When we reviewed Arc’teryx’s Norvan LD 3 trail running shoes a little over a year ago, we were impressed by what the brand delivered in terms of durability and comfort on the trails — especially in a space that they weren’t quite so iconic for. Well, Arc’teryx is back for spring 2024 in a big way with the first footwear collection conceptualized and designed solely by Arc’teryx.

The collection has three key products in it:

• Vertex Alpine: For approaches on steep, technical terrain.
• Sylan: Performance mountain-running shoe for comfort on the most rugged trails.
• Kragg: For quick approaches, belay wear, and comfort after the climb.

Each new style offers unique features and function, which the brand says is intentionally designed by mountain athletes for mountain athletes. From rugged peaks to winding trails, these new Arc’teryx styles blend support, traction, and comfort.

The Vertex Alpine, which comes in at a price point of $200, is a complete rethinking of the approach shoe. Encouraged by Arc’teryx athletes to develop an approach shoe with added speed and flexibility, Arc’teryx created a shoe combining lightweight agility, durability and grip required for approaches on steep, technical terrain. It’s a unique hybrid — light, fast, waterproof footwear combining support and protection with a secure, comfortable ride.

The sticky Vibram XS Flash 2 outsole is designed for edging, on-trail performance, and grip in wet and dry conditions. A TPU shank and toe cap add protection, and a knit collar seals out debris. The Vertex Alpine GTX ($250) offers a full GORE-TEX liner sealing out water and snow.

“When working on the Vertex Alpine my main mantra was comfort is performance. A shoe that felt and acted like a running shoe on the trail with enough support and cushion to sustain even the longest walks yet was still able to climb well on the rock would be the perfect mountain travel tool for me,” explained Mike Gardner, Arc’teryx climb athlete.

---

The Sylan, priced at $200, is built to go fast. This new performance mountain-running shoe provides comfort and confidence on the most rugged trails and delivers grip and support you can trust across shifting terrain and conditions. The rocker geometry drives propulsion on steeps and flats. The aggressive 6mm lug pattern gives it bite, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole with LITEBASE technology delivers durable, sure-footed performance when it’s wet or dry while shedding every gram possible.

Built for the rugged terrain with steep elevation changes, the upper is durable and flexible, the fit supportive, and comfortable. And a knit collar seals out trail debris. However, like we’ve seen before from Arc’teryx, it comes in pretty chunky, and doesn’t have the aesthetic appeal that other brands deliver on. The Sylan GTX ($230) offers a full GORE-TEX liner protecting you on wet trails.

The Sylan “is a shoe that encourages speed and propulsion while being responsive on uphills, flats, and downhills. My heel is nicely locked in place, I get much less toe bash than other shoes, the tread keeps me stable, and the small cuff contributes to both speed and comfort — less stopping to remove debris,” said Emma Cook-Clarke, Arc’teryx mountain running athlete.

---

Comfort and freedom, support and protection, the $160 Kragg is made for quick approaches, belay wear, and comfort after the climb. The upper is a single layer of breathable, stretchy Spacermesh that wraps the foot for a custom fit. TPU and Vibram rubber provide zonal protection at the toe and other high-wear areas, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole holds tight across a range of surfaces.

When in motion, an elastic gore secures the comfortable fit, and when you’re off the trail or belaying, the collapsible heel lets you wear it as a slipper. A collapsible heel counter makes the Kragg easy to slip on and off, and a Contoura foam insole made with bio-based content delivers the cushioning needed for recovery after a day in climbing shoes.