Customer Reviews Altra Escalante 3

I have been a runner for years!! I am 57 years old. I have had all types of running shoes including ones with carbon fiber plates. However this shoe is one of my favorites of all time. I have had the torins over the years and a early version of escalante. I also have the Altra vanish carbon. I just love this shoe because it has just the right amount of cushion and road feel. I saw all these negative comments and I had to say GREAT JOB ALTRA!!!

This is one of the best fitting pair of shoes I have ever owned. I highly recommend these! Comfort, cushion, and minimal break-in time. Plus I got them in the blue with red and white. Just in time for the 4th of July. Seriously though, excellent running shoe. My feet actually don't hurt after a short 6 mile run. I wish I tried thesea long time ago.

Amazing update to my all time favorite running shoe. First, I wear the same size in the 3 as all the other versions, plenty of room in the toe box, about a thumb. Second, the upper is way more comfortable with the additional laces, earlier versions hurt the top of my foot during long runs. The shoe is way more stable than earlier versions due to the new outsole and upper. I run daily and I played tennis in them and they performed well with that kind of movement. Altra nailed it on this one, totally blown away.

I very rarely leave reviews for anything. I have been using Altra shoes exclusively now for many years. I have tried many variations of many different models. I only run on road so I have never tried any of their trail shoes. I really like a light running shoe without rubber on the bottom so in the past I have stocked up on the One 2.5s and Solstices. When the first model of Escalante came out I bought them immediately because they looked like exactly what I wanted (light weight but also a little more support/cushioning than I was getting with the One 2.5s). I had to return them right away because of the design of the rubber on the bottom left no support under the arch of my foot which led to problems for me. This design flaw continued for the next variations of the shoe, so I kept on with my Solstice shoes that I stocked up on before they were discontinued. I tried the new vanish carbon shoes which I hated because they were very uncomfortable for me I think due to the light materials they used for the upper which cut into the back of my heel as I ran. These new Escalente shoes are the closest thing to 5 stars I have ever tried and I have tried a ton of different shoes. I only run about 15-20 miles per week now but these are the perfect blend of support, comfort, light weight, and roomy toe box. I love them! Still they have a rubber bottom which I don't particularly love but at least it is redesigned to where it is supportive under my whole foot. Rubber bottoms aren't the worst since they add to the durability and longevity of the shoe. I just prefer the soft stepping lack of noise from a foam bottom. I hate rating something 5 stars because everything has room for improvement in my opinion but, like I said before, I love these shoes!

Honestly, this feels like the best update to the Escalante yet. IMO, the 3 retains that amazing fit that we all loved in the 1.5 and 2.5 versions while enhancing the aesthetics of the shoe. The upper is soft and stretchy, yet structured sufficiently to feel secure and confident on the road and groomed trails. Underfoot, the Ego foam and amount of cushioning feels superb and light. I know the wording has changed from Original to Standard when referring to the last it's built on, however, the shoe does not feel like it's been narrowed at all. This version feels like all the best things we've enjoyed from previous versions all in one. I'll definitely be recommending this shoe to fellow runners and anyone looking for a great everyday shoe!

I've worn every version of the Escalante, including the Racer, and the Escalante 3 is by far my favorite version. The cushion is more responsive than previous iterations but still soft and comfortable for wearing all day. The upper changes are what I notice the most, and it's a good thing! It's softer and more sock-like than the Escalante 2 but has a bit more structure than the 2.5 which makes it feel more secure, without being constricting. Even though it is on the Standard FootShape Fit, I have plenty of room for my toes to move comfortably and it honestly feels just as roomy as the previous versions. I have already added the Escalante 3 into my daily rotation for running, walking the dogs, and just wearing them around town, and I have no complaints. Altra really knocked it out of the park with this one.

I have used the altra escalante and the escalante racer for years as a racewalker (exaggerated hard heel strike and role off the front of the shoe). The 3.0 is the best escalante yet. Doubt I will race in them, but definitely will train in them. Great transfer of energy from the heel strike through the hip rotation, all the way through the launch off the front of the foot. Two recommendations: take the insole of the racer and insert them into the 3.0. As a result, the shoe feels even more of an extension of the foot. To add even more durability, add a bit more of the material used for the sole onto the very front of the shoe to cover the 1st and 2nd toes. I will be using this shoe for a variety of activities: biking, hiking, running, racewalking. Great shoe. My feet feel less tired as a result of the improvements. As an aside, I am glad to see REI is now selling the escalante racer. Looking forward to having them sell the men's 3.0.

