Customer Reviews Altra Escalante 2.5

My first Altra shoe was the Kayenta which was discontinued. I think b/c the cushioning was quite limited, but in the end that was one of the features I liked. The Escalante is a solid shoe and still way better for my feet that previous brands I've tried, but not quite the revelation the Kayentas were. I find it's a tad narrower and I miss the integrated sock which allows me to not tie the laces very tight (which for me seems to cause circulation issues, which I never experienced, for the first time ever, w the Kayentas) The cushion is pretty lovely however. Just wish some of the features I loved about my last shoe were also there.

I love these shoes - no blisters, no discomfort, and my feet feel less numb when compared with wearing high drop shoes. They are very breathable and helping me improve my foot and ankle strength as a beginner runner.

I bought the size I normally buy for running and it does feel a bit big for my foot. Unfortunately, there is not a store in my town to try a smaller size. I am keeping them for everyday use but am hoping to try a smaller size on when I am near a store that sells them. I love the wider toe box as I do have a bunion on one foot so it is very nice to not have the shoe rub on it.

Because of sole of foot problem, I have to wear sneakers most of the time. Podiatrist recommended Altra to me 2 years ago. Having had 2 foot surgeries, I am not inclined to try a 3rd one, so started wearing Altra. These shoes have helped more than any others. I have 4 pair, one specifically for the gym. I am not a runner, but the toe box is very important to me. I had to get used to 'the look' of wider tole box, but most comfortable fit I can find. I chose light green and a great color. I will continue to purchase Altra sneakers.

I'm not sure if I'm imagining it, but they feel slightly more narrow in the heel compared to other versions. And I'm sad there isn't the extra eyelet for the runner's loop; they make a huge difference. Everything else is fantastic.

I'm moving up to 2.5 but before I order thought I'd reflect on my old ones - so much better in the toe box, I thought the AllBirds would be better in wet weather but they don't have the give of the Escalante for my long toes. HOWEVER - the toes wear out very quickly - my first pair has holes while the rest of the shoe is in good shape - it is hard to get toe cover that is flexible and yet durable. My heels are narrow, so I can't go bigger.

The Escalante 2.5 offers several fixes from the 1.5, including shorter laces and a longer tongue. Similar feel and flexibility. I have quite narrow feet, though, and I have to lace the 2.5 until the sides nearly overlap to get them snug enough for runs. Still a decent, durable road shoe without too much weight or padding.

I have been a loyal Escalante fan since they came out. I'm sure I've went through more than 10 pairs over the years. This has not been a great model. For some reason, these feel more stiff than previous models, and for some reason the tongue on the left shoe started cutting the skin in front of my left ankle. I had to either fold the tongue over or wear taller socks. On a positive note, these have lasted longer than any version. Normally, I have retire shoes from running at 400 miles. These have almost 500 and don't feel any different, but like I said, they never gave me the spring in my step like previous models. There are no rips, tears, and soles still appear great...just like all of my previous models.

They are so comfortable. I poked a hole thru the toe area within 6 mos.

LOVE the style and color of the shoe! So cute, but the shoe was very small. I ordered a 12 for my big wide runners feet and they actually fit my mom instead (size 9). Sad because they're adorable!

After only 3 months of short distance road running the shoes lost all support. They visibly lean inward when off my feet. I have ran in many of the Altra trail shoes without this happening. This was my first road shoe and it was a disappointing experience. Hoping the shoe was flawed and not the design.

I've worn Escalante since the first model. 1.5 was by far the best. Cushy, wide, super comfortable for my really long races. I finally tried the 2.5, since I've gone through all my 1.5s (the 2.0 was too stiff). The first 7 miles I was thinking how great the shoe was. Then I started feeling rubbing on my heel by mile 10. My skin was rubbing off where the top of the shoe rubbed my heel! I ended up walking 20 miles that day and had a bloody spot on one foot. I compared the 2.5 to the 1.5 and saw that all the heel cushion wasn't there in the 2.5 and the angle of the back of the shoe goes in toward the foot. No wonder it rubbed my skin off! Everything else is great, but I had to put Engo patches on my shoe and wear bandaids. That's just not acceptable. I hope the next model has the cushion back.

The fit is right just not the arch support I thought this shoe would have.

These are just okay. Comfortable for short runs but definitely feel a bit narrow as well as stiffer and more structured than earlier models. Loved the 1.5s and could run 10 plus miles in them straight out of the box with no issues, these I'm not sure I can tolerate marathon training in.

Compared to the Altras Escalante I bought last year, this pair is more narrow and a half size smaller. Cushioning still feels great and overall shoe feel is good. Loved these shoes because they were naturally wider and foot shaped than the other brands - until the Escalante 2.5. Returned my original size and bought 1/2 size up, hopefully that helps. I loved my originals and want to love these as well.

These shoes are so comfy. Great for people who like wide toe boxes and zero drop. Unfortunately, the shoes are very worn down after *maybe* 300 miles (likely less). One side of the sole of one of the shoes has worn almost all the way through to the insole. This has never occurred on another running shoe. Since Altra doesn't seem to have sales, I can't justify the price on these shoes since they just don't last.

I've worn nothing but Altra since 2014, so this is coming from a fan. It was such a bummer to open these up and realize the eyelets aren't right for a heel lock. These are fine for walking & daily life but I can't get my feet secure enough to love running in them. Wish I'd seen the other reviews begging for an extra eyelet before I bought these. From now on I'll count eyelets in the photos first. I never thought that'd be something I'd have to do with a running shoe, it seems like such a standard feature. You let me down with this one, Altra. :(

I used to love Escalantes and I have tried to love the 2.5 version for a couple months now, but it has resulted in shin splints, which I haven't had for probably 6 or 7 years. I would absolutely love these if the top shoelace hole was not removed from the design. My cross country coaches way back in high school taught me how to tie my shoes tighter by using that top hole on running shoes, so I have been tying them that way ever sense (12+ years). Unfortunately, these are the first shoes in 12+ years that do not have that top hole, and I was shocked. I appreciate the change on design from the previous version that allows me to put them on easier (I used to struggle to get Escalantes on before a run), but unfortunately, the design change, combined with no top shoelace hole has led to a looser fit and shin splints for me. I do love the raspberry color of these!! I will try the Escalante racers because I can see they have a top shoelace hole, unlike the 2.5s, but if they don't work out....I'm not sure where to go...I have been a dedicated Altra/Escalante customer for a long time!