NNormal Kjerag FULL REVIEW - Kilian Jornets trail running shoe

[@pegasus4509]

Nnormal shoes used by Kilian Jornet, the Kjerag [pronounced: sche-rak]. Located on the west coast of Norway, Kjerag is a 1,100 meter mountain that rewards those who reach the top with an absolutely spectacular view. There are two ways to reach the summit: via difficult trail paths or more accessible hiking trails.

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for that :)

[@gudboyngdisyerto]

good info. i thought kj means killian jornet and erag means shoes,lol

[@SanderBessels]

By now, I ran a 100 km in 10:15, a 42,9 km in 3:30 and an 80 km in 7:37 on the Kjerags and the performance was excellent! The grip and control are amazing, the protection is super and the speed is wonderful! Most negative comments are about the lack of cushioning. I must admit, I like more minimalist shoes, so I was not looking for a shoe with lots of cushioning, but I can definitely say that for me, extra cushioning was not needed to protect against the high impact, even when the race lasts more than 10 hours. I can see how a “sharp rocky surface” can be most challenging with less cushioning, but especially on such surfaces, you also want the control and the grip, especially when it’s a fast downhill. We had quite a lot of that in the marathon. Also, the durability is very good. I have them for about a year now, but the durability is at least 3 to 5 times that of other shoes. This makes them also a lot cheaper. All in all, this is my favourite trail shoe of all time! ❤

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for taking the time to share, this was a great review!

[@BenNotley]

I knew this was going to be a fascinating video Marc and it didn't disappoint 😊👍 Great to hear a honest review on this super hyped pair of shoes. Not sure it's a pair of shoes that I could run in as I do like pillows under my feet and I am too slow to reap the benefits of a faster shoe 🤣 Thanks for sharing your thoughts and findings with us all mate! 😎🤘

[@runningwithmarc]

The Tomir shoes look interesting and more your style, but then I didn't want to pay for 2 pairs of shoes :D Would be great to eventually test them though. Cheers Ben for tuning in, happy to hear it did not disappoint :D

[@bev9708]

@@runningwithmarc The Tomir looks awesome, though so far only reviews in Spanish on youtube but they are extremely positive to say the least, AND it's slightly more reasonably priced too!

[@bev9708]

VERY good review Marc, excellent!! Thanks so much!! The price of shoes has just gotten ridiculously out of hand, EVEN if it's extremely long wearing (which remains to be seen), that is a ridiculous price imao!! Like so many other shoes too of course, if you're desperate to have the very latest thing!! Me, I far prefer to get mine a year or two later, not only to get them much cheaper but when their longevity has been truly tried and tested, but to be seen if these will get discounted at some stage... something tells me they're gonna be quite popular!! Yes me too I also like pillows under my feet, as Ben said here in the comments. Great review Marc!!

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Bev, glad to hear it was of value! yes shoe prices are rising up and up, nowadays it feels like a 120 euro shoe is a 'bargain' almost. Yes getting the previous iterations of the shoes is a great way to go, I myself also prefer some of the older iterations of some shoes than the new versions, so its great! Thanks Bev for sharing :)

[@Run_Paul_Run]

180 isn’t that bad for a race shoe. Trailshoes often come in between 150-180€ obviously you often can find them 30% and more discount which you won’t easily find of these.

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

For some reason they are 220 swiss franc (even though it's 1:1 with the euro) That's excessive.

[@bev9708]

@@RowOfMushyTiT 😬🤦🏻‍♀ I'm sure they will be massively popular nonetheless!!

[@sandstromj]

I also got my pair 1.5w ago and just ran the Helsinki City Trail 24km race in them after two training runs. I also think they are really good shoes with great grip. The tongue could have a bit more padding according to me. 42 2/3 is my Salomon size and my Kierag is size 42. I like that there’s no insole as it doesn’t slip. I’ve also got two Salomon pairs without insoles.

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, sounds like we both like them! Nice that you got to do the HCT24km, I was going to go to the forest and support, but my plans did align well for the day! Hope it was a good race.

[@CorentinHarbelot]

Thank you for your review!!I was wondering about these!

[@runningwithmarc]

Happy to hear it was useful :)

[@davidchung46]

Great review, Marc. I think the race performances testify to the versatility, comfort and longetivity of the shoe, for Kilian at least. Unfortunately Nnormal don't ship to Australia. I'll be getting a pair, plus also Tomir waterproof as soon as logistically possible.

