Altra Escalante 2.5 Review
Best Escalante Yet?
With simple updates, the Escalante 2.5 is an upgrade that Escalante fans will love
Likes
- Soft, responsive cushioning
- Natural feel
- Sock-like upper
- Lightweight design
Dislikes
- Upper feels warm
- Not enough underfoot protection for long runs
- Slippage at fast paces
What's New
The Altra Escalante 2.5's biggest update is its knit mesh upper, which is much comfier and more adaptable than the Escalante 2.0. The updated 2.5 is also a touch lighter than its predecessor and is designed with a higher stack height to provide a more cushioned run. Overall, most of the updates to this model were minor, but they contribute to a better feel and more comfort for the wearer.
The Escalante 2.5 may just be the best update yet. The modified upper mesh hugs your foot like your favourite pair of socks and is adaptable to accommodate a variety of different foot shapes. If you appreciate a spacious toe box, then the Escalante takes care of that too, although those with narrow feet might want to find a different daily trainer. The upper is not the only highlight; the Ego foam midsole has been adjusted in the 2.5 to be softer while maintaining the responsiveness that Escalante lovers are looking for. While our tester thought the Escalante 2.5 could be more breathable and have a better lockdown at faster paces, he was still head-over-heels for this amazing update from Altra.
The Bottom Line
The Escalante 2.5 may just be the best update yet. The modified upper mesh hugs your foot like your favourite pair of socks and is adaptable to accommodate a variety of different foot shapes. If you appreciate a spacious toe box, then the Escalante takes care of that too, although those with narrow feet might want to find a different daily trainer. The upper is not the only highlight; the Ego foam midsole has been adjusted in the 2.5 to be softer while maintaining the responsiveness that Escalante lovers are looking for. While our tester thought the Escalante 2.5 could be more breathable and have a better lockdown at faster paces, he was still head-over-heels for this amazing update from Altra.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Toe Box Width: Wide | Toe Box Height: Medium to low |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to low |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium to low |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.0 oz (size 9 ) | Women's: 7.5 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 28 mm (Heel), 28 mm (Forefoot) - includes removeable sock-liner |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Like the previous models, the Escalante 2.5 continues to provide runners with soft cushioning that performs well for running or training. The Altra Ego foam is extremely comfortable, and Escalante newcomers and longtime fans alike will love the soft feel of these zero-drop trainers.
David: "The Escalante 2.5 continues to use Altra Ego cushioning, which feels both soft and responsive. The midsole is insanely comfortable and didn't slow me down."
Ride/Energy Returni
The Altra Ego foam midsole has a balance of cushion and responsiveness that creates a pleasantly efficient ride, which is an attractive update from the 2.0. The bounce and flex of the midsole help these lightweight trainers deliver comfort that is a joy to run in, especially at uptempo paces.
David: "The Escalante 2.5's cushioning offers a generous amount of bounce, which helped propel me forward through my stride. Even though this shoe is soft and cushioned, it didn't feel sluggish like I was losing energy."
Underfoot Protectioni
The Escalante 2.5 has plenty of underfoot protection, especially for a minimalist shoe. That being said, our tester did experience some discomfort when pushing distances over 10K and would recommend these shoes for faster, shorter runs. The traction in the Escalante 2.5 is ideal for daily road runs and has the durability to last for kilometres and kilometres.
David: "With 20 mm of cushioning, I felt plenty of protection from the road for most of my daily runs around 6 to 10 kilometres. I took these out for a slightly longer run around 16 kilometres, and my knees and calves were extra sore the next day. While some stronger runners or zero-drop-only folks may be able to handle long distances in these shoes with ease, the sweet spot for me is around 6 to 10 kilometres."
Flexibilityi
With Inner Flex grooves and FootPod outsole design, the Escalante 2.5 feels very elastic and can flex naturally with the foot. This combination helps to propel runners forward while increasing the efficiency of each stride. Zero-drop fans everywhere will love running in the Escalante 2.5 for their fast-tempo training needs.
David: "This shoe feels very flexible with each stride. I think the flexibility results from a combination of this shoe's soft cushioning and the deep flex grooves in the outsole."
Upper Supporti
The updated engineered mesh upper is a major highlight of the Escalante 2.5, delivering a sock-like feel that our tester found incredibly comfortable. The shoe is spacious throughout the forefoot and adaptable to a variety of foot shapes, although runners with narrower feet may find the shoe a bit too roomy. The upper is also on the warmer side, and the lockdown should be played with to find a more secure hold at faster paces, but these minor critiques do not diminish the impressive quality of the Escalante 2.5's upper.
David: "I love the knit upper on this shoe. It feels like I'm wearing a comfortable sock that adapts to my foot. I had a little problem with securing my heel, but otherwise, the upper was soft, comfortable, and adapted well with my stride."
Men's Altra Escalante Running Shoes
The Altra Escalante is a zero drop, lightweight running shoe ideal for faster running efforts. It offers a spongy soft yet responsive midsole with a light and stylish upper.
Women's Altra Escalante Running Shoes
The Altra Escalante is a zero drop, lightweight running shoe ideal for faster running efforts. It offers a spongy soft yet responsive midsole with a light and stylish upper.
Individual Thoughts
DavidOverall Score: 9/10
I've run in a ton of Altra shoes, but this was my first experience with the Escalante, and it didn't disappoint. The new upper felt amazingly soft and adaptable on my feet, while the Ego cushioning allowed for a responsive ride. I was able to comfortably run 6 to 10 kilometres without any issues, but I wanted a bit more cushioning for runs lasting 16+ kilometres. Overall, the ride felt smooth and natural, with the shoe emulating my foot movement. I wish there was a little more breathability for warm-weather runs and could use a better heel lockdown, but I enjoyed running in this shoe and would highly recommend it for zero-drop runners or those looking for a responsive ride with a wide forefoot to quickly take on their daily kilometres.
