I'm super stoked on these new shoes from Altra. If you've tried them, what do you guys think of the Escalante?

I love this shoe I have about 95 miles on mine and they are holding up well. Just completed the RnR D.C. Marathon in these. I ran a huge pr in these and my legs feel good. I am so ready to get back to the trails and I am training for a 50k in April and my first 50 miler in May. Keep up the great reviews!!

Haha, asked a question about transitioning to zero drop while I was listening and you answered it like 30 seconds later! I don't generally comment if I have nothing unique to say but since I got in early - I really appreciate your reviews, it's remarkably difficult to find reviews that are thorough, practical (you actually run in them for a decent amount of time first!), and interesting.

bought these for work as I'm an Altra fan all the way. I loved them so much in the ER, that I tested them on a mellow trail run and fell even more in love with them! definitely planning on getting a second pair soon.

Thanks so much for this review - bought them as a consequence and the best shoes I've ever worn.

Best shoes ever!! Simple easy transition from my Newton Motion V. Yes, getting some slippage under forefoot around turns but easy to manage. Awesome review!!

Did my training and HIM in my Torins. Retired them to casual use recently and was reminded yet again how awesomely comfortable they are. Like moccasins. Excited to try these!

Its a great shoe. I've been waiting for Altra to come out with a road shoe like this. I haven't enjoyed a shoe this much since you pointed me to the Patagonia Everlong. Thanks for a a great review.

I've used the escalante for about 150miles over the last 6 weeks, including my first marathon and a recovery half marathon. I am in love with them and will be a shoe I rebuy when needed. I have not noticed any longevity issues popping up yet which makes me super happy, though I do anticipate needing to buy a new pair this summer as my next round of race training reaches high mileage weeks

Over 1000 miles and no signs of wear other than slightly scratched sole. Escalante is absolutely amazing.

I'm a huge Ultra One fan. Excited to try this bad boy out!

Just bought these and they are a riot! Upper feels like a perfect pair of socks (sounds strange but I love), toe box is roomy and makes for a great mid/fore strike and launch. They feel light, inspiring, and cozy enough to wear anytime. I'm so pleased with them so far, but there's miles to go. Agree with the sliding during turns and such, but I haven't tightened them much for extra comfort. Gonna try to lock them down a few more mm and see if that doesn't help a touch. Glad to see you like them also! Always helps to know someone whose opinion I greatly value agrees with my purchase.

I absolutely love them I've used them for a 10k and they were so responsive that I left my spikes behind and ran a 5:08.22 1600 in them I'm gonna buy them again!

Just did a 12 miler in them today and a couple short runs earlier in the week. I'm loving them! I've been an Altra fan for years and been running in the One 2.5's for road shoes. The Escalante is a great upgrade! I'll be buying another pair soon. Thanks for the runningwarehouse.com savings GR!

I just pass 100 miles in mine and it's the most comfortable shoe I ever used. Still no sign of wear.

As a huge fan of Altra's The One I am stoked to hear of this model. I have racked over 2,000km in one pair and sure hope these will stand to the same task when they finally land here. Thanks for the review.

Other Altra's I've tried feel a bit too squishy/mushy in the midsole, so I'm really excited to give this one a try! Also, really like the looks of this shoe. Thanks for the review!

I have been loving every second in this shoe. Fair disclaimer, I love the zero drop and wide toe box Altra offers.. huge fanboy status. I love all of my Altra's, but this shoe, wow! That's all I keep saying every time I go for a run in these. The low stack height, the new ego, and that upper. This is the first Altra that everything came together IMO. I was actually thinking this would be the Altra to break your ankle stigma with the shoes! Since they are all I really wear I am used to the more splashy ankle, but for my foot, they hit a home run with the ankle on this shoe. Couldn't love it more. I am a little nervous about the ego flattening like you pointed out has happened in my other Altras. But hands down my favorite shoe ever made. Great review as always Ethan!

Love this shoe!!! PR on a 10k right out of the box. Definitely took my legs some getting used to after running in Olympus 2.0 for a spell. Excellent road shoe!

Thanks for the review. I LOVE the feel and softness of the shoes. It has been an enjoyable ride! Unfortunely, it cannot take more than 199 miles for a 200 lbs runner like me. I have retired them in almost 2 months. Got a new pair, but at this rythm I may go broke :-)

Put 250 on my first pair and ran the Richmond marathon last weekend and had no problems with them. They are a little swimmy but I just got another pair yesterday. Here's hoping they don't change them next year, or if they it's for the better.

