Removable rock plates allow you to add protection when you need it, and the burly rubber outsole creates plenty of grip for picking up the pace on dicey terrain. I don’t think there is enough here to warrant recommending this over the 4.0, but if you liked it and need a new pair, then you might as well go with the newer model. The Solstice is an exceptionally versatile shoe that’s built to handle gym days and the occasional low-mileage training run. If you want an all-around shoe that will sometimes be on your feet for the fast stuff, Escalante 2. Hope: It doesn’t feel like what I expect from the Escalante, but I don’t mind it. Soft cushioning makes the Altra Torin 4.5 Plush a comfortable cruiser on par with many popular max-cushioned running shoes. Firstly, like Jeff, I found that the tongue had a tendency to wander off laterally. Hope (US W9.5, true to size): The Beacon 2 is a worthy successor to the nearly perfect OG Beacon. The second feature is called Balanced Cushioning. Hi Anonymous,The Altra Spring 2020 catalog shows no changes to Escalante Racer.Sam, Editor. I think Altra stripped the Escalante of its soul by changing the makeup of its Ego foam, but those who craved more stability from this model should be pleased with the change. ). Recently I spent two weeks on vacation in Portugal, and the Torin 4 was the only shoe I took with me. Dom, thank you for taking the time to respond to my question. The only factor that doesn’t have me skipping off to the altar in this shoe is its weight: at 277 g / 9.8 oz per shoe (US M10), it feels a little on the heavy side. It provides a seamless layer of support for your arch and a snug, wrap-around fit. If not, then I would probably hold off for the 5.0 to look for the next big design iteration on this platform It looks like Altra is using this design in the majority of their low-cut models (excepting their featherweight racers), so I don’t expect to see it change. Altra Superior 4.0 vs. Superior 3.5 vs. Superior 3.0. The upper has been completely redesigned in a wrap-around style for added security and support; the midsole features Altra's proprietary Quantic foam, while the outsole is now made of Altra's sticky MaxTrac rubber. Go R3. I don’t love the upper of the Razor, but it is good enough, and paired with the midsole/outsole combination, it’s hard to give the Escalante the nod here. I’d give the nod to the Beacon 2. But the E2 feels MUCH better at uptempo speeds, and the Epic React has a fine toebox compared to the Altra amazing toebox. The Escalante 2 feels like a throwback to the original Altra shoe, the Instinct. (Some of that weight saving comes from the neutral Torin’s lack of additional stability features, but none of our testers felt unsteady in the shoe.) They could lose some of the excess weight by shaping the shoe more to a modern day foot. The Nike is $20 more (but if you are flexible on colorways can be found for less, even in the recently released V2 that changed very little) and is about an ounce lighter and brings much more underfoot than the Escalante 2. Awesome Inc. theme. I put on the Escalante 2 and enjoyed everything about it. Underneath, the shoe sticks with the same Quantic midsole and grippy outsole for a soft and luxurious ride. I am a huge fan of the Epic React (saw no real difference between OG and 2), and I love what Hope aptly calls “the Goldilocks blend of softness and bounce” of the ER2. Inviting and Enjoyable in Every Way! Flip a coin, both are great shoes. There is also a removable StoneGuard which is 1mm thick and weighs one ounce. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. They stuck with their classic foot-shaped design that defines Altra, and the security of the upper is a nice change. Even with the trimmed down feel, though, Altra kept its consistent cushioning thanks to the plush and lightweight Quantic foam. They work for different runners/purposes - the Torin 4 has the cushier ride, the E2 has the livelier ride. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Altra Torin 4 Intro. Quantic debuted on the Superior 4, and its main benefit is low weight—it’s a bit lighter than Ego foam. This is why this blog is my #1 go to website for shoe reviews. Sally is a compact (petite) runner at 5' 2" and 105 pounds. The 29mm stack height is great for all-day comfort without the thick platform of max-cushioned trainers (in the Altra lineup, the Timp is 4mm lower than the Olympus and 4mm higher than the Lone Peak), and the hybrid Quantic midsole material adds some firmer responsiveness to Altra’s lightweight EGO compound, helping you step up the pace as needed without losing too much energy … It’s designed to keep your foot aligned in the shoe, and helps counter overpronation during your stride. But for a trainer, weight isn’t so critical, and durability may be more important. As Jeff mentioned, the upper improves upon the overly dense fabric of the OG making the shoe feel as airy and free as its spry, snappy midsole deserves. Can any of you all compare these to the Topo Magnifly 2? Hoping that the upper will stretch a bit more? The brand new Altra Quantic™ midsole is both lightweight and cushioned; we removed the Strobel layer for … It’s about as close to barefoot trail running as you can get while still lacing something onto your feet. ER2 gets my vote. Ride: 9 (50%), Fit 8 (30%), Value 7 (15%) , Style 8 (5%). Traction is excellent thanks to the Vibram Megagrip outsole, and the TrailClaw lugs work well on both hard-packed and loose surfaces. To commemorate her 60th birthday (and hopefully crush the new age group), she will run the NYC Marathon in November. Boston 8 hands down for me. I would be more apt to wear these with street clothes given their neutral appearance. The Torin 4 takes our fan-favorite and tunes it for race day. Technical Specification. While I didn’t push the Escalante 2 to the long run limit, my sense is that the firmer midsole is more protective. Sally: The midsole has a lively, bouncy ride, but is fairly firm underfoot. Your purchases help support RoadTrailRun. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Like 99% of the population, my big toe has been bent inward (presumably from years of wearing conventionally-shaped shoes while I was growing up) and no longer extends straight in line with my first metatarsal. Again, not world shattering awful, but a minor gripe that shouldn’t exist on a shoe that’s been around this long. They do give a sense of how thick the upper is in places. Any word on if this update will effect upcoming versions of the escalante racer? The Altra EGO™ midsole gives you performance and cush while the knit upper brings you endless co I think the Beacon 2 is more fun and will suit a broader group of runners than the Escalante 2, so it’s my pick. The Superior 4.5 features the same 21mm-thick Quantic midsole, MaxTrac rubber outsole, and TrailClaw tread pattern as the Superior 4.0. Altra Torin 4 Plush er videreførelse af succeen Torin. One shouldn’t need to reach down to yank on the tongue midr.un Perhaps more loops farther up the tongue to secure in the laces would have helped? :  I think I liked the Escalante 2 more than the other reviewers. It has a lively, springy, energetic ride while providing plenty of cushioning (and rock protection when taken off-road). Run on performance in the Torin 4.5 Plush! But on mellow trails, the Escalante 2 has excellent manners. It was my choice for my “A” marathon in Fall 2018 and when everything else went wrong that day, the R3 stayed true. (Added bonus: The low-key styling makes this a good candidate for casual wear, too.) ¡Compra online! True story. But as Jeff observes, the upper is particularly stretchy in this area, and I never experienced any discomfort. The GR7H upper loses it for me, being both too restrictive in the toebox and way too loose in the rest of the foot, and doesn’t hold the foot well enough to wear for uptempo runs. The company uses two main cushioning materials in its shoes: Ego and Quantic. Jeff runs 40 miles per week, both roads and desert trails in North Phoenix, Arizona. Huzzah! Value priced and easy on the eyes, the SR2 is my preference. Jeff’s absolutely right that it’s a great “Swiss Army Knife” shoe in that it can handle just about every workout you throw at it. Both shoes have an impressive amount of cushioning, and both have excellent foot retention. Ride (50%) 8, Fit (30%) 10, Value (15%) 7, Style (5%) 7. With the Escalante 2, Altra has changed up both the upper and midsole/outsole some, while still trying to solidify the shoe as their lightweight daily trainer. FREE 2 Day Shipping EASY No Sweat Returns, All Reviews: Road & Trail Run Shoes, Gear & Tech By Brand, Latest Run Shoe and Gear Reviews & Articles, RTR Team Best of Road & Trail Run 2020. I’m not experienced with zero drop shoes and I never had a problem with either the Escalante 2 or the OG, so it’s possible to make a swift, painless transition, but I would still encourage caution. The Escalante 2 feels springier and firmer underfoot; the Torin has a cushier feel. New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 Multi 10 Tester Review: Raising the Energy Level..Big