Cannot think of one thing wrong with this shoe! Only ask is can you all copy the Escalante 3 tongue on all other shoes? A lot of slipping/bunching on other shoe tongues, but this one is perfect! Thanks!

I've ran in every version since the original Escalante. As the versions evolved, I felt the designers lost their way. Now enters the Escalante 3. The upper secures the foot very nicely. The wider midsole in the forefoot adds additional landing stability where the previous versions were pretty sloppy. Now the midsole material provides a nice balance between firm and cushioned. I don't do well with too much cushion so the Torins don't work for well me and so I had my fingers crossed this version was going to address the previous versions shortcomings. I also like the new tread pattern which they've incorporated from the Torins. So the escalante 3 is a winner in my book. I'd probably race in their new carbon shoe or the escalante racer, but this is definitely my every day trainer.

I've run in Escalante and Escalante Racers for as long as the shoes have been on the market. My race of choice is the marathon and I also run a number of shorter distance races. I have a lot of miles on Escalante over the years. With that said, I understand some of the negative reviews around size and that the shoe feels more narrow. They have added cushion to the shoe tongue and liner. I switched my sock to a thinner sock and the shoe feels great. I think you will find you have a little more control on downhills and the shoe is not as sloppy when you are coming down steep hills. To me, it's still a great shoe!

I have a wide forefoot and typically like a size M12. Where as the Rivera does truly feel a 1/2 size too small out of the box, this shoe (like the torin) fit my foot perfectly immediately. The mid foot and heel have enough padding to make the shoe feel high quality and snug fitting without actually being a tight shoe. The toe box is plenty wide enough for me (not having run in previous versions of the escalante). Cushioning feels like the right mix, not quite as soft/dead as as my torin 5 luxe but definitely a smooth and comfortable ride for what I thought was going to be a more minimal shoe. This shoe impressed me on all levels! 10 mile run out of the box and felt absolutely great.

Loving this version. Feels athletic, nimble and fast. It lets me feel the ground while also getting just enough cushion to feel like I can run forever in it.

