Altra Escalante 4
Buy Altra Escalante 4 at today's best price (men's/women's)
7 minute read
Overview
The Altra Escalante 4 is a running shoe designed to offer a natural and responsive running experience. This shoe is known for its minimalist design and zero-drop platform (where the heel and forefoot are at the same height), which promotes a natural stride.
Key Features:
- Zero-Drop Platform: Provides a balanced and natural running experience.
- Altra Ego Midsole: Delivers a responsive and cushioned ride.
- FootShape Toe Box: Allows toes to spread naturally for better comfort and stability.
- Knit Upper: Offers a comfortable and snug fit.
The Altra Escalante 4 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a natural running feel and a spacious toe box for daily running. Its lightweight design and responsive midsole make it suitable for various running activities, including training and races.
Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 30% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Altra Escalante 4
The Altra Escalante 4 has received positive feedback for its return to the series' origins, offering a minimalist and flexible ride. The revamped knit upper is cozy but could benefit from improved ventilation. The shoe's zero-drop platform and spacious toe box make it a favorite among minimalist enthusiasts. However, the midsole lacks energy return, and the non-gusseted tongue may not provide the best lockdown. Despite these minor issues, the Escalante 4 is praised for its stability, durability, and lightweight design. It is suitable for running, walking, and cross-training. Overall, the Altra Escalante 4 is a versatile and reliable choice for those seeking a natural running experience. Its combination of comfort, stability, and durability makes it a solid option for various running activities.
Updates to Altra Escalante 4
The Altra Escalante 4 brings several updates from its predecessors, including a revamped knit upper for improved comfort. The shoe returns to the beloved features of the Escalante 1.5, offering a minimalist and flexible ride. The Altra Ego midsole remains a key feature, providing a responsive and cushioned experience. The FootPod outsole design enhances the shoe's natural feel and durability. Overall, the Escalante 4 refines the series' original design while incorporating modern improvements.
Comparable Shoes
The Nike Flex Experience Run 12 is a good alternative for runners who need more heel support. It offers a flexible ride with a higher drop, making it suitable for those with Achilles or calf issues. While the Escalante 4 focuses on a natural running experience, the Flex Experience Run 12 provides better cushioning and support for heel strikers.
The Altra Escalante Racer is a great option for runners who need better ventilation. It retains the core features of the Escalante series but offers a more breathable upper. The Racer is ideal for warmer climates and provides a similar natural running experience with enhanced airflow.
The Saucony Kinvara 14 is a suitable choice for runners who prefer a cushioned tongue. It features a thicker tongue for added comfort, making it a better option for those who tighten their laces tightly. While the Escalante 4 offers a minimalist design, the Kinvara 14 provides a more cushioned and supportive feel.
The Altra Via Olympus 2 is a good alternative for runners seeking a plush midsole. It offers a cloud-like ride with a zero-drop design, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer feel. While the Escalante 4 focuses on a balanced and responsive ride, the Via Olympus 2 provides more cushioning and comfort.
8 Altra Escalante 4 Pros & Cons
5 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Altra Escalante 4 features a knit upper that offers a comfortable and snug fit. However, the ventilation could be improved, as the knit material is thicker and more structured compared to previous models. This design enhances durability and stability but may not be ideal for runners in warmer climates. The upper's durability is impressive, scoring high in lab tests, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
Midsole
The midsole of the Altra Escalante 4 uses Altra Ego foam, providing a balance between firmness and cushioning. This foam offers a responsive ride, but it may not meet the expectations of those who prefer a plush feel. The zero-drop design promotes a natural running stride, making it suitable for forefoot and midfoot strikers (runners who land on the front or middle of their foot). The midsole's performance remains consistent even in colder conditions, although it becomes slightly firmer.
Outsole
The outsole of the Altra Escalante 4 combines exposed foam with rubberized sections for added durability. The FootPod design mimics the shape and flexibility of the human foot, enhancing the shoe's natural feel. The outsole's hardness and thickness contribute to its durability, making it a reliable choice for various running surfaces. The innovative design allows for more rubber without adding unnecessary weight.
Size/fit
The Altra Escalante 4 boasts a spacious toe box, thanks to Altra's Original FootShape design. This feature provides ample room for wider feet, enhancing comfort during runs. The shoe's fit is generally true to size, but the non-gusseted tongue may affect the overall lockdown. Runners who prefer a snug fit might need to use the extra eyelet for a runner's knot.
Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature of the Altra Escalante 4, with its cozy knit upper and spacious toe box. The shoe's lightweight design and responsive midsole contribute to a comfortable running experience. However, the thin tongue may cause discomfort for runners who tighten their laces tightly. Overall, the Escalante 4 offers a comfortable ride for various running activities.
