Nnormal is an outdoor gear and apparel company known for its durable, high-performance products designed for mountain sports and adventures. Founded in 2012 by mountaineer David Wood, Nnormal aims to equip outdoor enthusiasts with gear that can withstand even the most extreme alpine environments while remaining comfortable and functional.

Key Nnormal Products

Kjerag Shoes

The Kjerag is Nnormal's flagship trail running shoe built for tackling rugged mountain terrain. Using a proprietary OutDry technology, the Kjerag shoes are completely waterproof and breathable, keeping feet dry without overheating. The uppers are made of flexible and protective Cordura fabric with integrated ExoFrame support in the midsole for stability. Deep multi-directional lugs on the rubber outsole grip slippery and uneven ground. The Kjerag comes in both low and mid height variations for different levels of ankle support.

Proprietary Technologies

The Kjerag employs several of Nnormal’s patented technologies to achieve unrivalled comfort, traction, support, and protection on the trails:

• OutDry Membrane: The heart of the Kjerag’s waterproofing ability lies in the OutDry membrane permanently bonded to the shoe’s upper material. Unlike coatings that degrade over time, the OutDry membrane is intrinsic to the shoe fabric itself, delivering reliable, long-lasting waterproof performance run after run. OutDry also maintains a high level of breathability, preventing interior moisture buildup.
• ExoFrame: Sandwiched between midsole foam layers is an ExoFrame composed of durable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Mimicking external support structures found in nature, this embedded exoskeleton stabilises and safeguards the foot during rapid lateral movements and downhill descents.
• MultiDirectional Lugs: The rubber outsoles have deep, multi-angled lugs with precision spacing to shed dirt and provide grip on loose, wet terrain. The lugs are also bevelled to allow smooth transitioning through the gait cycle.

Materials and Construction

• Uppers: The uppers use heavy duty Cordura fabric, known for its tear resistance and breathability. Flexible synthetic overlays provide structure and protection over the toes and heels. Reflective accents improve low light visibility.
• Soles: In addition to the grippy rubber lugs, the dual-density midsole cushions landings with firm ESS foam in the heel transitioning to softer foam in the forefoot.
• Closure: Quick drying laces and a secure lace garage ensure fit adjustments stay in place over porous and flooded terrain.

Uses and Environments

As an athletic trail running shoe equipped for the elements, the Kjerag performs best over varied topography from rocky ridges to saturated valleys. It can withstand splash trails, stream crossings, and rain showers while providing Ped control and underfoot protection. The ExoFrame makes the Kjerag suitable for ultramarathon distances as well. Whether criss-crossing high alpine routes or pounding training miles at lower elevations, the Kjerag brings rugged durability and stability for moving fast through rugged environments.

Tomir Range

The Tomir line is Nnormal’s selection of hardy hiking boots equipped to handle the toughest backcountry trails. They feature a lightweight yet supportive Opsan 2.0 midsole made from repurposed algae biomass. The uppers combine durable, waterproof OutDry membranes with abrasion-resistant SuperFabric panels on high wear areas. An integrated gaiter keeps dirt and debris out while the Vibram outsole has MEGAGRIP compounds for superior wet/dry traction. The Tomir boots come in low, mid, and high height options.

Nnormal Tomir All-Terrain Hiking Boots

The cornerstone of Nnormal’s hiking boot lineup, the Tomir delivers formidable performance across diverse landscapes from desert canyon trails to snow-covered high passes.

Proprietary Technologies

Several innovative Nnormal technologies equip the Tomir boots for the most demanding mountain adventures:

• Opsan Foam: The midsole utilises Opsan, an algae-derived foam that retains less water than standard EVA foam. Opsan combines responsiveness, cushioning, and stability in a more eco-friendly compound.
• SuperFabric: Panels of SuperFabric guard high abrasion areas on the uppers such as toe bumpers and heel counters. Created through a process called "direct injection", tiny armour guard plates are fused to the base fabric for superlative tear and scratch protection.
• Gaiter Integration: Built-in integrated gaiters seal out dirt and debris where the upper joins the sole. This eliminates the need for adding separate gaiters.
• Vibram Megagrip: Made in collaboration with renowned Italian outsole manufacturer Vibram, the Megagrip rubber features enhanced wet/dry contact for traction across changing terrain.

