Customer Reviews Altra Escalante 3

After getting bought by a large company, Altra has continued to push new models that keep moving farther and farther away from what made Altra famous. Shoes that allow the foot to do what it is supposed to do. Now their shoes are extremely slim and cushioning is looking more and more similar to Hoka. Overall, I wish their board would sit down and reflect on the direction they are taking this company.

Ruined a good product with the changes. Used to be my favorite shoe. At least keep an option to buy the shoes that had the best mechanics and sole. Won't buy it again unless they change it back. Used to love all the Altra's, the original fit shoe and materials were right on the mark. Definitely now changes for the worst. Changing for the sake of change, not performance. Can't say enough about how disappointing this is.

Altra models were never minimalistic, nor a glove shoe, but they would let the feet feel free and work as natural as possible, but now it's gone. Most models are getting chunkier, taller, narrower, heavier and over-supportive what's next? Getting rid of the zero drop as well?

The Escalante has been one of my favorite shoes so I couldn't wait to try the Escalante 3. Out of the box I knew this update was going to great. The shoe has an overall cleaner fit through the midfoot and toe box. It feels much more secure than in years past. It also has that great feel of being cushioned, but not overly so. I feel like it can handle anything from running to casual wear. I'm also a huge fan of the all white men's colorway.

When the 3 was announced, I was intrigued and nervous because they noted that it was a narrower shoe. Like with a lot of Altra runners, I do not have narrow feet, but I do not have incredibly wide feet either. They're just more comfortable with room to breath. At least for me, the 3 fits great and even the shoelaces are better on the 3 than the 2. The shoe tongue is more like a traditional shoe's and much nicer as a result as well. The shoe tread looks like it has a better grip -- whether or not it's true is hard to say because I live in a different area than when I originally bought my 2's. I joined the Altra brand when I bought the original Escalante shoe and I eventually upgraded to the Escalante 2 after I wore those shoes out. My Escalante 2 shoes have been feeling a little worse for wear (particularly the now non-existent tread), and I have always hated the shoe tongue on the 2. For perspective, I find that the Men's CAYD and SOLSTICE XT 2 shoes are a bit on the tight side. The Escalante 3.0's are tight. Not in a painful way, but in a "my feet sweat too much" way.

I, too, was concerned that the new Escalante 3 is not built on the same last as earlier models. It is narrower through the midfoot, or at least it feels that way. It could be that the upper has a more structured feel than the 2.5, which I found to be sloppy. However, the toe box is larger than the 2.5 and more like that of the Torin 4.5. My toes felt very happy up there. I'm also pleased to see the return of the extra eyelet that makes securing the heal easier. The padded tongue is more substantial than I like but not an issue so far. My only concern is that the shoe is not as flexible as the 2.5. The midfoot feels firmer, and it takes more force to twist the shoe laterally and medially. On the other hand, the outsole does seem to be an improvement.

Altra has continued its fall from greatness with the Escalante 3. If you are new to the brand, I can understand how these shoes feel amazing compared to other big brand shoes, but Altra has lost what made them unique and attractive. These shoes are cheap, stiff, and overly supportive. I originally purchased a pair of the original Escalantes in August of 2017 and I still remember the feeling when I first tried them on: The original Escalantes felt like I was wearing a pair of slippers and walking on clouds. I didn't feel like I was wearing a pair of running shoes. They were flexible, wide, and supple and the top was soft, flexible, and breathable. They allowed my foot to spread out to its natural shape, and move like a foot should move, similar to the barefoot trend in running. But compared to barefoot shoes, the original Escalantes also provided enough cushion to protect my feet from rocks and gravel and allow me to run long distances without overly stressing my feet, tendons, and joints. I changed my running style, from heal striking to mid-foot/fore-foot striking when I purchased these shoes and was able to cut over a minute off every mile. When I saw that Altra had been sold in March of 2018 to VF Corporation my first though was "Oh no! They're going to ruin the brand." I immediately got online and ordered a second pair of original Escalantes before it was too late. Time has proven my fear correct: ever since then, the new and "improved" Escalantes have only been a worse iteration of the originals. I tried on the 1.5s, and the 2s, and compared to my original Escalantes, they were terrible and I sent them back. Along with the new, narrower "standard" foot shape, the Escalante 3s have a stabilizing ridge running down both sides of the sole, which causes the shoe to feel even. The shoe inserts are nearly identical when physically stacking the original on top of the new one, but it is these stabilizing bars that causes the shoe to feel narrow. I understand Altra's reasoning behind the bar they were trying to keep your foot on top of the sole of the shoe. Altra tried different approaches with the 1.5 and 2 with their hard plastic bit running down the outside of the shoe. The originals were great without any sort of stabilization. Yes, your foot can slide off the sole which causes extra wear on the upper visible by the holes in the exact same place on my original pairs of Escalantes but the shoes still last plenty long. Each pair of my original escalates has over 1000 miles on them. The Escalante 3s are stiff and uncomfortable. I never encountered any hotspots or blisters while using the original Escalantes. With the 3s, I have had blisters and hotspots on the balls of my feet. This could also be due to the cheap insets provided with these shoes. After maybe 50 miles, I went to put my shoes on and thought I had gotten some dirt or grass in them. I took them off to clean them out and noticed that it wasn't dirt, but it was the insets pilling up and breaking down. I took out these cheap inserts and put in my original Escalante inserts with 1000+ miles on them, and the shoes felt better no more blisters or hotspots on the balls of my feet. Unfortunately my old inserts didn't solve the stiff and uncomfortable problem of the 3s. The uppers on the 3s are stiff and have stabilizing bars through the fabric. Again, I think this is an attempt to keep your foot on top of the sole of the shoe, but the result is a less comfortable, stiffer upper. I used to rave to anyone I could about how amazing Altra shoes, specifically the Escalantes were, but I haven't been able to do that since the originals. I don't recommend you purchase these shoes. Altra, if you are listening to your long-term fans and supporters, please bring back the original Escalantes with all of their "imperfections" and stop your fall from grace. You had something near perfect and are running in the wrong direction.