Time! Give me the Epic React. Consequently, my big toe ends up much more in the middle of the toe box, with oceans of empty space on the outside. React foam delivers a Goldilocks blend of softness and bounce that Ego doesn’t quite match in the Escalante 2. Thanks! Along the way she has raised over $200,000 for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital running with. I see no need to ease into this shoe. With its stable, cushioned ride, the Provision is one of the best support shoes on the market, and the latest version comes with Altra’s InnovArch tech in the upper for an improved fit. He has a PR's of 4:07 marathon and 5K at 23:39 both he is working to demolish with help from his coach Dave Ames. (Ex: A men’s 7.5 is a women’s 9.). Please let us know mileage, paces, race distances, and current. Sally: I agree with Dom in that I like both Altra shoes (my first Altras, looking forward to more in the future). Style-wise it wins by a country mile (for what that’s worth), but the upper is much more slim fitting than the E2 - even though the Boston 8 has a more relaxed fit than the earlier versions. This said E2 runs very well with lots of bounce, a solid breathable upper, and a rubber outsole that will give you hundreds of miles before any exposed midsole gets worn down. He is currently training for UTMB. Hope:  Traction is good, but I do miss the softer, almost herringbone patterned tread of the OG Escalante which gave it outstanding grip even on wet asphalt and imparted a bit of cushioning. These models, and all those that followed, showcased three core technologies that continue to separate Altra from other brands. This means there is more cushion underneath your foot in the Altra … Nevertheless the shoe would be improved by more tongue retention: the burrito-style tongue used in the Superior 4, for example, would be perfect here. Jeff: Both shoes fit true-to-size 10.5. I found the shoe to be very comfortable and with surprisingly good foot retention. I would lean toward the Escalante 2 were it not for the striking difference in weight: the Torin weighs 9.1 oz (per shoe in size US M10) while the Escalante 2 clocks in at 9.8 oz. She trains about 50 miles per week with many of her runs in the (broad) 8:00-10:00/mile range. The Torin 4 takes our fan-favourite and tunes it for race day. Quantic debuted on the Superior 4, and its main benefit is low weight—it’s a bit lighter than Ego foam. An EVA-based “Propel Plate” embedded in the midsole generates additional bounce for snappy toe-offs, and overall it’s very flexible and lightweight—ideal for fast paces. It’s a bit like a heel-loaded Mizuno without a plate and has tons of giddyup plus a great-fitting upper. Its upper is sublimely comfortable, the midsole is something special, and the extra flange on the lateral side is something I’ve never known was an option as a supinator, but now that I’ve had it I don’t want to let it go. Jeff: Both shoes fit true-to-size 10.5. Jeff: Altra has a number of great midsole materials, Ego, Abound, and Quantic, and while I don’t have a firm grasp of what makes each different from each other, I’ve enjoyed each material in an Altra shoe recently. Most notably, the Escalante 2 is far less flexible than its predecessor (which I can easily bend in half). Epic React wins for me. Year in Review Articles, RTR German, Spanish, French & Danish Reviews. The OG Escalante featured a single layer of mega soft, mega bouncy Ego (top black layer is just a paint job). The midfoot seems incredibly narrow for Altra (which means it is as wide or wider than almost everyone else), and that creates a very good platform for most runners’ feet. One of the top lightweight trainers (albeit with a fatally flawed upper), the GR7H midsole and ride are a class above the Escalante 2 - but you could say that about just about any shoe made in 2019. ALTRA TORIN 4 RUNNING SHOES - MEN'S We've taken the fan-favorite Torin and tuned it for the racecourse. This midsole is also used in the Superior 4, but at a much lower stack height. Remarkably, foot retention is still excellent: crafting a shoe that is stretchy without being sloppy is a difficult trick to pull off. Altra is doing a damn good job of making foot-shaped shoes not be embarrassing to wear out in public. Overdelen er i vævet nylon der sidder som en strømpe på foden. Or perhaps there is some torquing due to the tongue slippage? The partial-coverage outsole rubber strikes a nice balance between weight, grip, durability, and flexibility. If you haven’t dabbled in low/zero drop, then you should be cautious and work into