The North Face 2026 Fall Shoe Guide

The North Face continues to evolve its trail-running lineup with shoes designed to handle everything from daily training runs to technical mountain adventures. Combining innovative footwear technologies with durable trail-focused construction, the brand has become a serious player in the trail-running category.

For Fall 2026, The North Face offers three distinct trail-running options. Whether you're looking for an ultra-distance companion, a versatile daily trail trainer, or a mountain-ready technical shoe, the Altamesa 500 V2, Offtrail Ultra, and VECTIV Enduris 4 each bring something unique to the trail.

The North Face Altamesa 500 V2

The North Face Altamesa 500 V2 is built for trail runners who want comfort, reliability, and long-distance capability without sacrificing agility. Designed to handle everything from daily trail miles to ultramarathon training, the Altamesa 500 V2 combines a roomy fit, dependable traction, and protective cushioning into a highly approachable trail-running package.

What immediately sets the Altamesa 500 V2 apart is its balance. It delivers the protection and grip trail runners need while maintaining a lightweight feel and comfortable fit that encourages longer days on the trail. The result is a shoe that feels capable across a wide range of distances and terrain types.

No more nail polish needed to hide bruised runner’s toenails! The roomy toe box gives your toes the space they need.

First Impressions

Comfort stands out from the very first run. Testers appreciated the roomy toe box, comfortable midfoot lockdown, and the fact that the shoe required virtually no break-in period. The fit felt natural and secure without being restrictive.

The lightweight design and breathable upper also made a strong impression during testing. Long runs remained comfortable, and the shoe maintained a stable and predictable feel across a variety of trail conditions.

Things We Liked

The roomy toe box received consistent praise from testers. The additional forefoot space allowed natural toe splay during longer efforts while still maintaining a secure fit through the midfoot.

Traction was another standout feature. Whether on dry trail, mud, or mixed terrain, the Altamesa 500 V2 inspired confidence underfoot. The comfortable cushioning and secure fit also made it an excellent option for long-distance trail running.

Areas for Improvement

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, but a few testers mentioned they would like to see reflective details added for runners who frequently train in low-light conditions.

Runners accustomed to highly cushioned trail shoes may also prefer a slightly softer ride, though most testers appreciated the balance between protection and responsiveness.

Specs:

• Drop: 6mm
• Weight: 8.6 oz (Women's); 9.8 oz (Men's)
• Price: $179
• Category: Cushion
• Type: Running - Trail
• Fit: True to Size
• Ideal for: Long-Distance Trail Running, Daily Trail Training, Ultramarathons

Final Thoughts

The Altamesa 500 V2 is one of the most well-rounded trail shoes in The North Face lineup. It combines comfort, traction, and long-distance durability in a package that feels ready for everything from daily trail runs to all-day adventures.

The roomy forefoot, secure midfoot fit, and dependable grip work together to create a shoe that remains comfortable when the miles begin to add up. Unlike some trail shoes that require a lengthy adjustment period, the Altamesa 500 V2 feels trail-ready from day one.

For runners seeking a dependable trail companion that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing performance, the Altamesa 500 V2 is an excellent option and one of the strongest entries in The North Face's trail collection.

Buy:

Women's | Men's

The North Face Offtrail Ultra

The North Face Offtrail Ultra is designed for runners tackling rugged terrain and long-distance trail adventures. Built with a protective platform, aggressive grip, and integrated gaiter system, the shoe is engineered to provide confidence on technical trails where stability and durability matter most.

Despite its rugged appearance, the Offtrail Ultra manages to deliver a surprisingly comfortable ride. The combination of generous cushioning, a roomy forefoot, and impressive traction allows the shoe to remain comfortable over long distances while maintaining the protection needed for demanding terrain.

These are some rugged shoes that will handle any rugged terrain.

First Impressions

The Offtrail Ultra immediately impressed testers with its grip and overall trail-ready design. The roomy forefoot creates a comfortable fit from the start, while the cushioning provides protection without feeling overly soft or unstable.

The integrated gaiter system also stood out during early testing. Unlike some gaiter designs that can feel intrusive, The North Face executed this feature well, keeping debris out of the shoe while maintaining comfort throughout the run.

Things We Liked

Traction was consistently highlighted as one of the shoe's strongest attributes. The outsole delivers dependable grip on rocky, loose, and technical terrain, helping runners feel secure regardless of trail conditions.

The integrated gaiter, roomy toe box, and protective cushioning also received praise. Together, these features create a shoe that remains comfortable for long hours on the trail without sacrificing stability or confidence.

Areas for Improvement

Some testers noted that the fit runs slightly roomy, particularly in the forefoot. While many runners will appreciate the additional space, those who prefer a more locked-down fit may want to experiment with sizing.

