The North Face Altamesa 300 Trail Runners Review
When it comes to trail running, finding the right shoes can make or break your experience. That perfect balance of comfort, durability, and performance is crucial when tackling rugged terrains for hours on end. Recently, I decided to put The North Face Altamesa 300 Trail Running Shoes to the test, and spoiler alert – they exceeded my expectations!
The first thing I noticed out of the box was the lightweight yet sturdy design. I was eager to see how they performed on the trails – after all, it’s hard to know what a shoe is really capable of until you’ve put in a few kilometres on uneven trails. I’ve now clocked over 300 km in the Altamesa 300s and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
This review is going to cover everything you need to know about The North Face Altamesa 300, including comfort, performance, durability, and value. Whether you’re new to trail running or a seasoned enthusiast looking to upgrade your gear, I’ll break down my personal experience with these shoes to help you decide if they’re the right fit for your next adventure.
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My Honest Review Of The North Face Men’s Altamesa 300 Trail Running Shoes
Quick Info On The North Face Altamesa 300 Shoes
Price: $250 AUD ($200 sale)
Upper Material: Seamless engineered mesh
Waterproofing: None
Weight: 294 g per shoe (men’s size 9.5 US)
Width: Regular fit with extra space in the toe box
Colours: Forest olive/black, Asphalt grey/black
Sustainability: Some recycled materials used
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Activity: Trail running, fast-paced hiking
Positives
- Extremely durable for a lightweight trail runner
- High level of support
- All-day comfort, especially due to wide toe box
- Lightweight
Negatives
- Some wear on the soft rubber midsole (after 300 km of use on mostly rough tracks)
- Can take one or two tries to get the fit perfect initially, but they stay secure once you do
The North Face Altamesa 300 Trail Running Shoes combine exceptional durability with unmatched comfort. Designed for performance, they feature TNF’s ultra-grippy Surface CTRL outsole and a seamless, engineered mesh upper built to withstand the toughest terrains.
Who Are The North Face Altamesa 300 Trail Running Shoes For?
The Altamesa 300 shoes are impressively versatile. They offer a great alternative to less breathable hiking shoes, perfect for those dealing with sweaty feet. They’re built to handle the demands of fast-paced hiking or trail running on tough, rugged trails, while also delivering all-day comfort and a stylish design.
I would highly recommend the Altamesa 300s for those searching for a pair of trail runners that will last the test of time and offer enough comfort and versatility to wear all-day, for a range of activities.
I don’t enjoy wearing hiking boots or shoes that are too cumbersome, so I use these shoes for trail running, day hikes, multi-day hiking trips, and even as an approach shoe during mountaineering adventures. Essentially, I wear them for everything except summit day.
Size and Fit Of The North Face Altamesa 300 Trail Running Shoes
In my experience, The North Face shoes as a whole generally run true to size. Every pair I’ve owned has been a US size 9 (Euro 42), which is my usual fit. However, I chose to go up half a size with the Altamesa 300s based on some recommendations, but it ended up being the wrong decision. A US size 9 would have fit me better, so I recommend sticking to your usual shoe size.
The Altamesa 300s are designed with a regular fit but feature a wider toe box, offering extra comfort and space for your big and pinky toes to move freely.
Initially, I struggled to get the fit just right, as my feet were sliding forward during descents – likely because the shoes were slightly too big. But after some trial and error, I discovered the perfect lace tension, and the issue hasn’t come up again.
Now that I have the laces and fit dialled, I truly appreciate the spacious toe box. It provides exceptional all-day comfort, allowing my toes to splay naturally – even when they swell after a long day on the trails.
Weight
The North Face Altamesa 300 trail running shoes weigh 294 grams per shoe for the men’s size 9.5 that I own. This weight places them squarely in the middle range when compared to similar options on the market.
Honestly, I can’t often tell the difference between a couple of grams from shoe to shoe, but I can say that the Altamesa 300s feel exceptionally light. Even on my longer 30 km + trail runs, they have continued to feel weightless and comfortable.
Comfort Of The North Face Altamesa 300 Trail Running Shoes
The Altamesa 300s are incredibly comfortable from the first kilometre to the 30th. I can confidently say I’ve experienced no pressure points or discomfort during my runs or long multi-day hikes.
Their design provides a great balance between comfort and protection, thanks to their high-rebound midsole with 25 mm of heel cushioning. Paired with TNF’s innovative SKYCORE rock guard, they provide excellent protection under the forefoot without compromising flexibility.
I’ve spent days trekking along New Zealand’s rivers (and in them), navigating rocks of every shape and size, and I’ve been consistently impressed by the level of underfoot protection. While I can feel the terrain more than I would in traditional hiking boots, it’s never enough to cause discomfort or pain.
