The North Face Altamesa 500 Introduction
The Altamesa line makes its maiden voyage for The North Face in 2024. Providing two variations; 300 and 500. The Altamesa 300 is a nimble shoe constructed for racing and technical terrain whereas the five hundred is all about consolation and miles.
Extra particularly, The North Face touts the Altamesa 500 as a “extremely cushioned and steady efficiency coaching shoe for path operating.”
They use DREAM foam all through the midsole for a pillowy smooth journey. Below the midsole, you’ll discover SURFACE CTRL rubber which is the outsole of selection.
Coming in at $155.00, this shoe is a brand new contender within the excessive stack, most cushion world of path footwear. Apparent opponents are Brooks Caldera 7, Hoka Stinson 7 and Asics Trabuco Max.
The North Face Altamesa 500 Impressions
It took a couple of runs till I actually began having fun with these footwear.
Sitting at a top of 30mm within the heel and 24 mm within the toe, the 6mm drop appeared to suit completely with the opposite options within the shoe.
I not too long ago reviewed Brooks Caldera 7 which had an extremely smooth journey and so I anticipated the Altamesa 500’s to be comparable.
However after extra time within the shoe, I noticed the DREAM midsole is sort of totally different. It’s reasonably cushioned, but nonetheless responsive. The rocker design within the Altramesa’s allowed for a extra agency however nonetheless supportive midsole. You roll by your stride extra simply which creates much less affect and fewer want for the softer cushion.
The North Face deliberately widened the forefoot which they name the Dynamic stability zone. A wider footprint means you’re much less prone to land on the sting of the shoe or step on a rock, root or in a divot leading to rolled ankles.
I do have occasional points with rolling ankles and was impressed with the added assist and confidence I felt within the Altamesa 500’s.
This shoe actually thrives on straightforward to reasonable off street environments and the occasional stretch of pavement.
There’s no query that it may deal with marathon and extremely marathon distances. Certain it will possibly deal with the occasional rocky part, however there are higher choices for extremely technical terrain.
The North Face Altamesa 500 Safety
As with most path footwear, safety is vital. There are a couple of options that contribute to the general safety of your toes with the Altamesa.
Before everything, they don’t have a rockplate constructed into the midsole. Your entire underfoot safety is discovered within the DREAM midsole itself.
The pure cushioning appeared to do a stable job stopping soreness from operating over pointed rocks or roots alongside the path.
Strengthened and protecting toe caps encompass the toe field to stop put on and tear of the mesh higher in excessive contact areas. Total the safety appears to be fairly sufficient for what most runners would wish on this shoe.
The North Face Altamesa 500 Sturdiness
I used to be fairly impressed with the sturdiness of the Altamesa 500’s. The shoe is constructed with high quality supplies which ends up in extra miles and a higher worth for anybody inquisitive about shopping for them.
I’ve worn them longer than the testing interval simply because I like them and likewise to essentially see how sturdy they’re. I’ve but to search out one thing concerning the shoe that has not held as much as the grind of lengthy path runs and each day utilization.
Of all of the footwear I’ve examined not too long ago, these could be my first selection for marathon distances or longer. One of many primary causes is due to their above common sturdiness.
The North Face Altamesa 500 Responsiveness & velocity
Nothing about this shoe screams quick and nimble. They’re an choice for trails that you just don’t need to suppose too laborious about navigating.
Sooner paced operating takes fairly a bit extra effort and feels considerably unnatural within the Altamesa 500’s. Operating quicker for brief intervals of time was doable however velocity is just not a energy of the shoe.
I discussed earlier than that the DREAM foam is lots of cushion, however for all of the cushion, they’re nonetheless fairly responsive.
Another excuse for the responsiveness is from the rocker design. One step rolls into the subsequent which retains you transferring ahead and the affect of every stride feels much less vital.
One statement or grievance, relying on the way you learn this, is that the outsole lug sample and design is likely to be on the timid facet. The SURFACE CTRL rubber doesn’t run the total size of the shoe, lacking a bit within the midfoot the place DREAM foam is uncovered.
Take this with a grain of salt as a result of I didn’t have any noticeable traction points, however I at all times really feel extra snug and assured in an aggressive, full size lug sample.
Once more, this didn’t appear to current a problem however it’s simply value noting.
The North Face Altamesa 500 Consolation and match
The largest motive I felt this shoe was so snug was as a result of consolation centered match within the toe field. They’re designed with a wider and deeper toe field. They had been roomy and allowed for the appropriate sort of motion throughout the widespread obstacles discovered on trails.
Nevertheless as a result of bigger footprint, they felt a lot bulkier than fellow maximal opponents. Slim path sections required further focus to make sure my foot placement was the place it wanted to be. That is one thing to be aware of relying on the paths in your space.
The North Face Altamesa 500 Conclusions
Exterior of the testing interval, the Altamesa 500’s have been my go to sneaker for household hikes, weekend actions and something that requires footwear.
They give the impression of being cool, are tremendous snug and might stand up to the pains of ultramarathon distances.
I’d suggest this shoe for anybody trying so as to add a max cushion path operating coach to their operating shoe lineup.