Altra is losing its way in trying to ape Hoka. It is abandoning customers who liked ground-feel and flexible shoes. These are too stiff and mushy and I will be returning them. Very sad that Altra dropped the original Solstice and now they have messed up the Escalante.......

I used to be a huge escalante fan until I bought the 3.0s. In my opinion, Altra ruined the escalante- feels like a different sneaker- narrower, less breathable (feet overheat compared w the escalante 2.5), and less cushion. On top of this, the material at the front of the toes buckled and crinkled after a few uses and creases will not go away and make the toe box uncomfortable. I contacted the company regarding this issue and they refused to acknowledge that it is a manufacturing defect and refused to help at all. I expect better quality control and customer service at this price point. Sadly, this will be my last pair of Altras.

So disappointed with ALTRA SHOES, I have had to return so many shoes this year alone. All the shoes should have WIDE and NORMAL. Will most likely not be a supporter soon.

I bought the Lone Peak 6's in a size 9.5 (my true size) and have been in love with that trail running shoe and wrote a glowing review on Altra's website. In the review, I said I wanted to find the running shoe equivalent which, from my research, was probably the Escalante 2.5. I tried the Escalante 3 on a treadmill and my impressions were that the shoe was very stiff and the upper material did not stretch to accommodate the shape of my square toed foot. The Standard Foot Shape, unlike the Original Foot Shape of the LP6's, made me size up to a 10 like all other brands running shoes to give my toes more space. Because of this, I ended up buying the red Escalante 2.5 off Amazon in a size 10. While I have enjoyed the Escalante 2.5 for being a more generous shoe in the toe box than other brands, I have not loved it since it does not have the Original Foot Shape. In my opinion, if Altra wants to go down the route of making the Escalante 3 with a stiffer upper material and stiffer sole (imo they should change back to a more flexible sole anyways), they should make a new line of running shoes with the Original Foot Shape just like the Lone Peak 6's with a flexible sole and more malleable upper material of the Escalante 2.5's. I think the masses have been asking for this type of running shoe with the Original Foot Shape for a long time. Altra, please deliver a running shoe version of the LP6's.

First shoes that have fit my feet perfectly. The fit and comfort is absolutely incredible. I have flat feet with a wide toe box and have always struggled to find shoes that fit right. Especially running shoes. The wide toe box on these is perfect for me, I wish I'd known about Altra years ago. I love how light weight these are, they feel like I'm walking on air! I've put about 100 miles on these so far and I couldn't be more impressed with them. I'll definitely be getting a second pair soon. Only negative I have is the price of these. But when paying for comfort, fit, and design what can you expect. These are made with good quality materials. If you're a serious runner with wide feet I highly suggest giving these a try, they're a game changer.

Skeptical at first given how much I loved the 2.5, I appreciate the extra structure this shoe provides. This shoe not only looks great around town (I get complements all the time on the Black one) but it also makes a great Gym shoe for functional fitness workouts and if you like feeling more connect to the ground rather than a squishy feel in your shoes this is one of the best running shoes I've run in. So smooth. Vs the 2.5 I appreciate that it's just a little more, cushion/upper/fit, all feel like just a a little better than before.

