Get ready to run in the Altra Escalante 3. The much anticipated update to this lightweight running shoe, the Altra Escalante 3 delivers with a bouncy, fun ride. The Escalante 3 has an Altra EGOtrade midsole for a responsive, yet soft run. It sports Altrarsquos signature Balanced Cushioning where the stack height of the forefoot and heel are the samemdashalso called zero-dropmdashfor a smooth, natural running stride. Altra redefined the shape of the shoe a bit, widening it in the midfoot to make it feel a bit more stable. This increases the versatility of the shoe and allows it to be used for running and the occasional gym workout. The Escalante 3 is built on Altrarsquos original last with its signature FootShaped toe box, making it the widest and most roomy Altra option. The sock-like upper of the Escalante 3 conforms to your foot, giving you a ton of comfort and breathability. Altra tweaked this upper to provide the best fit possible, giving it a more padded tongue, adding the extra eyelet for heel-lock lacing technique and making it more secure in the midfoot. The outsole has a bit more rubber on the bottom to increase the durability and make it work in the gym, too. The Altra Escalante 3 provides a smooth, bouncy ride for those long runs, but is lightweight enough to pick up the pace for your tempo runs and speedwork.
Get ready to run in the Altra Escalante 3. The much anticipated update to this lightweight running shoe, the Altra Escalante 3 delivers with a bouncy, fun ride. The Escalante 3 has an Altra EGOtrade midsole for a responsive, yet soft run. It sports Altrarsquos signature Balanced Cushioning where the stack height of the forefoot and heel are the samemdashalso called zero-dropmdashfor a smooth, natural running stride. Altra redefined the shape of the shoe a bit, widening it in the midfoot to make it feel a bit more stable. This increases the versatility of the shoe and allows it to be used for running and the occasional gym workout. The Escalante 3 is built on Altrarsquos original last with its signature FootShaped toe box, making it the widest and most roomy Altra option. The sock-like upper of the Escalante 3 conforms to your foot, giving you a ton of comfort and breathability. Altra tweaked this upper to provide the best fit possible, giving it a more padded tongue, adding the extra eyelet for heel-lock lacing technique and making it more secure in the midfoot. The outsole has a bit more rubber on the bottom to increase the durability and make it work in the gym, too. The Altra Escalante 3 provides a smooth, bouncy ride for those long runs, but is lightweight enough to pick up the pace for your tempo runs and speedwork.
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The lowest price for Altra Escalante 3 Mens right now is $250.00 at Pace Athletic.
The all-time low was $250.00 on 30 Nov 2025. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 12 May 2026.
Altra Escalante 3 Mens
Get ready to run in the Altra Escalante 3. The much anticipated update to this lightweight running shoe, the Altra Escalante 3 delivers with a bouncy, fun ride. The Escalante 3 has an Altra EGOtrade midsole for a responsive, yet soft run. It sports Altrarsquos signature Balanced Cushioning where the stack height of the forefoot and heel are the samemdashalso called zero-dropmdashfor a smooth, natural running stride. Altra redefined the shape of the shoe a bit, widening it in the midfoot to make it feel a bit more stable. This increases the versatility of the shoe and allows it to be used for running and the occasional gym workout. The Escalante 3 is built on Altrarsquos original last with its signature FootShaped toe box, making it the widest and most roomy Altra option. The sock-like upper of the Escalante 3 conforms to your foot, giving you a ton of comfort and breathability. Altra tweaked this upper to provide the best fit possible, giving it a more padded tongue, adding the extra eyelet for heel-lock lacing technique and making it more secure in the midfoot. The outsole has a bit more rubber on the bottom to increase the durability and make it work in the gym, too. The Altra Escalante 3 provides a smooth, bouncy ride for those long runs, but is lightweight enough to pick up the pace for your tempo runs and speedwork.
