Im 90kg and 6ft4, constant issues with foot pain, knee pain and back pain as a result of wrong shoes. Tried Escalante 3's a month ago and all pain has gone, really a game changer and running is fun and no longer painful again!
Glad to hear the Escalante 3 is working out for you! If you ever feel like sometime down the road you still have foot or knee pain after some time, we recommend trying out a supportive insole. A lot of foot, ankle, knee, and hip pains can be alleviated with extra support.
2.5?? The worst shoe of all time. I got severe Achilles tendon problems in this shoe. Only in this one. The only one was the 1.5. The 3 was a bit better than its predecessors, but it was an energy killer and heavy as lead. I also got knee pain in the 3 (on one side). The 3 felt "sluggish" in my opinion. When trying on the 4, I noticed that the sole is thicker than the 1.5 (of course), but it already feels as if Altra has achieved the miracle of restoring the cushioning/responsiveness of the 1.5, which would be a sensation. Especially in conjunction with the much better upper material of the 4. The weight of the 4 will soon come close to the 1.5: 260 grams (the 1.5 weighs 250 grams).
I recently got my Escalante Racer 2 from the Altra website. I didn't run in them. After putting them on, I noticed they were stiffer than the original Racer, of which I have a pair I bought in 2022 with low mileage on them. The original was more flexible right out of the box, but the 2 is stiffer and more dependent on toe spring so I'm going to return it. It looks better than the original, and I don't know if there are advantages like durability with the new midsole, but I'd rather not take the chance. I notice it's slightly higher too - I'm not sure if there was compression with my originals, if the original was slightly under 22 mm, or if these are slightly over.
The new Escalante Racer has a slightly firmer cushioning. Both the Racer 2 and Racer measure at 22mm stack height. The softer cushion most likely got compressed, whereas the firmer midsole held its form better. We have found that, while it is called the Racer, the Escalante Racer 2 feels too sluggish to be in the faster race category. A lot of people who get this shoe from our store like it solely because it's even more minimal in the stack height compared to the standard Escalante 4.
E4 Back to OG thin tongue, more forgiving upper, Midsole is overall more flexible unlike the 3 that had a defined flex point, and the biggest thing is the 4 didn't gusset the tongue at the bottom two eyelets like the 3 did. The 4 also had a slight sidewall added to keep people on the platform and not slide off like lots did in the 2.5.
Pretty stoked for the release of the racer 2, been a huge fan of the racer over the years and do think it's time for a minimal refresh but happy they're keeping it close to it's roots! Thanks for the vid
I got these in yesterday and was very underwhelmed trying them on and walking around the house. I've had two other iterations of the escalante but had gotten away from them because I thought the 3s went the wrong direction. However, after getting out and running in it today, for whatever reason, it feels a lot more responsive than the previous iterations and I really enjoyed the feel of the shoe. With that being said, I also ordered the Topo Magnify 5s, they should be here tomorrow, so I could directly compare as my shoe that replaced my old escalante's where the Magnifly 4s. I will let you know which one I like more. Topo has really been giving Altra a run for its money lately, but one will stay and one will go. The Topo is going to have to be really good to beat the Escalante this time.
@@robertlynch4839 I am keeping the Escalante 4's and the Magnifly 5's are going back. There is a significantly greater amount of rebound in the Escalante despite the compression on both shoes feeling about the same. For my size 8.5 pair the Escalantes weighed 1.5 ounces less. Despite the Escalante last being more flat than the rocker shape of the Mangnifly, the Escalantes still feel quicker even with 1mm lower stack height. Additionally, my foot has less inward roll with the Esclantate despite the fact that the Mangnifly have much more pronounced arch support. On paper, the Magnfily should be more of what I want, but on the road, the Escalante is the winner. FWIW, my use case for both shoes is easy daily mileage. The only thing I liked about the Topos more was the unique lace through the tongue design that keeps the tongue where it should be. Very neat. I think Steve @run moore said it best, "The Escalante is a slipper that bounces." This 4th iteration IMO is the best one so far.
Glad to hear the Escalante 4 feels much better to you. Not too much has changed, if at all, from the midsole cushioning compared to the 3. We have found that many of the newer Altra models have been beating out Topo, especially in the low-drop category after the Experience line dropped. However, it all comes down to personal preference. Let us know what you think about how they feel compared to each other!
