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THM MACROSHOTS N45
[NORDA – Back in Black]
[NORDA – Back in Black]
We were always fascinated by the beauty of different textiles. When you see such a detailed picture of a structure of some amazing fabric, you can definitely understand the whole world of exploration and development behind its creation.
And you are just mesmerized by the beauty of it.
And you are just mesmerized by the beauty of it.
So we started our THM MACROSHOTS editorial series, where we explore the complexity, depth, and beauty of different fabrics, textiles, materials, and hardware through the macro lens.
Yes, it happened, it is here. Let us not trammel in waiting any longer. Today we are ecstatic to present NORDA 001 in all-black bio-based Dyneema, the first and only of its kind.
We invited Nick Martire, co-founder of NORDA, to explain the complexity of this release, material innovation and why this just might be the shoe to rule them all.
Yes, it happened, it is here. Let us not trammel in waiting any longer. Today we are ecstatic to present NORDA 001 in all-black bio-based Dyneema, the first and only of its kind.
We invited Nick Martire, co-founder of NORDA, to explain the complexity of this release, material innovation and why this just might be the shoe to rule them all.
[TH: Black Dyneema was first unveiled on the 10th November 2015, and here, 7 years later we see a first-ever shoe made out of it. When you started Norda, was there always a point on the bucket list to use it?]
NM: Dyneema primarily exists as a flat composite material which has great applications in ultralight use cases, like tents, backpacks, etc. Only white filament was previously available and it took a few years to make it into a black filament and ensure it had the same structural integrity of Dyneema, that it is known for.
The composite is too hard and not the right material for application in a shoe, which requires flexion. Complexity was in securing Black bio-based Dyneema filament. Norda has a special recipe and a mix of various deniers and a weave pattern that is unique, proprietary and globally exclusive to Norda.
The Black shoe was always on the radar, but it was previously impossible because it did not exist. We created it for footwear.
NM: Dyneema primarily exists as a flat composite material which has great applications in ultralight use cases, like tents, backpacks, etc. Only white filament was previously available and it took a few years to make it into a black filament and ensure it had the same structural integrity of Dyneema, that it is known for.
The composite is too hard and not the right material for application in a shoe, which requires flexion. Complexity was in securing Black bio-based Dyneema filament. Norda has a special recipe and a mix of various deniers and a weave pattern that is unique, proprietary and globally exclusive to Norda.
The Black shoe was always on the radar, but it was previously impossible because it did not exist. We created it for footwear.
[What was the reaction and your work process with Dyneema team on adapting their products to use materials for shoes?]
When we first called Dyneema back in 2019, they said: "you do realize that nobody has been able to do this right, and we're talking about some big players in footwear".
I think they looked at our 20+ year pedigree in footwear and realized that we were extremely headstrong and would give it our best effort.
While it started with our Norda team's vision to create the finest, the truth is, we have a few incredibly dedicated and passionate small teams of people around the globe that we worked very closely with to make this happen.
The R&D team at Dyneema opened all of their resources and samples to Norda. Then our people got to work - the breakthrough happened in the summer of 2020, about 9 months into trials, and the rest is history.
When we first called Dyneema back in 2019, they said: "you do realize that nobody has been able to do this right, and we're talking about some big players in footwear".
I think they looked at our 20+ year pedigree in footwear and realized that we were extremely headstrong and would give it our best effort.
While it started with our Norda team's vision to create the finest, the truth is, we have a few incredibly dedicated and passionate small teams of people around the globe that we worked very closely with to make this happen.
The R&D team at Dyneema opened all of their resources and samples to Norda. Then our people got to work - the breakthrough happened in the summer of 2020, about 9 months into trials, and the rest is history.
[TH: Black Dyneema was first unveiled on the 10th November 2015, and here, 7 years later we see a first-ever shoe made out of it. When you started Norda, was there always a point on the bucket list to use it?]
NM: Dyneema primarily exists as a flat composite material which has great applications in ultralight use cases, like tents, backpacks, etc. Only white filament was previously available and it took a few years to make it into a black filament and ensure it had the same structural integrity of Dyneema, that it is known for.
The composite is too hard and not the right material for application in a shoe, which requires flexion. Complexity was in securing Black bio-based Dyneema filament. Norda has a special recipe and a mix of various deniers and a weave pattern that is unique, proprietary and globally exclusive to Norda.
The Black shoe was always on the radar, but it was previously impossible because it did not exist. We created it for footwear.
NM: Dyneema primarily exists as a flat composite material which has great applications in ultralight use cases, like tents, backpacks, etc. Only white filament was previously available and it took a few years to make it into a black filament and ensure it had the same structural integrity of Dyneema, that it is known for.
The composite is too hard and not the right material for application in a shoe, which requires flexion. Complexity was in securing Black bio-based Dyneema filament. Norda has a special recipe and a mix of various deniers and a weave pattern that is unique, proprietary and globally exclusive to Norda.
The Black shoe was always on the radar, but it was previously impossible because it did not exist. We created it for footwear.