Get ready to run in the Altra Escalante 3. The much anticipated update to this lightweight running shoe, the Altra Escalante 3 delivers with a bouncy, fun ride. The Escalante 3 has an Altra EGOtrade midsole for a responsive, yet soft run. It sports Altrarsquos signature Balanced Cushioning where the stack height of the forefoot and heel are the samemdashalso called zero-dropmdashfor a smooth, natural running stride. Altra redefined the shape of the shoe a bit, widening it in the midfoot to make it feel a bit more stable. This increases the versatility of the shoe and allows it to be used for running and the occasional gym workout. The Escalante 3 is built on Altrarsquos original last with its signature FootShaped toe box, making it the widest and most roomy Altra option. The sock-like upper of the Escalante 3 conforms to your foot, giving you a ton of comfort and breathability. Altra tweaked this upper to provide the best fit possible, giving it a more padded tongue, adding the extra eyelet for heel-lock lacing technique and making it more secure in the midfoot. The outsole has a bit more rubber on the bottom to increase the durability and make it work in the gym, too. The Altra Escalante 3 provides a smooth, bouncy ride for those long runs, but is lightweight enough to pick up the pace for your tempo runs and speedwork.
Last updated at 12/05/2026 17:13:37
Mens Altra Escalante 3 Black / US 11
Free delivery between 18–26 May
originally posted on altrarunning.com
A lot of reviews seem quite polarized, in my opinion unfairly, so as a big fan of the 2.5s I'd like to offer some more tempered feedback.For context, I mostly wear true minimalist and "barefoot" shoes, but enjoy Altras when my feet are a little beat up and want somethings more forgiving. The 2.5s were my goldilocks running shoe, perhaps my favorite ever, so when these came out (and the 2.5s discontinued) I grabbed a pair to see if they meet my needs. Unfortunately, they do not; I'm returning the 3s and buying another pair of 2.5s on discount. HOWEVER, don't write them off, they're a solid shoe and might be good for you. More details below.To compare, what I love about the 2.5s is that they have just enough cushion and bounce (for me) to eliminate excuses when I ... MoreA lot of reviews seem quite polarized, in my opinion unfairly, so as a big fan of the 2.5s I'd like to offer some more tempered feedback.For context, I mostly wear true minimalist and "barefoot" shoes, but enjoy Altras when my feet are a little beat up and want somethings more forgiving. The 2.5s were my goldilocks running shoe, perhaps my favorite ever, so when these came out (and the 2.5s discontinued) I grabbed a pair to see if they meet my needs. Unfortunately, they do not; I'm returning the 3s and buying another pair of 2.5s on discount. HOWEVER, don't write them off, they're a solid shoe and might be good for you. More details below.To compare, what I love about the 2.5s is that they have just enough cushion and bounce (for me) to eliminate excuses when I wasn't feeling primed for a run, but not so much support or cushion as to alter my foot-strike and running mechanics. Again keep in mind I usually wear hyper-minimalist or barefoot shoes. In contrast, the Escalante Racers, while probably a solid choice for racing, were not forgiving enough for me (at that point I'll just put an insole in my barefoot shoes), and the Torin 4s, while super cozy to walk around in, were too much and altered my running to the point of feeling weird reverberations in my knees.If I had never tried the 2.5s, the 3s may have sufficed, but they instead feel like a halfway between the 2.5s and Torins. For most people that's probably fine, but I'll stick with the 2.5s for now.Detailed comparison of 3s vs 2.5s:STACK: Although the spec sheets say both are 24mm stack across, when wearing side by side the 3s noticeably feel like a higher stack. I compared this against a new pair of 2.5s, so it's not because my old ones had flattened out or anything.FIT: a lot of reviews are lamenting the narrower fit, or the reversion from Altra's "original" to "standard" fit, and in response to many of those reviews Altra insists they haven't changed the platform on which the shoe is built. I believe them, HOWEVER, because of the material differences I think the 3s will feel more slim/snug, even if the internal volume/shape is technically the same. The 2.5s use a very stretchy knit, to the point of sometimes even feeling a bit sloppy. The 3s have a much more constructed, more padded, knit, that while still very comfortable is considerably less stretchy. That seems a little unfair to say though; the 3s are still more comfortable than most shoes, the 2.5s were just exceptionally accommodating.Wearing them side by side, the 3s feel way more snug, but they were not uncomfortable nor constricting my feet, and had I given them more time to break in I think they'd do great. I have a fairly wide foot. The 3s felt like they hit the sweet spot of a supportive (ie not sloppy) fit when running but not too tight, whereas the 2.5s were