Customer Reviews Altra Escalante Racer

Best racing shoes I've ever had. You know how I can tell, because they feel so good and and are so light that I've never had to think about my feet in racing or training when I'm wearing these things.

Like the title says, I'm an amateur runner. This is my first pair of Altras and after spending an hour looking at the reviews of each style of road running shoes, using the "shoe finder" multiple times, and second-guessing each pair of shoes I had momentarily decided on, I went with the Escalante Racer. I don't regret my decision. I sized up to a 10.5 when I'm usually a 10 as multiple other reviews on here referred to "Altra size" as half a size up and it was a good decision, so far. There's a bit of room in the toe of my shoe, but it feels appropriately comfortable and my foot doesn't slip or move surprisingly; the feel of my toes splaying while I run is a new experience, but feels SO much better than running in my various old running shoes (Under Armor back in HS, Nike in college). For context, I've been an athlete my whole life but always hated running because it leaves my joints sore after a couple of 2-3 mile runs per week. After reading about proper form in the "run better" section and the little pamphlet that came with my shoes, I wake up with my muscles sore but my joints feeling fine, and it's truly changed my view on running. If you're like me and the reviews on this site leave you overwhelmed and thinking these shoes are too intense for you, or you're not hard-core enough a runner, get them and you won't be disappointed.

I love this shoe and own at least five pair of 2019 Racers. Have not purchased the 2020 because you can't get them in popular sizes. Not a big fan of white running shoes so I will wait for another color more sizes come out in other colors. Running in Torin's and old Racers for now.

My favorite running shoe! Love that's it's now available as a non special edition show. The black with lime green color way is awesome

I have been running in the Racers for years. I've sometimes read reviews that question their durability, but I put over 500 miles on my last two pairs as I waited for this year's edition to come out. I was growing a little stressed when the cancellations of all of the marathons pushed the release date of what had previously been special edition shoes, but am so relieved that they'll now just be part of the lineup! One word of caution, this iteration seems to run a tiny bit smaller than the last. Also, be prepared - the white is WHITE!

I'm now on my sixth pair of racers. The vented mesh is a godsend on hot days and hot races. The cushion and responsiveness is perfect. I've used these for everything from speed work to marathons, and they just feel like part of my foot. The only time I don't wear them is slower long runs and trail, where I reach for the Lone Peak instead. I recommend these to all my friends, and my wife and I head a 350-person run group.

Love this shoe!! I run 40-50 miles per week and use the Escalante as my "daily" and the Escalante racer as my workout shoe, both interval workouts and long run workouts. I race in it too. Such an excellent shoe!! Lightweight, breathable, great foot hold without being restrictive, and it's right in that Goldilocks cushioning zone where it's very responsive to crank out fast 400's on the track but forgiving to go long in. If I had to choose one shoe to do everything in this would be it! Super happy to see this permanently in the lineup!

There is not one thing I would change about this shoe. Keep making it as is!

Every time I try another running shoe, I am reminded that this one is the very best. It's not just a racer--it's a perfect daily trainer. Lightweight, breathable, fast, zero drop. Thanks for making it available all-year round Altra!

First putting it on the shoe feels very firm, but on the run it's not harsh at all. With good mechanics it's fast and smooth. Highly recommended if you have the mechanics for it! Bought it as a workout/race shoe but since it's so smooth it could end up being in the rotation as a daily trainer!

Right out of the box, I ran a half-marathon in these shoes. I PR'ed and I'm 56 years old, breaking my previous PR from when I was 30 years old. I've since done a few training runs in them and they feel great. They are obviously not as cushioned as the Torrin or Paradigm, but that's what makes these racers. Great shoe, but I wouldn't recommend doing all of your runs in them.

Pretty incredible tbh. 11 miles right out of the box and PR'd my 10k/15k/10 miler. Hope Altra doesn't make any changes in the next release.

