The Altra Escalante 2.5 is here!
Hi everyone, at last, the latest update of the Escalante is available. The original Altra Escalante was a game-changer and quickly became a fan favorite. It was the most popular altra shoe across the board. The Escalante surprised people when it first dropped as it was very different from any other neutral training shoes on the market. The original was loved for it bounciness and responsiveness; many customers said it was a fun shoe that they could really enjoy running in it.
Controversy with Version 2
When Altra released the 1.5 the majority of changes were positive, it was a better fit and people were generally happy but then all hell broke loose with Version 2 and the original fans were not pleased. People were scrambling to find a 1.5 anywhere on the market. I will point out, that people who were new to altra or even new to the Escalante, didn’t mind the changes and liked the shoe -but I think the update was too drastic and somewhat betrayed those who were og fans of the 1 or 1.5.
What’s new
So here we go, the Altra Escalante 2.5, which has a lot of hype to get back to what fans loved. This is Altra’s 4th version of the shoe, and I am happy to say that the updates are positive. In fact, I think they should have named this shoe the 3.0 just to separate itself even more from its predecessor. The weight has come down a little bit from the previous model, which is consistent from all brands this season. It is now gone from 8.8oz to 8.5oz for the Men, and 7.4oz to 6.9oz for the Women. If you are looking for an even lighter Escalante I would recommend the Racer, as it is 1.5oz lighter and is 2mm lower than the standard shoe, it is a little less protective, but it is pretty bouncy and responsive.
Escalante v.s Torin
Let’s compare the Escalante to another neutral training shoe from Altra, the Torin. On the whole, I describe the Torin as a squishy nerf ball. The Torin is a very protective neutral running shoe you can run short distances but it really protects you for the long haul. It has an amazing step-in feel and as a whole feels very comfortable. The arch is higher which is great for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis who don’t necessarily want a stability shoe. You can learn more about the Torin Plush 4.5 in my other review, here.
If the torin is a nerf ball, the Escalante is a basketball. It is designed to bounce and just move -I always say that this is my Ricky Bobby shoe. The Escalante was one of the first shoes we saw with the charged rubber feel, which is such a different running sensation compared to other neutral running shoes. Whereas the Torin is plush, the Escalante is very minimal. Like all Altras it is zero drop, but due to its low arch profile, it provides that barefoot running feeling that a lot of runners who are coming to Altra love. It is the lowest, most minimal neutral shoe from Altra, but unlike a racing shoe, this can be used for everyday training.
A previous complaint from the 2.0 was the shape of the toebox, the previous version felt very narrow and restrictive, but I am happy to say they have addressed these complaints. With these updates, the shoe now has better material for the upper that fits well but still feels loose and comfortable. Nothing feels compromised as this latest update feels accomodating and breathable. The flexibility is also back, and it feels softer yet responsive, which was something 1.5 users loved. It fits your foot well, and I think this shoe would be back to the standard that the 1.5 was.
What can I do in this shoe?
As an everyday neutral training shoe, you can do whatever you want to your comfort level; you can run many different distances. I have had one customer run over a 1000 miles in this shoe and another use this as their race day shoe for a 50 miler. The Escalante is also great for gym stuff, with its zero drop platform its awesome for lifting. I think we are going to have great success with the 2.5 because they have made the changes the customers asked for.
Promo code: runmoore for 10% off + free shipping
See you around town,
-Steve
Customer Reviews
Better Than Expected ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Posted by James J on Nov 7th 2020
I work on my feet for up to 12 hrs a day plus walk an additional 10-15 miles. I needed a comfy shoe that breathes & supports. As I researched, I found Run Moore’s review of this shoe & was convinced. The shoe is extremely comfortable & fits like a custom shoe. No slipping inside, no rubbing, no blisters, no fatigue. I’m so impressed, not just with the shoe but with Run Moore, this is the 1st place I’ll look for performance shoes. Thanks a bunch Run Moore!
Escalate 2.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Posted by Steve R. on Nov 4th 2020
Outstanding. A return to normal comfort after the folly of the 2.0
Escalante is back! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Posted by Mike on Oct 7th 2020
Altra has released the best Escalante yet. I will likely order a second pair.
esca 2.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Posted by Jose O on Sep 17th 2020
very comfy, from the box. fits to size. have them on displacing a pair of ultra boost Adidas.
Altra Escalante 2.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Posted by Steve P on Sep 3rd 2020
I’ve been running in Escalante’s since they first came out. I loved the 1.0’s, liked the 1.5’s, skipped the 2.0’s based on poor reviews from guys in our running club, and just bought the 2.5’s and am back “in love” with these shoes again — except the geriatric color selection (come on Altra, how about giving us some great colors to match the great ride?) These shoes live up to the long-awaited hype since they were first teased in a YouTube video in January 2020. They are plush, stable and effortless to run in. I’m buying a 2nd pair soon.
Very Nice Update! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Posted by Jim on Aug 28th 2020
I really like this update of the Escalante. The 2.5 is super comfortable with just the right cushion for this shoe type.
Great update ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Posted by Cindy on Nov 3rd 2020
I was not a fan of the Escalante 2.0 and my 1.5’s were starting to wear out so I was thrilled to try to 2.5’s and have them feel like the old 1.5’s with some improvements!
Escalate 2.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Posted by km Goudeau on Oct 10th 2020
Ran in them yesterday and they were great!
A light bouncy return ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Posted by Mandy Mori on Sep 27th 2020
I was introduced to Altra running shoes after my chronic blisters and my first pair of Altra was Escalante. I guess I was lucky that I had 1.0, 1.5, somehow skipped 2.0 (I got injured and needed surgery on my elbows so I couldn’t run for a very long time ) and now back to Escalante 2.5. I loved Escalante from the very beginning, owned and retired at least 2 of 4 pairs of those. Now I added 2 more pairs of Escalante 2.5 and I love them! Thank you, Steve, for your awesome videos as usual. It helped me understand what was not great about 2.0 and confidently I purchased 2 pairs of the 2.5. Like another reviewer said, it is light, it’s bouncy and the ride is smooth. I replaced the insole with a berry superfeet insole because of my low arches and it adds some stability to a great pair of neutral shoes. I highly recommend this for any walker or runner. I have super finicky feet so I like to think if this works for me who is a not great runner, it would work for anyone.
Women’s Altra Escalante 2.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Posted by Rita C on Sep 18th 2020
This version of the Escalante is reminiscent of my first pair of Escalante, which I think was the 1.5. I was so disappointed when they changed the style with the 2..0, but I bit the bullet and bought them anyway. Not sure if people complained about the change, but Altra seems to have gone back to the first version, because these feel similar, which is just fine with me. The foot bed is much more bouncy, they’re lighter than the 2.0, and the toe box is a little narrower, but there is still plenty of room to wiggle my toes. I tried them out on a short run the day after they arrived, and was so happy to feel the ground again! The foot bed on the 2.0 just did not allow my feet to really feel the ground which never felt quite right to me. All in all, I am very pleased with this purchase, especially since Altra opted to go back to a familiar, comfortable running shoe that I know and love. In addition, I was so pleased to find a running shoe store that is a locally owned business, which made the purchase that much better!
