Customer Reviews Altra Escalante Racer

I've blown through a lot of running shoes. Usually when I'm ready for a new pair, I try on a handful and take them for a test spin at my local running store. I felt really hesitant to buy a pair of shoes online (yes, I'm old!), but the minute I put these on I knew I had made the right decision (I will still visit my local running store). Thanks Altra for making a comfortable, lightweight shoe that felt 'broken in' from the moment I put them on.

I adore these shoes for cardio dance. They look great and I feel light on my feet without any soreness. The thin material is great to keep cool indoors, but might not be as great outdoors.

I was skeptical about these shoes because of the price, but after I put them on, I don't think I could ever wear a "normal" shoe again. The wide toe box is AMAZING. It feels like I'm walking on air. These are definitely the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I've gone on a few walks and done a few high intensity workouts in them, and I love them! They are functional and cute!

I have 5 pairs of the Lone Peak 2.0. I do a lot of trail running and this iteration of the LP is perfect for me. I have 4 pair of the Escalante road shoes as I like to alternate shoes and reserved 2 pair for the treadmill. When I saw these racers I loved the grey ones, but some of the reviews stated the shoe was somewhat narrow. I decided to take a chance and bought the grey ones. I was not disappointed. The fit is just like my other Altras. I've worn them for a couple of 60 minute fartleks. These are light and provide some cushion. I plan on wearing them for a 10-mile road race in October. I'm getting ready to order a 2nd pair. Jm

I am an avid runner with nearly 1,300 miles for 2021. This is by far the best shoe Altra has ever made. I am getting for my first 70.3 triathlon and spent majority of miles in Torin Plush. Its comfortable but a slow shoe and I don't love excess cushioning. This shoe is perfect. Wore it this am for my last half marathon before my upcoming race in three weeks and felt like myself again!! It's bouncy, comfortable, breathable. What else can you ask for?

Love the room for my toes to spread!

I normally run in Altras but I bought these just for my daily "job" wear. I've only worn them to work 1 time and have already gotten so many compliments!!! I just wish I could find the white with the red transition to yellow soles!!! Everyone is sold out of my size.

My new gray/purple racers just came in the mail - the 5th racers I have owned. I am a visual person and was concerned about the color of the soles, but I wanted the grey so much that I took a chance. Well, I was excited to find they look much better on my feet than in the pictures! These are going to be one of my visual faves. My top color choice were the racers that were grey on top with blue soles. And of course the fit is great, as usual. I am so glad to be an Altra customer! Thank you.

I really like minimalist running shoes and have had a few other favorite brands and styles that keep getting discontinued. My long-time favorite was the Nike Free RN before they changed it in 2018. I have been searching high and low for a replacement that is light, with just enough support, that would not give me blisters! I am prone to blisters from shoes that are too heavy, have too much structure and padding, etc. I don't anticipate blisters with these, they are very comfortable and light. The mesh is see through...if I wear white socks with the black shoes, you can see my white socks through the shoes. I don't mind this style, but some may find it too thin. I am very happy I found these and will probably be getting a second and third pair as long as they aren't discontinued!!!! To me, these run about a half size too big, but it's mostly due to the wide toe box. It's almost like clown shoes...I almost went down a half size, but I think I'll get used to the fit instead of going down a half size.

Love these shoes! I've struggled with plantar fasciitis & have gone through many shoes to try to find ones that work. These do!! The mesh upper keeps the shoe lightweight. Love the wide toe box.

I've been using adidas to run, but found that my feet have felt sluggish and my legs tire out faster that I'd like. These shoes are exactly what I've been looking for! They probably wouldn't be good for people who land on their heels while running, but if you prefer barefoot-style running you should absolutely try these!! My new favorite running shoes. I'm a size 9 and these are very true-to-size.

These are my first pair of Altras, and I couldn't be happier. I usually run in Five Fingers, but as an urban runner, using them on sidewalks for long stretches in non-ideal. I was looking for a very minimalist natural shoe that had just enough cushioning to remove some of the concrete sidewalk's impact. These shoes have fulfilled that perfectly. I now alternate them with my Five Fingers, and am even considering buying a second pair or two in case they are discontinued. I also like the simple but bold colors, though more color options would be nice.

Love Altra Escalante running shoes because since wearing them I don't lose any toenails or get any blisters!! Love how light weight they are too!!! I do go up one size.

I have very bad feet. Bunions etc and these shoes are so comfortable....easy to walk. THANK YOU Altra

Bought these for our new Peloton treadmill. Many reviews comment about how the mesh breathability allows dirt to get inside the shoes, but that's not a problem on a treadmill! I love them! There is plenty of room in the toe box, and bonus that they're cute and stylish I bought the white with blue/green soles. As always, I ordered a full size up from my normal shoe size to allow for swelling and they fit TTS. The high heel tab hasn't been an issue for me, but it is slightly higher than my Brooks Launch 7 tab for comparison. Very comfortable!

It's not too narrow, I'll wear them in shortly.

I started running maybe 10yrs ago and have been a Brooks loyalist; then they did away with my ST Racing flats, then then did away with the replacement and I was done. I was looking for a light shoe with toe room and to be able to connect as much as possible with the ground without sacrificing cushion. These were a win. I have bought several pairs and I replace every 400 miles. They do have a mesh fabric that will get dirt in but I don't mind washing my feet in exchange for the cushion and lightness of this shoe.

These shoes are amazingly light, breathable, cushiony, and great stability because of the wide toe box. I also get tons of compliments on how cute they are.

I wear these in a studio HIIT workout and they are great - they take no time to break in, they protect my feet and the toe splay helps with any toe cramping I experience in other brands. I am a BIG Altra fan - my studio shoes, turn into my kick arounds, turn into my lawn shoes and all are Altra.

Even though these shoes don't have as much padding, they still give great cushion. They also feel very balanced when im running which makes my gait feel smooth. I didn't expect the top part to be more visible (you can see your socks), however this makes for great ventilation especially when running in the heat!

This is a fabulous shoe for walking or running. They fit true to size and offer great support. Once again, Altra does not disappoint!

Love the toe box!

I love this shoe because it has enough room to wiggle my poor old arthritic toes. It's the only athletic shoe I've put on that does. Thanks

I love the comfort of Altra running shoes. The reasons that I leave Altra and shop elsewhere is due to the zero drop. If Altra could provide a small 4mm add-on cushion then I'd be a buyer for life. Today, I took my new Escalante racers and cut the heel out of an older pair of running shoes. I put that piece under the heel of the insert and they are now perfect! Why do you ask? When I run in all Altra shoes I feel that the weight of landing makes my heels feel less than 0mm from the road. I believe I am almost running uphill in these shoes. They need just a slight padding to give the heel some cushion and very slight lift. I know it's not Altria's style, but I would be willing to purchase 4mm heel pads for your shoes. Otherwise, I will keep adjusting them as long as I don't find another brand that ends up with the perfect 4mm running shoe.

The first pair ran a little small so I returned them and got a half size larger and they fit great! Customer service was great also as they got the next pair to me quickly. I'm not sure if I would wear them in the rain due to the mesh-like material, but I like the mesh-like material as it give my feet an air-like feeling when I run. I would definitely buy these again!