Love the natural feel like I'm walking as close to barefoot as possible. I'm new to zero drop and walked around the house in these for a few hours each day. The fit is pretty amazing and sometimes I forget that I'm actually in shoes! I'm seven months post ankle fusion and using these for foot strengthening and to get the heck away from the marshmallow shoes that seem to make me unstable walking in. Thus far the Altras feel great around my ankle and my toes are loving the extra space to spread out. Looking into other models as well and brand changing. I think zero will provide what I need in a shoe and help my overall recovery which has been steady. Looking forward to posting a follow up in a few months.

I have the Paris. I've run over 300 miles in them, and I still enjoy every run in them. They're just so fun! Fits my foot like a sock, breathes and drains like a dream, and feels light and playful all the time. Cornering is good, jogging along is good, and flat out sprinting is good. Everything is good in these shoes. Bring out the 2020s, so I can buy some of them, too! This pair is doing well, but they won't last forever!

I'm an RN and wear these everyday. I wear lead in the Cath lab which puts extra weight on my feet. I have found that neutral, zero drop shoes are the best. In 2005 I had bilateral plantar fasciotomy and have had a hard time finding the right shoe. Funny the more natural support shoe works the best for a reason! Please keep making these shoes!

Can not get enough! Need more! Would love to see this upper on a Supalante!

I bougth a pair of escalante racers for the MCM marathon. During training were great but in the race they showed their best side. Four hours of running under the rain and not a blister and they were almost dry by the time I was home. I hope they keep offering this model. I have a pair of escalante but these are much better.

This is the shoe that made me fall deeper in love with running. The only shoe i have tried in my life that doesn't give me any blisters or hot spots. I have wide feet so these are just perfect. I even wear them for walking, hiking, travelling etc. They're just so so comfortable. Altra please don't have a version 1.5 or 2 of this shoe. If you do please keep these in production as the original racer or something cos they're just perfect.

I've owned three pairs of the Escalante 1.5, which is a great shoe with a few drawbacks. The Escalante Racer eliminates all the drawbacks and is easily the best shoe I've ever tried. The cornering is better, the sole isn't quite so soft and cushy, and the midfoot, which seems a bit narrow in the Escalante, feels a little wider. I hope Altra isn't serious about this shoe only being available for a limited time.

I love the 2019 racers for both outdoor running and treadmill running during my OTF workouts. It's the perfect blend between the Escalante and the Vanish. Light, fast, breathable and pure genius! Keep it up. PS - plus don't make the racer like the Escalante 2.0. They're a bit too stiff and heavy for a racer.

My Old Boston Escalante Racer from 2018 needed replacement. The Aloha version fit the bill. The color combination is spot on and I plan on running all my 2020 races in these beauties. They are light, fast and are perfect for me. As others have posted before, the cushion is slightly lower than the Escalante (originals), but for a race shoe where you want quicker turnover, these do the job.

I have run a 50 miler and multiple marathons in this shoe and while it doesn't have as much cushioning as some other shoes, what it does have is extremely effective. They are light, fast and responsive. They may take getting used to if you aren't experienced with zero drop or lighter shoes. Your foot will get soaked in wet conditions but that is balanced by the most breathable upper ever. For the love of all that is holy DON'T CHANGE THIS SHOE. I don't want to see a Escalante Racer 1.5. Just keep making cool colors and rest easy that you hit it out of the park with this one.

I have to say, I was SUPER hesitant to order these or any other new running shoe as I had been running in the Nike Frees for years. I hated how Nike kept messing with the shoe, adding more and more heal support and getting away from the minimalist concept that led me to those shoes in the first place. About 4 months and 500 miles later (400 miles on 1 pair and 100 on my second pair), I have to say that I am so happy I gave these a try. I love this shoes. The wide toe box is super comfortable. It took me no time to break these in. I love that Altra keeps releasing new color schemes, but doesn't seem to mess with the shoe itself. If I can rely on these shoes for years to come, I will be a very happy man. I have the London and Paris models. I am eyeing the Berlin Model next potentially, but I would LOVE to see something Twin Cities Marathon themed. The Twin Cities skylines would love great on these shoes.