More cushioning, but still that precise, minimalist trail feel. Great for fast races and technical trails. TrailRunningReview.com
Table of contents
The long-awaited NNormal Kjerag 2 is out! After the huge success of the first Kjerag—a favorite of Kilian Jornet, among others—version 2 is now available worldwide. And yes: also available here Trail.NLWhat's new? What do the first testers say? And is this your new racing shoe for the fall?
From left to right my Norda 001, Norda 002 and Norda 005.
⚡ What is the NNormal Kjerag again?
The Kjerag is the performance-oriented trail shoe from NNormal, the brand of ultrarunner Kilian Jornet and the footwear company Camper. This shoe is known for its:
Ultra-light construction
Precision in technical trails
Direct feel and race-oriented fit
Durable Matryx® upper with Kevlar
Vibram® Megagrip sole with Litebase
🔁 What's new in Kjerag 2?
The Kjerag 2 isn't a completely new shoe, but a smart and thoughtful update based on feedback from athletes and testers worldwide. Here's what you can expect:
| 🔧 Change | 🆕 Kjerag 2 | 🆚 Kjerag 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Midsole | New Eexpure+ foam – softer & more responsive | EVA foam, firm and responsive |
| Stack height | +2.5 mm: 26 mm/20 mm | 23.5 mm/17.5 mm |
| Upper | Even lighter Matryx® with more stretch | Matryx® with Kevlar, stiffer |
| Tongue | Better positioned, partly stitched | Loose tongue |
| Fit | A little more space in the forefoot | Very close-fitting |
| Sole | Same Vibram® Megagrip Litebase (3.5 mm) | Idem |
| Insole | No insole (like v1) | No insole |
📦 What remains the same?
Super light: still around 200 grams (size 42)
Ultimate precision in technical fields
Minimalist design without unnecessary elements
Developed with and tested by top athletes
🗣️ What do the first reviews say?
Trail runners worldwide have already tested the Kjerag 2—from Reddit users to seasoned gear reviewers. Here's a sampling of the reactions:
“Soft, fast and much more comfortable than version 1. Perfect update."
— Reddit /r/trailrunning
The fit feels the same, but the foam is much more bouncy. And it's nice that there's now a heel-locking eyelet.
— Reddit user
"The biggest improvement is the upper: softer, stretchier, and more comfortable to wear. Everything feels a little more refined."
— SkyRun (Skimo.co)
More cushioning, but still that precise, minimalist trail feel. Great for fast races and technical trails.
— TrailRunningReview.com
🎯 Who is the Kjerag 2 for?
This shoe is for:
Trail runners seeking speed and precision
Runners who were already fans of the Kjerag 1, but want a little more cushioning
Minimalists who want grip, responsiveness and durability
Competitive runners who don't want to carry an extra gram
Conclusion and ordering
Conclusion
The NNormal Kjerag 2 is a clever evolution of an already excellent shoe. The new foam gives it a slightly softer feel without sacrificing speed or precision. The improved upper and tongue make it more comfortable for longer distances or rough terrain. Still not the most cushioned shoe—but one that excels in control, speed, and reliability.