@@RunMoore I thought I had replied, but yes, I ended up returning the Topo Magnfly 5's and keeping the Escalante 4's. There was significantly more rebound in the Escalante 4 than the Magnifly 5's, compression was about the same. The Escalante in my size 8.5 was also 1.5 ounces lighter for the pair. Interestingly, even though the Topo has much more prominent arch support, the Topo's had more inward roll. Despite being 1mm shorter in stack height the Escalante's were more snappy. The only thing I liked about the Topo better was that neat little tongue-lace thing that they got going on to keep the tongue in the right spot. Honestly, I think you nailed it, the Escalante 4 is "a slipper that bounces." Perfect for my use case of easy daily mileage. Next up, I am going to buy and compare the Topo Cyclone 2 to the Altra Experience Flow for my tempo/threshold days...any guesses on who wins that one?
@@TwoBlueScrews hey. Coming to this a while later, whilst thinking of replacing my escalante 3s. Can you tell me what the difference is, to you, between "easy daily mileage" and a "threshold" shoe? I'm really trying to focus on threshold training right now, and really take my endurance to another level. When you're doing "easy daily mileage" what is your training aim there? Finally, what is your opinion on rocker shoes? Since I became serious about running, I've been really focused on zero drop shoes, but if a rocker shoe could make me run faster, I'd be interested. Would a zero drop for training and rocker for when I want to run fast be something to consider? The reason I ask you all these questions is because we seem to have the same preferences for running, but you seem more experienced and knowledgeable than me 🙂
Currently in the 30 day test window with Escalante 4. I had the original Escalante, then 1.5, then 2.5. Purposefully skipped 3 for all the commentary on it. Been waiting for the 4 to release and I’m conflicted. It’s just okay. Was hoping for that flexible, light, snappy shoe. At times it feels okay but chunkier in heel than my Escalantes of the past. Just wish they’d keep a good thing a good thing. 😢
Man you Americans are so lucky with your 30 day trials! No trials at all of either Herman Miller chairs or running shoes where I live. Currently sitting in a Herman Miller chair I don't totally love and looking at a pair of NB More V4s that I don't totally love either, but no chance of a refund on either!
The 3's were my first pair of Altra's and i loved them for the roomy toebox. As you mentioned though, after about 150 miles of running, the cushioning felt done and they've turned into my causual walkers. Been debating on these or the torin's for my next road shoe.
EVA foam? I think they might have missed a golden opportunity to include a super critical or PEBA foam on the Racer. Simple? Yes. Modern technology? No. Think about what Topo did to the Cyclone 2. It continues to be a low profile shoe that is versatile at different speeds. It comes with a high quality peba foam amongst other features.
We would have loved a PEBA foam Altra shoe. Especially since they are discontinuing the Vanish Tempo. This would give them a great opportunity to compete with some of our favorite speed shoes such as the Rebel v4 and Mach 6.
Another informative video. Question, I know the 3 was the standard foot shape and you stated the 4 was standard foot shape but when I looked on the Altra web site it has it listed at original foot shape. Am I missing something. Thanks for your insight.
Our Altra representative had told us that it's sort of in a gray area. They don't want to explicitly state that it is the Original fit, but they also don't want to say that it is the Standard fit. We find that it fits closer to an Original fit where it is nice and wide.
I was really disappointed with the 3, Escalante was always my go to shoe. I agree with your analysis and after 100 miles or so I decommissioned them to a casual walk around shoe. I'll have to try the 4 - I also have an old pair of Escalante NYC Marathon shoes I race in, to me putting on my team singlet, racing shorts and shoes I feel faster even though my fast days are long gone it's fun. THX
We have only been open since 2014. Back then we were on the corner of Bond and Liberty street. You are free to visit whenever you find yourself back in town!
@@RunMoore Oh snap! That's awesome! Love to see a local business make it this long especially after 2020! I'll definitely be coming in next time I go to visit my family.
Hope the heel cup was better though. I liked the 2's heel cup (and durability) but the breathability and feel of my 1.5 was awesome. The 3 I tossed out because it kept slipping around.
You are not mentioning the key difference, which at least was true for 3 vs Racer. 3 has some sort of plastic bar or other ways of stiffening the side of the shoe which is against what we love in Altra Escalante so that feeling of freedom. It was restricting and awful, pressing against sides of the foot and making it narrower. I read that it was introduced to prevent the feet from slipping off the sole while cornering for example. Race on the other hand was free from it and true to the original in this regard. I would imagine same applies to 4 vs Racer 2?
That shoe already exists. It's called the Topo Cyclone 2, and it does not disappoint. Less than 7oz in a size 9. Flexable and wide toe box like Altra. It's a 5mm drop, but as the 100% pebax midsole compresses, it feels closer to 0 drop.
We would also love to see a PEBA foam midsole shoe from Altra. This would not only fill the gap that Altra has made by discontinuing the Vanish Tempo, but it would allow them to compete with some of the more popular speed shoes such as the New Balance Rebel v4 and Hoka Mach 6.
