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 secure efficiency coaching shoe for path working.”
They use DREAM foam all through the midsole for a pillowy gentle experience. Below the midsole, you’ll discover SURFACE CTRL rubber which is the outsole of alternative.
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 just a few runs till I actually began having fun with these footwear.
Sitting at a peak 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 just lately reviewed Brooks Caldera 7 which had an extremely gentle experience and so I anticipated the Altamesa 500’s to be related.
However after extra time within the shoe, I noticed the DREAM midsole is kind 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 means of your stride extra simply which creates much less influence 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 help and confidence I felt within the Altamesa 500’s.
This shoe actually thrives on simple 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 could 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 necessary. There are just a few options that contribute to the general safety of your ft with the Altamesa.
In the beginning, they don’t have a rockplate constructed into the midsole. Your whole underfoot safety is discovered within the DREAM midsole itself.
The pure cushioning appeared to do a stable job stopping soreness from working over pointed rocks or roots alongside the path.
Bolstered and protecting toe caps encompass the toe field to forestall put on and tear of the mesh higher in excessive contact areas. Total the safety appears to be fairly enough for what most runners would want 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 leads to extra miles and a higher worth for anybody taken with shopping for them.
I’ve worn them longer than the testing interval simply because I like them and likewise to actually see how sturdy they’re. I’ve but to search out one thing in regards to the shoe that has not held as much as the grind of lengthy path runs and day by day utilization.
Of all of the footwear I’ve examined just lately, these can be my first alternative for marathon distances or longer. One of many fundamental 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 possibility for trails that you simply don’t need to suppose too onerous about navigating.
Sooner paced working takes fairly a bit extra effort and feels considerably unnatural within the Altamesa 500’s. Operating sooner for brief durations of time was attainable however velocity will not be a energy of the shoe.
I discussed earlier than that the DREAM foam is a variety of cushion, however for all of the cushion, they’re nonetheless fairly responsive.
One more reason for the responsiveness is from the rocker design. One step rolls into the following which retains you transferring ahead and the influence of every stride feels much less important.
One remark or criticism, relying on the way you learn this, is that the outsole lug sample and design is perhaps on the timid aspect. The SURFACE CTRL rubber doesn’t run the complete 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 all the time really feel extra comfy and assured in an aggressive, full size lug sample.
Once more, this didn’t appear to current a difficulty nevertheless it’s simply value noting.
The North Face Altamesa 500 Consolation and match
The largest purpose I felt this shoe was so comfy was as a result of consolation targeted match within the toe field. They’re designed with a wider and deeper toe field. They had been roomy and allowed for the fitting sort of motion throughout the frequent obstacles discovered on trails.
Nonetheless as a result of bigger footprint, they felt a lot bulkier than fellow maximal opponents. Slim path sections required extra focus to make sure my foot placement was the place it wanted to be. That is one thing to be conscious of relying on the paths in your space.
The North Face Altamesa 500 Conclusions
Outdoors 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 comfy and may stand up to the pains of ultramarathon distances.
I’d advocate this shoe for anybody wanting so as to add a max cushion path working coach to their working shoe lineup.
