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March 15, 2024

NNormal Tomir 2 Review: Kilian Jornet's Trail Shoe Built to Last

8.5/10
NNormal Tomir 2 Review: Kilian Jornet's Trail Shoe Built to Last

The NNormal Tomir 2.0 is the second version of the all-round model from the Andorran brand founded by Kilian Jornet, built to take you from trail half marathons all the way to ultras. With its supercritical EExpure foam, Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole, 8 mm drop and 360 Stitch construction, it promises the grip of a technical shoe and the comfort of an endurance shoe. As a RunMorph coach, I give you my detailed verdict after a full analysis of the data, cross-checked against feedback from the trails.

NNormal Tomir 2: Kilian Jornet's all-rounder for long trail

NNormal is the young Andorran brand launched in late 2022 by Kilian Jornet and Camper Group, with a simple promise: fewer models, more durability, and a spec sheet written by runners themselves. The Tomir 2.0, released in March 2024, replaces the Tomir 1.0 and serves as the versatile trail shoe of the lineup, alongside the Kjerag 2 (more minimalist, built for short racing). Where the Kjerag is made for experienced feet and races up to marathon distance, the Tomir 2 goes with you from the trail half marathon to the ultra, on varied and demanding terrain.

Version 2 fixes the flaws of the first: cushioning reworked with supercritical EExpure foam (the same as on the Kjerag), a profile raised by 2 mm to better protect the foot, a more breathable Ripstop upper and, above all, durability pushed to a level that sets the benchmark in the segment. The official price stays high at €195, but the stated goal is to last well beyond 1,000 km, and the first independent measurements back that up.

RunMorph's advice: the Tomir 2 is not a threshold or fartlek shoe. It's a volume shoe, made to carry you through your long trail runs and your ultras. If you want a snappier race shoe, look instead at the Salomon S/Lab Genesis or the Hoka Tecton X 3. If you want a more affordable all-rounder, also read my review of the La Sportiva Prodigio 2.

NNormal Tomir 2 3/4 view, upper detail

© NNormal, official photo used for editorial purposes.

Objective technical data

FeatureValue
BrandNNormal
ModelTomir 2.0
Official releaseMarch 15, 2024
TypeLong-distance all-round trail, trail half marathon to ultra
Drop8 mm
Stack height33 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot
Weight288 g (UK 8.5, EU 42 2/3)
FoamSupercritical EExpure 45C
Structural reinforcement360 Stitch (360-degree nylon stitching joining upper and sole)
Carbon plateNo
OutsoleVibram Megagrip Litebase, Traction Lug, 33 lugs of 5 mm
UpperRipstop TPE, polyester, monofilament nylon
InsoleOrtholite with molded arch
VersionsStandard, Boot (high-top), Gore-Tex
Target distance20 km to over 100 km
Official price€195

Who is the Tomir 2 for?

The ultra trail runner who wants one pair for everything

If you run 40 to 100 km a week on trails and you're building toward a long goal race (an 80 km, a 100 km, maybe even your first niche UTMB), the Tomir 2 is made for you. It lets you string together Sunday long runs, mountain outings and even a few hill sessions without switching shoes. Its durability lets you spread the €195 price tag over 1,000 km or more, where most rivals give out around 600-700 km.

The demanding runner who wants grip everywhere

Vibram Megagrip Litebase is today's benchmark for all-round trail rubber. The 5 mm lugs cover almost every surface, from smooth trail to wet rock to packed mud. It's not the most aggressive shoe in deep mud (the Salomon Speedcross 6 or the Saucony Peregrine 16 do better on that specific point), but for all-terrain versatility, few models can match it.

The runner who values durability and ethical manufacturing

NNormal is also a philosophy: fewer models, more durability, carefully chosen materials and manufacturing rooted in Andorra, close to European markets. If you care about how long your gear really lasts, about the absence of calendar-driven obsolescence (NNormal releases a new Tomir every two years, not every six months) and about a brand that stands by its message, you'll find a consistency here that's rare in the segment.

NNormal Tomir 2 Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole view

© NNormal, official photo used for editorial purposes.

Comfort, ride and grip

The first thing that stands out on the Tomir 2 compared with the Tomir 1 is the cushioning. The V1 used a classic EVA, and the ride felt harsh and flat. The V2 switches to supercritical EExpure 45C foam: the same chemistry as on the Kjerag, but in a slightly more forgiving density for long distances. Underfoot it stays firm (you're nowhere near the plush feel of a Hoka Mafate 5), but the energy return is clearly livelier, and muscle fatigue after 3 or 4 hours of running is better contained.

