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Basically, the New Altra Escalante 2.0 is, without a doubt, my go-to road running shoe at the moment. From the track to the road, a training run to race day, the Escalante 2.0 can do it all!
The Escalante 2.0 is still quite comfortable, but Altra has added a bit more structure. Even more support to the upper compared to the original version.
While Escalante 2.0 is still the most comfortable running shoe I’ve ever worn, by a large margin, I’m not convinced that the increased support within the knit upper was necessary.
The original Escalante premiered Altra’s first flat-knit upper and then-new EGO midsole compound.
The Altra Escalante 2 is slightly stiffer in the midsole than in previous versions. One tester took a video of his hands bending the original Escalante and the 2 to illustrate the flexibility of the first iteration.
The midsole is once again composed of a proprietary foam blend (Altra EGO) that provides a comfortable ride with a little bit of springiness with each step.
About the only difference in the sole from the OG Escalante to the Escalante 2.0 is that the stack height is slightly smaller in the newest version (24 mm v 25 mm).
If the Escalante 2.0 gets wet, your feet will get wet. That said, the Escalante 2.0 is also incredibly breathable so your feet won’t be wet for long.
I was a big fan of the original Altra Escalante, a big fan of the Escalante 1.5, and absolutely a big fan of the Escalante 2.0. This shoe, for me, just checks all the boxes.
Testers who ran in the men’s Escalante noted the shoe seemed to run narrower than previous versions. However, they confirmed there was still ample room in the toe box, a feature the brand is known for.
The New Altra Escalante 2 Provides the Right Balance of Cushioning for Every Kind of Run. This extremely versatile Altra trainer is the perfect blend of lightweight and soft.
Out of the box, the Altra Escalante 2.0s were absolutely fantastic. The shoes fit true to size, and there were no issues at all taking them for a 20-mile test drive for my first run in them.
The Escalante 2.0s were pretty much exactly as I expected: comfortable and ready to go from day one.
According to jmexclusives, the updated Escalante 2 pays homage to the original with a soft platform,
And also, the ability to function as an everyday trainer to a long-distance racer.
- The Altra Ego midsole provides adequate cushioning and support
- A wide toe box allows toes to splay and prevents blisters
- A secure lacing system and snug knit upper keeps the foot locked in place
What is Altra Escalante 2?
The Altra Escalante 2.0 is the latest iteration of one of Altra’s most popular road shoes. Like any other Altra shoe, the Escalante 2.0 is built on a zero-drop base and features a foot-shaped toe box.
The Escalante line has always been supremely comfortable. Each edition of the shoe has featured a fully knit upper, which has allowed the shoe to feel more like a sock than any other running shoe I’ve ever worn.
While Escalante 2.0 is still the most comfortable running shoe I’ve ever worn, by a large margin, I’m not convinced that the increased support within the knit upper was necessary.
When did the First Altra Escalante 2 Premier?
In a way, the Escalante challenged preconceived notions about what a zero-drop running shoe is: not necessarily minimal, and not sparse on cushioning and support.
Runners loved the shoe’s responsiveness and fast feel. We did too, which is why we awarded it Editors’ Choice back in 2017.
The Altra Escalante 2 upholds the original’s reputation: lightweight yet soft; a midsole that provides high rebound so runners can dial it in during speedwork or racing.
“I fell in love with this shoe almost immediately,” said a tester who previously ran in New Balance’s FuelCell Propel (he gave the Escalante 2 a higher rating).
“I’m training for my next marathon, hoping for my first BQ, and I will be wearing this pair of shoes for that race. The zero-drop makes me feel faster, more efficient, and lighter on my feet.”
Altra Escalante 2 is Stiffer—But Snappier
The Altra Escalante 2 is slightly stiffer in the midsole than in previous versions. One tester took a video of his hands bending the original Escalante and the 2 to illustrate the flexibility of the first iteration.
The shoe had plenty of giving and could almost completely fold at the arch. The newest Escalante’s weight is a little heavier than the 1.5, as well (the men’s 1.5 was 7.9 ounces, women’s 6.5 ounces).