roomy enough to border on sloppy when moving fast. If you have very, very wide feet, such that the extra stretch in the 2.5s hugged your foot perfectly, then the 3s might be too narrow, but otherwise I think you should be good. All in all, the fit is different, but not 'bad.'UPPER: It's way more built up, more padded of an upper. I liked the minimalism of the 2.5s but these aren't bad and are definitely more cozy (again, think back to being a little torin-esque). The downside to that is they're 0.5oz / 15g heavier in my men's size 9s, and they're not quite as breathable. Neither I'd consider deal breakers though.MIDSOLE: the various spec/tech descriptions I'm finding say both the 2.5s and 3s are 24mm, but the 3s absolutely feel higher. Maybe the insoles are different? Some online reviews I watched (before buying the shoes) claimed the midsole was stiffer... I'm not sure about that. For me the composition feels the same, and the extra "stiffness" seems commensurate to a slightly higher stack. The 2.5s had the perfect amount of bounce, feedback, responsiveness, and forgiveness *for me,* feeling that the stack is higher, the 3s have a very similar feel when running but feel ever so slightly less bouncy. I imagine that's because, if there's more midsole stack, for the same amount of force I'm putting into the shoe I'm compressing the foam less. But again, Altra claims otherwise so idk... for context, I wear a size 9 mens, am a forefoot striker with a very efficient stride, and weigh about 145lb. If you're a bigger person or land differently the 3s might feel great.LOCKDOWN: I'm really glad they added the extra eyelet for an optional runners knot! (One of my few gripes with what was lacking in the 2.5s), and that was great. Between that and the more padded upper l got a really good lockdown. However, some other people have mentioned that the fact the tongue starts above the bottom eyelets, limiting the amount they can be pulled together, caused fit issues. This wasn't a problem for me, but I have wide forefeet and rarely have to fidget with that part of the laces. Just something to note.OVERALL: I'm disappointed that, like with many Altras, this was a serious hit or miss for me. So many people loved the 2.5s, for good reason, and with the exception of the added lace-locking eyelets this update strays away from a lot of what we loved. However, as a standalone product this shoe is pretty good and I think many people will enjoy it. It's absolutely worth trying. Unfortunately though I'm nervous that once my 2.5s need replacing, Altra will no longer have a satisfactory offering for more minimalist runners like me. Once again, the 2.5s were the perfect sweet spot between the Racers and the Torins, and the 3s have veered too much toward the latter.
originally posted on altrarunning.com
I had an old version of the Escalante years ago that was a great transition shoe after I broke my toe. The cushion was great, and the slipper-like upper was comfortable. It wasn't the most balanced shoe though. My feet tend to supinate, and that particular Escalante couldn't adequately correct it. Now, after years of minimal footwear, I needed something more cushioned for my daily walks. So I tried the latest Escalante 3 in black. It was still comfortable, and the changes to the upper, while making it a bit stiffer, helped with my supination. (Yay!)But after six weeks, the glue on rubber tip at the front of the left shoe started to wear and separate from the upper. In addition, the fabric on the heel had worn through. This is after SIX WEEKS, walking only, no ... MoreI had an old version of the Escalante years ago that was a great transition shoe after I broke my toe. The cushion was great, and the slipper-like upper was comfortable. It wasn't the most balanced shoe though. My feet tend to supinate, and that particular Escalante couldn't adequately correct it. Now, after years of minimal footwear, I needed something more cushioned for my daily walks. So I tried the latest Escalante 3 in black. It was still comfortable, and the changes to the upper, while making it a bit stiffer, helped with my supination. (Yay!)But after six weeks, the glue on rubber tip at the front of the left shoe started to wear and separate from the upper. In addition, the fabric on the heel had worn through. This is after SIX WEEKS, walking only, no running, and 1-2 miles max daily at a time. I contacted customer service to see if they would replace it since I don't think the shoe should be showing so much damage from so little wear or effort. After a week, there was still no response. I contacted Altra again through chat, filled out this long 17-item email of information they needed, took a bunch of required pictures of the damage, and sent back my response. I was told that this was wear and tear and since it was past the 30-day warranty, I was out of luck.So forget the company's stated 300-500 mile warranty. While I don't agree that the the rubber tip is NOT a manufacturer defect, since I was past that 30-day mark, too bad.I will never buy another Altra product.