Got mine last week, and for under retail, I must say I'm really impressed, Altra hit this one way out of the park.

Most Altra shoes have lockdown issues, i hope that the One 3.0 that comes out in summer will have this issue fixed.

I bought this shoes after watching this review. I was looking at getting a different Altra shoe because my Altra One V3 was a bit too stiff. Gone for one run in the Escalante 1.5 and they are amazing. Soooooo soft to walk and run in. They look good (comparable to some Nike shoes). I'll be happily running in these for a long time.

Excellent review, you just sold me on them!!!

I haven't been running too much in em, been walking a lot though. Very comfy and works wells for my 6 foot 220 lb frame. In the few times I've run in em, very comfy and feel very good, really natural. Biggest issue has to be the lack of any lateral stability in the upper, other than that these baby's are awesome. Fit is amazing and the ride is great. I have a size 12 normal width escalante.

I’ve enjoyed my Escalante so much I’ve purchased the paradigm 4.0 with ego sole as a new addition to the line up, wish me luck.....🤔😜👣👣👣👣

Yes!!!! Kinvara 8 Next!!!!

Even though you don't have a review for version 1.5, here are my thoughts on that version... Almost 200 mi in, and the Escalantes are feeling great! Fit: A super comfy fit. Fits like a sock. They're true to size. No issues with blisters. Cushioning: The ego midsole is amazing! At 6'6" 210 lbs, and close to 200 miles in, the midsole is holding up like a champ. I wear them as my everyday shoes too because of how nice the ego midsole is. Outsole: Just like the cushioning, the outsole is holding up great also. They're showing very little wear, even with running some light trails in them. Durability: No problem with durability. I haven't had anything rip on the upper, the cushioning is still fantastic, and the outsole is holding up. I definitely recommend trying out this shoe. It's probably one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn.

Best shoe ever. I have gotten used to no heel lock down in Altras. Unless you are running through mud uphill, it's going to stay on your foot. Best Altra yet.

I love your channel! The reviews are great, but I especially love all the beautiful scenery in your runs. Had a quick question. I've been running for the past couple years in the Altra One 2.5, and am looking to get a new pair of Altra's. Trying to decide between the Solstice and Escalante. I run roads, but am going to start doing some light trail runs (probably not trails where the Lone Peak would come in to play). Just wondering your thoughts. Thanks so much.

250 mile update: holds up well with a little indentation in the forefoot. Several issues: cushioning is just a tiny bit lacking for me on super long workouts, but generally great for training and racing. The whole shoe construction follows an “extension of your foot” philosophy, and while it is great in concept, I’ve suffered from several ankle sprains because of the over flexibility. Recommend for track workouts and well paced road. These were my first Altra shoes and transitioning to zero drop did not take very long, but it took longer to get used to the extreme flexibility and lack of structure in the Escalantes. Overall, I love these shoes. 17/20.

Hello friend, I am a pronator and I use orthopedic insoles. I have been told that even wearing orthopedic insoles by the Podologist you have a tendency to pronounce and it is possible to deform the shoe. Do you know anything about this? more stability and more structure? thanks

I have these, Ultra Boost and Vaporfly 4% and these are the ones I most enjoy for daily use. Amazing shoe and zero drop imo is always better than 8 or 10

Made it to 290 Miles in my first pair: Run streaking, half marathon training and ran 10k races x2 and a half marathon race with a PR. Just bought my second pair and plan to race another half in them in a few days.

Ethans scoring logic: 16/20 - dont really like this shoe next review 16/20 - really like this shoe Please change your scoring

Love the Escalante and I think your review is spot on. Is there any chance you will be reviewing the Altra One V3? I know it’s so different from the 2.5 that it shouldn’t even be considered the same shoe, but maybe a review that doesn’t compare to previous versions?

I have them on as I watch this - spriiiiingy. Probably the most comfortable wear around sneaker (outside of running). Like a slipper

I freaking love these shoes. 20 pairs of other brands. Trail shoes from Altra. These are my favorite shoes EVER

I just bought the Escalante Racer 1.5 and they have pretty much fixed all the issues you talk about with this shoe. The upper material has essentially no stretch, the laces are far more "luxurious" if I can use that word. My feet just fit perfectly into the shoe with just the right amount of splay room, plus the major marathon colourways look absolutely incredible! I reckon there's enough there to warrant a second review?

Yayy! Muchas gracias Ginger!

