When we first tested The North Face Altamesa 500, it was a quiet contender in the trail-running space—a surprisingly cushioned, versatile shoe from a brand better known for jackets and backpacks than running shoes. Now, for 2026, The North Face returns with the Altamesa 500 V2, refining its award-winning predecessor and building a more comfortable, capable daily trail trainer.
Looks
The Altamesa 500 V2 keeps the clean, functional silhouette of the original but feels refreshed and more polished. While the first version offered muted, understated colorways, the V2 expands options slightly with five for men and four for women, all rooted in earthy tones that blend seamlessly on trails or casual runs.
Personally, I am a huge fan of the TNF White/Lava Red version. Super slick!
Construction and Fit
The V2 builds on the secure midfoot and heel of the original Altamesa 500, but with a slightly wider underfoot platform that enhances stability. The seamless engineered upper now includes an internal dust bootie, helping keep feet cool and minimizing debris.
Stay-in-place tongue wings and dual midfoot webbing reinforcements improve lockdown, giving the shoe more structural integrity and durability compared with the original.
The shoe also feels a touch lighter than its predecessor, which makes logging miles slightly easier, though it’s still not a super nimble or fast-feeling shoe. Stack height has increased from 30 mm at the heel in the original to 36 mm, paired with the same 6 mm drop, giving runners a plusher ride without altering the natural feel.
Overall, the fit remains roomy up front while providing enhanced support and security in the midfoot and heel.
| Feature | Altamesa 500 | Altamesa 500 V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Stack Height (heel) | 30 mm | 36 mm |
| Drop | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Midsole | DREAM nitrogen-EVA | Enhanced DREAM nitrogen-TPU |
| Outsole | SURFACE CTRL rubber, 4 mm lugs | SURFACE CTRL SC2 rubber, 4 mm lugs |
| Upper | Mesh with overlays | Seamless engineered with dust bootie |
| Fit | Wide toe box, secure midfoot/heel | Slightly wider underfoot platform |
| Colors | Muted, understated | Refreshed muted palette (5 men’s / 4 women’s) |
| Weight | 10.4 oz (men’s 9) | 9.8 oz (men’s 9) |
Notes:
The DREAM midsole returns, now enhanced with nitrogen-TPU foam for improved rebound and a slightly softer feel. Compared to the first Altamesa 500, the V2 feels more responsive underfoot—the gentle forward propulsion is livelier while still maintaining plush cushioning. The lighter overall weight (while still adding significant stack) helps reduce fatigue over long runs, while the upgraded midsole continues to favor a cushioned, approachable ride rather than a minimalist, ultra-fast trail feel.
Traction sees an upgrade in the V2 as well. The original SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole with 4 mm lugs offered reliable grip across trails and pavement; the V2 introduces SURFACE CTRL SC2 rubber, which is lighter, more durable, and provides enhanced traction on soft ground.
The slightly reinforced upper complements the outsole improvements, improving overall durability and stability across mixed surfaces.
The Altamesa 500 V2 really shines as a door-to-trail all-arounder, but it’s not designed to excel at either extreme. It’s probably not nimble enough to spend a ton of time on harder road surfaces, and the its perhaps a little less technical for challenging trails. For runners looking to specialize—either purely road or highly technical trail—the V2 is a capable companion, but it’s best approached as a versatile, everyday trainer rather than a specialized tool.
Overall:
The Altamesa 500 V2 refines an already impressive platform, making a strong case as a go-to daily trail trainer for mixed terrain. Plush, responsive, and secure, it’s ideal for runners seeking a shoe that can handle everything from pavement to park paths and soft trails.
If the original Altamesa 500 quietly carved out a niche for itself, the V2 steps forward with thoughtful improvements—lighter feel, refined cushioning, enhanced traction, and a reinforced upper for durability and better lockdown—showing that The North Face is serious about trail running.