Additional midfoot security could further improve confidence on highly technical terrain and during aggressive descents.

Specs:

• Drop: 6mm
• Weight: 9.3 oz (Men's)
• Price: $190
• Category: Neutral
• Type: Running - Trail
• Fit: Slightly Roomy
• Ideal for: Long-Distance Trail Running, Technical Terrain, Ultras

Final Thoughts

The Offtrail Ultra successfully combines protection, comfort, and traction into a shoe built for serious trail adventures. The generous cushioning and secure platform help reduce fatigue during long efforts while still maintaining enough stability for technical terrain.

The integrated gaiter system adds meaningful functionality rather than serving as a gimmick, helping the shoe stand out in a crowded trail category. Combined with excellent grip and a comfortable fit, it creates a compelling option for runners spending significant time on rugged trails.

Trail runners looking for a highly capable mountain shoe that values protection and confidence over pure speed will find a lot to appreciate in the Offtrail Ultra.

Buy:

Men's

The North Face VECTIV Enduris 4

The North Face VECTIV Enduris 4 is designed to be a versatile trail-running companion capable of handling everything from daily trail miles to longer endurance efforts. Featuring The North Face's VECTIV technology, the Enduris 4 blends cushioning, stability, and traction into a package designed for consistent trail performance.

Built around comfort and predictability, the Enduris 4 focuses on helping runners confidently tackle varied trail conditions without sacrificing protection or efficiency.

Great when wet. Performed flawlessly in the mud and rain.

First Impressions

The Enduris 4 immediately delivers a comfortable and secure fit. The toe box provides enough space to remain comfortable without feeling oversized, while the lacing system keeps the foot locked in place throughout the run.

Testers also noticed how stable the platform felt on uneven terrain. The shoe inspires confidence early, particularly on rocky and muddy trails where reliable footing becomes critical.

Things We Liked

Wet-weather performance was one of the most praised aspects of the Enduris 4. The outsole maintained impressive traction in muddy conditions without becoming sloppy or waterlogged.

The combination of stable cushioning, dependable protection, and secure fit also stood out. The shoe performed especially well on longer runs where comfort and confidence become increasingly important as fatigue sets in.

Areas for Improvement

Few significant complaints emerged during testing. The shoe leans more toward stability and protection than lightweight speed, which may not appeal to runners prioritizing pure racing performance.

Those searching for a highly responsive trail racer may prefer a more aggressive option, although the Enduris 4 makes up for it with consistency and reliability.

Specs:

• Drop: 6mm
• Weight: 9.0 oz (Women's); 10.1 oz (Men's)
• Price: $180
• Category: Cushion
• Type: Running - Trail
• Fit: True to Size
• Ideal for: Trail Running, Long Runs, Technical Trails

Final Thoughts

The VECTIV Enduris 4 delivers exactly what many trail runners want from a daily training shoe: dependable traction, comfortable cushioning, and reliable protection. It feels planted and confident regardless of weather or trail conditions.

The shoe performs especially well on wet and technical terrain, where its grip and stability become major advantages. Unlike some heavily cushioned trail shoes, it never feels detached from the trail surface, helping runners maintain confidence over varied terrain.

For runners seeking a comfortable and versatile trail shoe capable of handling everything from daily mileage to longer adventures, the VECTIV Enduris 4 is an excellent choice.

Buy:

Women's | Men's

Our Comprehensive Testing Process

To bring you this guide, our expert team of runners, hikers, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts conducted extensive real-world testing on each product featured. Every shoe was evaluated based on actual use in training, racing, recovery, hiking, gym workouts, and daily wear to provide honest feedback that goes beyond manufacturer specifications.

Each tester spent time evaluating fit, comfort, responsiveness, stability, durability, breathability, and overall ride quality. Testers were encouraged to provide both positive feedback and areas for improvement to ensure balanced and transparent reviews.

Key Evaluation Criteria

• Comfort: We evaluated step-in comfort, long-term wearability, cushioning, and overall comfort during extended use.
• Fit: Testers assessed sizing accuracy, heel lockdown, midfoot security, toe box space, and overall foot hold.
• Responsiveness: We evaluated how efficiently the shoe returned energy and performed across a variety of paces and activities.
• Stability: Each shoe was assessed for support, balance, and confidence across different surfaces and movement patterns.
• Breathability: Upper materials were tested for airflow, heat management, and overall comfort in varying weather conditions.
• Durability: Testers evaluated outsole wear, upper construction, and overall build quality throughout the testing period.
• Overall Ride: The most important category. Testers considered how the shoe performed as a complete package, including comfort, protection, efficiency, and versatility.