I really like your concept. The video is so well put together and clear. Even the 'buy try why' thingy is fun. Well done. You could build a big company if you keep going strong. Good luck!

Hi Ethan, First off thank you so much for your videos, best reviews out there in my opinion! Secondly if you had the choice would you go with a older (but new) model Kinvara (say.. 4) for around $40 or would it be worth spending the $130 on these bad boys? Thanks in advance!

This is the best shoe I've run in since Pearl Izumi (pour one out) killed their running line and the N1 went away. This is the best athleisure inspired shoe I've actually been able to run comfortably in to boot.

I lost the responsiveness in these after about 220 miles. They still felt really soft, but my main use for them was to run quick for long durations, it just didn't last as long as I would have liked them to (I can usually get 300 miles out of Kinvaras doing the same kind of running). Overall, I still liked them and thought they are a good shoe and worth a try.

I've just had my pair for a month and liked them to start with, but just finding them too spongy. It's like running through the sand and I end up with sore knees. Going back to my Hitogami's!

Bought a pair of Escalantes as I could not find a pair of One 2.5 in my size. Broke them in and ran a marathon last Sunday - I found they lack breathability and my feet were on fire most of the race. I also went half size down per several recommendations which was a mistake. I think these will be a great training shoe but not sure I'll get the typical 750+ miles on them I do with the Torin and Instinct. Also, price is too high if they are nothing more than a training shoe. Can't wait to get my feet in the new One 3.0!

i think i need to buy these in addition to the One 2.5 i have recently started with

First off...thanks for all the reviews and pointers. Any chance for a video on how to test midsole for when to change your trainers?? I’m a bigger runner and always struggle with when it is time sport for new pair of kicks. -Clydesdale Clodhopper

Hey Ethan, great review! I need your guide. My transition with Escalantes has been great till I started with longer and more demanding runs. From Vazee pace to Escalantes, 6 to 0 mm drop, It might caused me some SI pain. Apart from cycling my shoes, would you recommend using heel insoles of 4mm or so to gradually accommodate my gait? If so...do you know any well known brand of heel inserts? Thanks for taking your time. Keep up the great work!

I’ve run in 1.0 1000 miles, sole looked as if it maybe had about 1/10th of it on counter. The upper mesh had tears and my toes and side of my foot were visible through holes eventually. I have exchanged them against 1.5 and I’ve been happy for 700 miles so far.

Love the escalante, although im torn between it being alittle to squishy and wanting alittle more firm feel. I tried the altra superior trail and it is very firm"maybe to firm". Now that I have 200 miles in the escalante some of the softness is is gone and the ride is feeling better. But overall im huge fan of zero drop

Ran 8 out of the box yesterday. Not sure if it was a placebo of new shoes, or just a better feeling shoe, but cut 30 seconds per mile off of that same loop with the same perceived effort. Coming off of running with the Altra Instinct 4.0, these feel a great mix of the Torin 2.0 and the Instinct 4.0.

I transitioned from 10 to 4mm drop (Adidas boost to Kinvara 7) and I did not have any problem whatsoever. I guess whether you are more confortable on higher or lower drop depends on your natural running mechanics.

I LOVE the Escalante!

I am a pure road runner - 90% or more on concrete roads. My longest distance is 45 km (28 miles) in these shoes to date. Before running in this, I have run in Altra Instinct 3's and Torin 2.5s. The only Altra shoes I have been disappointed in are the Instinct 3.5's (never felt comfortable which is a shame as the 3s were great)! I am about to purchase my 4th pair of Escalante shoes this year. I have approximately 1500 miles between my first three pair and they are still responsive and comfortable. I averaged 650 miles out of the Instinct 3s but I don't think these will last quite as long. 500 miles out of running shoes makes the $130 price a value. Only 3 frustrations... 1. Shoe laces needs to be 4" longer. Using the top two holes is difficult without bypassing a hole. 2. Foot slide is noticeable. I definitely notice it on hills but it is not unbearable. 3. This is specific to me and my super high arches... I have to leave my laces a bit loose as the tongue is very thin (maybe 1 mm vs 4-6 mm in other Altra shoes). If I don't, the top of my feet and legs get sore quickly.

I got 130 miles in these bad boys and they still look great. I loved the One2.5 but I think these might be better! Ego is killing it!

