The North Face Altamesa 500 Review: 3 Comparisons

Article by Nico Wagner

The North Face Altamesa 500 (140 € / $155)

Introduction

I used to be in search of an alternative choice to the Hoka Speedgoat (primarily due to the match and the most recent adjustments since model 4). A while in the past, I got here throughout the North Face Altamesa 500. In keeping with the web site, the shoe guarantees gentle cushioning, prime grip and a comfort-oriented match for loads of coaching kilometers. I’ve now put in various kilometers and wish to share what I found.

Professional & Cons

Professional

Excessive stage of consolation for lengthy distancesTremendous match with loads of room within the toe fieldVersatile use on totally different surfacesSturdy higher materials for stability and safetyGrippy outsole for a safe step, even on technical terrainPrime worth/efficiency ratio

Cons

Stats

Pattern Weight: 335g / 11.82 oz (males’s US 10.5)

Stack Peak: 38mm Heel / 32mm Forefoot, 6mm

First impressions, Match and Higher

Once you attempt them on for the primary time, you instantly discover the good match together with the broader forefoot. The higher materials is product of breathable mesh with overlays in a very powerful areas. The padding on the heel and tongue suits completely and provides the foot a safe maintain (regardless of the huge toe space) and with out constricting.

The lacing additionally works excellent and distributes the strain evenly over the foot. I had two sizes to attempt on (US 11 / 10.5) and opted for the smaller measurement.

Midsole

The midsole materials of the Altamesa 500 is created from Supercritical EVA foam (DreamFoam) and is similar as within the flagship Vectiv Professional 2 and their is loads of it as we’ve got a 38 mm heel / 32mm forefoot full stack top . The cushioning of the midsole would not really feel fairly as gentle as I initially anticipated, however provides a particularly good steadiness of consolation and responsiveness. The huge base and the midsole present stability and likewise stop simple twisting of the ankles.

Outsole

The outsole product of SurfaceCTRL rubber (4mm lugs) gave me good grip on all surfaces examined (street, forest paths, forest roads, rock, mud, snow). In deep mud, these (like most different outsoles with 4mml lugs) attain their limits. However that is not what the shoe is designed for.

Operating really feel, abstract, suggestions

What actually satisfied me was the midsole. The ultra-light Dream foam delivers a formidable stage of cushioning and reactivity. The “rebound impact” is especially noticeable on tougher surfaces – nearly as if the shoe is propelling you ahead. With loads of cushioning on the heel, the affect is optimally absorbed, which not solely will increase consolation but in addition reduces fatigue on longer runs.

Regardless of the beneficiant cushioning, the shoe stays surprisingly agile, particularly in comparison with different fashions with most cushioning.

The Altamesa 500 scores with a working really feel that gives each consolation and dynamism. The 4 mm lugs together with the Dream midsole create a shoe that feels comfy on any floor – from technical trails to asphalt roads.

Briefly, the Altamesa 500 combines consolation, safety and vitality return in a flexible path shoe. For me, it is positively extra than simply an alternative choice to the Hoka Speedgoat 6 – and at a formidable worth of €140.

Rating: 10/10

Journey: 10 (50%) Match: 10 (30%) Worth/Efficiency: 10 (15%) Model: 10 (5%)

3 Comparisons

Nike Zegama 2 (Assessment):

The Zegama 2 is barely softer and, just like the Altamesa, has a really ‘vigorous’ and well-cushioned midsole. I had some points with the match (low toe field) and lockdown with the Zegama 2. Outsole Vibram vs Floor CTRL. The Zegama can be 40 € costlier than the Altamesa.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 (Assessment):

The Speedgoat 6 with barely stiffer, much less reactive EVA cushioning and a narrower match however supplies a little bit extra safety in technical terrain. In all different areas, the Altamesa impresses with its versatility, higher match and efficiency. The SG is €20 costlier than the Altamesa.

Brooks Caldera 7 (Assessment):

The Altamesa is extra dynamic, extra versatile and has a greater match. The Caldera, however, is softer and barely heavier. Equally priced (Caldera 150€, Altamesa 140€)

Tester-Profile

Nico Wagner (29, Innsbruck). My working profession began within the traditional method, with street working. To make my coaching extra various, I often explored the paths round Kahlenberg to the north of Vienna. After shifting to Innsbruck in 2020 and with my enthusiasm for the mountains, I now primarily run on the paths of the Innsbruck Nordkette and have taken half in varied occasions such because the Grossglockner Extremely Path or the Innsbruck Alpine at totally different distances (20-85 km). Within the low season and in winter, I additionally prefer to spend my time ski touring, mountaineering or climbing.

The evaluation was translated from the unique German with help of Deepl.com

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The Altamesa was a private buy.. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought through purchasing hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are solely the creator’s.