I don’t know what is going on with Altra in the last 2 years: all their road shoes are inching closer to 10oz or going over. Escalante Racer 2 is listed on their website at 8.8oz. When there are more compelling competitor models like Topo Cyclone 2, Escalante Racer 2 is a hard sell.
It appears that way, but their actually not. Altra is using a sample size of 10.5 for men to list the weight of the shoe. It appears they made this change a couple years back. It's very confusing because most brands use sample size 9 for men. It would be a lot clearer to the consumer if Altra made this distinction on their website when listing their specs.
@@jefreywith1f924 that is a very strange business decision. It would be detrimental to how their product listing would appear. I can’t tell how much of this weirdness is forced upon them by VF Corp.
@KoIhara VF also owns the North Face brand. In case anybody is not paying attention, North Face is putting out some of the most innovative and impressive trail running shoes around in the industry. Their using carbon plates and pebax in their Vective line of shoes. Just speaking in terms of trail running shoes only, it seems VF is putting all their product development and resources in North Face trail shoes compared to Altra trail shoes.
@jefreywith1f924 all the companies are independent... altra still really small, but also just had the mont blanc carbon release w/peba and carbitex monoflex plate... have you ever ran in any of the vectiv? The new vanish carbon 2 is also a top tier marathon super shoe.
We advertise the Escalante Racer as a more minimal version of the Escalante with its shorter stack height. We don't particularly find it very "racer" when compared to similar category shoes like the New Balance Rebel or Hoka Mach.
The Escalante 3 was so wide felt like a clown shoe with way too much fabric in the forefoot. Thanks this channel (and Run Moore store), I ended up moving to Rivera 4. If you have narrower foot, go with the Rivera. Such a better fit and just a great all around, peppy shoe. Highly underrated IMO.
Glad to hear you're liking the Rivera! The Rivera is classified as Altra's "Slim Fit" toebox whereas the Escalante is in between a "Standard Fit" and an "Original Fit." The Escalante by category will feel significantly wider compared to the Rivera. We also feel that the Rivera is a very nice sleeper option from Altra.
No😢 Why standard fit?? Arrgghh when will Altra return to Original?😢 I love my 1.0 & 1.5 Escalantes but fell out of love with the Torin6 as it was too cramped. Where do I go now for an original fit road shoe??
The Escalante is _technically_ an Original fit on Altra's website, but it said Standard fit in our catalog. It sits halfway between the two fits, leaning slightly on the Original fit side. While the newest iteration of the Torin is a Standard fit, it is offered in a Wide. The wide Torin fits like an Original fit if not a pinch wider.
@@robwhiff3411 It's on drangelawalk's list of approved shoes for plantar. I have toe issues and absolutely loved the 2.5s. Just got a pair of NB More V4s thinking the even softer foam on those would help my toes even more, but not at all. And she specifically says don't buy high stack shoes if plantar issues (wish I'd read that before buying the More V4s).
In our catalog from Altra, they were listed as a Standard fit. Our representative also stated that they are in a gray area where they don't want to say that it's Original fit, but they also don't want to say it's Standard fit.
Sounds a little underwhelming.....and this is one of my favorite shoe models ever. The original was great.....best ones after that in my opinion were the 1.5 and the 2.5, then the 3, then the 2. I still have a 2.5 and 2 model 3's with plenty of life left so no need for me to upgrade just yet :) But thanks for the info!
Is the claimed weight accurate? On the original racer, they are advertised as being 193g per shoe, but in reality, my Racers were 227g per shoe. If I am getting a new pair of racers, I don't want them to be much heavier than the originals, though their claimed weight is 249g. If like before, they are 34g heavier than advertised, I'd rather pass.
For someone who has a lot of width, especially in the midfoot, would you recommend this or the Escalante 3? (It looks like this one is technically wider but the upper is less stretchy?)
The Racer 2 actually got a little bit wider we found . The Escalante models we found this year updated the fit to not be on the narrow side like the previous model.
The Escalante 4 is very similar to the 3. The biggest difference is the 4 has a wider, more breathable upper. The previous iterations of the Escalante were classified as Standard Fit. The 4 is classified as Original Fit. However, we find it sits somewhere in between. Compared to the 2.5, the Escalante 4 has a firmer midsole cushioning. This gives it a pinch more inherent support.
I had one issue with the 2.5 and then returned them and It was with the tongue of the shoe. I noticed redness and rubbing from the tongue of the shoe (towards the base of the shoe)onto my toes just with trying the shoe on. I returned them and the solstice worked well for me. Is the tongue constructed differently here?
Not if you take it really slowly. Try walking a lot in it first, and be sure you are capable of maintaining a mid foot strike in your normal shoes for a while first before you change over and have no choice.
