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The North Face Men's Altamesa 500 Trail Shoe
Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.
$108.50
List Price: $155.00
You Save: $46.50 (30%)
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SKU: WX2*0744454
Overview
Built for trail running and training, this shoe is aimed at runners who want a cushioned, stable ride on everything from gravel paths to mountain trails. The soft-feeling DREAM midsole foam and maximum cushioning at the heel are paired with a trail-tuned SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole, while the 4 mm lugs and dynamic stability zone are designed for varied terrain. A seamless engineered-mesh upper, roomy toe box, and reinforced support features add comfort and lockdown without adding unnecessary bulk. It offers a performance-focused setup with a clear emphasis on comfort and stability, rather than a minimalist feel.
Why Hunters Choose the The North Face
Highly Cushioned
30mm of DREAM maximum-performance midsole
Dream Nitrogen-eva
Midsole foam provides a soft,
Trail-tuned Surface
CTRL rubber outsole is optimized
Grippy 4mm
Lugs are designed for trail
Comfort-focused Toe
Box adds space for the
Key Features
- Highly cushioned trail running shoe designed for stable performance training.
- DREAM midsole foam provides a soft, light feel with super-high rebound.
- 30mm of DREAM maximum-performance cushioning at the heel.
- Seamless engineered-mesh upper uses 62% recycled material.
- Comfort-focused toe box adds space for the big and pinky toes.
- SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole is trail-tuned for gravel paths and mountain trails.
- Grippy 4mm lugs are optimized for trail terrain.
Best Used For
- Trail runners seeking a highly cushioned shoe for gravel paths and mountain trails.
- Users who want a stable training shoe with added rear-foot and forefoot support.
- Runners needing a comfort-focused toe box with extra room for the big and pinky toes.
- Athletes who prefer a secure lockdown fit for longer trail training sessions.
- Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a trail shoe with a durable, versatile outsole.
Specifications
| Collar | Plush collar |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | Highly cushioned |
| Gender | Men's |
| Heel Cup | Plush heel cup |
| Heel Cushioning | 30mm of DREAM maximum-performance midsole cushioning at heel |
| Intended Use | Trail running |
| Lacing System | Ghillie lacing system |
| Lug Depth | 4mm lugs |
| Midsole | DREAM nitrogen-EVA midsole foam |
| Offset | 6 mm |
| Outsole | SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole |
| Pull Tab | Gear-inspired pull-tab webbing at heel |
| Recycled Content | 62% recycled material in upper; 20% rubber from smallholder farmers in outsole |
| Stability | Stable performance training shoe |
| Stability Features | Stability overlays and lace guides; dynamic stability zone at the forefoot; reinforced internal heel counter |
| Terrain | Gravel paths or mountain trails |
| Toe Box | Comfort-focused fit in the toe box with increased space for the big and pinky toes |
| Toe Cap | Reinforced and protective toe cap |
| Tongue | Comfortable padded tongue with internal wings |
| Upper Material | Seamless, lofted, engineered-mesh upper made with 62% recycled material |
Pros
- Highly cushioned design with 30mm of DREAM maximum-performance midsole cushioning at the heel.
- DREAM nitrogen-EVA midsole foam provides a soft, light feel with high rebound.
- Trail-tuned SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole is optimized for weight and versatility.
- Grippy 4mm lugs are designed for trail terrain and varied surfaces.
- Comfort-focused toe box adds space for the big and pinky toes.
- Seamless engineered-mesh upper includes 62% recycled material.
Considerations & Trade-offs
- The highly cushioned midsole and 30 mm heel stack may feel more substantial than minimal trail shoes, which can be a trade-off for runners who prefer a lower-profile ride.
- The comfort-focused toe box adds space in the forefoot, so the fit may feel less precise for users who want a very snug, race-oriented feel.
- The outsole is described as optimized for weight and versatility, which suggests a balanced design rather than a specialized mud or technical-terrain focus.
- Trail-specific stability features and lockdown elements add structure, but they may feel more built-up than a simple training shoe for casual use.
Suggested Comparisons
- Trail running shoes
- Cushioned training shoes
- Stability running shoes
- Hiking shoes
Suggested Accessories
- Trail running socks
- Hydration vest
- Gaiters
- Replacement insoles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Altamesa 500 built more for cushioning or for a minimal trail feel?
It is described as a highly cushioned and stable performance training shoe for trail running. The product also notes 30mm of DREAM maximum-performance midsole cushioning at the heel and a soft, light feel from the DREAM midsole foam.
What kind of trail use is this shoe intended for?
The description says it is trail-tuned for use on gravel paths or mountain trails. It is positioned as a trail running and performance training shoe rather than a hunting boot or rugged work shoe.
Does the shoe offer any fit features for toe room and lockdown?
Yes. The short description says it has a comfort-focused fit in the toe box with increased space for the big and pinky toes. The long description also mentions a ghillie lacing system, padded tongue with internal wings, and a plush heel cup and collar for lockdown and comfort.
What traction details are provided?
The shoe uses a trail-tuned SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole, and the long description says it has grippy 4mm lugs optimized for trail terrain. No further performance claims are provided.
Are there any sustainability details listed?
Yes. The engineered-mesh upper is made with 62% recycled material, and the SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole is made with 20% rubber from smallholder farmers committed to agroforestry principles and regenerative agricultural practices.