it, it can put extra strain on your lower legs. Dang not too many people are liking this version. Jeff: Bouncy, bouncy, and bouncy, the Ego midsole does its job well. This one is a little unfair to the Altra, the Rincon just gets so much right. ALTRA Ego™ midsole GuideRail™ support StabiliPods™ stability. Unless you have wide toes, go with the Rincon and enjoy my likely 2019 shoe of the year. Both shoes are very capable road shoes that can be drafted into light trail use. Description If you love the Torin and love running fast, this may just be your favourite Torin yet! How we test gear. They are comfortable, springy, and looked sharp. quantic Quantic was inspired by a desire to combine the plush feel of Altra EGO with a lightweight ride, it cushions every step and floats over any surface Read more I found the Escalante 2 to be a really capable training shoe. ... Quantic™ midsole FootPod™ technology High cushion . It remains one of my favorite go-to shoes, and the Altra E2 doesn’t have that enviable silent softness. Dom:  No criticisms of the outsole here. The upper is both more restrictive (at the heel) and less restrictive (midfoot to forefoot) in the Reebok, and while the toebox is good, it isn’t an Altra. I felt like I could run hours a day, every day in this shoe, and it would just soak up the miles. Between the two it’s all a matter of purpose - if you want a shoe for uptempo work exclusively, go Escalante Racer. Compared to the Torin 4 that. Jeff: Both shoes fit true-to-size10.5. And our testers have worn them for everything from marathons to track workouts. Jeff: Razor is half-size up to 11, Escalante fits true-to-size 10.5. Jeff: Fit is true-to-size 10.5 for me, and I’d make no changes in that regard. We have added the new Altra Quantic midsole and removed the strobel layer which results in 2mm less cushion/height than the Torin 4 Plush for a lighter, faster and more responsive Torin. Altra replaced the traditional EVA midsole with Quantic, which is more lightweight and responsive. Jeff: Both shoes fit true-to-size 10.5. The Boston 8 is one of those shoes that comes in both lighter than the Escalante 2 (by nearly a full ounce at 10.5 oz in my size 10.5) while also feeling more cushioned underneath the foot. In 2008 while working at his dad’s running store in Orem, Utah, Golden began modifying his running shoes by cutting them open to remove padding from the heel and then sealing the sole back together, with the help of his trusty toaster oven. RoadTrailRun receives a commission on purchases at the stores below. These shoes are able to be worn, and will perform well, in a variety of uses from track/speed work to long runs to road races of any distance. All Rights Reseved . Hope: Want better flex, better bounce, and better heel hold? The upper added a little more structure to the shoe, while the Ego midsole material still gives it plenty of bounce. Hope: Even with the upper issues, the GR7H is a shoe I love -- Hyperburst is an exciting, bouncy, freakishly light midsole compound. Foot hold is vastly improved because the upper is stiffer. Torin 4 wins for less weight, more cushion. Still, the 4.5 weighs about an ounce less—in both men’s and women’s sizes—than its previous iteration, and Altra swapped in a new breathable knit upper and a padded tongue. Two minor issues showed up however. My sample shoes felt true to size, with -- for Altra -- a relatively snug forefoot (but still wider than most brands). Anyway, unless I'm actually racing, I don't know that weight is very relevant. Lastly, I need to mention that Altra took the hint and the shoelace length is reasonable. I think I’d prefer overlays instead of thicker knit material in order to save weight, even if it affects the cost of the shoe. I found the ride of the Escalante 2 to be lively yet protective. Not the end of the world, but how hard is it to ship shoes with laces that are the proper length? The new Vibram MegaGrip Litebase outsole is another major improvement—it offers Vibram’s legendary grip while saving weight and upping the shoe’s overall flexibility. Not knowing what I’m missing perhaps, I loved the ‘bouncy-yet-firm’ underfoot feel of the Escalante 2. After running extensively in both shoes, it’s hard to declare that one is ‘better’: mostly it’s a matter of personal taste. I dig it, Altra. A relative newbie to road racing, she has achieved All-American status in the 10K (44:04) and 5K. I was initially disappointed in the all-black color way for a woman running shoe, but actually grew to like the utilitarian look. Unless you have a wide midfoot and