Our catalog from Altra says that the Escalante 4 is a Standard fit. Our sales rep said the Escalante 4 is between a Standard fit and an Original fit. They didn't want to explicitly state it was Original fit at the time of recording.
I’ve never used an Altra so I’m worried about sizing. My feet is 29cm and I use US size 12. Do I go true to size? Very important because I’d love to place an order for the Escalante Racer 🙏🏽😇
You should be fine with a size 12. I go true-to-size in all of my shoes to see how they fit and feel to each other and the Escalantes fit perfectly lengthwise.
@@wking8Escalante/torin has always been on the same performance last that was also created at the beginning of the company. That hasn't changed, but there can be some variance in upper materials in different models... like the Escalante 2.5 upper being too soft and stretchy for most people to run in.
It was wide and. today I sent it back as I ordered the same size in the 4 that I have in the 3 and it was so long (two thumbs-width!), I thought they had sent me the wrong shoe. They bent up like galoshes as I was swimming in my regular size. I have other Altras in my true size. (Women 9)
Seems like Altra have become lazy and don’t seem to like change. Pebax midsole may have been a game changer. The 1.5 was the best version of this shoe hands down, and seem to have gone backwards. I’m now looking at Topo.
@@jimjurek7911 it’s had the same ego midsole since day one. It needs to change as personally I think Altra are now falling behind the competition. The toe box just isn’t the same anymore and the materials used for the upper are downgraded. The Altra Exp 4mm is another terrible shoe. Bring back the 1.5 which was a far superior shoe IMO
@madmantronixx7998 ego has definitely changed a little bit over the years. But like I said, putting peba on it would defeat the purpose, and 24mm of peba would pack out running, and definitely not be as good for gym or casual use. Escalante is more than enough shoe for properly aerobic easy daily training and nimble enough for track work. Hard to believe, but some people want to train easy and keep their feet strong and mobile and don't want a shoe doing work for them... doing an easy run in peba is like "training" on an Ebike
We also would have loved to see a PEBA foam in the Racer. It would help fill the gap made by discontinuing the Vanish Tempo. The Escalante 4 is a little closer to the older versions with a thinner tongue, stretchy upper, and _slightly_ more flexible midsole.
We also miss some of the older Altra shoes. It does feel like it's getting closer to the older versions, with a _slightly_ more pliable midsole and stretchy upper.
That would depend on the model. We haven't had any issues with Altra shoes feeling shallow. However, some of their newer stuff is noticeably deeper than the older versions. Namely the Paradigm, Torin, and Via Olympus.
Im 90kg and 6ft4, constant issues with foot pain, knee pain and back pain as a result of wrong shoes. Tried Escalante 3's a month ago and all pain has gone, really a game changer and running is fun and no longer painful again!
Glad to hear the Escalante 3 is working out for you! If you ever feel like sometime down the road you still have foot or knee pain after some time, we recommend trying out a supportive insole. A lot of foot, ankle, knee, and hip pains can be alleviated with extra support.
I wish they didnt change the 2.5, best altra shoe ever
Even the 1.5 was brilliant
1.5 and 2.5 were really the best versions of the Escalante.
Most comfortable shoe ever. Just couldn’t get more than 250 miles before the tread was gone.
We also loved the Escalante 2.5. It was definitely one of our favorites.
2.5?? The worst shoe of all time. I got severe Achilles tendon problems in this shoe. Only in this one.
The only one was the 1.5.
The 3 was a bit better than its predecessors, but it was an energy killer and heavy as lead. I also got knee pain in the 3 (on one side). The 3 felt "sluggish" in my opinion.
When trying on the 4, I noticed that the sole is thicker than the 1.5 (of course), but it already feels as if Altra has achieved the miracle of restoring the cushioning/responsiveness of the 1.5, which would be a sensation. Especially in conjunction with the much better upper material of the 4.
The weight of the 4 will soon come close to the 1.5: 260 grams (the 1.5 weighs 250 grams).
Never tried Altras but liking this video just for you singing Escalante!
Thanks for the support!
I recently got my Escalante Racer 2 from the Altra website. I didn't run in them. After putting them on, I noticed they were stiffer than the original Racer, of which I have a pair I bought in 2022 with low mileage on them. The original was more flexible right out of the box, but the 2 is stiffer and more dependent on toe spring so I'm going to return it.
It looks better than the original, and I don't know if there are advantages like durability with the new midsole, but I'd rather not take the chance. I notice it's slightly higher too - I'm not sure if there was compression with my originals, if the original was slightly under 22 mm, or if these are slightly over.