Cushioning
The Altra Escalante 4 provides moderate cushioning with its Altra Ego midsole. The zero-drop design ensures a balanced feel, suitable for forefoot and midfoot strikers. The cushioning is firm yet responsive, offering a natural running experience. While it may not be the plushest option, it provides adequate support for daily running and training.
Breathability
The knit upper of the Altra Escalante 4 offers some breathability, but it falls short of optimal ventilation. The thicker and more structured knit material reduces airflow, making it less suitable for hot conditions. Runners in warmer climates might find the shoe less breathable, but it remains comfortable for moderate temperatures.
Stability
Stability is a key strength of the Altra Escalante 4, thanks to its low stack height and wide platform. The zero-drop design and firm midsole enhance stability, making it suitable for neutral runners. The shoe's flexibility might detract from stability, but the overall design compensates for this, providing a secure and stable ride.
Durability
The Altra Escalante 4 excels in durability, with its robust knit upper and innovative outsole design. The shoe's upper and outsole have scored high in lab tests, indicating reliable long-term performance. The combination of exposed foam and rubberized sections in the outsole enhances durability without adding unnecessary weight.
Grip
The grip of the Altra Escalante 4 is reliable, thanks to the rubberized sections in the outsole. The FootPod design enhances traction on various surfaces, making it suitable for road running. The shoe's grip is consistent, providing a secure feel during runs.
Flex
Flexibility is a notable feature of the Altra Escalante 4, with its torsional rigidity and low stack height. The shoe bends and flexes naturally, promoting a comfortable and natural running experience. The flexibility might reduce stability slightly, but it enhances the overall comfort and feel of the shoe.
Who should buy the Altra Escalante 4?
The Altra Escalante 4 is perfect for runners who enjoy a natural running experience with a zero-drop platform. It's ideal for those who prefer a spacious toe box and a lightweight design for daily running. Minimalist enthusiasts and fans of the Altra Escalante series will appreciate the return to the original design. Runners looking for a versatile shoe for running, walking, and cross-training will find value in the Escalante 4.
Who should not buy the Altra Escalante 4?
Runners with recurring Achilles or calf issues may not find the Altra Escalante 4 suitable due to its zero-drop design. Those in warmer climates might find the shoe's breathability lacking. If you need a shoe with better ventilation, consider the Altra Escalante Racer. For runners who prefer a plush midsole, the Altra Via Olympus 2 might be a better option.
Altra Escalante 4: What's it good for?
The Altra Escalante 4 is great for daily running and training sessions. Its lightweight design and responsive midsole make it suitable for road running and cross-training activities. The shoe's stability and natural feel are ideal for runners who prefer a minimalist approach. It's also a good choice for those who enjoy a spacious toe box and a zero-drop platform.
5 Altra Escalante 4 FAQs
Is the Altra Escalante 4 suitable for daily running?
Yes, the Altra Escalante 4 is ideal for daily running. Its lightweight design and responsive midsole make it suitable for various running activities, including training and races.
Does the Altra Escalante 4 have good breathability?
The Altra Escalante 4 offers some breathability with its knit upper, but it may not be ideal for runners in warmer climates. The thicker knit material reduces airflow compared to previous models.
What is the weight of the Altra Escalante 4?
The Altra Escalante 4 weighs 269 g for men and 213 g for women, making it a lightweight option for running.
Is the Altra Escalante 4 suitable for runners with wide feet?
Yes, the Altra Escalante 4 features Altra's Original FootShape design, providing a spacious toe box that is ideal for runners with wide feet.
What type of running is the Altra Escalante 4 best for?
The Altra Escalante 4 is best for road running, daily training, and cross-training activities. Its zero-drop design and responsive midsole make it suitable for various running activities.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | ||
| released | Released | Dec 2020 | Feb 2023 | Nov 2023 | ||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 269 g W: 213 g | M: 258 g W: 227 g | M: 264 g W: 224 g | 283 g | M: 303 g W: 261 g | |
| Forefoot | Forefoot24 mm | M: 26 mm W: 15 mm | 31 mm | 34 mm | ||
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop | 10 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm | 9 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel | Heel24 mm | M: 34 mm W: 23 mm | 39 mm | 40 mm | 42 mm | |
| Brand | BrandAltra | Brooks | ASICS | adidas | Nike | ASICS |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweightLow drop | Comfortable | Comfortable | ComfortableMaximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | ComfortableMaximalist |
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
| Techs | Techs | Brooks BioMoGo DNA | adidas Ultraboost | ASICS GelOrthoLite | ||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | SustainableVegan Ⓥ | Sustainable | |||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningNeutralNeutral pronationHigh archOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
- Dec 2021
- Aug 2020
- Jul 2019
- Feb 2017
