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Reddit Reviews
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.
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.
The North Face Altamesa 500v2. Roomy toe box, stable, plenty of underfoot protection.
The North Face Altamesa 500 the V1 were great and the V2 look even better.
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.
You should try The North Face Altamesa 500 V2. The shoe is an excellent every day PNW trainer. The V2 updates are 👍
TNF Altamesa 500, fantastic on non-technical trails. Used them for Rim-Rim-Rim and they were fantastic. Stable and cushioned. Drain well, can handle some technical. Only issue I’ve had is on super steep descents, toes jam into front a bit.
The North Face Altamesa 500 and Vectiv 4s, also Salomon thundercross and Topo Ultraventure
I’ve wider toes and ran the R3 with TNF Altamesa 500s. They were great. But it all depends on your foot shape and gait.
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.
Second this. V1 is one of my all time favorites.
North face Altamesa 500 V2 - this is the best in my opinion. The wide foot and dream foam and grip is great
Not typically in conversation, but perhaps take a look at the Craft Xplor 2/Pro. Firmer (relatively), but responsive TPU. Stout and versatile outsole. Stable platform helps with +mileage form breakdown. Also, new TNF Altamesa v2 would be one of my top choices (doesn't have plastic wings from Enduris that can cause irritation).
Late to this thread, it popped up when I was searching on a release date for the Vectiv Enduris 5. I have had a couple editions of the Vectiv Enduris and the Alta Mesa 500 plus the Offtrail TR. I was among the early adopters and have been happy with any and all that I have tried so far. Engineering, technology, materials, build quality, fit, and comfort have been all on a par or better with other brands' trail shoes that I have run in through the years. I will be purchasing more going forward for as long as I run trails. To reflect on others' comments, I tried the Arc'teryx trail shoes based on perception of brand quality and did not like them at all. They were too similar to Salomon trail shoes which I also did not like, though those have improved in recent years. La Sportiva has also come a long way and now makes trail shoes I enjoy running in. La Sportiva and TNF are probably my top two favorites at the moment. I am also liking Norda right now. Could there be an issue with accessibility? I live in an area with above average running trail access and do not know where to get TNF locally except at the TNF store the next town over, and the trail shoes have disappeared from their inventory more recently. There is one running store, over half an hour away, where I have seen TNF trail run shoes. I know people that want to try on shoes first before buying, so if access is primarily through ecommerce then I can understand widespread reluctance. Hoka and Altra are two brands I probably see the most locally, both in stores and on people's feet.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Deep mud and soft ground

Top pick
Salomon - Speedcross Series
Best for Quick draining and drying for wet trails

Top pick
Hoka - Speedgoat Series
Best for Road-to-trail transitions

Top pick
Nike - Pegasus Trail Series
Best for Steep technical descents

Top pick
Salomon - Genesis Series
Best for Technical rocky terrain

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series
Best for Ultra-marathon racing

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series