originally posted on altrarunning.com
Let me start by saying i am dedicated to Reebok nano's. I own way more pairs then i should. Picking up a pair of these Altra Running Escalante 3 as part of a product test i was very skeptical. Out of the box these are a great looking shoe. Nice contour great color pattern. They feel light and somewhat flexible in the sole. First thing you notice the toe box. Nice super wide toe box. Allowing your foot to spread out and not be jammed into an uncomfortable cramped position. Putting the Escalante's on they are super comfortable. They have more cushioning and support through the full foot then i am used to, i have flat feet so barefoot shoes are ideal for me, but surprisingly it works. standing on flat ground i feel like i am leaning back a bit but i know that's just my ... MoreLet me start by saying i am dedicated to Reebok nano's. I own way more pairs then i should. Picking up a pair of these Altra Running Escalante 3 as part of a product test i was very skeptical. Out of the box these are a great looking shoe. Nice contour great color pattern. They feel light and somewhat flexible in the sole. First thing you notice the toe box. Nice super wide toe box. Allowing your foot to spread out and not be jammed into an uncomfortable cramped position. Putting the Escalante's on they are super comfortable. They have more cushioning and support through the full foot then i am used to, i have flat feet so barefoot shoes are ideal for me, but surprisingly it works. standing on flat ground i feel like i am leaning back a bit but i know that's just my own ergonomics at work. Around the house they are very comfortable and could easily be used as an every day shoe. On the road and on the trail the shoe seems to really shine. With every stride and impact on the ground whether its pavement, dirt, logs branches, the shoe feels great as it grips the terrain almost as if it gets wider to give you a more stable footing. I have not had a chance to test longevity but on the surface these look and feel like a quality shoe that will last for quite awhile. Will these replace my Nano X2's? I will have to give them a more extensive test but i will say they are a close contender and will move to the front in my lineup.
| ARCH SUPPORT | Neutral |
| TERRAIN | Road |
| PURPOSE | Running |
Mens Altra Escalante 3 Black / US 11
Free delivery between 18–26 May
A lot of reviews seem quite polarized, in my opinion unfairly, so as a big fan of the 2.5s I'd like to offer some more tempered feedback.For context, I mostly wear true minimalist and "barefoot" shoes, but enjoy Altras when my feet are a little beat up and want somethings more forgiving. The 2.5s were my goldilocks running shoe, perhaps my favorite ever, so when these came out (and the 2.5s discontinued) I grabbed a pair to see if they meet my needs. Unfortunately, they do not; I'm returning the 3s and buying another pair of 2.5s on discount. HOWEVER, don't write them off, they're a solid shoe and might be good for you. More details below.To compare, what I love about the 2.5s is that they have just enough cushion and bounce (for me) to eliminate excuses when I ... MoreA lot of reviews seem quite polarized, in my opinion unfairly, so as a big fan of the 2.5s I'd like to offer some more tempered feedback.For context, I mostly wear true minimalist and "barefoot" shoes, but enjoy Altras when my feet are a little beat up and want somethings more forgiving. The 2.5s were my goldilocks running shoe, perhaps my favorite ever, so when these came out (and the 2.5s discontinued) I grabbed a pair to see if they meet my needs. Unfortunately, they do not; I'm returning the 3s and buying another pair of 2.5s on discount. HOWEVER, don't write them off, they're a solid shoe and might be good for you. More details below.To compare, what I love about the 2.5s is that they have just enough cushion and bounce (for me) to eliminate excuses when I wasn't feeling primed for a run, but not so much support or cushion as to alter my foot-strike and running mechanics. Again keep in mind I usually wear hyper-minimalist or barefoot shoes. In contrast, the Escalante Racers, while probably a solid choice for racing, were not forgiving enough for me (at that point I'll just put an insole in my barefoot shoes), and the Torin 4s, while super cozy to walk around in, were too much and altered my