[@runningwithmarc]

Cheers David, yeah I hope that the distribution opens up soon for all to enjoy. Tempted by the Tomir's also.

[@sandstromj]

I would add one more set of lace holes to the shoe to be able to tie a runners knot - although I haven’t had any heel slip issues. But as these shoes do not have the (Salomon) quick lace a runners knot would be nice.

[@runningwithmarc]

Yeah that's a good point Joakim!

[@grankvarsvik4153]

Strangely when they skipped the inner sole to reduce blisters this is the only shoe I have had that actually makes blister under the forefoot and the big toe - every time after running a couple of hours. Several other runners I have talked to is having the same experience. That said, for me the problem has rapidly decreased as I have put more k`s on them, currently at 120. Pherhaps the problem will be totally gone beyond 200k, hard to say. Except from that I totally have fallen in love with these resulting in my other shoes not getting much use.

[@runningwithmarc]

Interesting to hear that, thanks for sharing! I can't say I have had a similar experience though! I wonder is it because in a shoe with an insole, does gravel or bits of dirt move and go under the insole, vs not going anywhere! Just a thought.

[@edcornfield2683]

Have you run much more in the Kjerag? I love the Speed Ultras, but would prefer a bit wider all round. I also love the Trailfly G270, but could do with some drop. Wondering if the Kjerag would fit the bill!

[@DanRuns]

Thanks for getting this out into the running community. I did have a pair of these in my basket but didn’t commit to it in the end. It sounds like a decent piece of kit. When are you going for a run with Kilian?

[@runningwithmarc]

Cheers Dan, 180 euros is a big decision to make for a pair of shoes. I like them, so am happy I paid for them. Would be a pleasure to run with Kilian!

[@bev9708]

@@runningwithmarc With the Terrex Speed Ultra currently on sale for €95 on certain sites, can get 2 pairs for the same price!!

[@jt.8144]

Always listen to that inner voice. When in doubt... don't commit.

[@davidchung46]

Hi Marc, Wondering if you are doing a 2nd review, now that you have had the shoes for a couple of months?

[@tommilam6320]

I had to go a full size down. 10.5 US is my normal size, had to drop to a 9.5. Once I got the size correct….all good from there. Such a different experience. I could never run in such a low stack shoe usually, but this foam compound is something special.

[@iangronwalt]

Great review My main running shoe is HOKA always uk 9:5 would you say a 9 in the kjerag I’m a flat ish foot and I’ve not got a narrow foot sizing is a pain as you say as it’s delivery only and are they ok on tarmac if only for 4 miles on a multi terrain race and advise I would be grateful Kind regards Ian

[@benarlett4767]

The adidas speed ultra is one of my favorite shoes for long distances (50 milers), but a little more protection would be nice for anything longer. Does the Kjerag feel like it offers more protection?

[@runningwithmarc]

I think I could make a video comparing those shoes, maybe I'll do that in one vlog! I would say so, as the cushioning is a little more in the fore/mid/rear foot than the speed ultra. But at the same time, I would say that neither of them are going to fully protect on very rocky terrain, well depends on how the individual likes it really. There will always be some compromise with having the lightest shoe or whatever the characteristic is.

[@chimpas88]

I have the speedgoat 5's at the moment - how do these compare cushioning wise? Different reviews seem to say different things - I am 95kg and wondering if these are going to be too unsupportive for me. Also did you run on road at all with them ?

[@antoinedaina355]

Thanks for the review. Of course they are in shops! I tested them and Tomir in Paris. And bought the Tomir true to size.

[@runningwithmarc]

Oh great to know, they haven't made it to the shops here in Helsinki

[@runningwithstelvio]

The grip with this sole is solid! Is the toe box fine? No insole!? 😱 Do they have the protective rock plate ? Thank you for the review Marc... I really appreciated the honest review! I like they eliminated one box, for the last Asics I got, It was the same. It is a bit pricy but the shoe looks a good starting point.

[@runningwithmarc]

Toe box is fine for me, the little bit wider is quite nice, and even though I ran down half a size, it is not too short for me. No rock plate, just the cushioning. Nice to hear asics are doing that also, I bet that was your novablast 3's :D

[@runningwithstelvio]

@@runningwithmarc thanks Marc, yes it was the Novablast 😊👍

[@GavinHarte]

Ordered the other shoe and agree on the comments about sizing. Went normal size but came too big. Now need to send them back and exchange for a half size smaller.

[@runningwithmarc]

Oh, hope you managed to get it sorted.

