Altra Escalante

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88%
🏅 Highly Rated
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Altra Escalante: Review

“A versatile, zero-drop running shoe for road runners.”

Overview


The Altra Escalante is a versatile running shoe designed for road running. This shoe is known for its lightweight construction and zero-drop (heel and forefoot are at the same height) design, which promotes a natural running form.

Key Features:

  • Zero Drop: The shoe has a 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, encouraging a natural foot strike.
  • Altra EGO Midsole: Provides a responsive and cushioned ride with a bit of springiness.
  • FootPod Outsole: Mimics the natural bone structure of the foot for better flexibility and stability.
  • Knit Upper: Offers a snug, sock-like fit that is breathable and comfortable.

The Altra Escalante is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a natural running form and comfort for road running. Its lightweight and responsive design make it suitable for both training and racing.

With an average review score of 88%, it's in the highest rated 20% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 40% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Altra Escalante


The Altra Escalante is a versatile road running shoe that excels in various settings, from track workouts to marathons. Its zero-drop design and Altra EGO midsole provide a comfortable and responsive ride, though some runners may miss the ground feel. The knit upper offers a snug, sock-like fit, but it may not be ideal for those needing more structure or support. The shoe's durability and breathability are commendable, making it a reliable choice for long-distance runs. However, the minimal ground feel and snug midfoot fit may not suit everyone. Overall, the Altra Escalante is a solid choice for runners seeking a lightweight, comfortable, and versatile road shoe. Its balance of comfort, responsiveness, and durability makes it a standout option for road running.

Comparable Shoes


The New Balance Beacon 3 is a good alternative for those seeking a lightweight and cushioned running shoe. While the Beacon 3 offers a more traditional drop, it provides a similar level of comfort and responsiveness. The Beacon 3 is also known for its breathable upper and versatile performance, making it a strong competitor to the Altra Escalante.

The Hoka Clifton 5 is another popular choice for road runners. It offers more cushioning and a higher drop compared to the Altra Escalante, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer ride. The Clifton 5 is also known for its durability and comfort, making it a reliable option for long-distance running.

The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit is a stability shoe that offers more support than the Altra Escalante. It features a higher drop and a more structured upper, making it suitable for runners who need additional support. The React Infinity Run is also known for its cushioning and durability, making it a good option for those who prioritize comfort and support.

Special versions of Altra Escalante


The Altra Escalante Racer is a special version of the Altra Escalante designed specifically for racing. It features a firmer midsole for a more responsive ride and a lighter overall weight. The upper is also more breathable, making it suitable for high-intensity runs. While the standard Escalante is versatile and comfortable for daily training, the Escalante Racer is optimized for speed and performance on race day.

9 Altra Escalante Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Very comfortable out of the box
Lightweight and versatile
Breathable knit upper
Responsive Altra EGO midsole
Durable FootPod outsole

4 Cons

Minimal ground feel
Snug midfoot fit may not suit wide feet
Upper does not offer much water protection
Heavier than previous versions

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Altra Escalante is made from a fully knit material, providing a snug, sock-like fit. This design is seamless, reducing the risk of rubbing or hot spots. The knit material is also highly breathable, ensuring that your feet stay cool during runs. However, the upper does not offer much protection against water, so your feet may get wet in rainy conditions. The snug fit is comfortable for most, but those needing more structure might find it lacking.

Midsole

The midsole of the Altra Escalante features the Altra EGO foam, which offers a responsive and cushioned ride. This proprietary foam blend provides a bit of springiness with each step, making it suitable for both fast-paced runs and long-distance training. The midsole's design promotes a natural running form, thanks to its zero-drop construction. This means the heel and forefoot are at the same height, encouraging a more natural foot strike.

Outsole

The outsole of the Altra Escalante uses FootPod Technology, which mimics the natural bone structure of the foot. This design allows the shoe to bend and flex in the same places as your foot, providing better flexibility and stability. The outsole is also quite durable, capable of withstanding many miles on the road without losing its cushioning properties. However, the minimal ground feel might not appeal to all runners.

Size/fit

The Altra Escalante offers a snug fit, particularly in the midfoot area. The knit upper adapts to the shape of your foot, providing a comfortable and secure fit. The toe box is spacious, allowing for natural toe splay, which is beneficial for those with wider feet. However, the snug midfoot fit may not be ideal for runners with very wide feet. Overall, the fit is comfortable and accommodating for most foot shapes.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Altra Escalante. The knit upper provides a sock-like fit, while the Altra EGO midsole offers a cushioned and responsive ride. The shoe is comfortable right out of the box, with no need for a break-in period. The spacious toe box allows for natural toe splay, adding to the overall comfort. However, the minimal ground feel might not be to everyone's liking.