The new Escalante Racer has a slightly firmer cushioning. Both the Racer 2 and Racer measure at 22mm stack height. The softer cushion most likely got compressed, whereas the firmer midsole held its form better. We have found that, while it is called the Racer, the Escalante Racer 2 feels too sluggish to be in the faster race category. A lot of people who get this shoe from our store like it solely because it's even more minimal in the stack height compared to the standard Escalante 4.
E4 Back to OG thin tongue, more forgiving upper, Midsole is overall more flexible unlike the 3 that had a defined flex point, and the biggest thing is the 4 didn't gusset the tongue at the bottom two eyelets like the 3 did. The 4 also had a slight sidewall added to keep people on the platform and not slide off like lots did in the 2.5.
Thanks for the great reviews of the various versions of the Escalante shoes over the years!
Pretty stoked for the release of the racer 2, been a huge fan of the racer over the years and do think it's time for a minimal refresh but happy they're keeping it close to it's roots! Thanks for the vid
Thanks for watching! We're happy to hear that you like the Racer line of the Escalante.
I got these in yesterday and was very underwhelmed trying them on and walking around the house. I've had two other iterations of the escalante but had gotten away from them because I thought the 3s went the wrong direction. However, after getting out and running in it today, for whatever reason, it feels a lot more responsive than the previous iterations and I really enjoyed the feel of the shoe.
With that being said, I also ordered the Topo Magnify 5s, they should be here tomorrow, so I could directly compare as my shoe that replaced my old escalante's where the Magnifly 4s. I will let you know which one I like more.
Topo has really been giving Altra a run for its money lately, but one will stay and one will go. The Topo is going to have to be really good to beat the Escalante this time.
Would love to know how this shakes out. Loved Topos St-2. Don’t love the arch support in the Magnifly though.
@@robertlynch4839 I am keeping the Escalante 4's and the Magnifly 5's are going back. There is a significantly greater amount of rebound in the Escalante despite the compression on both shoes feeling about the same.
For my size 8.5 pair the Escalantes weighed 1.5 ounces less. Despite the Escalante last being more flat than the rocker shape of the Mangnifly, the Escalantes still feel quicker even with 1mm lower stack height.
Additionally, my foot has less inward roll with the Esclantate despite the fact that the Mangnifly have much more pronounced arch support. On paper, the Magnfily should be more of what I want, but on the road, the Escalante is the winner. FWIW, my use case for both shoes is easy daily mileage.
The only thing I liked about the Topos more was the unique lace through the tongue design that keeps the tongue where it should be. Very neat. I think Steve @run moore said it best, "The Escalante is a slipper that bounces." This 4th iteration IMO is the best one so far.
Glad to hear the Escalante 4 feels much better to you. Not too much has changed, if at all, from the midsole cushioning compared to the 3. We have found that many of the newer Altra models have been beating out Topo, especially in the low-drop category after the Experience line dropped. However, it all comes down to personal preference. Let us know what you think about how they feel compared to each other!
@@RunMoore I thought I had replied, but yes, I ended up returning the Topo Magnfly 5's and keeping the Escalante 4's. There was significantly more rebound in the Escalante 4 than the Magnifly 5's, compression was about the same. The Escalante in my size 8.5 was also 1.5 ounces lighter for the pair. Interestingly, even though the Topo has much more prominent arch support, the Topo's had more inward roll. Despite being 1mm shorter in stack height the Escalante's were more snappy. The only thing I liked about the Topo better was that neat little tongue-lace thing that they got going on to keep the tongue in the right spot. Honestly, I think you nailed it, the Escalante 4 is "a slipper that bounces." Perfect for my use case of easy daily mileage. Next up, I am going to buy and compare the Topo Cyclone 2 to the Altra Experience Flow for my tempo/threshold days...any guesses on who wins that one?
@@TwoBlueScrews hey. Coming to this a while later, whilst thinking of replacing my escalante 3s.
Can you tell me what the difference is, to you, between "easy daily mileage" and a "threshold" shoe? I'm really trying to focus on threshold training right now, and really take my endurance to another level. When you're doing "easy daily mileage" what is your training aim there?
Finally, what is your opinion on rocker shoes? Since I became serious about running, I've been really focused on zero drop shoes, but if a rocker shoe could make me run faster, I'd be interested.
Would a zero drop for training and rocker for when I want to run fast be something to consider?
The reason I ask you all these questions is because we seem to have the same preferences for running, but you seem more experienced and knowledgeable than me 🙂
Currently in the 30 day test window with Escalante 4. I had the original Escalante, then 1.5, then 2.5. Purposefully skipped 3 for all the commentary on it. Been waiting for the 4 to release and I’m conflicted. It’s just okay. Was hoping for that flexible, light, snappy shoe. At times it feels okay but chunkier in heel than my Escalantes of the past. Just wish they’d keep a good thing a good thing. 😢
Man you Americans are so lucky with your 30 day trials! No trials at all of either Herman Miller chairs or running shoes where I live. Currently sitting in a Herman Miller chair I don't totally love and looking at a pair of NB More V4s that I don't totally love either, but no chance of a refund on either!
