Article by Mike Postaski and Sam Winebaum
Kilian Jornet’s NNormal had a strong presence at the 2024 The Running Event launching for sale the Kboix 01 with modular midsoles (tested by Sam , the Brut for mud and snow, an updated Kjerag 2.0 with more stack, new TPE foam and a new lighter upper as well as a Tomir 2 GTX with a PFAS free Gore-Tex Invisible Fit upper.
NNormal Kboix 001
($240 with choice of 2 midsole, $40 for additional midsoles)
Sam: The Kboix represents a bold attempt to not only extend the versatility of a single run shoe by using interchangeable midsoles with different ride (and even as I found out fit characteristics) but also extend the life of run shoes by making them not only durable but with replaceable key components.
The key feature of the Kboix are the 3 interchangeable midsoles you choose a combination of any 2 initially with option to add a 3d or replace for $40.
The supercritical foams of each of the interchangeable midsoles are different. Supercritical foams mean reduced weight and higher energy return compared to old school EVA's until recently found in road and trail shoes:
Kb 1 Soft-supercritical EVA
Kb 2 Reactive-supercritical TPU
Kb 3 Bounce- supercritica PEBA
Along with 150 other lucky runners world wide, I was able to test the near production version over several months with feedback provided to NNormal about final adjustments. All pictures here except the one below of the final version are of the near production version.
In my case I asked for a longer tongue and shorter laces and that’s about it. Others requested a slightly different achilles collar angle which is now incorporated but the early version was fine for me.
And before this final test Kilian got some "solid" prototype testing during his epic recent "Rediscovering the Pyrenees" adventure where he ascended 177 three-thousand meter peaks with over 480 km of distance and over 43,000 meters of climbing. I think I catch glimpses of Kboix in the NNormal's video recap of the adventure HERE
Using the interchangeable midsoles I ran them on roads and hard packed paths using the Soft and Bounce supercritical EVA midsoles and took them trekking in France for 3 days in very wet conditions using the Reactive midsole ( which along with a quicker rebound also dialed in the fit for more technical terrain) as well as my all around favorite midsole the Bounce.
All three midsoles are energetic and provide plenty of cushion. They were even excellent on the road and rail trail with the Soft or Bounce midsole. Being able to change the ride and to a certain extent the fit on the go is a game changer. The midsoles are not that easy to remove and insert. Changing them is nonetheless doable in a minute or so, less if you are stronger!.
Not to worry the midsole once in does not move with the high sidewalls, a part of the Vibram MegaGrip outsole keeping them secure and your foot stable even in very wet conditions. ]
My pre production sample with Soft midsole on board weighs 9.7 oz / 275 g in a US8 which is a half size down from my “normal”. Initially snug, they did get stretched after use in wet conditions with all midsoles so I would say they run a half size large in terms of volume. The Reactive fit is snugger and closer to true to size than with the Soft and Bounce in the shoe.
Kboix is a very well executed new approach to making a single shoe more versatile for multiple uses from road to trail running to hiking/trekking while prioritizing durability and interchangeability, which in the end makes for more sustainable footwear. As such the Kboix sets a high bar
Kboix available now at NNormal HERE
NNormal Brut
NNorrma Kjeragl Brut - the Kjerag goes rugged! Designed for wet, mud, and muck - check out that outsole.. 6.5mm lugs!
The upper is designed with the idea of water in / water out. There are few if any absorptive materials in the shoe.
Water absorption was a weak point of Kjerag V1, should be resolved with this model and also via updates to the Kjerag 2.
✅ 28.5/22.5mm (6mm drop)
✅ Eexpure supercritical EVA (same as Kjerag V1)
✅ Vibram Megagrip Litebase (6.5mm lugs)
✅ Matryx upper w/ drainage ports, neoprene tongue
✅ 230g / 8.11 oz spec weight
Available Fall 2025
Mike P: This lugged-out Kjerag model seems like a slam-dunk for NNormal. Many have been clamoring for a beefed up outsole on the Kjerag. Paired with a lightweight Matryx upper, the additional weight from the beefy outsole balances out to a lightweight and rugged SG (soft ground) beast. Note that this model uses the Kjerag V1 midsole compound, but that should work just fine on soft ground.
NNormal Kjerag 2
NNormal Kjerag 2 - just revealed at TRE! Some updates that should be appealing across the board for both elites and "non-Kilians" alike.
I spoke with Dakota Jones extensively about this one and we're on the same page with this update. The extra 2.5mm foam underfoot and new TPE compound should help the shoe feel less minimal and extend its range and versatility.
✅ New supercritical TPE foam compound
✅ +2.5mm stack increase - heel & forefoot
✅ 26/20mm now
✅ Knit tongue with more secure gusset
✅ New, thinner single-layer Matryx upper
✅ Smoother fabric footbed (still no insole)
Available July ($195)
Mike P: Again, another slam-dunk update from NNormal. The original Kjerag is quite minimal underfoot, even adding 2.5mm of foam, it’s still one of the more minimal “super shoes” on the market right now. Updates to the upper should enhance the fit and primarily reduce water retention. V1’s microfiber-type interior did seem to hold water and could get a bit clammy. The new upper is also much thinner (single layer) which should greatly aid breathability. Midsole foam moves from supercritical EVA to supercritical TPE. More to like!
Tomir GTX 02
- Same midsole/outsole unit as regular Tomir 02
- Sustainable PFAS-Free Gore-Tex Invisible fit upper
- Lacing will be adjusted to be in-line (not side/offset). (Lacing of regular Tomir 02 will also be adjusted to be in-line - to match the GTX model)
Mike P: I got to test out the non-GTX Tomir 02 during NNormal’s group run at TRE. Btw, what a fun time - I got to chat with Jimmy Elam on the way out, and Dakota Jones on the way back! I previously tested the Tomir 1 and the 02 felt much better. Lighter, more flexible, with the upper was definitely less restrictive. This GTX version, releasing in Fall 2025 will provide a rugged cold-weather option for those slushy/snowy fall/winter conditions. Dakota has been racing in the Tomir, so it’s more than just a training companion to the Kjerag.
Stay tuned for our full reviews
Mike Postaski currently focuses on long mountainous ultras - anywhere from 50K up to his favorite - 100M. 5'10", 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker - he typically averages 70 mpw (mostly on trails), ramping up to 100+ mpw during race buildups. A recent 2:39 road marathoner, his easy running pace ranges from 7:30 - 9:00/mi. From 2022-23 Mike has won the Standhope 100M, IMTUF 100M, and Scout Mountain 100M trail ultras, winning the Scout 50M in 2024. He also set a CR of 123.74M at the Pulse Endurance Runs 24H and completed the Boise Trails Challenge on foot in 3 days 13 hours, besting the previous record by 7 hours. Mike's shoe preferences lean towards firmer, dense cushioning, and shoes with narrower profiles. He prefers extra forefoot space, especially for long ultras, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe boxes.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
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1 comment:
I still struggle to see the application of the KBOIX vs. the Kjerag. Is it for longer distances, less technical trails? Why would I want a exchangeable midsole anyway? Do I carry one midsole with me?
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