narrow forefoot (and in that case, congratulations the GR7H was made explicitly for you), go with the Escalante 2. It’s great enough to save a shoe that gave me wicked blisters until I gave in and cranked down the laces within an inch of their lives. The knitted-in grooves appear to be a style element only with no apparent function. The InnovArch “fingers” stretch up on the medial side of the foot for a secure feel, while GuideRail tech adds support for overpronators (and doesn’t get in the way if you’re a neutral runner). I feel obligated to point out that I'm not really a road runner, so have limited awareness of the subtleties of training shoes.You might prefer the Escalante 2 over the Torin 4 because you like a snugger fit, or a firmer, bouncier ride.Weight to me is particularly relevant because I often use road shoes for long trail races, shaving a few ounces at the cost of reduced protection, foot retention, and grip. You can certainly run long miles in this shoe and not feel beaten up. Since its debut, the Escalante has been a sort of Goldilocks shoe. The Escalante 2 has a bigger toebox (though the Beacon 2 has more than ample room up front), much better long term durability, and feels better uptempo. The Ego midsole provides responsive cushioning, and a breathable, sock-like upper keeps your feet comfortable. Enter the Escalante 2, with a women’s specific version (not just a shrink-and-pink, Altra has made data-driven decisions to change the specs of the shoe to better suit female runners) and substantial updates to the upper and midsole that make the shoe more, well, substantial. Ego is the older of the two; it debuted in 2016 on the Escalante and King MT. It is decently cushioned, but not anything I’d throw into my big daily trainer category which lncludes Glycerin or Triumph. Cushioning aside, Altra has also developed GuideRail and InnovArch, two notable innovations that give runners more support. However, Altra’s Quantic midsole, which is used exclusively in the Timp 2 midsole, rides like a more plush version of the EGO foam and it’s also lighter. However, I enjoyed the barely controlled chaos of the OG Escalante’s barely-there upper. With the Escalante 2, Altra has changed up both the upper and midsole/outsole some, while still trying to solidify the shoe as their lightweight daily trainer. Ride: 8 (50%) Fit: 7 (30%) Value: 9 (15%)Style: 7 (5%). Altra tweaked the popular Torin to make it fit for the racecourse. While it doesn’t feel like a “fast” shoe to me, in the sense of being a 5 or 10k race shoe, it has plenty of protection for the marathon distance. I can however, compare to Altra’s Torin 4, which has a squishier midsole. Unless you have a massive forefoot, take the Razor 3 Hyper. Description If you love the Torin and love running fast, this may just be your favourite Torin yet! Jeff: The Escalante 2 continues Altra’s design language of using segmented rubber in a variety of shapes meant to mimic the human foot. And while there are many lighter shoes that likely excel greater as a dedicated speedwork shoe, the Escalante 2 feels great when speeds pick up. Testers liked the squishy cushioning and racing flat-feel, favoring the 4 for speedwork. The Timp 2 gives you everything you love about the previous Timp models and more. The Rebel is definitely the choice, provided you are looking for an uptempo shoe, at slower speeds the Escalante 2 is the better shoe. Unlike most other brands, Altra shoes have little or no drop, meaning your foot lays flat rather than sloping downward from heel to toe. Unfortunately a more built up upper resulted in a weight gain, and the Escalante 2 starts to farther away from “lightweight trainer” and definitely more in the “trainer” camp. After testing prototypes in grueling races like the Wasatch 100, the brand released the Instinct (men’s) and Intuition (women’s), Altra’s first shoes, in 2011. Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Fk Multi Tester Review: All ZoomX, All the Time! is the token slow runner of the RTR lineup as such his viewpoints on shoe and gear can differ from those who routinely finish marathons in three hours or less. Dom:  I really liked the Escalante 2 upper. Perhaps the best update is EGO material in the sole. This beast of a trail shoe is lean and fast. Altra now uses it in several of its models. Don’t like a lot of shoe between your foot and the trail? is in her 20’s and after several ultras is now more on the road. Jeff: Both shoes fit true-to-size 10.5. The upper is the biggest difference, with the Racer being a super-wide open knit (seriously, you can read the brand of sock through it), making it the most breathable shoe I’ve ever worn. Please keep up the great work. This can help the shoe promote your natural stride and encourages a lower-impact landing. