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Arc’teryx’s New Winter Trail Shoe Strikes a Seemingly Impossible Balance

The Canadian brand’s latest adventure-ready footwear looks simultaneously streamlined and totally bombproof.

Close-up of the sole and heel area of a black shoe with a textured, rugged tread pattern. The shoe features a small, stylized orange logo on the side near the heel. The upper material appears to be a tightly woven fabric.Arc’teryx

By Steve Mazzucchi

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Summer was lovely, wasn’t it? 

But now we’re past Labor Day, which means the beginning of a begrudging trudge into the colder, wetter part of the calendar.

Black high-top hiking shoe with a textured knit upper and a rugged, thick sole featuring deep treads for traction. The shoe has pull tabs on the heel and tongue, and a subtle logo near the ankle. The sole includes a small yellow detail, likely a brand mark.
The minimalist aesthetic offers a functional benefit, in that nothing is getting caught on your feet as you gallop through all the mud and crud the trail can throw at you.
Arc’teryx

The way Arc’teryx has been absolutely owning outdoor footwear lately, I’m not at all surprised to see the brand has the perfect tonic for the harsh weather ahead.

Launching today, the Norvan 4 Nivalis balances a sleek aesthetic with rugged features that can tackle whatever the road or trail throws at you — while keeping your feet ensconced in comfort, of course.

Inner beauty

True to its balanced nature, the Norvan 4 Nivalis (henceforth simply Nivalis) boasts an equal number of inward-focused features and outward-facing traits to help you weather whatever Mother Nature (literally) rains down in the coming months.

Pair of bright red slip-on athletic shoes with a sleek, sock-like knit upper and pull tabs on the tongue and heel. The insoles are black with the white Arc'teryx logo and text. The shoes have a minimalist design with a smooth, rounded toe and a matching red sole.
The only thing more discreet than the little tabs that help you pull the Nivalis on is the “lace garage” that hides those tightening tools away.
Arc’teryx

Regarding the former, it starts with dual-density midsole material and construction, which blends cush with shock absorption to keep your feet comfy and supported for hours on end. 

Augmenting your sole support is 55C compressed EVA, which lends additional firmness and stability to the medial post.

The over-ankle gaiter basically yells a Gandalf-worthy “you shall not pass” at rain, sleet and slush.

Meanwhile, Arc’teryx takes a couple of steps to help your feet stay dry in the face of rain, sleet and slush. 

First off, the over-ankle gaiter basically yells a Gandalf-worthy “you shall not pass” at such elements.

Second, the shoe boasts a sealed Gore-Tex invisible upper cover that doubles down on the prevention of water and snow permeation.

Outer power

Meanwhile, as frill-free as the outside of the shoe appears to be, it still packs a few key qualities to max out its value.

First off, the easy-to-adjust speed-lace system lets you lock your feet in before stashing the cords in the discreet “lace garage,” helping to maintain the almost-seamless aesthetic of the upper.

Close-up of the front part of a black sock-style sneaker with a white chunky sole and toe cap. The upper is made of a textured knit material, and there is a small black pull tab with a gold "X" stitch near the ankle. The sole has a rugged tread pattern for grip.
The rugged outsole helps ensure a steady forefoot grip with every step and stride up tricky trails.
Arc’teryx

Sporting a 6mm drop, the Nivalis also offers top-notch foothold, ensuring you can pick your way through technical terrain without overly abusing your toesies.

Underneath it all, you get some forefoot grip for surmounting rocks plus a bit of heel traction for hiking down.

Of course, as that elongated yellow Octagon indicates, your biggest alley is that Vitale Bramani, ahem, Vibram Megagrip outsole.

Maroon athletic shoe with a textured knit upper and a pull tab at the heel. The sole is thick with deep, angular treads for traction, featuring a yellow Vibram logo near the center. The side of the shoe has the word "NORVAN" and a gold emblem resembling a stylized lizard or dragon.
Festooned with strategic lugs to maximize traction, the outsole is also compatible with carbide spikes and microspikes for taking on super-sketchy terrain.
Arc’teryx

Outfitted with weight-shedding Litebase technology, it guarantees reliable traction on just about every surface you might encounter out on the roads and trails. 

Should things really get gnarly, the Nivalis is compatible with carbide spikes and slip-on microspikes for maximum grip.

The fact it all adds up to some seriously slick, futuristic-looking booties is just a bonus, really.

Availability and pricing

The Arc’teryx Norvan 4 Nivalis is available now in four colorways for men and women for $250.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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