightweight, low-density composite material is characterised by its high reactivity and greater stability. The foam’s recovery capacity favours excellent durability in midsole compression. In the area with the highest pressure, there’s an ultrafine protective layer that prevents sharp stones from causing injury.
BEYOND SHOES: NNORMAL’S APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES
Alongside Kjerag, NNormal will be launching a range of apparel and accessories, all born from the same beliefs: lightweight, breathable clothing made for intense activities at every level, and for less strenuous activities. All the clothing designs are timeless, and made to be durable.
NNormal’s first drop of gear, including Kjerag, will be available in Europe and North America in Fall 2022 –via website, and in specialist trail running stores.
ABOUT NNORMAL: www.nnormal.com
As Kilian puts it: “Our goal with Kjerag was to find the highest-quality materials, cutting-edge technologies, planet-friendly production processes – the best of everything. Then to bring them together in a shoe that can be used for everything from a VK to a 100-mile race.”
KJERAG: SPEED AND LIGHTNESS
Kjerag comes in at just 200 g (for sizes UK 8 / US 9). While similar to a flying shoe in weight, the shock absorbance and stability are hugely impressive, thanks to a midsole height of 23.5mm at the back, and 17.5mm at the front (a drop of 6mm).
The shoe’s last offers a generous front volume, for feet that need room over long distances and hot days. “You forget about them when you run,” says Kilian, who tested Kjerag relentlessly during 2022’s biggest races. “They follow the natural movement of the foot, which helps prevent muscle fatigue and blisters. The shoes adapt to you.”