REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Simple yet effective
Flexible comfort
Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Zero-drop not for everyone
Not the cushiest
Wider toebox fans may find it too slim
Altra Escalante 4 - Women's Review
This updated road running shoe returns to a lightweight, stable, and minimalistic design that emphasizes simplicity and comfort, but it is on the slim side for a wide toe box shoe
The Altra Escalante 4 returns to a simple, lightweight, and stable design, offering low-heel comfort for runners seeking an easy, no-frills ride.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 10, 2025
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
Altra went back to basics with the construction of the Escalante 4. Reverting to its tried-and-true methods, this update strips away unnecessary frills and focuses on what many loyal fans loved most: a lightweight, nimble, and stable design that feels natural underfoot. With its low heel-to-toe drop and minimalistic build, the Escalante 4 appeals to runners who prefer simplicity and a connected feel to the ground. While it may not be the top choice for long-distance or high-performance efforts, it excels as a comfortable, low-key trainer for everyday miles.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Rather than feeling like a cushioned shoe with a clown-like toe box, the Escalante 4 strikes a balance of space and agility, making it feel nimble and ideal for quick neighborhood runs.
The Escalante 4 features a slightly narrower toe box than the last version of this shoe, offering a balanced, comfortable fit that feels nimble and well-suited for quick, everyday runs.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Cushioning
The Altra Escalante 4 is a low-riding shoe, sitting just 23 mm above the ground, so it's no surprise that it doesn't offer a plush ride. Rather than adding extra midsole bulk, Altra keeps things minimal underfoot.
This low-to-the-ground, minimally cushioned shoe delivers light, nimble comfort, making it ideal for daily wear, gym sessions, and short runs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Altra EGO midsole provides enough cushioning to protect joints during runs on pavement, but the experience remains light and responsive. Runners who prefer a simple, comfortable underfoot feel without excessive padding will appreciate the minimalistic design and subtle support of the Escalante 4. We found that we enjoyed this shoe for daily life, gym sessions, and short runs, and think that runners seeking a similar balance will like what Altra created here.
The neutrality of the upper of this shoe aids in making it such a simple, easy choice for zero-drop running.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Upper Comfort
Rather than continuing to widen the forefoot, Altra refined the Escalante 4 into a wide-toe boxed shoe that still feels nimble. The spacious toe area delivers the natural road feel that longtime Altra fans originally fell in love with. The tightly woven upper runs a bit warm, but it didn't bother us during our summer testing. The well-tapered heel collar, cushioned without being bulky, balances the minimalist tongue and lace bed. For runners seeking lightweight, no-frills comfort with a roomy, natural fit, the Escalante 4 is definitely worth a look.
Low-drop shoes naturally promote stability, and this model allows the body to self-stabilize with room for toe splay, slight outsole flexibility, and good ground feel, providing a secure fit for those who prefer minimal, dialed-back support.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Stability
Low-drop shoes are queens when it comes to inherent stability, and the updated Altra Escalante is no exception. Though this shoe doesn't integrate fancy tech or structures to create stability, it rides low and allows your body to stabilize itself. In a shoe with this style of body, the toes have room to splay, allowing stabilizing muscles to engage and work with each footfall. The slight outsole flexibility and ground-feel help create a natural-feeling run that feels secure and confidence-inspiring. Of course, zero-drop shoes are not for all runners. Some runners may prefer a stability shoe that offers more structure in its approach, but runners who want reliable, dialed-back stability will find success here.
Weighing just 6.2 ounces for a women's size 6.5, this shoe delivers an ultra-lightweight ride that makes it easy to forget you're wearing it.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
At 6.20 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe, the Escalante 4 is impressively lightweight. The weight profile of this shoe is well-rounded, offering a well-balanced, lightweight ride. In short, this is the type of shoe you can put on and forget you're wearing.
The outsole of the Escalante is grippy enough for roads and holds firm in damp weather.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
The slightly flexible rubber outsole of the Escalante 4 offers solid traction, though not enough to tackle actual trails. With just enough variance across the outsole, the Escalante stays strong as you jog around tight corners and across the gravelly corners of roads, and even across the grass at your local park.
For runners seeking a comfortable, zero-drop option, the Escalante makes an exellent running companion.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the Altra Escalante 4?
The list of things to love about the new Escalante is long, but it won't suit every runner. Those looking for a plush long-distance trainer or a high-energy uptempo shoe may be disappointed. But for runners who value simplicity, ground feel, and dependable comfort, the Escalante delivers as a faithful everyday companion.
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
The Escalante 4 stands in a league of its own when it comes to overall simplicity and comfort. If you are confident in your need for reliability but feel skeptical about the minimalism the Escalante offers, the Brooks Ghost 17 and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 are two sturdy options to consider. For something equally reliable but a bit more fun and bouncy, the Asics Novablast 5 is a dynamic option to consider.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Altra Escalante 4 - Women's versus top competing products:
—Ally Arcuri
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