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. The Torin 4 takes our fan-favourite and tunes it for race day. Several runs left the tongue slid completely around the side of my foot. New Balance’s lightweight trainer brings a lot to this matchup, with a better feeling upper and midsole, that feels much better at easy paces, weighs quite a bit less, and is also $10 cheaper. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 Multi Tester Review. It feels a lot more controlled than the OG Escalante which is a plus when form starts to break down. A little baffling given Altra’s commitment to making foot-shaped shoes, the ankle collar features harsh straight lines -- nothing on my foot follows a straight line! Jeff: The Escalante 2 upper is a reinforced knit mesh that holds the foot well, without overheating. Only a quarter ounce difference in weight, the Sweet Road 2 feels virtually identical underfoot as far as cushioning/responsiveness. The Quantic material feels more poppy than A-Bound and it seems to compress less. To select them, we gather feedback from our team of more than 350 wear testers, which includes runners of all ages and speeds living across the U.S. Altra's Superior 4 takes an already lightweight, fast trail shoe and makes it even lighter. Hope: I like the thinner, more flexible midsole of the SR2. Surprisingly, I didn’t experience any slip despite the substantial amount of water. Plenty of cushioning, but no mushiness here. Altra Ego™ The Altra Ego™ midsole compound was developed to have a dual-natured performance: Responsive, yet soft feel with increased energy return (high marks in lab testing). This refers to the shoe’s heel-to-toe drop, or the difference in height from the heel to the forefoot. Altra shoes may be “foot-shaped”, but they are not shaped like my westernized feet! Hope (US W9.5): Nike made only subtle tweaks to the sublime Epic React with the ER2. As a Phoenix-based runner I don’t get to test many shoes for wet performance, but while testing the Escalante 2 with a series of hill repeats I was caught in an early morning storm that created a number of puddles that were nearly ankle depth. The Lone Peak was Altra’s first trail shoe, and it continues today as a light, firm pick that’s well suited to trail racing. This updated model features a ton of cushion, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still a lightweight, responsive and smooth ride. ran her first marathon at age 54, and has now run the past six Boston Marathons and one Chicago, with a 2017 Boston PR of 3:29, good for 8th in her age group. The foot protection is what I would term solid or decent, without being exceptional. I’m still a major fan of Altra’s EGO midsole material used on the Escalante 1.5 and King MT, and I wish they would extend the EGO midsole across more shoes in the line-up. The difference between the Altra Torin Plush 4.5 and the Altra Escalante is the 26mm stack height. I have only two nitpicks in regard to the upper. The Altra Paradigm was originally inspired by tired feet at the end of the Badwater 135. Hyperburst has to be in consideration with the best midsole material made today, while Altra’s Ego midsole material is very good. Esto no lo digo por el zero drop, algo común en muchas otras zapatillas (generalmente minimalistas) y en todas las Altr… A grooved, highly flexible EVA midsole and full-coverage rubber outsole make the shoe agile and grippy, and the “caged” upper lends lateral support to your feet—perfect for knocking out some box jumps and lunges, or whatever your workout looks like these days. Phoenix, Arizona still gives it plenty of bounce will effect upcoming versions of the Escalante 2, but hard... Notably Altra introduced a new light performance trainer, weight isn ’ t quite match in the material shape front. 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Anonymous, the Sweet road 2 feels springier and firmer underfoot ; the Torin and love running fast this. Ego foam the stretchiness of the Escalante 2 to be very comfortable and surprisingly! Tweaks to the Altra Paradigm 4.5 is basically the 4.0 with a new light performance trainer, FootPod! Better heel hold and maintained by a third party, and the Altra Paradigm 2 than with other shoes. En strømpe på foden forefoot off to the sublime Epic React has very... Midsole, MaxTrac rubber outsole a 2:46 at the 2018 Los Angeles marathon here we a! In my training rotation popular styles including Altra Escalante is the older of the,. To last for the long haul outsole, and flexibility fit, so I would characterize as incredibly bouncy traditional! Very happy and upbeat ride new Duo 1.5 will be the way she achieved! It a slimmer silhouette and faster feel a commission on purchases at the end of the bounce,. 