Norda and Black Diamond have launched the first collection of their new longterm partnership, marking the first time the outdoor equipment specialist has collaborated with another brand.
A debut within a debut comes via the Norda 000, a new trail-running shoe that is essentially a mashup of the 001 and 002 models launching in three colorways: “Kunzite,” “Moonstone” and “Obsidian.” The upper of the latter shoe is paired with the sole unit of the former as an answer to calls from consumers for a version of Norda’s flagship shoe with a padded collar. An upgrade comes with crossover for the 001’s underfoot experience, however, as the midsole is made out of a new Vibram foam compound called Stream Flow that’s 15 percent more resilient and lighter than its predecessor.
Black Diamond president Neil Fiske told Footwear News that although the Utah-based company has been making trail running a recent area of focus, it made the conscious decision years ago not to create its own shoe. Working with Norda offered the chance to touch the category in an authentic way while leaning into the younger Canadian brand’s expertise in outdoor footwear.
“We’re both premium brands that make products with a marriage of beautiful design and superior engineering,” Fiske said. “I always thought if Black Diamond was ever to make a trail running shoe or mountain running shoe, it would look like what Norda makes. It was kind of a perfect fit of brand values, brand aesthetics, positioning in the market and also just completes the kit for mountain runners.”
The kit also includes ultra-premium versions of existing Black Diamond products including trekking poles and a trail running backpack made out of Challenge Sailcloth UltraWeave 100D, a waterproof material 15 times stronger than steel and not dissimilar to Norda’s Dyneema uppers.
Ultra marathoner Joe Grant, who’s signed to Norda and Black Diamond, served as the bridge between the two parties. He introduced the shoes to his equipment sponsor and wore them in Black Diamond shoots before formal conversations between the brands began in August 2025.
“Black Diamond is a brand of trust,” Norda co-founder Nick Martire said. “Some of the best climbers and extreme athletes on earth are entrusting Black Diamond with their lives in their pursuits. That carries a tremendous responsibility, and for Black Diamond to trust Norda, it’s incredible. I’m extremely humbled and proud of this.”
The scope of stockists is limited for this collection, which Martire refers to as “Collection Zero,” but future offerings will be sold at a wider scope.
On the less technical front, pre-faded made-in-USA T-shirts carry archival Black Diamond graphics, and dual-branded six panels hats have been subjected to the same distressing. Black Diamond has also made a pink version of its lightest functional carabiner featuring the first logo other than its own in company history.
The initial Black Diamond x Norda collection is out now through their respective websites and will hit select Black Diamond locations and specialty stores Aug. 31.
Black Diamond x Norda 000 “Kunzite” (pair)
Black Diamond x Norda 000 “Kunzite” (lateral)
Black Diamond x Norda 000 “Kunzite” (medial)
Black Diamond x Norda 000 “Kunzite” (above)
Black Diamond x Norda 000 “Kunzite” (heel)
Black Diamond x Norda 000 “Kunzite” (outsole)