Do you do a minimum amount of mileage in any shoe before reviewing it? (Just wanna know for a reference point)

Hello Eathon, the shoe is terrific true to size (I wear 11), not only is this great for my drills in keeping proper running also equally pheonomial for running long distances, serving as speed flats, basically serving as my goto shoe for everything except trail and climbing then one extra point is, when I get home from running, I leave the shoes where they are and after I shower, i put the shoes right back on an go to run errands, a cafe or whatever because they just nurture my feet so - (I have had more compliments from people passing by in grocery stores, retail outlets, cafes as I do doing road work) . as you say though not everything is kitten paws and rainbows or candy and ice cream or? whatever its not all good. Anyhow, I went for an afternoon on a moderately dirt padded nature trail, nothing challenging except for a few places of elevation but nothing that A couple of nature lovers couldnt handle with any special equipment. I would occasionaly hit a sharp stone and OUCH! I think whatever keeps this shoe fantastically flexable, makes it less protective WHATEVER, ill take it! I disagree wholesale with people looking for "thee" shoe and how pissy they get ! "By golly, I paid 150 bucks for these things and for that kind of money you would think you would get what you paid for, I mean last month the misses and I went on our Anarctica vacation, and these things didnt keep my feet warm one iota and were useless in the 6 foot ice and snow trail's!! " then all I hear is "i paid good money...", "I paid good money..."

Yes, I have them. Love them so much that I sleep in them!

the toebox height is quite low. stretchy upper but it snaps back just as hard. returned my pair as i need to size up 1/2 size.

Just ran with these for the first time. Awesome fit and comfort. Just like Ethan said, these bad boys are worthy of a half or marathon race. Don't worry just buy! #seeyouinvegas

I have about 250+ miles on this shoe, at this point, and have not felt any breakdown of the mid-sole thus far. The only wear I'm seeing at all is outersole - which makes sense and is usually how I monitor wear.

I'm about 100 miles into the shoe, and really a big fan . I agree with you about the longevity of altras, but overall am extremely pleased with the shoe so far. I do feel like the shoe is more narrow than other shoes from altra, did you think this as well? I think it's extremely good for speedwork and quicker road runs, and have even more casual runs in it and am a big fan. My best PR's of my usual running routes are in this shoe. So that says something. I've done some alternating between it and the one, and think at this point I like this shoe better. I'd ideally like the fit of the one, with the midsole of this shoe, but in the knit upper. Can't have it all though.

Check out the instinct 4.0. Loving that one

I've got over 225 miles on a pair of these. They are holding up well.

Please review kinvara 8s Ethan! Thank you!

Escalante, Kinvara and Hupana seem to be in the same category: lightweight comfy cushioning and yet responsive. Which one would recommend the best of the 3?... thanks much!

The minimal lockdown makes me hesitant on buying because I will be sprinting curves and doing a lot of jumping on a track. Is the lockdown decent enough to keep my foot stable for that?

Nice shoes, but I got blisters under my forefoot (where I land the most) after 10 miles. Definitely hard to ride on curvy road due to the absence of upper support

I am not a runner but I do have flat feet and over pronate a lot and I get plantar fasciitis. I found that spreading my toes out helps a lot and so I am searching for a shoe with a wide toe box. This shoes seems to fit that bill. Is it worth getting or should I just buy arch support insoles?

Thought I was going to like these. Feels like my heal sits on top of the heal cup insole then the front feels so weird when running fast. Too spongy.

Hi! Any advice for sizing choice as i run with 9.5us in a lot of shoes (altra superior 3.0, salomon sense 6, nike wildhorse4 etc)...need the same for this escalante? Thanks for your answer and cheers from France!

If it's any help to older runners, these are still my best shoes ever (35 years running, on and off) and despite cost have three pairs at varying wear-ins, hoping Altra don't improve the design. No sign of anything wearing out. After a sensible transition, my years of achilles and PF trouble are history. Wearing these for everything in my life except rough trails and funerals.

These are the shoes that I'm looking for, but they're out of stock in the only store in South Africa which sells them :(

I still have like 6 pair of the originals - my wear around the house shoes

Do these run true to size? I have had two pairs of the One 2.5 and they run a half-size short...are these the same or do they run true to size?

I'm sad I no longer can run in altras. But after numerous injuries a traditional shoe was a better choice for me.

Ok so I just bought the escalante 1.5 amd OMG they are comfortable. I hear the version 2 is a complete miss. Please review

Are you going to review the Escalante 1.5?

Interesting shoe, thanks for the review! Have you run on the altra paradigm 2.0?

This video hit all the marks

I have 400 miles on mine. First pair of shoes I've been able to run that long in.