running to the point of feeling weird reverberations in my knees.If I had never tried the 2.5s, the 3s may have sufficed, but they instead feel like a halfway between the 2.5s and Torins. For most people that's probably fine, but I'll stick with the 2.5s for now.Detailed comparison of 3s vs 2.5s:STACK: Although the spec sheets say both are 24mm stack across, when wearing side by side the 3s noticeably feel like a higher stack. I compared this against a new pair of 2.5s, so it's not because my old ones had flattened out or anything.FIT: a lot of reviews are lamenting the narrower fit, or the reversion from Altra's "original" to "standard" fit, and in response to many of those reviews Altra insists they haven't changed the platform on which the shoe is built. I believe them, HOWEVER, because of the material differences I think the 3s will feel more slim/snug, even if the internal volume/shape is technically the same. The 2.5s use a very stretchy knit, to the point of sometimes even feeling a bit sloppy. The 3s have a much more constructed, more padded, knit, that while still very comfortable is considerably less stretchy. That seems a little unfair to say though; the 3s are still more comfortable than most shoes, the 2.5s were just exceptionally accommodating.Wearing them side by side, the 3s feel way more snug, but they were not uncomfortable nor constricting my feet, and had I given them more time to break in I think they'd do great. I have a fairly wide foot. The 3s felt like they hit the sweet spot of a supportive (ie not sloppy) fit when running but not too tight, whereas the 2.5s were roomy enough to border on sloppy when moving fast. If you have very, very wide feet, such that the extra stretch in the 2.5s hugged your foot perfectly, then the 3s might be too narrow, but otherwise I think you should be good. All in all, the fit is different, but not 'bad.'UPPER: It's way more built up, more padded of an upper. I liked the minimalism of the 2.5s but these aren't bad and are definitely more cozy (again, think back to being a little torin-esque). The downside to that is they're 0.5oz / 15g heavier in my men's size 9s, and they're not quite as breathable. Neither I'd consider deal breakers though.MIDSOLE: the various spec/tech descriptions I'm finding say both the 2.5s and 3s are 24mm, but the 3s absolutely feel higher. Maybe the insoles are different? Some online reviews I watched (before buying the shoes) claimed the midsole was stiffer... I'm not sure about that. For me the composition feels the same, and the extra "stiffness" seems commensurate to a slightly higher stack. The 2.5s had the perfect amount of bounce, feedback, responsiveness, and forgiveness *for me,* feeling that the stack is higher, the 3s have a very similar feel when running but feel ever so slightly less bouncy. I imagine that's because, if there's more midsole stack, for the same amount of force I'm putting into the shoe I'm compressing the foam less. But again, Altra claims otherwise so idk... for context, I wear a size 9 mens, am a forefoot striker with a very efficient stride, and weigh about 145lb. If you're a bigger person or land differently the 3s might feel great.LOCKDOWN: I'm really glad they added the extra eyelet for an optional runners knot! (One of my few gripes with what was lacking in the 2.5s), and that was great. Between that and the more padded upper l got a really good lockdown. However, some other people have mentioned that the fact the tongue starts above the bottom eyelets, limiting the amount they can be pulled together, caused fit issues. This wasn't a problem for me, but I have wide forefeet and rarely have to fidget with that part of the laces. Just something to note.OVERALL: I'm disappointed that, like with many Altras, this was a serious hit or miss for me. So many people loved the 2.5s, for good reason, and with the exception of the added lace-locking eyelets this update strays away from a lot of what we loved. However, as a standalone product this shoe is pretty good and I think many people will enjoy it. It's absolutely worth trying. Unfortunately though I'm nervous that once my 2.5s need replacing, Altra will no longer have a satisfactory offering for more minimalist runners like me. Once again, the 2.5s were the perfect sweet spot between the Racers and the Torins, and the 3s have veered too much toward the latter.
