Altra - Escalante Racer 2

Saucony Kinvara 16 when I'm running outside. Trying out the Altra Escalante Racer 2 as my treadmill shoe. These are little interesting because of the wide toe box. They feel great though.

Over the last few years I've found that i lean towards: * 0-6mm drop shoes * lower stack shoes * not a fan of aggressive arch support (topo... 🙄) * wide toe box, I don't have particularly big wide feet but I don't want my toes to be crammed Now I'm spoilt for choice with trail runners that hit those above criteria, but week to week I have to do a lot of road miles too. Can anyone here give me a daily road shoe recommendation? I have Altra Escalante Racers, which are a cool shoe but a bit of a niche weapon, they don't feel great at lower speeds. And the Topo Cyclone 2, these are great fun but again don't really suit daily miles, they are more of a workout or race shoe for me. I want a daily shoe that's a bit more versatile. I think that I'm kind of done with Altra, they have a few shoes that are great but often I just find them a bit meh... I've tried Torins for road and found them to be very dull. I used to use the Kinvara 13 as my daily trainer but the lack of wide toebox puts me off. I get on with zero drop but find some drop to be useful for road running, especially as mileage increases. I don't want a road shoe with excessively high stack as I find that encourages sloppier form when I get tired. I've shortlisted: * Inov8 Roadfly - these look like they tick a lot of boxes, the only thing that puts me off is that one reviewer noted that they are actually 9mm drop not 6mm (RunRepeat) and not ideal for forefoot strikers * Saucony Kinvara 15 - apparently back on form after the 14, but lack the wider toebox that I'm used to * Karhu Ikoni - similarly tick a lot of boxes and looks versatile but I'm not familiar with footshape and sizing * Karhu Fusion - same as above Any other ideas to put on my list? Or good experiences with a road shoe option?

Yeah I really like the Escalante Racers and ages back I had the super minimal Vanish XC shoes, both proper back to basics runners. The Torins (7?) aren't too bad in fairness, I just never pick them over other shoes I find them a bit heavy and uninspiring, the fit is sloppy on me too but I probably bought too big. I have Outroads too which I like for mixed surface stuff they are underrated but a bit hot and heavy. I guess I'd definitely consider the new Escalante but part of me thinks that they are too similar to the Racers that I already have. Right now this moment I'm leaning towards Karhu Fusion 4 - they just seem to tick the most boxes for me and a good middle ground of everything.

Oh dear.... Let's see what I can name from memory... 1. Track spikes 2. Carbon racers 3. Altra Vanish for speed days 4. Mizuno Vista for fast long runs 5. Asics Nimbus for cushioned easy runs (won these in a raffle) 6. New Balance something for cushioned easy runs (bought these because they're cute) 7. Topo Terraventure - favorite trail shoe 8. Saucony Peregrine - cute trail shoe 9. Altra Olympus, and 10. New Balance Leadville - trail shoes I just don't wear much but are in too good shape for me to toss 11. Saucony Endrophin, 12. Topo Specter, 13. Adidas Adizero - these were all the Boston themed shoes, and I wanted them all. I've only worn the Saucony so far. They're all tempo shoes. 14. Brooks Ghost - fun print, given to me as a gift. 15. Brooks Revel - Christmas pattern, so I save these for Christmas runs 16. Nike Zoom Fly - tempo, won these in a raffle 17. Altra Escalante Racer - don't love these, but they're small, so they're solid for when I'm traveling and need a shoe that doesn't take up space in a suitcase. 18. Altra Escalante - These has 355 miles, so I can probably toss them. Um. I have a problem...

Oh dear.... Let's see what I can name from memory... 1. Track spikes 2. Carbon racers 3. Altra Vanish for speed days 4. Mizuno Vista for fast long runs 5. Asics Nimbus for cushioned easy runs (won these in a raffle) 6. New Balance something for cushioned easy runs (bought these because they're cute) 7. Topo Terraventure - favorite trail shoe 8. Saucony Peregrine - cute trail shoe 9. Altra Olympus, and 10. New Balance Leadville - trail shoes I just don't wear much but are in too good shape for me to toss 11. Saucony Endrophin, 12. Topo Specter, 13. Adidas Adizero - these were all the Boston themed shoes, and I wanted them all. I've only worn the Saucony so far. They're all tempo shoes. 14. Brooks Ghost - fun print, given to me as a gift. 15. Brooks Revel - Christmas pattern, so I save these for Christmas runs 16. Nike Zoom Fly - tempo, won these in a raffle 17. Altra Escalante Racer - don't love these, but they're small, so they're solid for when I'm traveling and need a shoe that doesn't take up space in a suitcase. 18. Altra Escalante - These has 355 miles, so I can probably toss them. Um. I have a problem...

I have the escalante racer, here in Texas it is a nice upgrade from the standard escalante, full mesh upper. SUPER breathable, and lower stack height and lighter weight. I don’t use mine as an everyday shoe, so can’t speak on longevity or mileage unfortunately. My absolute favorite is an older model Merrel trail glove. I believe they’re on model 7, I have a pair of 3’s that are chefs kiss.

Yeah I love them. And the Escalante Racer is even thinner & lighter. (Tho probably built more for speed than durability)

If you want something in between, try an Altra Escalante. Wide toe box. Zero drop. Med-low cushion (stack).

Altra Escalantes!! I’ve gone through 4 pairs of Escalante 3s, and just got the 4s (they’ve been out for a while), and I might love them even more. The Escalante Racers are also 👌🏼for speed work.

Escalante racer and non racer fits ur requirements perfectly.

I hope they never discontinue this line, my favourite and most comfortable shoe by far (I wear barefoot while not running).

I have had two pairs of escalantes and I have used them as a daily sneaker and a running shoe. Absolutely the best at both. Honestly I wish Altra would bring back/expand their lifestyle shoe models as I don’t really need barefoot, just zero drop and wide toe box. They hit all the right boxes, but only offer athletic styles for now. Lems is my go to daily boot/shoe as a runner up for having some cushion and zero drop/wide toe.

Altra! Escalante Road, Lone Peak trail.