Price: $130
Type: Road
Weight: 7.9 oz (M), 6.5 oz (W)
The right shoe for: Going faster with just enough cushioning to beat leg fatigue
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The Escalante is a game-changer for Altra. It offers the brand’s signature minimal drop and wide, roomy toe box, but is less minimal than models like the original Instinct, so it appeals to more runners. It’s a very light trainer for runners who want a bit more cushioning (it’s still a minimalist model) with a nice flat-knit upper and bouncy midsole. This update remains similar to the original model, but gets a few small tweaks that make it even better.
The responsive midsole of the previous model remains unchanged. Thanks to the moderate cushioning, you can log mile after mile—with less leg fatigue, according to one tester. A new sleeker shoe cradle encourages more proficient turning. It’s the kind of shoe that performs well during speed workouts on the track, or on uptempo days when you want a light and fast feel.
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There a few details to consider before deciding whether the Escalante 1.5 is the shoe for you. Even though the 1.5 is moderately cushioned, it is still a minimal shoe that simulates a barefoot-like run. Runners who are not used to minimalist running or need support may want to try Brooks’ PureCadence for a lightweight shoe with some stability, or Altra’s Torin to test out zero-drop with a little more cushioning.
Midsole with Cush
One of the reasons why a cushioned and light ride is possible in both the original Escalante and the 1.5 is Altra’s Ego midsole, which is softer and thinner than midsoles in Altra’s earlier models, yet delivers more energy return and a bouncier run, according to our testers. “The cushion is perfect,” said one. “Definitely enough for long runs; I ran two marathons and one half in these shoes in a span of three weeks with no issues.” Another tester, who had previously worn the Torin, said that Escalante felt even faster than that model.
A Minimalist Outsole
With a footprint design on the outsole marked with grippy grooves, the Escalante has good traction over wet roads and a nice tread. But because this is still a minimalist running shoe, its life will most likely be shorter than the average trainer—there’s just less material to stand up to the pounding. Predictably, testers noticed some wear on the sole, especially by the heel after only a couple of runs.
Sleeker Upper
Altra improved the Escalante’s already nice cradle with a sleeker heel cup. Testers liked the snug and soft fit in the heel and felt their ankles were secure. The flexible and breathable engineered knit upper is great for keeping your toes cool on sweaty runs; however, it’s a guarantee socks will be soaked when the weather takes a rainy turn. A 360-degree reflective strip helps with visibility for overcast days and after dark runs.
*The Runner’s World Shoe Lab was unable to test the Escalante 1.5 at the time of this review. For similar measurements to the shoe’s mechanics, please refer to the original Escalante’s results.
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Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