I had an old version of the Escalante years ago that was a great transition shoe after I broke my toe. The cushion was great, and the slipper-like upper was comfortable. It wasn't the most balanced shoe though. My feet tend to supinate, and that particular Escalante couldn't adequately correct it. Now, after years of minimal footwear, I needed something more cushioned for my daily walks. So I tried the latest Escalante 3 in black. It was still comfortable, and the changes to the upper, while making it a bit stiffer, helped with my supination. (Yay!)But after six weeks, the glue on rubber tip at the front of the left shoe started to wear and separate from the upper. In addition, the fabric on the heel had worn through. This is after SIX WEEKS, walking only, no ... MoreI had an old version of the Escalante years ago that was a great transition shoe after I broke my toe. The cushion was great, and the slipper-like upper was comfortable. It wasn't the most balanced shoe though. My feet tend to supinate, and that particular Escalante couldn't adequately correct it. Now, after years of minimal footwear, I needed something more cushioned for my daily walks. So I tried the latest Escalante 3 in black. It was still comfortable, and the changes to the upper, while making it a bit stiffer, helped with my supination. (Yay!)But after six weeks, the glue on rubber tip at the front of the left shoe started to wear and separate from the upper. In addition, the fabric on the heel had worn through. This is after SIX WEEKS, walking only, no running, and 1-2 miles max daily at a time. I contacted customer service to see if they would replace it since I don't think the shoe should be showing so much damage from so little wear or effort. After a week, there was still no response. I contacted Altra again through chat, filled out this long 17-item email of information they needed, took a bunch of required pictures of the damage, and sent back my response. I was told that this was wear and tear and since it was past the 30-day warranty, I was out of luck.So forget the company's stated 300-500 mile warranty. While I don't agree that the the rubber tip is NOT a manufacturer defect, since I was past that 30-day mark, too bad.I will never buy another Altra product.
Let me start by saying i am dedicated to Reebok nano's. I own way more pairs then i should. Picking up a pair of these Altra Running Escalante 3 as part of a product test i was very skeptical. Out of the box these are a great looking shoe. Nice contour great color pattern. They feel light and somewhat flexible in the sole. First thing you notice the toe box. Nice super wide toe box. Allowing your foot to spread out and not be jammed into an uncomfortable cramped position. Putting the Escalante's on they are super comfortable. They have more cushioning and support through the full foot then i am used to, i have flat feet so barefoot shoes are ideal for me, but surprisingly it works. standing on flat ground i feel like i am leaning back a bit but i know that's just my ... MoreLet me start by saying i am dedicated to Reebok nano's. I own way more pairs then i should. Picking up a pair of these Altra Running Escalante 3 as part of a product test i was very skeptical. Out of the box these are a great looking shoe. Nice contour great color pattern. They feel light and somewhat flexible in the sole. First thing you notice the toe box. Nice super wide toe box. Allowing your foot to spread out and not be jammed into an uncomfortable cramped position. Putting the Escalante's on they are super comfortable. They have more cushioning and support through the full foot then i am used to, i have flat feet so barefoot shoes are ideal for me, but surprisingly it works. standing on flat ground i feel like i am leaning back a bit but i know that's just my own ergonomics at work. Around the house they are very comfortable and could easily be used as an every day shoe. On the road and on the trail the shoe seems to really shine. With every stride and impact on the ground whether its pavement, dirt, logs branches, the shoe feels great as it grips the terrain almost as if it gets wider to give you a more stable footing. I have not had a chance to test longevity but on the surface these look and feel like a quality shoe that will last for quite awhile. Will these replace my Nano X2's? I will have to give them a more extensive test but i will say they are a close contender and will move to the front in my lineup.
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 ... MoreI 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!