If high rebound and plush cushioning are more important to you than increased underfoot protection, then you might want to check out the Altamesa 500s instead. This style features the new DREAM midsole foam, which offers super-high rebound and an extra 5 mm of cushioning at the heel.
Waterproofing
The North Face Altamesa 300 trail runners are not waterproof. You’ll find a few trail runners that offer a waterproof version, like the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX, but I personally rather have a non-waterproof version as they offer greater breathability.
On top of improved breathability, non-waterproof trail running shoes offer several advantages. They’re generally cheaper, allow for a more lightweight design and dry much faster – which is super handy if your hikes often force you to cross multiple rivers.
Candace wears the TNF Vectiv Exploris 2 Futurelight hiking shoes on our adventures, and they take twice as long to dry compared to the Altamesa 300s after a day of river crossings.
Breathability Of The Altamesa 300 Trail Running Shoes
The TNF Altamesa 300s offer decent breathability, though there are trail runners on the market with greater airflow due to their higher mesh content. For example, I found that my La Sportiva Prodigio trail runners offered better breathability in comparison.
However, the durability of the Altamesa 300s sets them apart. While my La Sportiva Prodigio shoes began showing signs of wear after just a few weeks of moderate use, the Altamesa 300s have held up impressively. Even after more than 300 km of mostly rough terrain, the upper remains in excellent condition, with no significant signs of wear.
The slight trade-off in breathability is a small and almost negligible price to pay for the superior durability of the Altamesa 300s. In my opinion, it’s a worthwhile compromise for a trail shoe built to last.
Stability & Support
The North Face has packed the Altamesa 300s with features to enhance foot stability. These include a reinforced internal heel counter for better rear-foot support, a dynamic stability zone in the forefoot, and internal stability wings at the third eyelet to keep the midfoot secure.
While these technical details may not mean much unless you’re a gear guru or a professional trail runner, what truly stands out is the lacing system. In my experience, The North Face offers one of the best lacing systems out there. It ensures a snug, secure fit that stays in place no matter the terrain – whether you’re navigating rugged trails or spending hours wading through rivers.
Traction
While many hikers and runners still favour Vibram outsoles – the leading specialised company, much like Gore-Tex with waterproof gear – I’ve been continuously impressed with The North Face’s in-house Surface CTRL rubber outsole.
The Altamesa 300s feature this dependable outsole, paired with grippy 4 mm lugs designed for optimal performance when you’re moving fast on rough, unpredictable terrain.
I’ve tested this outsole across a wide range of surfaces, including smooth rocks, loose scree, wet snow grass, and mud. No matter the conditions, the grip has been outstanding, giving me the confidence to tackle trails at high speeds or handle the added challenge of a heavy backpack. Even in wet conditions or when my shoes are soaked, the traction remains impressively reliable.
Durability & Build Quality
The North Face Altamesa 300 trail runners have been my go-to not only for their intended purpose – trail running – but also for mountaineering approaches and general hiking adventures. These shoes have faced some seriously rugged and off-track terrain and have handled it all impressively well.
As with most trail runners, you trade a bit of durability for their lightweight, breathable, and nimble design. While my Altamesa 300s show more wear compared to Candace’s TNF Vectiv Exploris 2 Futurelight hiking shoes, the signs of use are purely cosmetic – like scuffed midsoles and slight pilling on the upper material.
Part of the Altamesa 300’s durability can be credited to its build quality and thoughtful construction. The tightly woven engineered mesh on the upper reduces the risk of tearing, unlike traditional airy mesh, which – while great for breathability – is more prone to ripping. Additionally, the absence of stitching in the upper eliminates a common failure point, contributing to the shoe’s longevity.
Despite the visible wear, the Altamesa 300s have maintained their excellent performance. Their versatility and durability make them a trustworthy companion for rugged adventures, and I’m confident they’ll outlast many other trail runners on the market.
Features Of The North Face Altamesa 300 Trail Running Shoes
Lace Design
The North Face Altamesa 300 trail runners are designed with a ghillie lace system and lace guides, replacing traditional eyelets with secure loops for enhanced stability. This design ensures a snug, reliable fit that stays in place, so you can focus on the trail without worrying about your laces coming loose.
I’ve been consistently impressed by the performance of the Altamesa 300’s lacing system. Once tied to the perfect fit, the laces stay put – whether I’m moving through dense bush or wading across rivers, I’ve never had to stop and re-tie my laces and can easily obtain a secure fit.
Toe Protection
The Altamesa 300s feature a small, reinforced TPU toe cap designed to protect the upper material from damage caused by rock strikes. While it offers minimal protection for your toes during hard impacts, this is typical for trail running shoes. Adding substantial toe protection often increases weight, which is why it’s commonly omitted from trail runner designs.
