Altra Escalante Racer

The Altra Escalante Racer is a good lightweight race shoe for the 1/2 marathon and marathon distances.  They may take some getting used to if you haven't used a zero drop shoe before.  Surprisingly durable with the stitched upper, I've had several pairs in which the upper is like new even after running over 1,000 miles in.  I prefer to use them in a  rotation with other heavier shoes and they work nicely for speed workouts and tempo days in addition to longer races.  

Just got a pair of these in because I couldn't find Escalante 1 or 1.5 discounted low enough to where I'd buy them. (I'm a cheap ass and think more than $70 for a pair or running shoes expected to last < 1000 miles is too much.)

My biggest concern was that the Racer version would be too uncomfortable on the roads here in Colorado, but new out of box, I'd say the cushioning experience is similar to The One 2.5, which used to be my favorite shoe; in other words, not quite as cush as the Escalante but still very comfortable.

Otherwise, it feels identical to my Escalante 1 and 1.5. Neutral and light. Note that they probably shaved most weight from the upper. It is no good at all for winter here, but could be quite welcome in the summer heat or in race conditions. Recommended. By the way--I'm 5'5" 120 pounds. Your durability and value ratings would likely vary based on your own size and willingness to pay for shoes.

Wide toe box, low stack height & just enough cushion allows for a good proprioception on landing, contributes to healthy running  

Overall a pretty well made shoe with a little difficulty with hot spots around the laces. I found that they worked well but the bottom of the shoe gave out quickly.

A great shoes for those looking to add something more minimalist. Can do anything from normal runs to workouts. 

Grat for any paces, flexible, great transitioń and ride. Wide and comfy in forefoot area! Standard durability of midsole and outsole apprx 600 km for me.

These were my first shoes with any cushioning after running over 1000 miles in Vibrams. At first, these were great in rotation, with bouncy cushioning and felt ready for speed.

Bought in size EU 44, which is my usual goto size (I find EU sizes more reliable for some reason). The size and the toebox are great and they are very easy to slip into.

I used these to break my 5K PR 25 flat, down to 21:15, my 10K PR from 50 flat to 45 flat. Then finally crushed my half marathon time from 2:13 to 1:43. I strained my calf after going too hard too close to my half effort, so it wasn't the fault of these shoes!

Then a few months later after 400km they just started to feel "hard" and I had to work even for an easy pace. I started to notice the initial signs of Plantar Fasciitis but managed it with rolling. Shortly after I bought the Hoka Carbon X and the pain went away and I noticed running was easy again. I tried these again recently and even my Merrell Vapor Glove 3D felt like it had more spring (which makes no sense as it has no cushioning). So I can only assume I killed the foam after only 400km. Mind you, 95% of my running is on roads and concrete, so maybe I was hard on these guys!

I do love these shoes if I could get them cheaper (in Japan they are very expensive) I would get them again.

The main reason I'd pick the Vibrams over these is durability and price. My original Vibrams were half the price and lasted 1600km before retirement, whilst my second pair are fine after 500km.

Been through two pairs- Boston and 4th of July

Cons:

-Soles wear out fast

-No grip while running on moist asphalt

-Not responsive; no snap; feel dead; cushion is non responsive

Pros:

-Perfect toe-box

-ZERO DROP

-Recovery run shoe

-Light

-Breathable

I really love the racers. They have a great road feel. After about 2 hours I start to feel it a bit so I limit them to half marathon-30k distance (or a marathon if I ever make it to the sub 2:45 mark)

This shoe is firmer, has more energy return and is lighter than the current Escalante's. This shoe is everything the Escalante should be plain and simple. If you like the Escalante you will love the Racer version.