Doctors of Running had a very positive field-test run on rocky, technical trail terrain in the Altamesa 500 v2, crediting its wide, stable platform and cushioning with preventing the ankle rolls they usually experience on similar terrain. — Doctors of Running
A roomier road-to-trail option than the Salomon Aero Glide GRVL, with a similarly subtle outsole for light-trail versatility.
A meaningfully upgraded version of the original Altamesa 500 that keeps the same approachable trail character while shedding weight via a lighter upper and improved foam.
Best for: Entry-level trail and door-to-trail running; longer efforts where comfort and roominess matter
Doctors of Running had a very positive field-test run on rocky, technical trail terrain in the Altamesa 500 v2, crediting its wide, stable platform and cushioning with preventing the ankle rolls they usually experience on similar terrain.
Best for: Rocky, technical trail runs and road-to-trail terrain where stability is a priority
Mentioned briefly as a solid, stable-neutral trail option, though not the tester's top pick.
Best for: Stable, neutral trail running.
The Altamesa 500 v2 impressed on rocky Colorado trails with its stable wide base and adequate cushioning, keeping the reviewer ankle-safe on technical terrain.
Best for: Road-to-trail running on rocky and technical terrain where ankle stability is important
Dave is a huge fan of the smooth, steady, stable Altamesa 500 v2, though it felt like a lot of shoe for him and he personally leans toward the Agravic SL and Ultra Glide 4.
Best for: Runners who want more sturdy stability and a smooth steady trail shoe across varied surfaces, not focused on speed
A versatile gravel/light-trail shoe with a road-shoe-like comfortable, bouncy midsole that works equally well as a daily trainer on- or off-road.
A really fun, comfortable and protective max-stack cruiser that excels on runnable trails and road-to-trail versatility, with a standout bouncy Dream midsole; less suited to very technical or narrow terrain. Immediately went to the top of his personal trail rankings.
Best for: Comfortable cruising on runnable trails and road-to-trail mixed runs up to ultra distance
Reviewers note: Fits a little longer than most North Face shoes; roomier by design for the Altamesa line
Per Believe in the Run.
The The North Face Altamesa 500 2 weighs about 278g (men's 9), has a 44.0mm heel stack and a 6.0mm heel-toe drop.
Reviewers compare the The North Face Altamesa 500 2 to Salomon Aeroglide 4 GRVL, Adidas Terrex Agravic SL, Kiprun Kipsummit Max, Hoka Speedgoat 7.
Per Believe in the Run, Doctors of Running, The Run Testers.
Next Pair aggregates 8 expert reviews of the The North Face Altamesa 500 2, including Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, The Run Testers.
Per Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, The Run Testers.
Compared to other trail light in the same lane.
