Altra Escalante Racer Women’s Running Shoes
Women's Footwear
Rating
| Rating: | 8.7 / 10 |
| Comfort | 1.8 / 2 |
| Durability | 1.7 / 2 |
| Support Stability | 1.7 / 2 |
| Weight | 1.8 / 2 |
| Value for Money | 1.7 / 2 |
Altra Escalante Racer Women’s Running Shoes Review
Altra is without doubt my favourite shoe brand when it comes to hiking. And its also my favourite for running and fitness training. For a few years now I’ve settled on the Altra Escalante for running with the Escalante Racer being my latest choice.
First why Altra? The attraction for me is Altra’s ‘designed for women’ thinking embedded in every feature as well as the wide toe box and the Zero Drop design. Those who have issues with plantar fasciitis, may find zero drop shoes difficult to wear so a shoe with a height difference between the toe and heel may be preferred. However, I find that switching between heels for work and zero drop shoes for every other activity ensures that my calf muscles don’t become over-contracted. I used to wear the Escalante 2.5 running shoes so the Escalante Racers are a newer addition to the range for the road running I do.
The Racers are super lightweight at 402 grams per pair (size US 9) but don’t compromise on softness underfoot which is important when traversing hard surfaces. The upper of the shoe is a very open ‘engineered knit’ which gives great breathability in hot weather but this isn’t an issue during those cold, dark winter mornings.
Don’t be fooled by the lightness of the shoe construction, I’m happy to report that the Escalante Racers have lasted the distance. I’ve been wearing this running shoe for around 10 months now and there is no visible wear on the upper but some light wear showing on the outside edge of the shoe sole. This shoe isn’t designed for all-weather or all-terrain and so I’m careful to stick to hard surfaces that aren’t too slippery.
I’m back to wearing a size 9.0 US (40 EU) which is a good length for me and given the upper mesh construction, I have plenty of space for toe movement.
I do love Altra shoes but there is one thing that drives me mad….the tongue under the lacing slips sideways as soon as I take a step. This is something I’ve seen consistent complaints about so I know it’s a common experience. To get around this, I loop the laces around the lace guide which helps to keep the tongue from slipping.
This shoe comes in two colours Black Pink (if you look carefully there is narrow purple detailing between the sole and the upper) and Blue (which also has bright yellow and black detail on the sole). My preference is always Black given when I’m done running, I rotate my running shoes to casual street shoes and if they survive, on to gardening wear!
The Escalante Racers really do fit the road running profile given the size of the Altra reflective branding on the shoe heels which ensures you’ll be seen by vehicles approaching you from behind.
The RRP of these shoes is AUD $249.99 but you’ll find them on sale for less but you’’l have to be quick because the Black Pink versions sell fast.
I continue to be very happy with these shoes but I might have to start thinking about what’s next given the running I’ve already done in these!
We Like
- These are a comfortable, very lightweight road running shoe that has lasted the distance and terrain
- Minimal cushioned tongue reduces the shoe weight
- Padded heals provide good protection and support
- They breathe well so your feet don’t overheat. They also dry very quickly in warm weather if they do get wet
- Cushioned but lightweight construction which reduces the impact of road surfaces
- Natural fit wide fitting for wide feet
- Reflective Altra branding on the heels so you can be seen in poor light
We Don't Like
- The tongue slips sideways under the lacing – it just annoys me!
Would I Use These Shoes for Running?
Yes – I do!
Best Use
- For runner who want a comfortable and hard wearing road shoe
- For runners with a wide forefoot
Buy One
You can purchase the Altra Escalante Racer Women’s Running Shoes from Wild Earth or from Wildfire Sports
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Investment
AUD$249.99 RRP
Other Versions
- Available in both men’s and women’s sizings
Altra Escalante Racer Women’s Running Shoes in Black Pink colour
Altra Escalante Racer Women’s Running Shoe sole view
Altra Escalante Racer Women’s Running Shoes close up of top and undersole. These shoes have had 10 months of road running wear. The materials and patterning of the sole create a durable and comfortable shoe
Altra Escalante Racer Women’s Running Shoe – top view showing engineered knit upper
Altra Escalante Racer Women’s Running Shoe – front and rear view. Note how the looping of the laces holds the tongue in place
Disclaimer
This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker
Last updated
25 March 2024