Review: Men’s Nnormal Tomir 2.0 Shoe
Feature type Review
Read time 4 min read
Published Jun 19, 2024
Author Matthew Pink
Photographer Ed Smith
OUR VERDICT
The Tomir 2.0 is big step up from version 1.0. It’s not just a cool-looking shoe but it’s a genuinely banging all-rounder for all levels.
| Features | Sole: 100% rubber Upper: 50% Ripstop TPE | 22% polyester | 28% nylon monofilament | Full stack height: 31 mm heel / 23 mm forefoot |
| Weight | 288g (size 8.5) |
Pros
- Super stable and comfortable
- Excellent cushioning
- Abrasion resistance
Cons
- Chunky and high which might lead to not feeling so fleet-footed on the hill
- Maybe a little constricting in their security for some
WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR
A properly reliable, tough and supportive shoe that will save me packing space when flitting between trail runs, hikes and the everyday grind.
I’m after a modern look that isn’t overly showy but does have a little flair at least.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Big. Chunky. Slight space age-y. Turning them over, I am reminded a little of the once-ubiquitous Nike Air Max 97 design that every southerner seemed to have at (a northern) university at the tail end of the 90s. Quite cool though. I’ve got the white version. They look and feel very contemporary.
The lacing and closures are asymmetrical which remind me of some football boot styles which do that to allow a sweeter spot surface area for ball contact, but not quite clear what the reason is here. Apparently, the prototypes were on Kílian Jornet’s feet for the lion’s share of his epic 445 km 8-day crossing of the Pyrenees in 2023. They do look highly engineered.
THE TEST
I’ve been out in the chilly UK spring for a pretty comprehensive test around the Wye Valley. This area has diverse terrains within decent reach of each other as well as breathtaking scenery. As such, it’s a very useful area for sussing out the real versatility of the Tomir 2.0 shoes including some high-impact descents on the steep trails near Symonds Yat. I mixed up gentle jogging, running and vigorous hiking, covering everything from rugged forest paths and steep inclines to muddy riverside trails and rocky outcrops.
WHO ARE THESE SHOES FOR?
Nnormal say this shoe is now for trail runners of all abilities, right up to the elite mountain goat. I’m testing this more as an ‘all-rounder’ shoe though, mixing up its use as approach/trail shoes, trail-running and every day. The fit for me is normal (I am UK 11) but the toe box is notably nice and just wide enough.
It’s definitely wider than many similar shoes (Saucony, adidas TERREX) I’ve opted for in the past, with a far more stable platform with increased flexibility and substantially more rocker.
They are tough and flexible enough for alpine trails in wet or dry conditions owing to the excellent waterproofing, effective toe guarding and traction of the Vibram sole.
WHAT STANDS OUT?
Versatility
There’s definitely scope for a wide range of uses here including daily trail and door-to-trail runs even, yep, ultras.
Comfort and Fit
The cushioning is lush. The shoe has a new supercritical foam compound, which is also lighter, increasing the cushioning and therefore helping with energy savings during running. It feels very protective and stable for sure.
Moving on from the 1.0 version of this product, there is clearly an improved upper which is secure and just roomy enough. I love the lightly padded leatherette tongue and the fact that laces have the slightly serrated edges and are anti-slip.
The improved rocker and midsole geometry of the Tomir 2.0 ensures a smoother, lower-impact run, allowing for more comfortable running over longer periods.
Durability
Having fallen victim to many a peeling midsole (or sole) in the past, I’m pleased to see the the upper is not only glued but stitched to the midsole with a 360 nylon thread
The toe bumper also comes in two layers. A firm-ish vertical layer is then supported by a more flexible rubbery overlay which really works without feeling too cumbersome.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Coming in at the upper end of the mid range for shoes like this at c£150, you’d want to get extended use out of these in rugged environments without compromising performance.
After these early tests my sense is that these are a keeper but obviously time will tell. That said, on the tests out in the Wye Valley, I gave them as good a kicking as I could and there’s barely a mark on them.
I like the reactive element to these shoes in that, once launched (the 1.0 Version), the brand listened intently to community feedback and critique and acted swiftly. I think that underpinning that is a desire to give customers a product that will be reliable and a brand that is trustworthy.
BASE BOTTOM LINE
This is an extremely decent, good value pair of light weight, energetic and protective shoes. An all-rounder I am all-in on.
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