I've been in Altra's since 2015 and pretty much have ran in their entire lineup. I remember their OG Escalate and that shoe was money. Super soft knit sock like upper and a really soft EGO midsole and absolutely loved it! I ran through three pairs. The 1.5 was even better with a ever so slightly tweaked upper. I again ran through three pairs of the 1.5 and absolutely loved them. Then came the 2, 2.5, and now the 3..... I'll be honest I'm not sure what happened and I guess no one else does either, but from what it appears the 2 to the 3 haven't been nowhere as successful as the 1 and 1.5. The Escalate 3 is claimed to be on a standard foot shape last which makes we wonder about the consistency of their lasts. When I wear the Escalate 3 I have copious amounts lateral ... MoreI've been in Altra's since 2015 and pretty much have ran in their entire lineup. I remember their OG Escalate and that shoe was money. Super soft knit sock like upper and a really soft EGO midsole and absolutely loved it! I ran through three pairs. The 1.5 was even better with a ever so slightly tweaked upper. I again ran through three pairs of the 1.5 and absolutely loved them. Then came the 2, 2.5, and now the 3..... I'll be honest I'm not sure what happened and I guess no one else does either, but from what it appears the 2 to the 3 haven't been nowhere as successful as the 1 and 1.5. The Escalate 3 is claimed to be on a standard foot shape last which makes we wonder about the consistency of their lasts. When I wear the Escalate 3 I have copious amounts lateral mid foot spill over, but on the Torin 6, Escalate Racers, Escalate 1-1.5, and the Superior 5 I do not which really confuses me if all the above mentioned share the same last. I noticed the mid foot spill over on the 2, 2.5, and now the 3. Chatted with all my wide footed confidants and they literally told me same thing. The Escalate 3 also feels very tight and a tad short to me. So if this shoe happens to be for you I'd go up a half size. It seems Altra has lost their roots, but I speculate their newer parent company forced a alot of change to boost sales to non wide footed runners since they're a lot more of them than us. I hope they can pull a Hoka and have a limited run of their OG Escalates (1.5 would be awesome!) like Hoka did with Clifton. Altra we love you and please don't stop being you!
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 ... MoreFor 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!
I was in the market for a new pair of Altras and I almost did not purchase the Escalante 3s because of all the negative reviews. I read comments about the shoes being EXTREMELY narrow, the upper being really stiff, the cushioning feeling like HOKAs, etc. Pretty much everything bad that could have been said about these shoes was said. I decided to go to a local running store to try them on myself. I was suprised that the shoes felt quite good. They were very wide, the cusioning was resposive and somewhat minimal (I frequently run over 13 miles so I like to have some cushion but not too much), and the upper was not too stretchy. I bought a pair and have run about 50 miles in the shoes and I love them almost as much as my Lone Peaks. The people who gave these shoes 1 ... MoreI was in the market for a new pair of Altras and I almost did not purchase the Escalante 3s because of all the negative reviews. I read comments about the shoes being EXTREMELY narrow, the upper being really stiff, the cushioning feeling like HOKAs, etc. Pretty much everything bad that could have been said about these shoes was said. I decided to go to a local running store to try them on myself. I was suprised that the shoes felt quite good. They were very wide, the cusioning was resposive and somewhat minimal (I frequently run over 13 miles so I like to have some cushion but not too much), and the upper was not too stretchy. I bought a pair and have run about 50 miles in the shoes and I love them almost as much as my Lone Peaks. The people who gave these shoes 1 star did not buy the shoes!!!! They feel just as wide as my Lone Peaks (which have the original footshape fit) and they have felt really good to run in. I ran a half marathon today and my feet felt great. I can activate the muscles in my feet with no issue.Overall this is a great shoe. Maybe some people had bad experiences but there is no reason there should be almost as many 1 star reviews as 5 star reviews. End of story, I hope this helped.
I love Altras. After my first pair they are the only brand of shoe I've bought for the last 5 years. I've owned multiple pairs of every previous escalante. I can see some of the improvements they made with the upper and they do seem like they might be more durable however cushioning and the sole on these is awful.One of the best parts about previous escalante's was you could actually feel the road and there was still plenty of cushion. The escalante 3 must be twice as thick on the cushioning and it's too stiff which creates this weird stiff bouncy feel that creates this feeling of being unbalanced and no sensation of what the terrain feels like. I hate them. I have been trying for weeks to break them in and get used to them but I put them on and 2-3 hours later I ... MoreI love Altras. After my first pair they are the only brand of shoe I've bought for the last 5 years. I've owned multiple pairs of every previous escalante. I can see some of the improvements they made with the upper and they do seem like they might be more durable however cushioning and the sole on these is awful.One of the best parts about previous escalante's was you could actually feel the road and there was still plenty of cushion. The escalante 3 must be twice as thick on the cushioning and it's too stiff which creates this weird stiff bouncy feel that creates this feeling of being unbalanced and no sensation of what the terrain feels like. I hate them. I have been trying for weeks to break them in and get used to them but I put them on and 2-3 hours later I have to take them off and change back to my old pair that the soles are coming loose on because my back and calves and shins hurt so bad from fighting with the unnatural cushioning. I'm constantly feeling like I'm trying to catch my balance which is why I think is part of why they make everything hurt lol. It's like the bottom of the shoe is curved. Whoever made this design choice is used to a very different type of shoe and has made a terrible revision. I can see how any of you who like lots of cushioning might like these but this is not what the shoe was like ever before. It's too bulky and too great a deviation from previous versions. Most of the positive reviews to me look like people who are new to Altra.I'm very disappointed and after trying really hard to get used to them I am returning my pair because they are unusable. Hoping I can find some pairs of the 2.5 somewhere or I'm going to have to change to a different shoe.
