Altra running shoes got its start when founder Golden Harper hacked up a traditional pair of running shoes, removed the heel padding, and glued it back together with a toaster oven. As Harper admits, it wasn’t the most attractive shoe. But these modified shoes went on to become the zero-drop shoes Altra is now renowned for.
If you were in the running world back in the late 2000s, you probably remember the barefoot running shoe craze. Barefoot, minimalist running shoes came from the idea that our feet should be in a natural, barefoot-like position while running to reduce pressure and strengthen feet muscles.
In recent years, the running shoe world has drifted more towards maximalist, high cushion shoes. But Altra continues to promote natural movement and a grounded running experience.
The first Escalante, released in 2017, was truly a one-of-a-kind running shoe. The model has changed and adapted over the years. However, this flagship product is still a fan-favorite for anyone looking for a light and flexible shoe. And in the 5th iteration, Altra maintains all the features and elements that countless runners, walkers, and gym-goers have come to appreciate about the model.
The Escalante 5 doesn’t give you a typical running shoe feel. So who would benefit from this unique design? And should you consider adding it to your shoe rotation or look elsewhere?
Our Review Process
Throughout this review, we’ll aim to answer all your questions about the Escalante 5 to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs. To provide the best possible insight, we’ll do a deep dive into all the features this updated training shoe has to offer.
Along with learning all there is to know about the specs and tech, we also needed to take a look at how the Escalante 5 performs. Our review team laced up the newest Escalantes and took them for leisurely miles around our neighborhood, speed workouts on the track, long runs, trail miles, and all the miles in between. We’ll give you the rundown on how they stacked up on runs and whether they might be the right fit for you.
A Brief Overview: Escalante 5 Tech and Specs
Need a quick recap of what you can expect with this newest Altra shoe? Here’s a closer look at the stats and technology the Escalante 5 has to offer.
- A low-cushion, neutral daily trainer
- Stack height: 24/24 mm
- 0 mm drop – Balanced midsole cushioning from the heel to the toe
- Weight: 9.7 oz (M), 7.75 oz (W)
- Midsole made from responsive Altra EGO foam
- FlexGrooves enhance flexibility and aid in smooth transitions
- Updated engineered knit upper and refined tongue create a lightweight, flexible, and breathable fit
- Standard Footshape design allows toes to spread out naturally
- Enhanced rubber outsole increases grip and durability
- Price: $140
Altra Escalante 5: Key Details and Highlights
Now that you have a better understanding of the Escalante, let’s explore the key features that make this such a fan-favorite shoe model among Altra’s vast line-up.
Lightweight & Minimal Midsole Design
The minimal midsole has always been the Escalante’s standout feature, so our team members were happy to see that Altra kept this element consistent in the newest Escalante.
The Escalante 5 features a low platform of Altra EGO foam underfoot. This cushioning is incredibly lightweight and responsive, helping you feel the ground as you bounce forward through each stride.
There’s also only 24 mm of foam in both the heel and forefoot. In a day and age where running shoes are focused on delivering as much plush cushioning as possible, this minimal stack height and airy foam allows you to feel stable and connected to the ground beneath you.
The Escalante 5 is also one of the most flexible shoes you can find on the market today, thanks in part to the InnerFlex grooves throughout the midsole. These grooves help the shoe move and bend as your foot does for a natural, barefoot-inspired ride.
Zero Drop Construction
Another element we’ve come to expect from the Escalante is a balanced, zero drop design. In running shoes, this drop refers to the difference between the heel stack and forefoot stack. While most running shoes have a slightly raised heel, the Altra Escalante 5 is completely level from heel-to-toe.
The zero drop design offers a huge range of benefits. It helps keep your feet in a natural position as you run or walk. You have more groundfeel and stability under the foot. And while the zero drop design may feel different at first, over time it will help strengthen the feet and improve alignment, reducing pressure on the back, hips, and knees.
However, while some runners, walkers, and gym goers will appreciate this balanced midsole, others may find it doesn’t quite work for their gait. It engages different muscles as you run, and you may notice more strain on the Achilles and calves. Before jumping into the Escalante 5, consider your injury history and running gait to determine whether a zero drop design could work for you.
Redesigned Engineered Knit Upper & Overall Fit
The Escalante 5 is inspired by barefoot running shoes, and the engineered knit upper truly embodies the barely-there feel Altra was aiming for. It’s super light around the foot, offering a nearly sock-like fit for maximum comfort during any workout. It’s also incredibly ventilated for unmatched breathability and airflow.
While previous iterations have relied on a similar knit upper, the Escalante 5’s upper saw some major upgrades around the heel and tongue. The redesigned tongue and heel collar provide a more flexible, adaptive, and secure fit around the foot.
The heel and the tongue keep you locked-in around the heel and midfoot, but when it comes to the toe box, there’s unparalleled freedom of movement. The Standard Footshape design provides lots of wiggle room so you won’t feel constricted, even after long days on your feet.
Durability & Versatility
The Escalante was already a relatively durable shoe, especially considering how little foam and materials are in the shoe. But Altra took this durability to the next level in the Escalante 5, incorporating a new rubber outsole with improved coverage and protection.
At $140, the Escalante 5 sits at a lower price point than a lot of other daily trainers today. So while you won’t get the same plush cushioning found in comparable models from other brands, you can feel confident you’re getting great value for your money.