For the last year or so, I have been on the hunt for a suitable replacement for my aging final pair of Altra's Kayenta (which, sadly, is now discontinued). I loved the Kayenta's combination of dialed-in fit, nimble handling, and the perfect mix of ground feel and cushion level, and I've just been coming up empty with recent shoes from both Altra and other brands with zero-drop offerings. I cut my zero-drop running teeth with several pairs of the Escalante 1.5, so when I saw Altra's preview of upcoming releases at The Running Event earlier this year, I knew I had to order in a pair of Escalante 3s to check out. When the shoes arrived, the best way I can describe the initial step-in feel would be like reconnecting with an old friend, only somehow finding us being closer friends than I'd remembered leaving off. While the Escalante 1.5 hit on so many "plus" points that mattered to me at the time while I was transitioning to zero-drop running, there were several aspects of the shoes' design that, just being honest, could've used a little fine-tuning. Well, I'm happy to report that the 3 improves in literally all of those areas, and then some. Key items include the following (in no particular order): Fit (Heel) - Just the right amount of cushion in the heel cup to alleviate hot spots/rubbing while also keeping the heel firmly planted. My heels aren't going anywhere in these once the shoes are laced up, particularly with as far back as the lace holes now go, which makes lace-locking a cinch. Fit (Midfoot) - Unlike the 1.5, which felt a little sloppy and unfitted in the midfoot/arch area, the 3 feels vastly improved, with just the right amount of width to accommodate my relatively slim midfoot without feeling overly tight. Fit (Forefoot) - Whereas the 1.5 felt almost overly wide in the forefoot (even for my relatively wide forefoot), which left me a little nervous with cornering/lateral movements, the 3 has just the right amount of room for my toes to splay freely without leaving my feet sliding around. With the 1.5s, it almost felt like I was standing "on" the shoes rather than "in" them, particularly in the forefoot area, and that is not the case with the 3 (see next bullet). Fit (Upper Overall) - The 1.5's upper had more of an upside-down "U" shape which, coupled with the material's stretchiness, didn't lock the foot in as well as I'd prefer and wasn't very confidence-inspiring for cornering/lateral movements. The 3's upper is much improved, with a more sideways "C" shape that cups around the foot and a more static (though still just stretchy enough) material to help further improve the shoe's lockdown. Cushion level - Oh, man, have I missed EGO foam! And for the record, not the firmed-up blend used in the prior two iterations of the Escalante, which felt almost Escalante Racer-esque; rather, the soft and accommodating original EGO, which had just the right amount of cushion and snappiness to keep my feet comfy but planted. On a related note, if I didn't know better, I'd say it feels like the 3s have slightly more than the 24mm stack height Altra claim, but I'll trust their measurements. I'll wear these without the insoles for shorter/faster runs while leaving the insoles in for my remaining miles. Outsole - The 1.5's widthwise outsole pattern tended to wear unevenly and had a gap/exposed midsole foam in the main area where my forefoot would contact the ground. My gut feeling is that the lengthwise Torin-esque pattern being used in the 3 will wear much more evenly and provide better long-term traction. There's plenty of rubber underfoot, too, which I'll accept as a trade-off for the 3's higher weight if it'll mean the shoes will last longer (which I expect them to). Flexibility - The 1.5 was highly flexible in all of the axes/areas that count, but after 100mi or so, it got almost "too" flexible, if that's possible? I'd expect my thin-soled "barefoot" shoes to let my feet function all but exactly like they would if I were, well, barefoot, while I would fully expect more "traditionally" cushioned shoes like the Escalante to have at least a little structure/snap since they have a thicker midsole and serve a different purpose - and in that area, the 3 delivers. It has just the right amount of flex to let my foot bend and rotate (particularly in the forefoot area) while not feeling sloppy. Hopefully this continues as I put additional miles on these. Versatility - The 3 falls right into the same do-almost-everything category that I'd have placed the 1.5, in that it has the perfect amount of cushion to carry me through my longer, easier-paced miles while also being just snappy and responsive enough to handle faster-paced work. Arch support - None whatsoever, which I am very thankful for. My strong, neutral feet have arches that support themselves and that just don't jibe with the arch supports found in another zero-drop running shoe brand's shoes (despite their claim of encouraging "natural" running form). In the 3, my arches are free to flex and flatten as needed throughout the gait cycle, just like they would if I were barefoot, which is a huge plus for me. If I had to point out anything that didn't work for me, it'd only be that I had to size down by a half size from my normal U.S. Size 12, since the 12's I originally ordered had almost two thumbs' width of distance between my big toes and the front of the shoe (which I don't remember being the case with the 1.5, which felt more true-to-size). Other than that, I honestly can't think of anything else I'd recommend revisiting with future updates. So, long story short, I can't speak to the not-so-great experiences that our one-line, one-star review friends below had (which I took with a grain of salt prior to placing my order). What I *can* do is speak to how these shoes feel on my own feet - and I'm a huge fan of them. My old 1.5s still hold a special place in my running heart since they're what carried me through my (equal parts grueling and freeing) initial zero-drop running miles, and I'm happy to report that the 3 picks right up where the 1.5 left off. Neither iteration of the standard Escalante is a race-tuned shoe like the Kayenta was, which I've come to grips with. The 3 easily covers the distances/paces I'm currently running, and I think it will suit most runners the same way. If you're a zero-drop running shoe aficionado who appreciates a just-right amount of ground feel without sacrificing cushion/comfort, look no further than the 3 - it's a winner!

The Escalante line has been my go-to road shoe for years and the Escalante 3 will keep that going! What I love most about this shoe is the ride which feels the same as the 2.5. It is the perfect blend of cushion and flexibility. The largest change to this model is the upper. The 1, 1.5, and 2.5 had a super stretchy sock-like upper that was very comfortable but not always the most secure. The 3 still has the most comfortable upper of any Altra I've tried while providing a slightly more secure fit for harder runs and going around corners. However, this is by no means the 2. The upper and midsole were incredibly stiff and rather uncomfortable. I think Altra achieved with the 3 what they meant to do with the 2. An amazing ride with a slightly more secure upper.