The 360 Stitch is the other technical signature: nylon stitching that wraps all the way around the shoe and ties together the upper, the midsole foam and the outsole. In practice, it delivers two valuable things: stronger lateral stability (your foot doesn't roll over on off-camber footing) and structural durability well above average. Independent feedback over 500 to 1,000 km confirms that neither the mesh nor the outsole shows any sign of breaking down.

On grip, the Vibram Megagrip Litebase does the job across the full range of classic European terrain: smooth trail, forest singletrack, rocky paths, wet rock. The 33 lugs of 5 mm are well spread out, with a more aggressive zone at the heel for steep descents. On wet technical ground (roots, slabs), you get the confidence you'd expect. Where it falls off a little is in deep, greasy mud, where the lugs clog faster than on a dedicated mud shoe.

The Ripstop TPE upper is tough and drains well: it dries fast after a stream crossing, doesn't tear when it scrapes rocks, and stays breathable enough in hot weather. The fit is medium width with a slightly wider toe box, which gives your toes room on long descents without feeling sloppy. The tongue is gusseted, which keeps debris out.

How it compares with the competition

In the "long-distance all-round trail, 50 to 100 km" segment, the Tomir 2 faces serious benchmarks:

  • Hoka Mafate 5 (320 g, 8 mm drop, 45/37, €190): softer and more protective, better for very long ultras on smooth trails, but heavier and less precise on technical ground.
  • Salomon S/Lab Genesis (235 g, 8 mm drop, 30/22, €200): snappier and lighter, designed for trail racing, but less durable and less forgiving over very long distances.
  • On Cloudultra Pro (260 g, 6 mm drop, 39/33, €270): an elite trail super shoe, faster for racers, but expensive and less versatile.
  • La Sportiva Prodigio 2 (280 g, 6 mm drop, 28/22, €160): a versatile Italian alternative, cheaper, ideal for runners with technical footwork.

My comparative verdict: if you value durability per kilometer, the 360 Stitch and the long life of the Vibram Megagrip Litebase make the Tomir 2 the most rational investment of the group. If you value pure lightness, look at the S/Lab Genesis instead. If you want maximum plush comfort, the Mafate 5 is still the benchmark.

How to fit the Tomir 2 into your RunMorph training plan

As a coach, I see three clear roles for the Tomir 2 in your trail training week:

  • The Sunday long run (2 h to 5 h): its supercritical foam comfort and 8 mm drop let you pile on the hours without hammering your calves or hamstrings. This is exactly where it excels.
  • Technical mountain runs with climbing (600 to 2000 m of elevation gain): Vibram grip, 360 Stitch stability and the protection of the Ripstop upper keep you safe on varied terrain.
  • Your 50 to 100 km goal race: this is what it was built for. Broken in over 200 km beforehand, you can trust it blindly for your first ultra.

On the other hand, don't use it for fast sessions on the road or track: the outsole wears out prematurely, and you lose the benefit of the trail grip. For those sessions, keep a dedicated road shoe like the Asics Magic Speed 5 or the Hoka Mach 7. If you want to structure all this the smart way, check out the RunMorph training plans: we have ultra programs (50 km, 80 km, 100 km) that tell you exactly which shoe to wear on which day of the week.

NNormal Tomir 2 rear view of the heels

© NNormal, official photo used for editorial purposes.

The RunMorph coach's verdict

The NNormal Tomir 2.0 is a mature trail shoe, built to last and to carry you through long distances with real reliability. It's not the plushest, not the snappiest, not the grippiest: it's the most balanced and the most durable in its segment. Its main drawback is still the price (€195), which may put some runners off, but measured per kilometer run, it's probably the best-value investment in my long-distance trail selection.

My overall score: 8.5/10. Half a star off because it still has room to improve in deep mud and feels a bit firm for runners chasing pure plushness. But for its original purpose (a durable, versatile ultra trail shoe), it checks every box.

NNormal Tomir 2 top view of upper and fit

© NNormal, official photo used for editorial purposes.

Key takeaways for your training

  • Category: long-distance all-round trail, 50 km to 100 km, 8 mm drop, 33/25 stack.
  • Main strength: real-world durability (well over 1000 km) thanks to the 360 Stitch and the Vibram Megagrip Litebase, making it the most rational per-kilometer investment in the segment.
  • Secondary strength: outstanding lateral stability on technical footing, perfect for off-camber mountain trails.
  • Limitation to know: firm underfoot, not the right pick if you want the plushness of a max-cushion shoe like the Mafate 5. Also loses some grip in deep, greasy mud.
  • Place in the RunMorph week: Sunday long run, technical mountain runs, ultra goal race. Avoid it for fast road sessions.
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