Escalante 3.0 --Get your sizing correct and these shoes will perform well. Midsole - Perfect amount of firm but some cushion. These have turned into one of my all time favorite road shoes. They provide a great balance between ground feel and cushion. If you're looking for a shoe that will help strengthen your feet and will be a good minimal mid to long distance shoe, this is your shoe. This shoe isn't for everyone. A few years back, I probably would of hated this shoe but I've worked my foot strength up to where these are a great fit for me(no pun intended...lol) The upper is very secure without having to do a runner knot but if you're hitting the hills and like to feel more secure the option is there. The breathability of the upper is amazing. I'm a big foot and ankle sweater and I have no issues with the mesh upper. Anyways, love the shoe. It's been working out well for me.

I'm a bit of an Altra nerd and the Escalante is the first shoe I always reach for. The knit sock-like upper helps accommodate wide feet and I've found them to be the best fitting of Altra's standard last. The Ego foam cushioning is surprisingly springy and plush. I'm a heavy jogger/walker/trudger with some foot issues like neuroma and plantar fasciitis and the Escalante 3 doesn't irritate either. They are also grippy with a good amount of rubber and thus far they've held up well. I've reached the age where I'm no longer an arbitrator on cool, but I think they look great for my daily kicks which is why I bought a second pair. I have a number of Altras and I have generally liked them all, but if I had to pick one pair to travel, it would be the Escalante. They just do everything! Run, casual, gym, even light trails.

I've worn Altras for nearly a decade, when I made the switch from traditional running shoes to minimalist and barefoot shoes. I've been highly critical of Altra the last couple years due to their changing design towards a narrower more traditional shoe. I expected to hate these, having been a huge fan of the Escalante 2.5s, and seeing the many negative reviews. I'm pleased to announce that I love these, and they may be my favorite Altra to date. They are far less sloppy than the 2.5s felt, and I can take a corner without feeling like my foot is going to slide through the upper. They also feel firmer, yet still have a fantastic bounce to them. They suit my running style perfectly, and I'm ordering another pair. For any long time Altra purists, I recommend giving these a try!

When it comes to fit and functionality, Altra's Men's Escalante 3 Running shoes are the real deal. At first site, I was a little put off by the style of the toe, how round they were, they are just not a typical look for shoes. But when I first put them on, it was clear, these were the best fitting shoes I have ever worn, period. I have wide feet, so the size of the shoe can say "11" but they don't always fit, the Altra Escalante 3 fit like a glove! They have the perfect balance with the footshape design that makes these running shoes stand out above the rest. Perfect for short or long distance runs with it's well assembled material.Iit's sturdy and very breathable, they really designed these shoes with everything bit of thought on functionality and comfort in mind. After enjoying these shoes for a short period, the style works, it makes sense! I love them and can't see me going for any of other running shoe from now on.

First Altras and these are sick. I took them out the first day on the track for some mile repeats and some 400s. They handled the speed quite nicely. Easy/recovery days were great too and I took them on the trails as well and were fun there too (trails with a lot of elevation, roots, and some rocks).

Like seemingly every long time escalante user, I am disappointed to see each iteration get farther from what originally made these shoes great. I wish I could find older models in my size still because I would buy as many pairs as I could find before things get even worse.

Went through 4 pairs of Escalante 2 and loved them. I've run 3 marathons in this shoe and it feels bulky and very different than the Escalante 2. Why do they think that have to redesign a good thing?

This shoe just does not cut it for me. I bought it because I really liked the Escalante 2.5 for low mileage runs and walking. Loved the firmness and response of the 2.5 sole maybe more than any shoe I've ever worn. This one, however, is way too soft and tires you out very quick. Even just walking, it's more tiring. It seems as if the sole actually steals energy from you each step. Everything else about the shoe is fine, except the sole.

I have have had Escalantes for years and they have been one of my favorite running shoes. The new Escalante 3 is a major departure in the Escalante line so much so that they should hve been given a new model name. What is different? The E3 uppers are thicker and stiffer making them hotter and less flexible. The sole of the E3 feels stiffer and it is a tad narrower, which when combined with the stiffer uppers, makes the shoe feel much narrower, in fact too narrow for me. To some these new features may be welcomed, but for the Escalante fan club, probably not. I did return the shoes not for the differences though as I was willing to give them a chance. I returned them because the toe cap on the E3 combined with the stiffer uppers caused a major crease in the toe box which rubbed on my toes... not very comfortable on any run than perhaps to the mailbox and back. I do have a pairs of Escalante Racers, which are not really a great alternative, IMO. Hopefully the E4 will bring back the features and comfort of the Escalante. UGH.