Altra Escalante 4 Review

Comfort and Fit

The Escalante scores incredibly high for comfort and fit, primarily due to Altra's FootShape fit, which is designed to match the natural contours of your foot.

When paired with the lightweight, engineered knit upper, this shoe feels more like a pair of slippers than a pair of running shoes. As a result, the Escalante quickly became one of our favorites for day-to-day wear. The knit upper is soft, but not plush. In keeping with a minimalist ethos, there is relatively minimal padding along the ankle, heel collar, and tongue.

While many shoes use padding to provide a solid heel lockdown, the Escalante relies on a flexible upper and a dialed fit. We believe that runners with narrower heels may experience heel lift issues unless the lacing is perfectly adjusted, as the heel cup is well-formed but significantly looser than in most other running shoes. We didn't experience any issues with rubbing or blisters at the heel. However, we noticed some minor rubbing along the outside of the toe box when running at a fast pace, which was easily resolved with a lacing adjustment.

The overall fit of the Escalante is spot on, although it's non-traditional. The length is perfect for size, and the toe box is exceptionally roomy, with a significant flare at the outside of the foot compared to most running shoes. There isn't a ton of volume in the toe box, but runners who need more space will find the upper materials have a bit of stretch to them and are designed to conform around your foot. From the toe box, the Altra tapers to an average-width midfoot and a slightly wider-than-average heel. Overall, the Escalante 4 is an extremely comfortable shoe.

Cushioning

The Escalante 4 offers very poor cushioning compared to the competition. We measured 22mm of stack height, which isn't inherently a bad thing, but it pales in comparison to high-stacked shoes. We recognize that some runners prefer a low-stack shoe with a lot of ground feel, and while the Escalante offers exceptional ground feel and connection, it falls short in providing adequate protection for feet and legs that take a beating running long miles on hard surfaces. Landing on small rocks, especially ones with sharper points, was noticeable and very uncomfortable, especially in the midfoot area.

Because the shoe is relatively thin and flexible, the midsole foam, Altra EGO, has to be firm to prevent runners from bottoming out the cushioning. Unfortunately, the foam feels lifeless. It's more akin to the tread of a tire than it is to a bouncy ball. The end result is a pair of shoes that leaves legs feeling pretty pounded after a short run. We experienced significant, abnormal lower calf soreness after a long run in Escalante 4.

Because the Escalante is low-slung and firm, it has a remarkably planted feel. It's light on the foot, and feels very precise as you run. It also feels excellent for standing, and the grounded feel could be beneficial for those with concerns about proprioception or balance. There is very little support and guidance in these shoes, so runners with stability needs will likely want to look elsewhere.

Low-drop shoes already place greater strain on the Achilles tendon and calves than those with a higher heel-toe drop. When compared to higher-cushioned options, a low-cushioned shoe like the Escalante can contribute to lower leg strain. This is not inherently bad, but it is an important consideration. If you know you're weak in those areas, or you have chronic lower leg issues, you might want to consider other options. On the other hand, shoes like the Escalante tend to put less stress on your knees and hips, which can be beneficial for some runners. Either way, it's essential to carefully and gradually introduce running in a shoe like the Escalante to avoid an overuse injury.

Breathability

The Escalante earns high marks for breathability thanks to its engineered mesh upper material. The shoe is lightweight and airy, and we had no issues on hot days.

For runners who prefer to run without socks, the sock-like upper material of the Escalante 4 will likely work well for them. It's comfortable, and because it's extremely breathable, it shouldn't collect nearly as much sweat as other shoes.

Traction

Grip on pavement is excellent, thanks to a grooved outsole with exposed rubber. The diagonal siping on the rubber outsole handles wet surfaces, and the lugs provide some grip on looser paths. And it was very easy to feel rocks through the midsole, especially in areas where there isn't a rubber outsole. We had no issues on wet or cold pavement, and aside from some cold toes (very breathable shoes can be unpleasant in the winter), no issues in the snow either.

The lugs formed by the grooves in the outsole also grip well on looser surfaces, such as gravel. The Escalante is not a trail running shoe, mainly due to the ease of rock strikes, but it does have above-average grip. Finally, we experienced premature wear of the outsole, which seems to be a common complaint for these shoes.

Should You Buy the Altra Escalante 4?

We believe the Escalante is an excellent choice for fans of zero-drop shoes, looking for a lot of ground feel. Minimalist fans will likely appreciate the Escalante for its exceptional comfort. People looking for athletic shoes suitable for double-duty at the gym and on a few runs might really enjoy this shoe. Ultimately, individuals seeking a supremely comfortable pair of shoes for everyday wear or walking will struggle to find a better choice. For most other types of runners, we believe a more traditional daily trainer with modern foams can offer a more cushioned and comfortable running experience.

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