Altamesa 500

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.

The North Face Altamesa 500 the V1 were great and the V2 look even better.

So stoked for the Altamesa v2! Loved the V1s as well. Have gone through 3 pairs and the they helped me crush some ultras in some legit mountains. More of a comfort all around shoe than technical speedster. Stoked for the V2 hoping it drops soon.

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.

But get the V2. It's infinitely better than the v1.

Been using them last two seasons. Altamesa 500 v1 and the vectiv enduris. Enduris isnt much more than the 500 and I feel its a better shoe overall. Typical wear for myself and Im in the boat of changing out shoes at 500 miles regardless of condition. Lugs and upper could probably be stretched another couple hundred miles but it depends on how people walk. For me they are true to size.

Deeper lugs than the altamesa and different pattern. Granted the altamesa v1 was more designed for road to trail. I felt the endris had more bite. I heard the altamesa also moved to 4 mm lugs and is lighter. Although simular stack height the enduris didnt feel as high and felt more grounded and stable. Ill have to try out the v2 though to see the improvements.

Second this. V1 is one of my all time favorites.