We also miss the Escalante 2.5. It was definitely one of our favorite versions of the shoe.
The 3's were my first pair of Altra's and i loved them for the roomy toebox. As you mentioned though, after about 150 miles of running, the cushioning felt done and they've turned into my causual walkers. Been debating on these or the torin's for my next road shoe.
EVA foam? I think they might have missed a golden opportunity to include a super critical or PEBA foam on the Racer. Simple? Yes. Modern technology? No. Think about what Topo did to the Cyclone 2. It continues to be a low profile shoe that is versatile at different speeds. It comes with a high quality peba foam amongst other features.
We would have loved a PEBA foam Altra shoe. Especially since they are discontinuing the Vanish Tempo. This would give them a great opportunity to compete with some of our favorite speed shoes such as the Rebel v4 and Mach 6.
Topo is a better brand IMO. They constantly strive to improve their models.
Cyclone 2 is a good shoe, but too fragile. Got 350km on my pair, now it is falling apart with a big hole on both feet
@@Julio-li3po good to know. Thanks.
Another informative video. Question, I know the 3 was the standard foot shape and you stated the 4 was standard foot shape but when I looked on the Altra web site it has it listed at original foot shape. Am I missing something. Thanks for your insight.
I think he meant Altra's standard footshape. Which is their patented wide toebox.
Our Altra representative had told us that it's sort of in a gray area. They don't want to explicitly state that it is the Original fit, but they also don't want to say that it is the Standard fit. We find that it fits closer to an Original fit where it is nice and wide.
@@RunMoore Thanks so much for looking into it, really appreciate the work.
Just ordered these based on this video. Have worn other Altras and loved them, but looking for more minimal. Thanks for the great review!
Was definitely looking forward to this review!
Thanks for checking it out!
I was really disappointed with the 3, Escalante was always my go to shoe. I agree with your analysis and after 100 miles or so I decommissioned them to a casual walk around shoe. I'll have to try the 4
- I also have an old pair of Escalante NYC Marathon shoes I race in, to me putting on my team singlet, racing shorts and shoes I feel faster even though my fast days are long gone it's fun. THX
How have I not been here?! I grew up in westminster and used to run on Main St all the time!
We have only been open since 2014. Back then we were on the corner of Bond and Liberty street. You are free to visit whenever you find yourself back in town!
@@RunMoore Oh snap! That's awesome! Love to see a local business make it this long especially after 2020! I'll definitely be coming in next time I go to visit my family.
Hope the heel cup was better though. I liked the 2's heel cup (and durability) but the breathability and feel of my 1.5 was awesome. The 3 I tossed out because it kept slipping around.
You are not mentioning the key difference, which at least was true for 3 vs Racer. 3 has some sort of plastic bar or other ways of stiffening the side of the shoe which is against what we love in Altra Escalante so that feeling of freedom. It was restricting and awful, pressing against sides of the foot and making it narrower. I read that it was introduced to prevent the feet from slipping off the sole while cornering for example.
Race on the other hand was free from it and true to the original in this regard. I would imagine same applies to 4 vs Racer 2?
Amazing shoes, I have Racer 2 in white, and I can say it is the best shoe I ever had.
Which escalante is best for sprint training? Is there another minimalist, foot-shaped, zero drop shoe that is better for sprint training?
Would be great with a pebax midsole and a low stack racer, and a more standard ego midsole with the original escalante
That shoe already exists. It's called the Topo Cyclone 2, and it does not disappoint. Less than 7oz in a size 9. Flexable and wide toe box like Altra. It's a 5mm drop, but as the 100% pebax midsole compresses, it feels closer to 0 drop.
@@jefreywith1f924 cyclone 2 is such an awesome shoe
We would also love to see a PEBA foam midsole shoe from Altra. This would not only fill the gap that Altra has made by discontinuing the Vanish Tempo, but it would allow them to compete with some of the more popular speed shoes such as the New Balance Rebel v4 and Hoka Mach 6.
I don’t know what is going on with Altra in the last 2 years: all their road shoes are inching closer to 10oz or going over. Escalante Racer 2 is listed on their website at 8.8oz. When there are more compelling competitor models like Topo Cyclone 2, Escalante Racer 2 is a hard sell.
It appears that way, but their actually not. Altra is using a sample size of 10.5 for men to list the weight of the shoe. It appears they made this change a couple years back. It's very confusing because most brands use sample size 9 for men. It would be a lot clearer to the consumer if Altra made this distinction on their website when listing their specs.