Gusseted Tongue
The Altamesa 300s feature a low-profile, gusseted tongue to keep out debris while remaining unobtrusive. While the minimal design helps reduce bulk, it does sacrifice some padding, which can become noticeable if the laces are tightened too much.
Padded Ankle Collar
The North Face Altamesa 300 trail runners feature a padded ankle collar and heel cup to increase comfort and achieve a better heel lockdown. The ankle collar is very comfortable and has never caused me any blisters – even straight out of the box with no wearing in.
Insole
It has become quite common for trail runners to come with a basic insole, which is the case with the Altamesa 300s. The insole has been fine so far, but when my shoes get wet from walking through rivers, they tend to move around a bit.
As with any pair of shoes, I recommend upgrading the insoles to your preferred brand for enhanced comfort and support. I’m a big fan of Superfeet insoles, which always deliver exceptional cushioning and stability.
Drop
The Altamesa 300s have a 6 mm heel drop – meaning that the heel sits 6 mm higher than the forefoot. This is the average heel drop found in most trail runners and helps to encourage heel-first landings.
Sustainability
In recent years, The North Face has been putting in quite a bit of effort toward becoming a more sustainable brand. Their goal is to ensure that 100% of their primary materials – polyester, cotton, and nylon – are either recycled, responsibly sourced, renewable, or regeneratively grown by 2025 for apparel (I have yet to find out if they reached this goal) and by 2030 for equipment and footwear.
Regarding the Altamesa 300s, the upper is constructed with 53% recycled materials. Beyond incorporating recycled components, the durable design of these trail runners gives me confidence they will have a long lifespan – an essential factor in reducing waste and curbing overconsumption.
Value
The North Face Altamesa 300 trail running shoes are priced at $250 AUD, but they’re often available on sale for $200 – $230 AUD. This positions them at the higher end of the mid-range category for trail running shoes in Australia.
While there are cheaper alternatives on the market, I wouldn’t hesitate to invest in these again. Their exceptional durability and comfort make them worth every dollar. Even after logging over 300 km in my Altamesa 300s, they’ve maintained their support, cushioning, and overall durability without any noticeable decline in performance.
My Experience With The North Face Altamesa 300 Trail Running Shoes
Why I Chose The North Face Altamesa 300 Shoes
I was on the hunt for a pair of shoes that could handle both hiking and trail running. They needed to be durable enough to withstand rugged trails while versatile enough for a range of activities.
Having had great experiences with The North Face footwear in the past – I’ve previously owned the Vectiv Exploris Futurelight Mid hiking boots and the Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight hiking shoes – I was confident their trail runners would offer a similarly comfortable fit.
However, my one issue with both previous pairs was overheating. While the Futurelight membrane is more breathable than most waterproof materials, my feet still tended to overheat and sweat – an issue I constantly encounter.
This led me to explore non-waterproof alternatives. I also wanted a single pair of shoes versatile enough to cover everything – hiking, mountaineering approaches, and trail running – so I could travel lighter without packing multiple pairs.
How They Perform
I honestly cannot fault the performance of The North Face Altamesa 300 trail running shoes. After my initial struggle with finding the right fit with the laces, I have had no other issues with them.
Their durability continuously impresses me – I’ve taken them off-track in seriously dense bush, waded through rivers for hours, and tackled countless scree slopes. Despite all this, they’ve held up with only cosmetic scuffs to show for it.
Furthermore, the comfort they provide is equally impressive. I’ve run 30 km in these shoes without experiencing a single blister or any discomfort.
Where Do I Wear My TNF Altamesa 300 Trail Running Shoes?
The TNF Altamesa 300 trail running shoes have become my ultimate companion for outdoor adventures. Aside from my mountaineering boots, they were the only pair I packed for my four-month trip to New Zealand – and they’ve proven their worth time and time again.
These shoes carried me to Brodrick Pass, enduring hours of rock hopping and river crossings, through the untracked forests below Mt Maitland, and everywhere in between. Their durability, versatility and comfort have made them indispensable.
I only switch to my Scarpa Ribelle Mountaineering Boots on summit day, when the terrain is often covered in snow, unstable scree and rock. For everything else, the Altamesa 300s are my trusted choice.
Final Thoughts
While there are trail runners on the market that are cheaper, lighter, or offer more cushioning, I would happily buy The North Face Altamesa 300s again. To me, they strike the ideal balance between cushioning, weight, durability, and support. On top of that, they’ve proven remarkably resilient, standing up to wear and tear with a strong promise of longevity.
As always, I will continue to update this review if the need arises. I hope that this honest review has helped you make a decision and shed some light on The North Face Altamesa 300 trail running shoes. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment or reach out to us via Instagram if you have any further questions.
Happy Adventuring 🙂