Materials and Construction

• Uppers: Waterproof yet breathable OutDry membranes coated in abrasion-resistant textiles withstand mud, gravel, snow, and slush while blocking external moisture. Supportive TPU exoskeletons in the heel stabilise landings.
• Midsoles: Dual-density Opsan foam delivers cushioning and rebound, backed by a polyurethane chassis for structure and stability.
• Outsoles: Lug depths, spacing, shapes are strategically designed for downhill braking, shedding mud, and flexibility.
• Closure: Quick-adjusting hook-and-loop straps ensure fine-tuned fit for different foot volumes while grabbing shoelaces stay tied securely.

Uses and Environments

Built rugged for extended backcountry trips, the Tomir provides durable protection and reliable traction for carrying heavy loads over varying altitudes and temperatures. The waterproofing performs in rain, sleet, and stream crossings while SuperFabric panels withstand abrasive rock faces. Integrated gaiters allow trekking through mud and sand. Offered in low, mid, and high height options, the Tomir accommodates everything from fast-packing to glacier travel.

Waterproof Technologies

Nnormal employs several advanced waterproofing technologies to keep moisture out without compromising breathability. These include:

• OutDry: A proprietary membrane laminated onto shoe uppers that is completely waterproof while remaining vapor permeable.
• Opsan: A foam midsole material made from algae biomass that retains less water than standard EVA foams.
• Gaiter Integration: Built-in gaiters seal out dirt, rocks, and moisture around the ankle.
• Seam Sealing: All seams on upper materials are sealed with waterproof tape to eliminate any entry points for water.

Nnormal also offers a wide selection of waterproof materials and technologies in their hiking and mountaineering boots and shoes:

• OutDry® membranes: fully waterproof yet breathable
• SuperFabric® materials: highly abrasion resistant
• Cordura: flexible and protective nylon fabric
• Rubber toe cap: additional front protection
• Rubber lug outsole: superior wet/dry traction

With these technologies, Nnormal products keep feet dry and comfortable even in the most challenging mountain environments.

Nnormal’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes and Boots

When heading into wet environments from rainforests to alpine regions, having waterproof shoes or boots becomes essential. Nnormal meet these demands with an array of hiking and mountaineering footwear engineered to lock out external water while allowing interior moisture to escape.

Waterproof Membranes – Both the Kjerag trail runners and Tomir hiking boots employ Nnormal’s proprietary OutDry membrane technology to achieve reliable waterproof protection. OutDry membranes contain billions of micropores per square inch that allow sweat vapor molecules to exit while being small enough block larger exterior water droplets from entering the shoe. This air permeability prevents interior condensation and overheating. Through a special lamination process, OutDry membranes bond directly to upper fabric materials versus needing separate coatings that can degrade over time. This results in durable long-term waterproofing.

 Gaiter Integration – Fully covering the gap between shoelaces and tongue, Nnormal shoes and boots integrate flexible gaiters into the ankle collar to prevent debris, gravel, or excess water from sneaking down into footwear.

 Quick Drying Components – From laces to lining materials, Nnormal select shoes components that readily shed liquid and accelerate drying time. This enables keeping feet drier across stream crossings or after unexpected downpours.

Nnormal climbing shoes

Expertly crafted for precision edging and grip on barely-there holds, Nnormal climbing shoes enable defying gravity up stone walls and mountain faces. Nnormal engineers their climbing footwear with environmentally-conscious materials to leave less impact on the natural landscapes climbers cherish.

The Ultralite model leads Nnormal’s climbing lineup, living up to its name using durable, featherlight hemp fibre uppers. Inside, an Ecosteam liner made from recycled plastic bottles wicks moisture to keep feet drier while maintaining breathability. Underfoot, their sticky GeckoGrip rubber developed in partnership with professional climbers has optimised friction properties to cling tenaciously on micro-edges without excess bulk.

For wider crack climbing, the Split model has a signature slit opening down the middle of the shoe, enabling flexing into awkward jams and pockets. The sensitive Borealis outsole rubber feeds precision pressure feedback for delicate smearing technique. Made from synthetic weaves, the uppers require minimal break-in time out of the box.

Expedition mountaineers and ice climbers choose the mid-cut Siege model when encountering mixed rock, snow, and ice terrain. Primaloft insulation blocks harsh cold from freezing toes without packing bulk while the Boa closure system distributes tension across the instep for a dialled fit. The Vibram outsole equips reversible spikes on the heel for bracing icy descents after scaling vertical pitches.

Across the range, Nnormal climbing shoes tout functional minimalist designs optimised for athletic performance and environmental integrity. Whether perfecting a bouldering project or racing up speed wall routes, Nnormal’s lineup brings elite technical advantages with conscience. They source renewable, recycled, and responsibly-harvested materials supporting innovative green technologies. Embedded sensors even track shoe temperature, moisture levels, and wear progression so climbers monitor optimal usage conditions. Though designed for withstanding abrasive use-cases, Nnormal climbers tread consciously to protect both legendary climbing landscapes along with the planet itself.

