Just a few months ago I bought a pair of Altra Escalante 4s at a stellar price. I titled that review, “My NEW Favorite Running Shoes, PERIOD.”
Well… Altra sent me the new, 5th generation. And I’ve got some serious first world problems. Because I might’ve been wrong.
No Problemos
Here’s where my dilemma starts. Both generations of the Escalantes are phenomenal daily runners. I love running in both because of the wide toe box, zero heel drop, and they get the job done without any pain.
The only time I seem to experience discomfort on a run is when I’m struggle with form. Not the shoes.
The arches of my feet, heels, calves, none of them have problems when I wear these.
They provide just enough cushion from hard roads or gravely trails where barefoot shoes can’t. All while ensuring you can feel the ground and get feedback in each step.
The Differences
Visually, there’s very little that differentiates the Escalante 4s and 5s; especially when they’re in all black color. The 5s are slightly more “incognito” since they ditch the common, large logo placement most shoes have.
However, from the moment you hold and put on the 5s, there’s an instant difference. Comfort… more like stretch. I can’t describe the Escalante 4s as uncomfortable, but the 5s have the upper hand.
Where the 4s upper material is tight and gives the impression of toughness, the 5s are more elastic and feel like Nike’s super soft flyknit material. All while being just as strong and resistant to everyday abuse.
Another nice, more subtle improvement with the 5s is breathability. There are either more or larger perforations in the fabric weave that enables more air to come in.
On Their Own
If we remove the Escalante 4s and just review the 5s, these are an extremely great daily trainer, runner, worker or whatever you plan to use them for. The level of comfort, price, and capability are s-tier.
I would get these for myself, my wife, parents, etc. The laces are well balanced between a slight amount of give, but not overly stiff like a pair of dress shoes. The tongue is thin, comfy, and helps prevent poor circulation.
The EGO foam used to create the midsole is fantastically strong and can handle quite a lot of beating. (Based on past Altras that I still use today after 3+ years.)
The Recap
Here’s the real question. Which pair do I reach for?
The 5s. But why?
I’ve shared in the past how much I love flyknit-like material on shoes. It brings a sock-like level of comfort that, for me, is what I think shoes should aspire to be. They should feel like they’re apart of us, not something that’s on us.
And the 5s achieve that better than the 4s and nearly every other regular, non-barefoot shoe running shoe.
However, if I have to spend my own money. I’m picking whichever has the best price.