Escalante or Hupana? Ethan, which do you prefer?

Hey guys just asking but do these shoes have good cushioning for a guy who gets a lot of injuries. (BTW my injuries might have just been caused from me heel striking for the past year since I didn't even know I was heel striking but I recently changed this but I still get knee pains quite often and I get hip flexor problems but I'm not sure if well cushioned shoes will help with that) sorry for writing so much, and if I confused anyone just forget I said the stuff inside the parenthesis.

hi. i just bought the escalante purple shoes. Running feels really nice. light, toes feel like they spread giving me a bit more grip feeling. but they sure look doopie....they DONT feel good when i weight train. My feet slip everywhere inside. Almost as if the shoe is going to come off......price is high.

You have the best shoes reviews EXCEPT the scoring. Please change to a scale of 1 to 10. Almost all your review score 16/20.

What are your thoughts on Escalante vs Adidas ultra boost?

More honesty in your reviews please

These are my best shoes. Unfortunately I liked them so much I decided to run a 10km tech mountain race. I will NEVER do this again in such shoes. I was sliding everywhere, and got some nasty bruises from sharp edges which thankfully did not tear the fabric. Note: I have problems with zero drops over too many miles, I have Clifton 3s for anything 15k and above, which I find in comparison completely boring, but they do the job.

we Team Rise2run start using Ultra Escalante few year ago and now our whole team is using Extra and feeling so good even after running Full Marathon. I recommend these shoes on flat surface not a real trail. very light and flexible we love it.

Do you like the foam better than the Saucony Freedom ISO or Adidas Ultraboost?

@GingerRunner would you run a 100mile road ultra in these? I have one coming up in March and need a new pair of shoes. Thanks,

i am a midfoot forefoot strike runner .do i still need to adjust to zero drop?

How would these compare to the Skechers Go Run 5 and the old Skechers Go Run Ride 4 which are my all time favorite shoes? Does anybody know? Skechers are messing up now with their latest models, so I probably have to look around for something different....

Is the Altra Escalante condisered a stability running show?

I live in Brazil and sadly we got no Altra brand here, but I have the opportunity to get one pair of shoes from US through a friend who's visiting your country. Well, I can't miss the shot, so I need your help... I've used Adidas Ultraboost (10mm), but I'm a midfoot striker and I'm guessing if I could get a lower drop like Altra Escalante (0-1mm) or Skechers GoRun 5 (4mm). Is this drop transitioning too hard? Am I getting too hard with this idea? And what would you recommend in this case? Escalante vs GoRun5?

I am very curios to know, any consideration to changing your "side arm" so to speak to the escalante or other? I know the Kinvara is a great shoe with good reason which has stood the test of time and which millions call their goto shoe. (Hell, even during sales its still hard trying to get last years Kinvara because of the incredible pupularity and demand) or Hoka Tracer (which Can be picked up now for a song), Nike Streak 6 which is a great fast shoe and marathon ready shoes, or several in the Flynit collection and of course the NB Vazzee or NB Zante. Last but not least the number of most excellent alternatives by Saucony. It just seems you have put your feet though a many excellent shoes and sometimes I think the whole thing about shoes wearing down to fast iz overated because for me I ask myself, "do I really want to continue of pair of shoes that stink like hell and just simply dulled out in apprearance?" So investing 180 bucks every 5 months is reasonable (of course not sure how much running you do) If I were in your shoes it would be really hard not to rotate expecially going throuch so many great shoes! I would love too know. if you are considering changing, what motivates you to change?? In our sport we often say these are my "GoT'o" shoe for this that or the other. Or most of us have our chosen shoe for 5, half, full marathons etc. I have often wondered if we limit our options by thinking this way. Why not follow standards instead of products? My shoe must be 8oz. or leass, have a stack height of 0 to 4mm, come from one of these 3 manufacturers, have neautral pronation control, Must have an average of 4 stars out of 5 on the average ratie scales (with at least 50 rate's, You get the meaning. Personally the hard thing about just relying on metrics about making a decision is that shoes like glasses , are such a personal thing. But, I am curious to hear what you think. I know sometimes I type a lotI really think you have a lot to tell and Thank you for that! Thank You!

How is the size of this compared to the Instinct 4.0? I usually wear size 9 shoes but for the Instinct I found it too short so I had to get a 9.5. I'm wondering if the Escalante is also the same and that I have to get a 9.5 as well?

i usually run in the ghost 8 or nike pegasus 33. Can i move to these for marathons? How about Kinvaras?