The outdoor industry loves a collaboration, and sometimes, they’re more noise than anything else. Black Diamond (BD) and norda, however, have teamed up for a new line that could make waves. The storied climbing brand has joined forces with the upstart footwear rebel to debut a collection of cutting-edge equipment built for long days in the mountains.
The collaborative lineup is fronted by a shoe that stands out for its custom Vibram soleplates and Dyneema uppers, pairing the ultralight ethos of Canadian footwear rebel norda with Black Diamond’s longstanding reputation for durability. The collection also includes packs, shorts, caps, and accessories such as the Distance Carbon Z FKT Poles that will appeal to speedy racers and thru-hikers alike.
The Gear
When norda came on the scene in 2020, it quickly made waves with its plated footwear. In 2022, its 001 RZ made our Gear of the Year list. The highlight of the collab with Black Diamond is an all-new shoe: the 000 ($295).
It’s made with Dyneema uppers, an all-new Vibram Stream Flow midsole, and a custom Vibram Megagrip and Litebase soleplate with 5mm lugs. It’s meant to handle the harsh terrain and tough conditions of high-mountain environments.
The rest of the lineup includes classic Black Diamond products reengineered for the alpine. The Distance Carbon Z FKT poles ($280) have an innovative glove/magnet strap, which our reviewer found more comfortable than the typical loop strap. They weigh just 10.5 ounces and are designed for trail runners to easily deploy while on the move.
Lightweight packs are a dime a dozen these days, but the collection’s Distance 15 Pack ($300) stands out thanks to the fabric. It’s made with “ultralight, waterproof Challenge Sailcloth UltraWeave 100D, which is PFAS-free and 15 times stronger than steel by weight,” a press release explained. To help with fit and durability, the brands used Stitchless Edge Taping Technology (SETT); fewer stitches mean fewer weak points in the design.
To finish out the lineup, Black Diamond and norda designed a 30L duffel, mini carabiner, T-shirt, and cap. To make sure all these products were up to the demands of the trail, the brands worked with mountain runner Joe Grant to understand what athletes want in their gear.
The Process
Black Diamond has been a big-name climbing brand since 1989, and has attempted to get more into the trail running space as it’s exploded in popularity in recent years. “This collaboration truly represents the best of the best in mountain sports: two pinnacle brands coming together in a creative partnership that harnesses the complementary strengths of each,” President of Black Diamond Neil Fiske said in a press release.
Norda, a still relatively fledgling brand that’s less than a decade old, is excited to work with BD. “Norda and Black Diamond are both makers of pinnacle products, crafted by iconoclasts who refuse to indulge the status quo,” norda co-founders Nick and Willa Martire said.
“With our unparalleled footwear expertise and their extensive history of making the most advanced mountain equipment, we can leverage our shared beliefs and mindset to create incomparable tools for alpine running and exploration, products that empower athletes to explore, discover, and push their boundaries.”
This collection is just the first step of a growing relationship. The brands announced they will continue to work together in a long-term partnership.