[What was the reaction and your work process with Dyneema team on adapting their products to use materials for shoes?]
When we first called Dyneema back in 2019, they said: "you do realize that nobody has been able to do this right, and we're talking about some big players in footwear".
I think they looked at our 20+ year pedigree in footwear and realized that we were extremely headstrong and would give it our best effort.
While it started with our Norda team's vision to create the finest, the truth is, we have a few incredibly dedicated and passionate small teams of people around the globe that we worked very closely with to make this happen.
The R&D team at Dyneema opened all of their resources and samples to Norda. Then our people got to work - the breakthrough happened in the summer of 2020, about 9 months into trials, and the rest is history.
When we first called Dyneema back in 2019, they said: "you do realize that nobody has been able to do this right, and we're talking about some big players in footwear".
I think they looked at our 20+ year pedigree in footwear and realized that we were extremely headstrong and would give it our best effort.
While it started with our Norda team's vision to create the finest, the truth is, we have a few incredibly dedicated and passionate small teams of people around the globe that we worked very closely with to make this happen.
The R&D team at Dyneema opened all of their resources and samples to Norda. Then our people got to work - the breakthrough happened in the summer of 2020, about 9 months into trials, and the rest is history.
[What "bio-based Dyneema" offers for the shoemaking craft?]
The greatest impact we can make right now towards better footwear is directly at the start of the supply chain - with the reduction of energy required to produce the raw materials as the first and primary way we can improve. Then if we can make shoes that are longer lasting and more durable (3 x longer than others) this is truly the greatest positive impact we can make.
There is so much talk of shoe recycling. In 95% of cases, the marketing department of brands is taking advantage of the consumer who just doesn't know that 90% of that shoe is not recyclable. Then, consider how much energy (C02) is required to return the goods and then how much energy to break them down again.
Today in 2022, with the technology we have, the greatest contribution we can make is to produce high-performance and more durable products, and I wish one day that we can produce such a product that also will be actually recyclable.
The greatest impact we can make right now towards better footwear is directly at the start of the supply chain - with the reduction of energy required to produce the raw materials as the first and primary way we can improve. Then if we can make shoes that are longer lasting and more durable (3 x longer than others) this is truly the greatest positive impact we can make.
There is so much talk of shoe recycling. In 95% of cases, the marketing department of brands is taking advantage of the consumer who just doesn't know that 90% of that shoe is not recyclable. Then, consider how much energy (C02) is required to return the goods and then how much energy to break them down again.
Today in 2022, with the technology we have, the greatest contribution we can make is to produce high-performance and more durable products, and I wish one day that we can produce such a product that also will be actually recyclable.
[Why does black colour in shoes persist and captivate the minds of so many shoemakers? Do you see a potential or need for other variations in the upper material for your future work?]
With regards to Dyneema filament, today it can only be made White or Black.
Other colours might alter the integrity and therefore it's impossible, at this time, to make Dyneema filament in other colours - but I am sure together with Dyneema, Norda will be the first to do it in footwear.
For us, Black is the pinnacle: no distractions - devoid of colour, complete focus and it exudes discipline. This relates to the sharp focus required in training and at the same time, black is timeless and versatile.
Stealth is the epitome of black in its raw form and it connotes confidence and ultimate commitment to our craft, with zero distraction.
With regards to Dyneema filament, today it can only be made White or Black.
Other colours might alter the integrity and therefore it's impossible, at this time, to make Dyneema filament in other colours - but I am sure together with Dyneema, Norda will be the first to do it in footwear.
For us, Black is the pinnacle: no distractions - devoid of colour, complete focus and it exudes discipline. This relates to the sharp focus required in training and at the same time, black is timeless and versatile.
Stealth is the epitome of black in its raw form and it connotes confidence and ultimate commitment to our craft, with zero distraction.
The norda 001 Stealth Black is a culmination of persistence and great vision, spearheaded by the design intuition of Louis-Martin Tremblay (head of design at Norda) and crafted by shoemakers with decades of experience, the shoe is already available exclusively on the official website for $295 and is also set for release in a G+ Stealth Black version, which features a graphene membrane and launches in November. We got a sneak peek at the upcoming versions, models and collabs from Canada-based trailblazers of the footwear industry and we could not be more excited to share them with you. Stay tuned!
Produced by TECHUNTER Media.
Q: Alex Zabelin [TECHUNTER, chief editor], Ivan Dzhatiev [TECHUNTER, creative director].
A: Nick Martire [NORDA, co-founder].
Ph, edit: Ivan Dzhatiev [THM].
Producer, layout, edit: Alex Zabelin [THM].
Check out more about NORDA in our other materials via the links below.
Q: Alex Zabelin [TECHUNTER, chief editor], Ivan Dzhatiev [TECHUNTER, creative director].
A: Nick Martire [NORDA, co-founder].
Ph, edit: Ivan Dzhatiev [THM].
Producer, layout, edit: Alex Zabelin [THM].
Check out more about NORDA in our other materials via the links below.
