The North Face Altamesa 500 v2: A Sequel Worthy of Its Predecessor?
In the world of trail running, sequels often come with a sense of skepticism. Will it live up to the original? Can it improve upon the magic of the first release? Today, we delve into the world of The North Face's Altamesa 500 v2, a shoe that promises to deliver an enhanced experience while retaining the beloved features of its predecessor.
What's New and Improved?
The North Face has taken a thoughtful approach with this sequel, focusing on refining rather than reinventing. The Altamesa 500 v2 boasts a significant weight reduction, with a US M10.5 shedding 1.5 ounces, resulting in a noticeable performance boost. The upper, though updated, maintains the roomy and relaxed fit that runners loved in the original. The real star of this show is the underfoot experience. The Dream Foam midsole, now made with supercritical TPU, offers a delightful 'floaty' sensation, providing medium-soft cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness.
A Wider, More Stable Platform
The Altamesa 500 v2 features a wider platform, a characteristic shared by many high-stack shoes. This design choice provides natural stability, allowing runners to tackle various terrains with confidence. The foam density is expertly calibrated, ensuring a comfortable and controlled ride.
Grip and Performance
The outsole has been given a much-needed upgrade. The new Surface Ctrl SC2 rubber is lighter yet more grippy, with improved lug design. This shoe excels on packed snow and ice, offering superior traction without compromising on durability.
The Verdict: A Well-Executed Sequel
The North Face has successfully created a sequel that improves upon the original without losing its essence. The Altamesa 500 v2 is a highly-cushioned, responsive, and stable shoe, perfect for gravel paths and lighter trail running. It retains its integrity for long-distance runs, just like its predecessor. While it may not be the ideal choice for technical trails, it shines on smoother singletrack, offering a playful and dynamic experience.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is the Altamesa 500 v2 better than the original? Some of our reviewers believe so, citing the improved outsole and overall performance. However, others argue that it's the small updates and refinements that make this shoe a worthy successor. What do you think? Is a sequel ever better than the original? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Reviewers' Takeaways:
Taylor Bodin: "The Altamesa 500 v2 is a familiar yet improved shoe, offering a secure and comfortable fit. The weight reduction is a welcome change, and the underfoot experience is simply lovely."
Reese Ruland: "I appreciate the small updates. The new laces are a clutch addition, and the upper feels more secure. The Dream Foam midsole still delivers, and the improved outsole makes this shoe more versatile."
Renee Krusemark: "The Altamesa 500 v2 is a solid choice for daily miles and ultra racing. It's surprisingly nimble for its size, and the midsole provides ample cushioning and protection."
Shop The North Face Altamesa 500 v2:
Available in February 2026 for $170 at Running Warehouse, with free shipping and 90-day returns.
About the Reviewers:
Taylor Bodin, Dirt Division Leader, is a trail and ultra runner based in Estes Park, Colo. He's the head of the Dirt Division at Believe in the Run and loves trail running as his primary hobby.
Reese Ruland, Colorado Trail Reviewer, is an ultra trail runner based in Fort Collins, Colorado, with over 15 years of competitive running experience. She's an ambassador for Project Heal and one of the fastest R2R2R runners.
Renee Krusemark, Midwest Trail Reviewer, runs on rural gravel roads and trails in Nebraska. She's had an interesting relationship with Boston-qualifying road marathons, with all her registered races being canceled.
Watch Our Full Review:
The North Face Altamesa 500 v2 | Full Review
And this is the part most people miss... The North Face seems to be on a roll with their shoe releases, and we can't help but wonder if there's a bit of a 'revenge' factor at play. With the departure of popular athletes to other brands, The North Face has been producing stellar shoes, almost like a 'revenge body' but for runners. What do you think? Is there a bit of truth to this theory? Let's discuss in the comments!