Relevance to Prominent Mountaineer Killian Jornet

As a world renowned mountain runner who has summited Mt Everest twice without oxygen support, Killian Jornet represents the pinnacle of alpine athletic performance. His other firsts include setting the fastest known time for the round trip ascent and descent of Mt Everest (26 hours), traversing Alps peaks from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn (150 miles) in ten days, and winning multiple ski mountaineering racing world titles among his innumerable achievements. Top gear companies like Nnormal analyse and discuss Jornet’s footwear preferences as he requires uncompromising levels of traction, shock absorption, water and wind proofing while moving at world record paces through high altitude ice, snow and shale conditions. Every design detail from the depth of sole lugs to lacing systems prove vital. Adaptations first popularised by Jornet often make their way into consumer product lines. As a Nnormal athlete and advisor, Jornet provides direct feedback guiding ongoing innovation of their trail running and mountaineering offerings. When Jornet brought micro-crampons to increase traction on downhill scree slopes, Nnormal engineers added more targeted heel brake lugs. Observing Jornet’s custom taping mods, Nnormal designers incorporated them as integrated gaiter components. Many of modern alpinism’s most audacious feats trace back to Jornet’s pioneering efforts with technical insights then cascading into Nnormal’s products so more outdoor enthusiasts can attempt their own lofty summit bids equipped with similar advantages.

The Allure of Durable Gear

What drives demand for Nnormal’s durable shoes and boots suited for the extreme challenges of technical mountain terrain? First comes the innate human desire to explore off the beaten path away from society in search of awe-inspiring wild places untouched by the modern world. Venturing into thin-aired realms once reserved for only the hardiest climbers and indigenous sherpas. Second arises the thrill seeking heart seeking self-improvement through overcoming adversity whether scaling vertical ice gullies or running ultramarathons through the night. And third arrives the pragmatic need for equipment tough enough to withstand the battering of rock walls, hurricane winds, and glacier cold while protecting vulnerable human tissues unaccustomed to such hostile worlds. Durable gear makes this all possible from weathering the brutal elements to enabling our bodies to physically pass through such punishing crucibles. By the numbers – wicking 250 watts of heat energy across membranes per meter squared while holding up to 300 outsole lugs at once through endless, bone-jarring foot plants. Such are the standards expected of Nnormal shoes and boots so we may continue exploring the next exhilarating frontier.

Specialised Trail Running and Mountaineering Shoes

While Nnormal hiking boots like the Tomir Series take on everything from desert canyoneering to icy alpine assault, settings calling for winning race times over technical topography demand specialised trail running and mountaineering shoes bred for fleet-footedness. Models like the Kjerag optimise for featherweight agility and precision footing versus outright ruggedness. The blurred lines between grounded heels and rooted toes enable quick chain-of-custody exchanges across obstacle fields. Midsole platforms strike balances between stability and flex allowing adaptation to jagged contours. Multi-angle lugs bite then release across angled engagements with soil, stone and roots. Reinforced shells ward off frontal assault from protruding impacts while mesh vents calibrate interior climate. Together the components triangulate the precise ratio of propulsion to protection so stride rates maintain despite increasing uncertainty underfoot. Wings replace ankles and terrain turns talent. Running up steeps and down screes enter flow states decades in the making. Such is the hard fought symbiosis between the Kjerag shoe, the mountain, and the transcendent runner.

When seeking outdoor gear to match their daring, adventurous spirit, Nnormal equips today's athletes and explorers with elite-level performance they can count on in even the harshest mountain environments. Leveraging insights from pioneering professional partners like Killian Jornet along with a passion for sustainable innovation, Nnormal footwear, apparel and equipment help writable the boundaries of speed records and summit dreams across the alpine athletics world. Models like the Kjerag and Tomir Series incorporate proprietary technologies like OutDry membranes and SuperFabric shielding, enabling Nnormal products to thrive among rocks, exposure, and volatile weather while keeping users dry, stable and protected through it all. Paired with responsibly-sourced materials like Opsan algae foam midsoles, Nnormal products set the pace sustaining both cutting-edge functionality as well as protecting the trails, peaks, crags and landscapes adventurers live to explore. Whether running ridge lines or redpointing rock faces, Nnormal gear and technology works in service of both thrill-seeking users and the awe-inspiring natural environments calling them onward and upward.