How to Choose Running Shoes

Built with merino wool uppers, Altra x Smartwool Escalante 4 women's road-running shoes improve thermal comfort while roomy toe boxes allow natural movement and plenty of room for toes to move freely.
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Imported.
View the Altra Escalante Product LineView all Altra Women's Road-Running ShoesBest Use | Running |
---|---|
Running Shoe Support | Neutral |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 0 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 24 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 24 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Smartwool merino wool |
Midsole | Altra EGO foam |
Outsole | Rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 15 ounces |
Gender | Women's |
5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Women's | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11..5 | 12 |
UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
EU | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 |
Altra’s unique FootShape™ toe box and zero to low shoes are built to place your foot in a natural position, with a stable and confident foundation to run on. When fitting, be sure to allow a full thumb’s width in front of your toes. If your feet are used to cramped toe boxes, Altra shoes may feel a little big at first. Give your toes some time to get used to the newfound wiggle room.
Altra offers a range of FootShape fits:
Original Fit: The fit that started it all, Original is the roomiest of the 3 options from Altra.
Standard Fit: The most common fit from Altra is right in the middle of Original and Slim.
Slim Fit: The slimmest-fitting Altra option still allows room for your toes to spread out naturally.
IS THIS SHOE TRUE TO SIZE? The product Features above will provide a suggestion if Altra advises you to size up or down in this particular shoe. If no such note exists, please order your regular size.
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The shoes look nice and feel comfortable with plenty of room in the toe box. The shoe laces that come with the shoes are too short and I can’t tie them if laced traditionally. The laces also will not stay tied.
I had been dealing with truly horrible metatarsalgia, neuroma, and bunion pain this year. These are my first Altras, and they have absolutely saved me! I did have to glue in a little gel pad to support my metatarsal arch for my particular condition, but the wide toe box, supportive mid-foot, and good cushioning have been game changers, especially when worn with Injinji toe socks. (I tried Xero shoes first, but the natire of my injury required more cushioning for my feet.) I'm so grateful, because I was worried of my hiking days were over.
These are my second pair Altra. My other is the Lone Peak All Weather 2. I do like these new ones a lot. They are very comfortable. But I would caution that they don't seem to fit quite the same as my other pair. So I would advise either purchasing when you can try on or being sure you have a return option. My only complaint is the laces which are absolutely awful. They chose a flat slick surface lace and they simply will not stay tied! Drives me crazy. So I'm looking for some replacement laces that will fix that. Although they came with two sets of laces, both sets are a flat slippery material. Makes absolutely no sense to me. My other pair has a more typical round lace and no problems with it. Staying tied. I can't keep the new ones tied. Even with a double knot. They're constantly working loose. The Smart Wool Factor does make them a little warmer in the cooler temperatures. Certainly not like a winter boot. But definitely warmer than a regular tennis shoe.
I have purchased several Altra shoes (Lone Peak, waterproof hikers) and find that they are the most comfortable shoes I own, due to the shape of my feet. It decided to try these because of the wool uppers and I was not disappointed. They flex with my foot, are not too warm or too cool, and I can walk anywhere in them. I have not had them long enough to comment on how well they will wear.
I've worn escalante for several years. These are tight across top of foot with a seam right across big toe bone that causes pain. Not like escalante 3 version. Tongue is thin and different also. Returned. Didn't feel like wider "original" sole either.
These are the best of many Altra shoes I’ve recently tried. I’m really not sure they will work for an older arthritic foot. They give me ample space and don’t aggravate any of my painful areas so that is great. I’m not convinced that my foot has enough lateral support from the insole or the upper. I’ll try them for short outings and see how it goes over time. I do think they are very attractive!
Oooh, these are nice. They first caught my eye in the store. Good-lookin'. But the fit is just snug enough in the heel while wide enough for all my wide toes to wiggle up front, preventing further hammer toes and bunions (just started seeing some of each). Size 12 women's, no less. I need the space! With these shoes, I've got it. Zero drop doesn't feel weird either. Love at first wearing.
This is not my first Escalante, but may be the most comfortable. Part wool upper makes them extra cozy. I buy for the minimal feel: wide toebox, zero drop sole, with just enough cushion for long walks on hard surfaces. Love this colorway. My only complaint is the laces. C'mon, Altra, at this price point, please make the laces a little longer. Otherwise, great shoe!
Very light and comfortable. Size runs small. I'm usually in size 7 but got 7.5 for this one.
Very comfortable and the design offers good stability. They may keep you from slipping in icy conditions. The toe box is. wide and comfortable and the shoes seem less liable to be sweaty.