Altra is a famous footwear brand and has introduced many unique style shoes. One of these unique shoes is Escalante which is the love of many road runners, gym workers and casual wearers.
The Escalante 2.5 and 3 have gained much fame and attention because of their superior design, cushioning, and high performance. But which shoes are the best option? To know this, I have designed this article to get an overview of both shoes along with some differences and customer reviews.
Comparison Table Between Altra Escalante 2.5 and 3:
| Features | Altra Escalante 2.5 | Altra Escalante 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched In | 2020 | 2022 |
| Stability | Less stable | More stable |
| Flexibility | More flexible | Less flexible |
| Sizing | 7-14 for men and 6-10 for women | 7-15 for men and 5.5-12 for women |
| Weight | 8.8 for men and 7.4 for women | 9.3 oz for men and 7.7 oz for women |
| Cushion | Less cushioned | More cushioned |
| Outsole | Rubber | Footpod |
| Midsole | Altra EGO and rubber | AltraEGO |
| Upper sole | Breathable mesh | Sock-like engineered knit |
| Retail Price | $170 | $130 |
Altra Escalante 2.5 Vs. 3: Good, Bad and The Worst:
Altra Escalante 2.5 and 3 are two famous road running shoes but these have some differences and similarities to help you choose the right pair of shoes:
1) Comfort
Altra Escalante 2.5 has a breathable mesh upper which offers ventilated room to your feet and keeps them comfortable and cool during running. The flexibility of these shoes enhances foot movement and provides a barefoot-like feel.
Altra Escalante 3 offers more cushioning to feet because of the thick mesh upper and soft midsole that enhance stability, comfort and support during running.
2) Popularity
Both Escalante 2.5 and 3 are popular running shoes but the new version 3 is more popular because almost 60% of runners prefer this shoe while 40% prefer 2.5.
Escalante 2.5 is famous among runners who want a flexible and barefoot-like feel because of its thin upper and less cushioned midsole.
Escalante 3 is more famous because of enhanced cushioning and aggressive outsole that offers more traction on all types of surfaces during long runs.
3) Running
Both Escalante 2.5 and 3 are perfect running shoes because of the versatility and comfort these shoes provide while road running, trail running and casual wear.
However, the Escalante 2.5 is not designed for serious runners but it is perfect as a recovery shoe because of its soft and moderate cushioning and lightweight feel.
4) Walking
Both Escalante shoes offer the perfect walking experience because 2.5 allows you to get a barefoot-like feel due to the thin sole while 3 offers more cushioning which provides a comfortable walking experience on different terrains.
5) Flat feet
Escalante 2.5 and 3 are perfect for flat feet runners because of the wide toe box that allows feet to move naturally and reduces the risk of injuries and discomfort to flat feet.
However, 2.5 is mainly designed for flat feet runners because of the lack of heel height and has ideal arch support but these shoes are not perfect for people with high arches.
6) Design
Escalante 2.5 are simple and classy shoes with different vibrant colors and breathable mesh upper that keep feet cool and allow them to breathe and the synthetic overlays at the upper provide support.
The midsole of 2.5 is made of EGO foam which is a mixture of EVA and rubber to provide a lightweight, durable and cushioned feel.
The outsole of 2.5 is made of durable rubber for better grip and shock absorption on different trails such as wet, uneven and dry.
Escalante 3 comes with a sock-like engineered knit mesh upper that increases ventilation in the shoes and keeps the foot dry and cool on hotter days. The upper of 3 is more structured than 2.5 so provide a secure fit.
The midsole of 3 is made of Altra EGO foam similar to 2.5 and provides extra cushioning and a soft feel during running and walking.
The outsole is equipped with Foot pod technology which helps to absorb shock and provide a better grip on uneven surfaces to make the running experience smooth.
What do customers think?
We have discussed comparisons and differences between Escalante 2.5 and 3. Now is the time to discuss what customers think about these shoes.
Escalante 2.5: Many customers claim these shoes are lightweight and comfortable with enough room in the toe box for natural foot movement and cushioned soles.
A customer said that these shoes are perfect for road and trail running because of enough support, stability and flexibility.
People also say that these shoes are true to size with enough arch support and thick insole that help to absorb shock.
Customers like these shoes because they have no heel and flat soles that make them more natural and protect the lower back.
Escalante 3: Customers consider these shoes with good grip and cushioning feel but they also say that these shoes are not perfect for people who love running on trampolines underfoot.
A customer said that 2.5 is better than 3 because it is too narrow which makes feet feel suffocated and uncomfortable.
People also don’t like the extra height of 3 which makes these shoes less responsive and exciting to runners.
Most people want 2.5 back because Escalante 3 is not good as it causes pain by putting most of the body weight on heels.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
Altra running shoes either trail or road runners are always the center of attention. It is because of the wide toe box and zero drop feature that is present in each Altra shoe.
Altra Escalante 2.5 and 3 are two famous running shoes. As Escalante 3 is a new version of 2.5 but according to me, it is not as good as 2.5. We have seen many positive customer reviews about Altra Escalante 2.5 while many negative reviews about Altra Escalante 3.
Altra Escalante 2.5 provides a barefoot-like feel and cushioning effect on all types of terrains while running. While Altra Escalante 3 offers more cushioning and an aggressive feel on the road and trails while running.
Now is the time to decide which pair of shoes is the best fit for your feet. No matter which shoes you choose, make sure to check reviews on the official site.