Cushioning

The Altra Escalante features the Altra EGO midsole, which provides a balanced level of cushioning. This foam blend offers a responsive and springy ride, making it suitable for both fast-paced runs and long-distance training. The cushioning is not overly soft, providing just the right amount of comfort without feeling bulky. This makes the shoe ideal for runners who prefer a more natural running experience.

Breathability

The knit upper of the Altra Escalante is highly breathable, ensuring that your feet stay cool during runs. The seamless design allows for better airflow, reducing the risk of overheating. However, the upper does not offer much protection against water, so your feet may get wet in rainy conditions. Despite this, the breathability of the shoe is one of its strong points, making it suitable for warm weather running.

Stability

The Altra Escalante offers a stable ride, thanks to its FootPod outsole and zero-drop design. The outsole mimics the natural bone structure of the foot, providing better flexibility and stability. The wide midfoot and forefoot base add to the shoe's stability, making it suitable for various running surfaces. However, the minimal ground feel might not appeal to all runners, especially those who prefer a more connected feel to the ground.

Durability

The Altra Escalante is a durable running shoe, capable of withstanding many miles on the road. The FootPod outsole is designed to mimic the natural bone structure of the foot, providing better flexibility and stability. The Altra EGO midsole retains its cushioning properties even after extended use, ensuring a comfortable ride throughout the shoe's lifespan. However, the knit upper may not be as durable as other materials, especially in wet conditions.

Grip

The Altra Escalante offers good grip on both road and light trail surfaces. The FootPod outsole provides traction and stability, making it suitable for various running conditions. However, the shoe may not perform as well on more technical or rugged trails. The grip is sufficient for most road running scenarios, ensuring a secure footing during runs.

Flex

The Altra Escalante is a highly flexible running shoe, thanks to its FootPod outsole and knit upper. The outsole mimics the natural bone structure of the foot, allowing the shoe to bend and flex in the same places as your foot. This design promotes a more natural running form and enhances overall comfort. The knit upper also adds to the shoe's flexibility, providing a snug, sock-like fit.

Who should buy the Altra Escalante?


The Altra Escalante is ideal for runners who prefer a natural running form and a lightweight, responsive shoe. It's perfect for those who enjoy road running and need a shoe that can handle both training and racing. Runners with a high arch and those who appreciate a spacious toe box will find this shoe particularly comfortable. The zero-drop design is beneficial for those looking to improve their running technique.

Who should not buy the Altra Escalante?


Runners who need a lot of structure or support in their shoes may not find the Altra Escalante suitable. Those with very wide feet might find the snug midfoot fit uncomfortable. If you prefer a shoe with a lot of ground feel, this might not be the best option. For those looking for a more cushioned and supportive shoe, the Altra Rivera 2 or the Altra Vanish Carbon might be better alternatives.

Altra Escalante: What's it good for?


The Altra Escalante is great for road running and can handle a variety of paces, from racing to daily training. Its lightweight and responsive design make it suitable for everyday running. The shoe's breathability and comfort also make it a good choice for warm weather runs. Its versatility allows it to perform well in both short and long-distance runs.

5 Altra Escalante FAQs


What is the heel-to-toe drop of the Altra Escalante?

The Altra Escalante has a zero-drop design, meaning the heel and forefoot are at the same height. This promotes a natural running form.

Is the Altra Escalante suitable for long-distance running?

Yes, the Altra Escalante is suitable for long-distance running. Its Altra EGO midsole provides a cushioned and responsive ride, making it comfortable for extended runs.

How does the Altra Escalante fit?

The Altra Escalante offers a snug fit, particularly in the midfoot area. The toe box is spacious, allowing for natural toe splay. However, the snug midfoot fit may not be ideal for runners with very wide feet.

Is the Altra Escalante breathable?

Yes, the Altra Escalante is highly breathable. The knit upper allows for better airflow, ensuring that your feet stay cool during runs.

What type of running is the Altra Escalante best suited for?

The Altra Escalante is best suited for road running. Its lightweight and responsive design make it suitable for both training and racing.

Altra Escalante alternatives



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productAthletes
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Matthias KrahFelix Köhler
Weight
Weight
M: 232 g
W: 181 g
181 g
M: 247 g
W: 198 g
M: 227 g
W: 218 g
M: 230 g
W: 181 g
M: 221 g
W: 176 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
25 mm
16 mm
15 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
8 mm
8 mm
6 mm
5 mm
Heel
Heel
25 mm
22 mm
20 mm
Brand
Brand
Altra
ReebokNew BalanceZootNew BalanceOn
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strike
Techs
Techs
New Balance Fresh Foam
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan Ⓥ
Vegan Ⓥ
Vegan Ⓥ
0

Altra Escalante: what the experts say (1 review)

Altra Escalante: 4 Expert video reviews

Altra Escalante: 1 Manufacturer video

Altra Escalante characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Released
Feb 2017
Measurements
Weight
M: 232 g
W: 181 g
Heel to toe drop
Heel
25 mm
Forefoot
25 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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