Where to start? I have the Escalante 2.0 and the 2.5, both great shoes for running or everyday wear (not good for lateral movements, however). The 3.0 has a stiff upper so if feels narrower because it doesn't allow your foot to spread over the sole if it's really wide (which is why many of us come to Altra, right?). The length also feels shorter because I bought the same 10.5 I wear in all my other Altras (Lone Peak, Escalante, Superior) but in the Escalante 3.0 my toes can touch the front. There is less cushioning so impacts feel harder and the shoe sounds noisy running on pavement, I miss the running-on-thin-clouds-while-wearing-slippers feel of the previous Escalante shoes. The sole is stiffer and less flexible as well. All in all it feels like a totally ... MoreWhere to start? I have the Escalante 2.0 and the 2.5, both great shoes for running or everyday wear (not good for lateral movements, however). The 3.0 has a stiff upper so if feels narrower because it doesn't allow your foot to spread over the sole if it's really wide (which is why many of us come to Altra, right?). The length also feels shorter because I bought the same 10.5 I wear in all my other Altras (Lone Peak, Escalante, Superior) but in the Escalante 3.0 my toes can touch the front. There is less cushioning so impacts feel harder and the shoe sounds noisy running on pavement, I miss the running-on-thin-clouds-while-wearing-slippers feel of the previous Escalante shoes. The sole is stiffer and less flexible as well. All in all it feels like a totally different model from previous versions. The only thing I would use it for is everyday wear for walking or being out and about because it looks nice. That's the only positive I have to give the 3.0. Altra is taking a wrong turn and beginning to alienate their customer base. I fear for the future of the Lone Peak, now that the Escalante is dead.
Been using Escalante, went through several 1.5's, followed by 2.5's. My first 3.0 and I hopefully see many more in the future. The most notable change from the 2.5 to 3.0 on an already great show, to me is for the better: the tongue is now padded with cushion and provides less pressure on my upper foot from the tying of laces. The 2.5 tongue amounted to just a piece of fabric and I would at times struggle trying to have the foot feel secure in the shoe without tying tight enough with the cinching of the laces and then feel pressure on my upper foot. The 3.0's padded tongue really helps lock the foot in place in the shoe without as much pressure on the top of the foot. Love this change.Also improved with the 3.0, the laces aren't too long as I found in the previous ... MoreBeen using Escalante, went through several 1.5's, followed by 2.5's. My first 3.0 and I hopefully see many more in the future. The most notable change from the 2.5 to 3.0 on an already great show, to me is for the better: the tongue is now padded with cushion and provides less pressure on my upper foot from the tying of laces. The 2.5 tongue amounted to just a piece of fabric and I would at times struggle trying to have the foot feel secure in the shoe without tying tight enough with the cinching of the laces and then feel pressure on my upper foot. The 3.0's padded tongue really helps lock the foot in place in the shoe without as much pressure on the top of the foot. Love this change.Also improved with the 3.0, the laces aren't too long as I found in the previous models. I had to triple knot my 2.5's to not have the laces touching thre ground.The slight negative I will note with the 3.0 is the change in traction on the outsole, it really seems to attract a collection of tiny rocks that I never had an issue with on previous models. If you're exclusively paved roads, maybe it's never an issue. But on finely crushed gravel trails, expect to attract some souvenirs of your travels, at least until the outsole wears enough that the tiny channels disappear.Overall though, super happy with the evolution of the Escalante!
| ARCH SUPPORT | Neutral |
| TERRAIN | Road |
| PURPOSE | Running |