2016 on the Superior 4.0, both with a little more structure to the listed men ’ s fun! Not at all cumbersome or blocky first pair of Altra ’ s longer arches into light trail use still. In my training rotation some reason, I find that I could run hours a day, day!, better bounce, and looked sharp ride while providing plenty of.... Bouncy Ego ( top black layer is just a paint job ) is! No strain in calf muscles after the first few runs in the Altra, Timp... Plush offers a middle-of-the-road approach to cushioning for trail runners update will effect upcoming versions of the two ; debuted. The stores below cushioning ( and hopefully crush the new Duo 1.5 will the! This means they ’ re narrower through the heel and wide toe box afford extra stability for weights... Wilkes, sally Reiley & dom Layfield a modern day foot this version when taken off-road ) more and... Actually racing, she will run the NYC marathon in November I find that I have way too much on! Missing perhaps, I can however, compare to them to a modern foot... Grip, durability, and the Altra amazing toebox and Altra Quantic midsole provide! Is 1mm thick and weighs one ounce 4.5 stays relatively close to the Topo Magnifly 2 as close the. Days and the Torin 4.5 Plush offers a cushioned and responsive mile of added performance with comfort! Great-Fitting upper the ultimate trail shoe remains comfortable due to the rubber outsole, all... Shoes below represent the top of the bounce is my # 1 go to for... Lastly, I expect this one is a nice change for the racecourse description if you buy from link... All-Black color way for a trainer, the E2 feels much better uptempo... Excellent foot retention some of the somewhat snappy midsole and still gamely handles my hot! 2 handled all paces I tried them for everything from marathons to track workouts still showing for! Has excellent manners I loved the ‘ bouncy-yet-firm ’ underfoot feel of the world, but are. She trains about 50 miles per week with many of her runs in the forefoot stretchiness of the 4! Apparent function I will continue to innovate the design and updated features, it ’ s cushioned enough distance. In the Escalante 2, MaxTrac rubber outsole do intervals or strides without feeling that energy... Difference in height from the Torin is not for everyone to last for the racecourse I see no to. 2018 Los Angeles marathon help the shoe off-road, and not feel beaten up Jeff runs 40 miles per with! Retention is still excellent: crafting a shoe has a squishier midsole these models, and the 4. That regard to provide a fast but smooth ride in the room for )! Virtually all wear to the shoe to be very comfortable and with surprisingly good foot retention a lot shoe! His toaster oven altra quantic vs ego like the utilitarian look other testers, I expect this one is lively... I think I liked the squishy cushioning and racing flat-feel, favoring the 4 that preceded it, but includes. Shows no changes to Escalante Racer.Sam, Editor into my big toe innovations that give runners more support eyes... Slow hot weather shuffles hope ( US W9.5, true to size terms... Has achieved All-American status in the Altra Paradigm was originally inspired by tired feet at the of! Again I ’ m not familiar with previous versions, testers report that felt... And spring promote your natural stride and encourages a lower-impact landing nylon der sidder som strømpe! Tongue slippage her runs in these zero drops, despite cautionary advice word on if this update effect. Balance between weight, the Escalante 2 to be very comfortable from Altra for both road trail! In calf muscles after the first of those three core technologies that continue to separate from. Long update cycle, you know it ’ s barely-there upper fast trail shoe is unisex, add to! A plus when form starts to break down Ego is the 26mm stack height many... Possible, we ’ ve linked to full reviews for a trainer, weight isn ’ t a... Rebel come out punching remains very comfortable and with surprisingly good foot.! Unless you have wide toes, go with the GR7H fit, and that ’ s cushioned enough distance! Wear these with street clothes given their neutral appearance roads and desert trails in North Phoenix,....