We also really appreciate the Escalante 5’s versatility. The low profile design kept us feeling grounded and stable no matter where our workouts took us. And with a light, responsive feel, it can easily carry over from uptempo runs to daily miles and gym workouts.
Road Test Results
In a time where every new trainer we try is aiming to be softer, more luxurious, and higher off the ground than the last, the Escalante 5 is a breath of fresh air. Of course, we don’t mind the plush, protective cushioning found in countless running shoes. But there was certainly something to be said for the immediate grounded, stable feel when we stepped into the Escalante 5 for the first time.
If you’ve been in traditional running shoes with raised heels and lots of cushioning, the Escalante 5 may take some getting used to. As we started to run, the low amount of cushioning and zero drop design was definitely noticeable. You get less impact absorption and protection underfoot and can feel more of the ground with each step. This difference may be especially jarring for heel-strikers who tend to prefer a bit more cushion and shock absorption in the heel.
Low cushion, barefoot-inspired shoes like the Escalante aren’t for everyone. But if you prioritize overall comfort, flexibility, and stability in your running shoes, the Escalante 5 is unmatched. The Altra EGO foam and midsole grooves add just a bit of bounce and energy underfoot, while the balanced design provides a natural, distraction-free ride.
Our team members who prefer a wider fit also couldn’t stop raving about the Escalante 5’s new upper design and fit. The signature wide toe box lets toes completely splay out for maximum comfort, while the sock-like knit upper fits securely to the feet. We were also pleasantly surprised with the brushed texture on the tongue, which provides extra luxury and softness around the top of the feet.
Another of the Escalante’s standout elements is the design’s versatility. The shoe is lightweight and incredibly flexible, making it easy to complete both daily miles and more uptempo runs. And while runners who prefer plush cushioning wouldn’t want to use the Escalante 5 as a longer run shoe, it can be a great choice for anyone who prefers feeling connected to the ground during any running or walking distance.
The Escalante 5 is a road shoe, so it excels most on roads, tracks, or treadmills. But if you want a road shoe capable of handling gravel paths or light dirt trails, the Escalante 5 is adaptable enough for different terrain too. The high coverage rubber provides effective grip on different surfaces, while the balanced, low-profile design keeps your footing stable on roads, trails, or even during strength training at the gym.
Escalante 5 Pros and Cons
Barefoot-inspired running shoes like the Escalante 5 can be divisive, especially when shoes are trending so far in the opposite direction. But the Escalante 5 brings a lot of pros to the table, as well as a few cons to keep in mind if you’re debating whether the shoe is right for you.
Pros
- Refined engineered knit upper with updated tongue and collar provides a secure, sock-like fit that feels custom-made for your feet
- Low stack of Altra EGO midsole foam creates a balanced feel with maximum stability and groundedness
- Versatile, flexible, and lightweight design allows for easy carryover on different runs or workouts. This allows the shoes to easily adapt to daily miles, uptempo efforts, gym workouts, and more
- New rubber outsole construction improves grip and traction for added security on both roads and light trails
Cons
- Low cushion design results in less step-in comfort and shock absorption over the course of walks or runs
- Zero drop design may take some adjustment, especially for heel-strikers or anyone coming from more traditional, high drop running shoes
Other Options to Consider
Altra was an industry leader back when minimalist, barefoot running shoes came onto the scene, and the brand continues to excel in this category today. They’ve also expanded their line-up to include several more cushioned designs, and even some with a slight drop to them.
However, several other brands have dipped their toes in the minimalist running shoe category, and if the idea of a wide, barefoot-inspired running shoe appeals to you, there are a few other options to consider.
First, we would suggest trying out some other options from Altra themselves. If you’re not fully ready to jump to a zero drop shoe, the Altra Experience Flow 3 offers a middle-of-the-road option that maintains a grounded feel with a 4 mm drop.
Topo running shoes also draw lots of comparisons to Altra shoes. Like the Escalante 5, the Topo Magnifly 6 has a zero drop construction and wide toe box, with a few extra mm of cushioning compared to the Escalante.
Finally, athletes looking to blend elements of the Escalante with a more standard running shoe feel should consider trying out the Mount to Coast R1. The shoe has a moderate amount of firm cushioning that allows you to feel the ground under your feet without sacrificing shock absorption. And with a higher 8 mm drop, it’s a good alternative for anyone concerned about switching to a completely flat running shoe.
The Finish Line: Closing Thoughts on the Escalante 5
In the Escalante 5, Altra seamlessly blends responsive cushioning, a low-profile design, and a flexible upper to deliver one of the best iterations of this minimal shoe yet. The shoe incorporates some innovative upgrades, all while maintaining what lots of people already loved about the Escalante.
Like we mentioned, the Escalante isn’t going to be a shoe for everyone. It’s low cushion, ultra flexible, and completely level under the foot. But when it comes to groundfeel and natural comfort, the Escalante 5 is hard to beat.
Curious whether the Escalante 5 could be the shoe for you? It’s available to try on now at your nearest Marathon Sports.
Altra’s goal is to keep the world moving naturally, and the Escalante 5 is taking a big step towards helping them reach this goal and keeping you moving the way you were meant to. At Marathon Sports, we want to help with this goal and keep you moving as comfortably and pain-free as possible. And whether that’s in the Escalante or another top choice on the market, we can’t wait to help you continue on through your running journey.
