Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Whether you enjoy running on gravel paths or mountains trails—or a little bit of both—the men's The North Face Altamesa 500 trail-running shoes are cushioned and stable for all types of terrain.
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Imported.
View all The North Face Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
---|---|
Trail-Running Shoe Type | Light-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 6 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 36 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 30 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Seamless engineered mesh (62% recycled material) |
Midsole | DREAM foam |
Outsole | SURFACE CTRL rubber |
Rock Plate | No |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 4.8 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 |
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 |
EU | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 47 | 47.5 | 48 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 | 12.2 | 12.4 | 12.6 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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I'm very disappointed with this pair of shoes I purchased last month. Unfortunately, after just a single 3-mile hike, the sole detached, rendering them unusable. This level of quality is far below what I expected from such a prestigious and globally recognized brand, especially considering the premium price of your products. As a loyal customer who values durability and performance in outdoor gear, this experience has been deeply unsatisfactory.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Muy bonitos y confortables
Alta Mesa 500. This is the second pair I bought in the past three months it's not because the first pair were worn out is because after buying one pair I like them so much I wanted another pair. These shoes are amazing. Brooks top-of-the-line glycerin can't even compete. These shoes are far more comfortable and far more durable. These are my go to shoes for everything so I knew I needed a second pair whether you are a cross country runner or just a daily walker or just need a really good pair of shoes if you are standing all day at work I highly recommend you get these the Alta Mesa 500 amazing amazing.
Absolutely love this shoe. The upper and outsole are totally good and fine but the midsole is where this thing shines. The perfect foam for the trail and the perfect rocker shape. Feels very efficient. Can't say enough about the foam those it's so perfect. Not to soft but Definitly nice and cushioned. And bouncy too! Dear north face. You can change the upper or outsole for the next version but please don't change this midsole! We see way to many company's making their midsoles worse to save weight but for a cruiser like this it's the fee that's important. You have a good thing here don't mess it up!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Caveat: I'm a trail runner sponsored by The North Face. I was part of the beta testing for the Altamesa 500 and was stoked on the ride and comfort from early on in the process. These are now my go-to shoes for nearly all my long runs and easy/recovery days when I'm not in one of the VECTIV shoes. They are soft and plush but still feel responsive and stable for all but the most technical terrain.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have just over 100 miles in these and I am really liking them. I've tested them on all sorts of terrain and they are great on everything but side hilling/rocky technical terrain. They excel on smooth downhills, the rocker and the dream foam makes the downs fast and effortless. They are good on other terrain. I used them for a Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon and they were fantastic. Tested their drainage on a stream crossing and have no complaints. The only slight complaint is traction could be better with the 4mm lugs. I like the fit! It did take ten miles for the liners to break in a smidge, initially it felt like my foot set too high, but after the first couple run it resolved. The toe box is great, not a Topo or Altra but very good and I didn't have to size up a 1/2 as I do in many other brands. Downsides for me are it's weight and the stack height makes it not a great shoe for really technical trails or off trail adventures. Otherwise I'm super pleased and would recommend.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] These shoes meet the needs of a trail runner, wider toe box and lifted front toe take the strain off toe joints that comes with many miles and years of climbing. Wish I would have found these years ago.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] There's one drawback lack of rock protection plate. Yes the midsole is thick enough for protection but itself needs protection from tree thorn and other rocky elements.
Second pair in 4 months. After 60 days my first pair tread wore out. Second pair 40 days, tread is gone in spots in center. This is only walking 3 mile average a day!
Super comfortable, are loud from tractioney soles, but only use them on trails, and walks, so who cares ♂️ LOVE EM!! Oncloud who?