[@GavinHarte]

@@runningwithmarc yep thankfully and I love them.

[@hopeandhate9265]

how does this shoe drain in the wet compared to (for example) the SLAB Sense 7/8 or Adidas Speed Pro which all have really porous uppers

[@runningwithmarc]

Haven't been in the wet yet with them.... well not that I can remember. Just come off the back of xc ski season. So running again and can test of course

[@SeeChadRun]

Do you like the Kjerag or Speed Ultra shoes more? Great review and feedback!!!

[@runningwithmarc]

Ohhh you're asking tough questions here, for now I will say the speed ultra, I have run a lot in them, I would like to try these in the mountains before making a full decision, but my incline is that the speed ultra would take the edge.

[@semmtexcze]

I like Speed ultra a lot, but my main complaint is that they are bad at rocky terrain, because you feel so much sharp rocks through the midsole. Is Kjerag any better? Thank you for the review! (I am looking for Speed Ultra replacement, my outsole is done after 400km)

[@michaeleverest3487]

Have them and love them. These shoes rip! For me, they have plenty of toe room, cushion, comfort, and the grip is very very good. All I want to do in these shoes is run fast and technical. I don't mind them not having an insole, in fact don't even notice it missing. I'm trying to wear down my other shoes so I can get a bit faster to really ever in these. I ordered 10.5 which is my true size.. in my Saucony Xodus 10 I'm a 10.5 but in La Sportiva Akasha I'm like 11.5 , and in Saucony Endorphin Speed I'm 10.5

[@runningwithmarc]

Great to hear that Michael, and thanks for taking the time to share :)

[@matthiassventoest6800]

solid impressions.., thank you…, quite helpful

[@runningwithmarc]

Thanks Matthias, happy running

[@estevanlouw701]

Thanks for a great review, Marc! I also ordered a pair but have not received them yet. Would you say they are good shoes to train in or would you recommend to use them more for racing? (Because they are quite durable I was thinking that I would like to train in them as well) Are you thinking of reviewing the Tomir as well? Thanks!

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Esetevan, excuse the slow reply! I would run my training in them as well as some events, you should always train in shoes that you intend to do events in. Rule out any issues on race day, and you also know you like it by then. I would like to test the Tomir's yes, lets see if my wallet agrees :)

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

I thought I heard the company is part of the Camper Shoe company, do you have any insight on this? To be honest not sure if that comment was correct, and was just wondering the back story that Killian worked with Camper to get this shoe into the market. Thanks for the review and discussion on this well anticipated shoe.

[@SeeChadRun]

That is correct. Killian partnered with Camper to create the shoe.

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

@@SeeChadRun Hello and thanks for the response Chad, I also watch your channel and enjoy your content as well. To be honest your the reason I have 2 pairs of Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra, great nimble fast shoe. Hope you have a great week…

[@runningwithmarc]

Good morning! yes as Chad said, they have partnered for this. Although interestingly you cannot see it anywhere on Campers site. I love the terrex speed ultras also!!

[@peakproofuk]

Salomon S-Lab and some Arc'teryx often don't have insoles. Maybe that's where the influence came from?

[@runningwithmarc]

Ok good to know that, I have had some of the not so newer versions of S-lab products and they did have insoles, so I am behind on my Salomon testing clearly :D Thanks for sharing that 👍

[@sandstromj]

@@runningwithmarc Salomon sense 8 sg and Salomon pulsar (sg) do not have a insole.

[@mauritsbruns384]

Arcteryx SL2 also has no insole

[@peakproofuk]

And of course Vaporfly don’t have removable insoles.

[@ryeyan8613]

The color and the apperance of this shoe is closer to the salomon pulsar s lab.

[@guzgrant]

Strange question but do you think the shoe would be ok for a zero drop runner ? The drop is not the largest but it’s usually the combination of the drop , weight and midsole squishiness which I find awkward to use . Thanks

[@runningwithmarc]

Hello, I wanted to run in them before replying to get another fresh thought. I think so is the answer, I am not really running in zero drop anymore, I used to have the Altra Escalante 1.5 or was it 2.5's and they remind me a bit of them, but not at all as well. These are a lot more firm midsole and little less wide. Anyway to answer your question, for me I think they would resemble a zero drop in a way, but obviously they are not.

[@guzgrant]

@@runningwithmarc ahh cheers . Yeah that’s exactly what I meant in a incongruous kind of awkward way .. I figured the firmness and weight would equate to the same sort of ride albeit slightly tilted . I can’t be dealing with big clompy shoes like Speedgoats or the Altra Olympus which although zero drop ,they are like clown shoes . I might give them a go but there’s the danger if they don’t fit they will end up with the many other shoes I fail to send back before the deadline .

