First Impressions of The North Face Altamesa 500

The North Face has entered the max-cushion trail shoe market with the Altamesa 500, and after a few initial runs, some clear characteristics stand out.

Right away, the shoe delivers plush comfort with its highly cushioned midsole. Long runs feel forgiving underfoot, and the wider toe box adds noticeable room and comfort, especially for runners who prefer extra space upfront. Combined with a high stack height, running in the Altamesa 500’s feels protective and stable on rough terrain.

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On the trails, the outsole provides plenty of grip, even on the slick trails I was running in Main Range National Park, which helps The North Face Altamesa 500 feel confident in different conditions. That said, the trade-off for all this cushioning and protection is a heavier, less nimble shoe compared to lighter, more race-focused trail shoes we’ve tested.

For now, The North Face Altamesa 500 is shaping up as a great option for longer distance runners who prioritise comfort, protection, and grip over speed and agility. It’s not the most responsive shoe in the category, but it already feels like it could shine on long training days, and ultra-distance runs.

The full review now live after several months testing the shoe.

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