@@jefreywith1f924 that is a very strange business decision. It would be detrimental to how their product listing would appear. I can’t tell how much of this weirdness is forced upon them by VF Corp.
@KoIhara
VF also owns the North Face brand. In case anybody is not paying attention, North Face is putting out some of the most innovative and impressive trail running shoes around in the industry. Their using carbon plates and pebax in their Vective line of shoes. Just speaking in terms of trail running shoes only, it seems VF is putting all their product development and resources in North Face trail shoes compared to Altra trail shoes.
@jefreywith1f924 all the companies are independent... altra still really small, but also just had the mont blanc carbon release w/peba and carbitex monoflex plate... have you ever ran in any of the vectiv? The new vanish carbon 2 is also a top tier marathon super shoe.
We advertise the Escalante Racer as a more minimal version of the Escalante with its shorter stack height. We don't particularly find it very "racer" when compared to similar category shoes like the New Balance Rebel or Hoka Mach.
The Escalante 3 was so wide felt like a clown shoe with way too much fabric in the forefoot. Thanks this channel (and Run Moore store), I ended up moving to Rivera 4. If you have narrower foot, go with the Rivera. Such a better fit and just a great all around, peppy shoe. Highly underrated IMO.
Glad to hear you're liking the Rivera! The Rivera is classified as Altra's "Slim Fit" toebox whereas the Escalante is in between a "Standard Fit" and an "Original Fit." The Escalante by category will feel significantly wider compared to the Rivera. We also feel that the Rivera is a very nice sleeper option from Altra.
Is the 4 wider then the 3 in the toebox? It seems wider on photos and is listed as original footshape.
No😢 Why standard fit?? Arrgghh when will Altra return to Original?😢 I love my 1.0 & 1.5 Escalantes but fell out of love with the Torin6 as it was too cramped. Where do I go now for an original fit road shoe??
The Escalante is _technically_ an Original fit on Altra's website, but it said Standard fit in our catalog. It sits halfway between the two fits, leaning slightly on the Original fit side. While the newest iteration of the Torin is a Standard fit, it is offered in a Wide. The wide Torin fits like an Original fit if not a pinch wider.
@@RunMoore fantastic. Thank you so much for your reply
I just got the escalante 4 and it’s the original foot shape not standard. It’s way wider then my eacalante racers which are standard fit
Is this true that these do good for plantar issues and how comfortable would you say this is ? Need them for work
Thanks
@@robwhiff3411 It's on drangelawalk's list of approved shoes for plantar. I have toe issues and absolutely loved the 2.5s. Just got a pair of NB More V4s thinking the even softer foam on those would help my toes even more, but not at all. And she specifically says don't buy high stack shoes if plantar issues (wish I'd read that before buying the More V4s).
In our catalog from Altra, they were listed as a Standard fit. Our representative also stated that they are in a gray area where they don't want to say that it's Original fit, but they also don't want to say it's Standard fit.
What's the diff between racer 1 and racer 2
Sounds a little underwhelming.....and this is one of my favorite shoe models ever. The original was great.....best ones after that in my opinion were the 1.5 and the 2.5, then the 3, then the 2. I still have a 2.5 and 2 model 3's with plenty of life left so no need for me to upgrade just yet :) But thanks for the info!
Thanks for watching! The 2.5 is one of our favorite versions.
Is the claimed weight accurate?
On the original racer, they are advertised as being 193g per shoe, but in reality, my Racers were 227g per shoe. If I am getting a new pair of racers, I don't want them to be much heavier than the originals, though their claimed weight is 249g. If like before, they are 34g heavier than advertised, I'd rather pass.
The weight in our catalog is measured at 8.8oz / 249g. The weight for a men's size 9.5 that we have on hand is 8.1oz / 230g.
For someone who has a lot of width, especially in the midfoot, would you recommend this or the Escalante 3?
(It looks like this one is technically wider but the upper is less stretchy?)
Does the Racer 2 still have the same shape as the Racer 1 or did the toebox get more narrow?
The Racer 2 actually got a little bit wider we found . The Escalante models we found this year updated the fit to not be on the narrow side like the previous model.
How does the 4 compare to the 2.5? Is the 4 as comfortable in the upper and sole cushion?
The Escalante 4 is very similar to the 3. The biggest difference is the 4 has a wider, more breathable upper. The previous iterations of the Escalante were classified as Standard Fit. The 4 is classified as Original Fit. However, we find it sits somewhere in between. Compared to the 2.5, the Escalante 4 has a firmer midsole cushioning. This gives it a pinch more inherent support.
@@RunMoore thank you.