[@runningwithmarc]

@@guzgrant haha, yes they are definitely not like the speedboat :D well as long as your efficient with the return, should be good. As I said in the video, I ran down one size, because I have quite a narrow foot, otherwise it would have been too loose from side to side, but if you have a wide foot I would stay true to size. Good luck :)

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

@@guzgrant Soon-to-be-released Kiger 9's are 4 mm drop and quite minimal (unlike the 7/8) and with new rubber compound.

[@slaluki]

I’m really confused about the sizing. When people say ‘true to size’ does that mean true to size of run shoe or street shoe? I have the Inov8 terraultras in a 6.5, just wondering if anyone can advise on what size I’d order in these. I see that they’re Inisex so I imagine that they’ll be naturally larger again than a woman’s shoe. It’s really confusing and nowhere to try them on 🙈😂

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey, some countries do actually have some stores you can try them on in. I was just in Leadville, CO and they had some, also in Chamonix, FR. But true to size, would refer to the running shoe that you have been using. So sometimes a running shoe may not run true to your size, probably best understood when you have been running in one brands running shoes. For example I run a lot in Adidas running shoes, and all the shoes I have used are always the same size, so I refer the true to size for that.

[@iongonzalez5381]

Hi Marc, and thanks for the video... I have 2 questions: 1. Do you think this pair can be also be used for road running? I mean, having just 1 pair of shoes for everything. 2. I see you are not using Stryd anymore (in this video) are you just moving to Suunto wrist native power (S9PP)?

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Ion... I was running on some asphalt/ compacted gravel and it was nice to run on. Then you just need to keep in mind that the rubber will degrade quicker. To me it looks very much like the Brookes Hyperion tempo in some ways, but I have never run in that.... yet. Regards to Stryd: I tend to not run with my Stryd when I know I will run on the trails, because running through bushes etc, the stryd can come off easily, well I have actually already lost one in Chamonix on my last trip. I like stryd for running on the treadmill, it can give really accurate data in that scenario, any watch I have used (all brands) struggle with this. Generally I would say that Styrd is the gold reference in power for running (my opinion), so for me in my work, it is good for me to have a device with what is considered a control and to compare data with. With my testing s9pp wrist power has been quite nice vs Stryd, you can nicely follow a trend or see thresholds.... so when you are on the trails it is nice I don't have to worry about losing the Stryd (again). Obviously you have to keep in mind that the different surfaces will have affect to power. :)

[@P.Nglhrdt]

Hey, thanks a lot for your review. As I wide-toebox-fan I have to ask you, if you can compare the sizing of Nnormals to Altra shoes? I'm hoping to find hints for the correct sizing before I place an order.

[@runningwithmarc]

Hey Patrick, sorry for the slow reply, I hope you managed to figure it out. I have the Escalante 2.5's and used to have some lone peaks. I find the Kjerag a bit less wide than them, but wider than my usual shoes from Adidas (adios/ultras). Hope that helps.

[@P.Nglhrdt]

@@runningwithmarc thanks for your response. I still didn't figure it out, but your message is useful. What size are your Altras and what size did you end up with the Kjerag?

[@eddyruble9372]

@@runningwithmarc I have the same question about width of the shoe. I need an extra wide shoe - currently running in the Altra LonePeak (wide) and previously the New Balance Leadville 1210 (4E). By the sound of the reviews and the look of the shoes, I'm guessing the Kjerag wouldn't be suitable for a wider than normal foot.

[@gambeasy]

Hi Marc...how do you compare them with adidas terrex speed ultra?

[@runningwithmarc]

Hello, I have not run the adidas terrex speed ultra sorry, but would love to get some this summer. Lets see :)

[@gambeasy]

@@runningwithmarc I mean...you literally have a video where you review them :-) your must thought i was speaking about the agravic but no... so i was curious about the difference as they seem pretty close....and what about the sizing in comparison? kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap_UeZmhaZKIl6M

[@gambeasy]

@@runningwithmarc Hello Marc, thanks for the answer, but in fact you have a video in your channel in which you review the Terrex speed ultra 😀I'm not speaking about the recent Agravic Ultra. So as the terrex speed ultra and the Kjerag seem pretty similar in terms of figures and i love them, could you please tell me your thought on the differences? and what about the sizing comparison between the 2? Thank you in advance for your time

[@gambeasy]

@@runningwithmarc So, could you please give me a feedback on the comparison between the 2 models?

