I have both the Cadi and Altamesa V2. The V2 sole is very stiff and I’m slowly breaking it in, only have 15 miles in so far. Right now it is a “brick”. Cadi, just received, normally I wear a wide but these fit great, super comfortable walking around, albeit in a size 13 1/2. I had to 1/2 up since they don’t make a size 13 for whatever reason. 13 would have been perfect, 13 1/2 is ok though.
Going to lead off saying this type of damage can happen to any shoe in technical terrain (assuming rocks, steeps, loose footing).
TLDR: your damage isn’t anything to worry about. Shoe gu and keep going if they’re comfortable. What you’re seeing is scrapes from slipping on rock/loose rock and really no shoe will resist that all that much.
I’ve run 500+ on two pair of the Altamesa 500 v1 and had some punctures in the Dream foam, but it’s not hurting the shoe.
I’ve also put about 200 miles on a pair of Altamesa 500 v2 and have had two spots of sole pealing up on one foot. Nothing shoe gu can’t solve (similar thing happened running nasty terrain in Adidas Agrevic Speed Ultras)
Like others pointed out, Altamesa is a less technical, long distance/time comfort runner (tho beefed up from the V1). Meaning it’s designed for gravel, buffed “California carpet” trails, community multi-use trails and all that.
I just did 50km from home to trail yesterday in the new The North Face altamesa 500 v2. They are an amazing shoe and perfect for all conditions.
Although very technical single track I would slow down on as they have a big stack on them.
The new North face altemesa 599 v2 has been perfect door to trail shoe. Most runs have included rainy days, and they've gripped fine. Not sure about super wet, mossy and technical tracks but door to trail are great.
No, I did buy it but returned it after trying it on as it felt heavy and I am not a huge fan of EVA foams. So I didn't take it out for a run. I've done 4 runs in the Altamesa v2 though, non-technical trails and some gravel paths, really like the shoe. Although the stack is fairly high, I could some people running technical trails not being a fan of this shoe. But as I live in the Netherlands, I can basically use it anywhere here. The shoe is light, no running anywhere, very protective. I like it. Especially for the price, got it for 120 euro.
I hate to say this but it depends. Some highly cushioned shoes don’t need a rock plate, i personally really like The North Face Altamesa 500 v2 no plate but plenty of stack height to make up for it. I personally don’t like plates as they make the shoe too stiff for me. Shoe preference really depends on your foot shape, your running dynamics, what amount of ground feel you like etc. If you’re in the US you could order a few models from Running Warehouse and only keep the ones that work, return the others. If you have a local running store go see if they can help you find a good option.
I’m on my 3rd pair of the Altamesa 500s. Great shoes. Well built, good toe room, drain well. I used them for a Rim2Rim2Rim in the Grand Canyon last spring and they were AMAZING! For 90% of my trails they are great. Their traction isn’t bad but it’s not great. My biggest issue is super steep technical descending my toes get a bit hammered. Wore them for GTC100 last July and my toes were wrecked by the end. However I ams planning to use them for Crazy Mountain 100 in a couple of weeks, with a different set in a drop bag.
Can’t compare to the SGs as I haven’t had great luck with Hokas.
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Versatile road-to-trail, but struggles on wet, technical downhills.
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