Road running in the Altra Escalante 4s is a delight for zero-drop shoe lovers who need midfoot flexibility and crave the perfect balance between soft cushion and high ground feel.
As a drastic change from version 3, the 4s offers Altra lovers plenty to consider and discuss. While I was initially surprised by the visual changes in the design, I love running in these shoes for all the same qualities that drew me to the line years ago.
In May 2024, Altra released the newest version of the beloved Escalantes. They are notably different from the previous version, and reportedly modeled after 1.5 and 2.
The new version appears significantly narrower and shorter than the 3’s. The fabric is different; it’s now a thin knit without padding except for a little at the back and sides of the ankle.
Overall, it is much less shoe for a design already considered minimal. Even with all these stark changes, my experience running in the shoe has been very similar to my experience in the older model.
I love them both equally; however, that is not the case for everyone. The Escalante line has loyal fans, and those fans have opinions!
Who is it Good For?
- Wide Feet: With the Original FootShape fit, the shoes do cater to those with wide feet, and they feel great to me. However, Escalante aficionados may be surprised by the visible difference in width between versions 3 and 4.
- Heavier Runners: Minimalist shoe lovers of all sizes can enjoy the Escalante 4s.
- Long Runs: If you’re experienced with running in zero-drop, low-cushion shoes, you may have just found your favorite long run shoe.
- Front of the Pack: Speedy minimalist shoe fans may opt for the Escalante Racers, but the 4s are quite similar and worth considering if you want a bit more comfort and squish.
People are drawn to the Escalantes from a few different directions. Perhaps you’re a legit barefoot runner looking for a recovery or rest day shoe.
Or maybe you’re tired of mainstream, high-cushion, tapered-toe-box shoes and curious about the foot-shaped, zero-drop, natural-fit shoe world. Your experience with this area of the running shoe universe will likely determine whether the Escalantes feel luxurious or stripped-down.
Altra Escalante 4 Overview
When I first slipped on the shoes, I felt like a kid again. It was suddenly like I was running barefoot in the grass. My feet relished the full range of motion and detailed feedback from the ground, all without much sensory input from the shoes themselves.
In reality, I wasn’t actually seven and frolicking barefoot on a well-manicured suburban lawn. I am an adult, and I was running on the sidewalks of Manhattan, making my way to Central Park.
Yes, I support the choice to run barefoot anywhere, but I certainly need a nice buffer between the soles of my feet and whatever ick is on the sidewalk.
For me, the Escalantes are joyful and freeing. I wear them for walks, errands, gym workouts, and short to medium distance runs.
They are not yet an option for my long runs because I need to build up a bit more strength in my feet and calves to comfortably handle the workload of zero drop.
Like the previous version, the 4s have EGOTM foam in the midsole, but it’s a bit springier in this edition. The shape and upper fabric are different.
The 3s featured Altra’s Standard FootShape fit, and the 4s follow the Original FootShape fit, which is supposedly more spacious, but my eyes say otherwise.
The change in upper fabric makes the shoe appear narrower and shrinks the volume of the toe box in exchange for a more snug fit. The consensus is that the 4s are much softer, flexible, and responsive than the 3s. Like all the shoes in the lineup, the 4s are snappy and worth a spin.
Altra Escalante 4 Specs
- Weight: 9.5 oz Men’s, 7.5 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 24 mm
- Heel Drop: 0 mm
- 13 colors in Womens and 14 in men
- Not available in wide.
- Available on Altra.com for $130
I love the aesthetics, particularly in the “Black” colorway with the black fabric and sharp white sole. It is easy to style with anything: running clothes, jeans, or even the right sundress. I can happily wear these shoes all day.
Quick Take
Pros
- Great ground feel
- Secure sock-like upper
- Flexible soles
Cons
- Narrower than previous models
- Thin tongue and upper for some
- Less traction
Altra Escalante 4 Fit
The Escalante 4s fit true to the size I wear in all Altras and Topos. They have the original FootShape Fit, Altra’s most spacious toebox; however, the shoe visibly looks narrower than many other Altra shoes, especially the Escalante 3s.
I was initially concerned because my feet are incredibly sensitive to the shape and width of shoes. Even just a few hours in shoes that squish my toes requires a lot of recovery work.