[@runningwithmarc]

@@gambeasy Hey, Oh yes, I got confused with the latest naming of the new shoes...... naming has gone crazy. Kjerag - little more cushioned, sizing was harder to get correct (lucky I could try them on before, as they are wider in forefoot), they don't drain water as well I'd say, but they are a nice shoe to run in on any terrain and feel comfy. I could have gone one size up really, as for a 30km longer ends of toes get a little sore, but then they would also be looser because wider. Adidas - little less cushioned, but fit my foot perfectly like all other Adidas shoes, grip is good, running on any terrain is good, I really enjoy this shoe. But maybe for longer runs people nowadays would like more cushion. Hope that helps :)

[@kgenest100]

The Salomon Pulsar Soft Ground would be a direct competitor to these, with just a little more lug depth and comparable weight. I will pass for now and keep doing most of my trail milleage in the Adidas Speed Ultra, saving the Salomon Pulsar SG for days when lighter weight will make a difference.

[@runningwithmarc]

The speed ultras are great, I have a couple pairs of them also :)

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Pulsar foam doesn't last very long. Trail Pro's have lasted longer though.

[@kgenest100]

@@runningwithmarc I watched your review indeed Marc! I love the Speed Ultra like you. Highly underrated door-to-trail machine.

[@emitsienim]

This was a great review! Can you also review the Tomir if you get a chance? I'm really interested in getting those

[@runningwithmarc]

I will be happy to, as I have enjoyed these, but right now I just bought 4 pairs, so it might not be any time soon. and thanks for the kind words :)

[@KC-UT4rmAZ]

I see you’re wearing 2 Suunto’s. Please kindly send me one of them ;) My broke self can barely afford gas for my running shoes.

[@runningwithmarc]

haha 😂

[@tomdupraz73]

What do you think of the (lack of) breathability ? It gets very damp when I run more than one hour in these

[@runningwithmarc]

I haven't noticed it any more than some of the other trail shoes I've been running in.... well maybe the Adidas terrex speed ultras area bit more breathable actually.

[@russkemp1358]

thanks. great balanced review. thanks

[@runningwithmarc]

Great to hear Russ

[@alehax27]

Very impressed by this shoe. Was waiting for reviews because i didnt want to be a guinea pig. I also want more color options. Dont like the white because it’ll get dirty quick on my feet

[@runningwithmarc]

They just released a new colour, although it is very light again :D I am also tempted to get the Tomir's shoes for testing!

[@tommyle628]

hi, where are these shoes made?

[@runningwithmarc]

I read from the website that the upper is produced in France, but I assume that it is assembled and made in Asia somewhere, would need to confirm that though.

[@morganflockhart942]

Not in the shops not in the country 😳not shipping to Australia 🇦🇺!!!

[@runningwithmarc]

Oh really! I didn't know that, hopefully it's just a phased release system.

[@morganflockhart942]

@@runningwithmarc Yeah got in touch with them they said only a few countries so far UK USA Italy & France ? Australia maybe next year 😩PS nice review think I’ll like them as I enjoy the S/Lab Pulsar no insole either!

[@tjgavan]

Morgan I just got mine today in Sydney but had to get my nephew in London to send them to me.

[@morganflockhart942]

@@tjgavan yeah was thinking the same got family in UK just wondering how much I want them and can I wait till next year for Aussie release 😳hope you enjoy them and fit is good 👍

[@Run_Paul_Run]

Because of that I ordered 2 size‘s.

[@runningwithmarc]

yeah that's the solution unfortunately, hope you enjoy them,

[@RodRanDusted]

How did the sizing work out for you?

[@supo_sk]

great

[@jt.8144]

I'd rather wait till it's really tested. 2 week isn't enough. Try a Testing it for a SEASON much more Take it to a race and really see how it goes. No, Killian's Review doesn't count either. lol. (He's trying to make a Profit by giving his take on his shoes.. REGARDLESS. )

[@Run_Paul_Run]

The most important thing they need to change is the name.

[@runningwithmarc]

haha, :D

[@SgrhGehns]

Moore Eric Taylor Susan Perez Mark

[@brianmcewen3082]

Jornet's. Jornet's trail running shoe. Why are apostrophes so hard for the illiterates?

[@brokengames9020]

kjer-ag With K

[@runningwithmarc]

💪