We are back with a new review. This time we are walking the NNormal Cadi.
Lasts a very long time
Very affordable
Best outsole
Table of contents
Normal Cadillac
It will come as no surprise to my friends that I am a big fan of NNormal. The design and, above all, the durability are the brand's biggest strengths for me. I have been running in NNormal shoes since the brand started and always felt that one type of shoe was still missing: a comfortable trail shoe for long distances. Cadillac fills that gap perfectly.
Specs
Are you looking for all the technical specifications? Then you'd be better off talking to Dirk; that's more his domain. I prefer to share my practical experience.
Here are the specs of the NNormal Cadi:
- Stack: 35/29 mm
- Drop: 6 mm
- Stud length: 4 mm
- Weight: 270 grams
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
- Upper: Sincetech woven upper
Sustainability
In my search for the ultimate trail shoe for Dutch conditions, I pay attention to a number of key points. Durability ranks high on the list, and the Cadi has that indestructible look we have come to expect from NNormal. My own pair has clocked up about 700 kilometers by now. In fact, at the time of writing, they are being resoled. (Good to know: in Amsterdam, we have an NNormal-approved shoemaker. The shoe has held up excellently.
Upper
The upper of the Cadi is soft and comfortable and offers enough room for various foot types. Additionally, the material breathes well, and everything feels sturdy and built to last.
Midsole
The midsole of this NNormal Cadi is made of supercritical foam and feels very comfortable. You get nice energy return and plenty of comfort underfoot, without the shoe becoming excessively soft. So, it is not a "cushion feeling." The shoe actually remains nice and responsive, as you would expect from a model with a somewhat lower stack height.
Outsole
The VibramAs far as I am concerned, the Cadi's sole remains simply the best outsole on the market. The tread offers plenty of grip, both on wet surfaces and on loose stones and gravel. The 4 mm lugs grip the ground well and inspire confidence on virtually any terrain. At the same time, the shoe is also surprisingly comfortable to walk in when you have to cover a stretch of asphalt between two trails.
Cadillac tested
I used the Cadi for fast training, hill repetitions, long runs, and even a 61-kilometer training run. During all those kilometers, I actually no problem at all experienced with this shoe.
Similar to Speedgoat
Are you familiar with the Hoka Speedgoat series? Then that is probably the best comparison you can make. The Cadi is an incredibly versatile trail shoe that inspires a lot of confidence and can take a beating.
Final verdict
As far as I'm concerned, it is absolutely worth a try. Moreover, in a time when trail shoes are becoming increasingly expensive, I find the price very attractive. Especially if you have the sole replaced later, I see it as realistic to get between 1,200 and 1,800 kilometers out of a pair of Cadillacs.
Ari
Ari Sonnenberg is from Brooklyn, New York, and has been running ultra-long distances for over 10 years. He writes regularly about the intersection of exercise and spirituality. After years of racing and chasing FKTs (Fastest Known Times), he now sees himself more as a 'soul runner': he runs primarily for himself, out of love for running and for the balance in his mental health.
