Altra Escalante 2 Running Shoes

With improved features, including a new design, reflectivity and breathability, the Altra Escalante 2 Running Shoes is a superb update on an already high-performing running shoe.

Mesh Upper

Updated from the previous version, the Escalante 2 has a new knit upper with more perforations for increased breathability. This means that air can enter and exit the shoe, keeping the foot feeling fresh and cool. Increased reflectivity means that the shoe is more visible in low light, making you safer. Thicker material covers the toes and the heel, protecting it from bumps as well as downward forces. The toes benefit from the Footshape box. This allows them to relax and spread out naturally, with the big toe remaining in a straight position for maximum stability and power. Up the foot laces and a padded tongue, with a loop to adjust easily to the perfect position makes it easy to find the perfect comfortable fit. Additionally, Altra have added a new long lasting PU insole and a new Dri-Lex heel liner to provide you with a more comfortable and better on foot feel

Altra Ego Midsole

In the midsole, the shoe uses extremely responsive and high performing EVA. This provides the foot with supreme cushioning and rebound. Using Altra Ego, a technology developed that has a dual nature in the midsole, the compound within has a soft feel, yet it has an increased energy return. This will give you a spring in your step. The soft insole where the foot sits will guarantee long-lasting comfort. The zero-drop platform means that the heel and the forefoot are at the same height. This means that the feet have a more natural alignment with the ground.

Durable Outsole

Built to last, the durable rubber outsole is able to look after itself over the course of a long time. Abrasion-resistant, bumps and scrapes on the road will be deflected away. In addition to this, grip and traction is guaranteed as the rubber can form a strong bond with any surface. Using Altra's Footpod technology, the rubber outsole maps the bones and tendons of the foot, making it bend and move in a more natural way.

About Altra

Altra started in the back room of a speciality running store in the Wasatch Mountains, United States of America. The store noticed they were getting runners from all over the country visiting and complaining of knee pain, shin splints and recurring foot pain. One person in particular noticed this, Golden Harper the founder of Altra. Golden studied running injuries in college and combining his knowledge of injuries and a video analysis at his store made it easy to see and more understandable that traditional running shoes promoted poor form and excessive impact.

This switched on the lightbulb in Golden Harper's head and made him want to help runners achieve their best without pain as well as run and live healthy, happy and naturally. Early concepts were made in a toaster oven and were created to try a new way to reduce the injuries of Altra's customers. The toaster oven served a purpose of melting outsoles off of traditional running shoes and then Golden removed the excess heel elevation. This helped Altra to start creating zero drop running shoes.

The zero drop was just one of the steps taken to return runners feet to their natural position, Altra built a distinctive footshape toe box specifically to help alleviate foot problems. It also enhanced stability and comfort while providing a more powerful push-off.