The shape is more in line with what I see in the Vivobarefoot shoes than most Altras, though the Timp 6 is visibly narrow as well.
While other runners may have a different take, the Escalantes do not feel constricting when they are actually on my feet. I attribute the visible slimness mostly to the change in the upper fabric because it’s very thin. There is virtually no padding, and the material fits more like a sock.
In my opinion, the shoe doesn’t feel smaller even though it looks like a lot less shoe when I compare the 3s and 4s side by side. I can feel the upper fabric hugging my feet, which may not be preferable for some, but it works well for me.
Due to the secure fit, there is no rubbing against my toes, although some other reviewers complain online about issues with pressure on various points of their feet.
The glove-like fit extends to the midfoot and heel. For me, it’s not too tight. No special lacing is needed for fit or security; however, the laces are too short, and they annoyingly come untied during my runs. Replacing them is at the top of my to-do list.
The tongue fabric is the thinnest I’ve seen to date. Some reviewers complain about the non-gusseted tongue design, but I have yet to experience any issues with alignment or debris getting in my shoes.
The only real padding in the fabric is located in the heel and around the top of the ankle. My heel does not slip around, and everything feels comfy.
I’m curious to see how the heel fabric holds up, as it broke down pretty quickly in my 3s. Luckily, even 400+ miles into the 3s, the tearing has not affected my experience running in the shoes.
Altra Escalante 4 Feel
The EGOTM foam and InnerFlexTM midsole feel fresh, vibrant, flexible, and bouncy. Although it doesn’t feel heavy, I wouldn’t complain if Altra found a way to make the shoe even lighter, and it seems fans chattering on the internet agree.
The 4s have less rubber on the outsole, intended to lighten the shoe and increase flexibility. I definitely experience the increase in flexibility from the 3s, but I don’t notice any difference in weight.
The reduction in rubber also impacts the grip. I felt solid on wet ground, but super slippery on snow. While I know the Escalantes are road shoes and there are many better options for winter and trail conditions, I appreciate when shoes are versatile, and I’m concerned that the 4s won’t hold up as well as the 3s did for me on the occasional dirt path.
Other reviewers have commented on the lack of breathability in the fabric, and I believe them. In subfreezing temps, my feet are not cold at all, and I can imagine my feet feeling a little stuffy in these shoes during the summer.
It feels healing to wear these shoes because my feet get to feel natural and move fully as they please, and I also get to build some strength.
They are so incredibly comfortable. My ankles do not have to do any extra work. They get to maneuver as they please without interference or support from the shoe, but I am really aware of the sensations in my arch and midfoot because they are not encumbered in any way.
This is a plus because I love being able to move my feet fully, and also an area of caution because I have to make sure the strength of my feet (and calves) can handle the workload I’m putting on them, making these shoes a highlight in my shoe rotation, but not the only shoe I wear for all my runs.
Similar Shoes to the Altra Escalante 4
We’ve tested a few minimalist shoes that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit.
- Escalante Racer 2 – Major differences include an open weave mesh, a slightly deeper toe box, a firmer midsole, and a more secure upper.
- Topo ST-6 – This shoe is lighter at 5.2 oz for women, and has a shorter stack height at 14 mm, a little firmer
- Topo Magnifly 5 – The mesh upper, chunky heel, and rocker shape set this shoe apart from the Escalantes.
Altra Escalante 5 vs Torrin 8
This is an interesting comparison, but one that a lot of you have asked for.
Minus the sad grey colorway we tested, the Torin 8 is a shoe we’d recommend for many more runners than the Escalante.
You can see our Altra Torin 8 review to get the entire lowdown, but quick comparison:
- Torin is a 30mm stack – it feels well cushioned
- Escalante is about 1oz lighter
- Both are zero drop
- We think more distance runners will appreciate the cushion of the Torin
- Torin is going to greatly reduce that ground feel
- Outsole seems similar on both in terms of traction
Our Verdict
The Escalantes provide a stable ride for neutral runners. The cushion is minimal, rather soft, responsive, and flexible. Your feet are close to the ground with ample protection from anything that might be sharp or gross on the sidewalk. It’s a very specific runner who will enjoy the minimal shoe.
What to Read Next?
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