I had one issue with the 2.5 and then returned them and It was with the tongue of the shoe. I noticed redness and rubbing from the tongue of the shoe (towards the base of the shoe)onto my toes just with trying the shoe on. I returned them and the solstice worked well for me. Is the tongue constructed differently here?
I'm used to Brook Adrenalines and Asics Kayano Gel, would the Escalante 4 be too drastic of a drop to throw into my rotation?
Not if you take it really slowly. Try walking a lot in it first, and be sure you are capable of maintaining a mid foot strike in your normal shoes for a while first before you change over and have no choice.
According to Altra's website, the Escalante 4 is an original fit.
Our catalog from Altra says that the Escalante 4 is a Standard fit. Our sales rep said the Escalante 4 is between a Standard fit and an Original fit. They didn't want to explicitly state it was Original fit at the time of recording.
@@RunMoore Thanks for letting me know!
I’ve never used an Altra so I’m worried about sizing. My feet is 29cm and I use US size 12. Do I go true to size? Very important because I’d love to place an order for the Escalante Racer 🙏🏽😇
You should be fine with a size 12. I go true-to-size in all of my shoes to see how they fit and feel to each other and the Escalantes fit perfectly lengthwise.
Tbh I size up one with Altra. I am a 13 with Topo but 14 in Altra.
How does it compare in width with the Torin 7 wides?
The Escalante models are much more narrower than the Torin 7 Wides. The Torin standard width fits wider than the Escalante models as well.
@@RunMoore oh wow too bad, I really wanted to order some. Altra really needs more wides 😭
@@RunMoore do you know of any shoes that fit similar to the Torin 7 wides?
Hopefully the 4 doesn't suck water out of thin air like an alcoholic does with a free drink.
Let us know what you think if you try it out!
What about the outsole? More durable or the same as the 3?
It's hard to estimate without running in it for a long period. I will mention that there is less outsole rubber on the Escalante 4 compared to the 3.
So what’s the toe box like? Wide or narrow?
Standard fit is wider, but narrower than their older stuff
Same as the previous models
@@wking8Escalante/torin has always been on the same performance last that was also created at the beginning of the company. That hasn't changed, but there can be some variance in upper materials in different models... like the Escalante 2.5 upper being too soft and stretchy for most people to run in.
It was wide and. today I sent it back as I ordered the same size in the 4 that I have in the 3 and it was so long (two thumbs-width!), I thought they had sent me the wrong shoe. They bent up like galoshes as I was swimming in my regular size. I have other Altras in my true size. (Women 9)
@sfsadfsfwfwfsfsa my mens 10.5 fits perfect in the 3 and the 4... did you get a men's somehow?
Seems like Altra have become lazy and don’t seem to like change. Pebax midsole may have been a game changer. The 1.5 was the best version of this shoe hands down, and seem to have gone backwards. I’m now looking at Topo.
Why change the Escalante? It's perfect for what it is... just throwing peba into it would take away tons of its functionality and purpose.
@@jimjurek7911 it’s had the same ego midsole since day one. It needs to change as personally I think Altra are now falling behind the competition. The toe box just isn’t the same anymore and the materials used for the upper are downgraded. The Altra Exp 4mm is another terrible shoe. Bring back the 1.5 which was a far superior shoe IMO
@madmantronixx7998 ego has definitely changed a little bit over the years. But like I said, putting peba on it would defeat the purpose, and 24mm of peba would pack out running, and definitely not be as good for gym or casual use. Escalante is more than enough shoe for properly aerobic easy daily training and nimble enough for track work. Hard to believe, but some people want to train easy and keep their feet strong and mobile and don't want a shoe doing work for them... doing an easy run in peba is like "training" on an Ebike
We also would have loved to see a PEBA foam in the Racer. It would help fill the gap made by discontinuing the Vanish Tempo. The Escalante 4 is a little closer to the older versions with a thinner tongue, stretchy upper, and _slightly_ more flexible midsole.
The new color ways / logo print suck !
bring back the escalante 1.5 and 2 :(
The 4 feels like a mix of the 1.5 and 2
@@jimjurek7911 it looks like a slightly better 3 which isn't positive
@ShakeITyEA totally different than 3... back to overall flexible midsole and thin/ungussetted tongue... and softer upper
We also miss some of the older Altra shoes. It does feel like it's getting closer to the older versions, with a _slightly_ more pliable midsole and stretchy upper.
They kinda got lazy with the new design of the E4 than the E3.
Lol how did your brain get from escalante to desperado
Are Altra shoes still shallow? So much heel slip and the foot does not sit deep enough in their shoes!
That would depend on the model. We haven't had any issues with Altra shoes feeling shallow. However, some of their newer stuff is noticeably deeper than the older versions. Namely the Paradigm, Torin, and Via Olympus.
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escalante 3 was too narrow and pointless