I love this version compared to the 2.5 for the way it holds my foot in place. A true lesson learned from the overcorrection of the 2.0 as it hold you in place yet hugs your foot and doesn't strangle it. It is a slightly stiffer ride compared to the 2.5 but worth the trade off in my opinion as I don't feel sloppy turning corners or any side to side movement. I wear 10 in most shoes including most Altras my last pair of Altras were the torin 5 regular width and these are similar in fit. I run, lift and run 5k to ultra distances and for an all around training shoe I would recommend this to anyone who is already used to the zero drop. let's hope it lasts with all the reinforcements the production team put into this shoe as I typically beat up my shoes. If all you do is run in a straight line and prefer the bounce of the 2.5 this one might not be for you. Altra has a 30 day return policy so there's nothing to lose it you can spare the change.

Awesome update. Traditional foot shape feel, great update to the tongue (which was always problematic in prior versions), nice soft midsole again fantastic update. Well done Altra!

I have these for all my runs right now. For me, the 2& 2.5 versions were a bit narrow. Nice room in the 3.0. Downside: the stack height is getting a bit think. Can't beat the originals!

I've known about Altra for a while now but finally gave them a real chance after the founder, Golden Harper, was interviewed on The Coach Paul Show podcast. Coach Paul and Golden raved about the Escalantes, and I'm very glad to have tried these shoes. Prior to trying the Escalantes my runs were basically just 2-4 mile jogs around the block, just enough to get in a workout and call it a day. I was running because I always have, but I mostly dreaded each mile. Anything more than 5 miles would typically result in back pain for a few days. I figured I was just getting old. But the Escalantes completely reignited my enjoyment of running. I'm now running more miles more frequently, and the Escalantes are a huge reason for that. I've found these incredibly comfortable, and the zero-drop has basically forced me to focus on my form in a way that I never had before... and I no longer have back pain! Even after a number of 8-mile runs, my back still feels good. So I would definitely recommend these if you are on the fence. That being said, I did not wear the previous versions of this shoe and you can see a number of reviewers claim the shoe is too narrow or too stiff. I agree I would like a little more room in the toe box, and I think these are indeed a little stiff. For me, these are simply areas for improvement, but I can absolutely understand why someone used to a prior version would see this update as a regression. I'm hopeful that the next version will only improve upon what I think is a great shoe!

I love these shoes. I switched to the Escalante's five days before the California International Marathon, and ran a great race with no foot discomfort or blisters. My only complaint is the crease that has developed on the toe that others have mentioned. It's caused by the small little piece of rubber that extends up in the front, and needs to be addressed by Altra. Hopefully they fix this on the next generation. I would also ask Altra to make a version with a dark sole, since I wear mine to the office and would rather they didn't have the bright white sole. I would definitely recommend these shoes.

I've only put on less than 20km so far. It's surprisingly light and feels durable. My form has improved as well.

I wear these as my daily shoe and occasionally when I'm doing road runner. Good for short miles. I had too go up a half a size and the front of my third and fourth toe still rub unlike my other Altras.

I have about 35 miles in them so far. They feel thicker than the 24mm stack height. Toe box is perfect. I wish they were a little bit lighter. Plan on running a marathon in them.

The Escalante 3 feels slightly narrower than the 2.5 which at first I didn't like, but it adds some lateral stability that has actually been really nice. You lose the really comfy, stretchy fit of the old Escalantes, but I appreciate the added support gained from the stiffer upper as long as it isn't taken too far (the Timps, for example, are so stiff through the top I can't get my foot into them in my normal shoe size).

It's definitely a change from the previous models, but still a pretty good shoe. Like several other reviewers, I've had a few different versions of the Escalante. Each version has it's hits and misses. The 3 creases up at the toe (didn't really affect the function), and the fit seems just a little "off" from previous versions. This version seems to be lasting a little longer than some of the other versions (sole and cushion). I don't think anyone will make a shoe that pleases everyone, but the Escalantes are a pretty good shoe for hard surface running. They are comfortable, lightweight, and reasonably sturdy. Which shoes are right for you is just a matter of trial and error. Try out a few of the Altra styles and you'll probably find something that's right for you.

I love these. One of a few brands recommended by my podiatrist,chose these to try,am so happy I did. I actually bought them in white not black. Be great if they were more stylish-not just for exercise.