The North Face Altamesa 500 Shoe Review
Published: March 19, 2024
Runs Like A Dream
Likes
- Tons of cushioning
- Extremely comfortable
Dislikes
- Outsole is not well suited for very technical terrain
What's New
The North Face's Altamesa trail running line was inspired by TNF's athletes who were looking for a shoe that could deliver comfortable and effortless miles on training days. Enter the Altamesa 500, which is designed to provide a plush and adaptable ride for miles on end. In the midsole, the Altamesa 500 features DREAM foam cushioning, which is a supercritical EVA compound that feels both bouncy and plush underfoot, enhancing the running experience from start to finish.
In terms of terrain, the Altamesa 500 is designed to be a versatile trail shoe that takes some inspiration from TNF's racing series, the Vectiv Pro line. The 4-mm lugs on the outsole are built to bite into just about any terrain you're likely to encounter.
Finally, the upper is built to provide comfort for easy and recovery days and uses a lofted engineered mesh with some TPU overlays for added support. The toe box is opened up just a tad for athletes looking for extra room and breathability in key areas.
The Bottom Line
Our in-house tester loved her time in the Altamesa 500 and was very impressed with the plush cushioning and all-day comfort it provided. While this shoe excelled in mild to moderate terrain, we would caution against taking the Altamesa 500 out on super technical terrain, as the outsole is not quite aggressive enough for it.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.9 oz | 309 g (size 9) | Women's: 8.8 oz | 249 g (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 38 mm (Heel), 32 mm (Forefoot) | 6 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Trail |
| Stability | Neutral |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Becky: "The upper fits really well. It has an accommodating forefoot area, and the mesh is soft and breathable. The tongue and heel collar add nice touches of comfort."
Midsole
Becky: "The midsole is well balanced, feeling soft enough, but not marshmallow soft. It feels a little bouncy as well."
Outsole
Becky: "This shoe is well suited for mild to moderate trails, but it may not be aggressive enough in the outsole for super technical terrain. That said, I have had no issues with grip across a few different trails with rough and rocky terrain."
Comparable Models
The North Face Altamesa 500 vs. HOKA Speedgoat 5
Becly: "The Altamesa 500 is a highly cushioned workhorse that's best for long, easy days on the trail. I could use this shoe for a 100-mile race and be confident in the cushioning, comfort, and fit. It compares to shoes like the HOKA Speedgoat 5, but the Altamesa 500 feels more energetic and is a bit wider in the forefoot than the Speedgoat. The Speedgoat has a more grippy outsole and is better suited for more technical terrain than the Altamesa."
Individual Thoughts
BeckyOverall Score: 9/10
The Altamesa 500 has replaced a few of my go-to high-mileage trail shoes in my rotation. I keep gravitating toward it because it has a ton of cushion, fits my foot well, feels stable, and has plenty of comfort for hours of running. My only real criticism is that I think the upper design could be improved a bit in future updates.
The North Face Men's Altamesa 500
The North Face Altamesa 500 is a highly cushioned trail running shoe that offers an energetic yet stable experience on any trail.
The North Face Women's Altamesa 500
The North Face Altamesa 500 is a highly cushioned trail running shoe that offers an energetic yet stable experience on any trail.