Despite the shoe’s added weight, testers weren’t afraid to up the tempo on their runs.
“The shoe feels fast and provides enough cushion for the long run, which makes it an all-around versatile shoe for all distances,” said a tester. “I used it for my long marathon training runs, hill repeats, and track workouts.”
How is Altra Escalante 2.0 Sole Unit?
The sole of the Altra Escalante 2.0 hasn’t changed much from the original version. The outsole of the Escalante 2.0 is still made with Altra’s FootPod Technology.
Whereby, it's designed to mimic the bone structure of the human foot to allow the shoe to bend and flex at the same places that your foot bends and moves while running.
The midsole is once again composed of a proprietary foam blend (Altra EGO) that provides a comfortable ride with a little bit of springiness with each step.
About the only difference in the sole from the OG Escalante to the Escalante 2.0 is that the stack height is slightly smaller in the newest version (24 mm v 25 mm).
The difference in stack height certainly isn’t enough for me to notice any difference in how the shoe feels or performs on the road.
The Altra Escalante 2.0 definitely provides a very smooth ride on the roads. The softness and springiness of the EGO foam are as comfortable as advertised, and I am still able to feel the road beneath my feet while wearing these shoes.
The sole of the Escalante 2.0 is also quite durable, which came as a bit of a surprise to me based on how light the shoe is. This shoe will hold up to many miles on the roads, without losing much (if any) of its springy feel.
The Altra Escalante 2.0 definitely provides a very smooth ride on the roads. The softness and springiness of the EGO foam are as comfortable as advertised, and I am still able to feel the road beneath my feet while wearing these shoes.
The sole of the Escalante 2.0 is also quite durable, which came as a bit of a surprise to me based on how light the shoe is. This shoe will hold up to many miles on the roads, without losing much (if any) of its springy feel.
How is Altra Escalante 2 Upper Unit?
When it comes to the upper, this is where the Escalante 2.0 differs from previous models of the shoe. That said, and as I mentioned earlier in this review, the differences in the upper are quite subtle.
The upper of the Altra Escalante 2.0 is still fully knit and completely seamless. But unlike previous models of the Escalante, the upper of the Escalante 2.0 does provide a little bit of additional structure and support of the foot.
Thankfully, this extra bit of structure doesn’t take away from the comfort factor at all. The upper of the Altra Escalante 2.0 bends and flexes to really fit snugly around your foot but doesn’t go so far as to be restrictive.
I have yet to experience any rubbing, hot spots, or other problems while running in the Escalante 2.0s. But, while the knit construction of the upper provides a great level of comfort while wearing this shoe, it doesn’t provide much of a barrier to water.
The upper of the Altra Escalante 2.0 is still fully knit and completely seamless. But unlike previous models of the Escalante, the upper of the Escalante 2.0 does provide a little bit of additional structure and support of the foot.
Thankfully, this extra bit of structure doesn’t take away from the comfort factor at all. The upper of the Altra Escalante 2.0 bends and flexes to really fit snugly around your foot but doesn’t go so far as to be restrictive.
I have yet to experience any rubbing, hot spots, or other problems while running in the Escalante 2.0s. But, while the knit construction of the upper provides a great level of comfort while wearing this shoe, it doesn’t provide much of a barrier to water.
If the Escalante 2.0 gets wet, your feet will get wet. That said, the Escalante 2.0 is also incredibly breathable so your feet won’t be wet for long.
How do I Find the Right Fit?
Testers who ran in the men’s Escalante noted the shoe seemed to run narrower than previous versions. However, they confirmed there was still ample room in the toe box, a feature the brand is known for.
“The wide toe box and flexible fabric are really what make these shoes shine,” said another tester. “They breathe really well and are comfortable on the feet at any speed from walking to sprinting and everything in between.”
On the other end, women may want to go half a size down; though the lacing system locks your foot in place, the fit could be more streamlined around the heel.
Price: $130
Type: Road
Weight: 9.3 oz (M), 7 oz (W)
Drop: Zero
Type: Road
Weight: 9.3 oz (M), 7 oz (W)
Drop: Zero