Altra Escalante 5

The Altra Escalante 5 is the lightweight "natural running" trainer from the American brand, the evolution of one of the best-loved models in the Altra range. With zero drop and a 24 mm stack, it keeps intact the formula that made the line famous: a wide forefoot, a natural ride and direct contact with the ground. Within the Altra road range, it is the purest "natural running" option compared with the Torin 9, which adds more stack and cushioning for those looking for a more assisted stride, and sits below the Escalante Racer 2, the racing version of the line for more demanding paces.

Compared with the Escalante 4, the changes are subtle but welcome. The knit upper is more breathable and structured, with a redesigned collar that improves heel hold. The outsole gains rubber coverage, tackling the weak point of the 4 head-on: premature wear of the exposed foam in the midfoot. The fit is still true to size, with the wide Original FootShape™ last in the forefoot letting the toes spread naturally, although the midfoot and heel feel slightly snugger than in previous generations.

The Altra EGO™ foam midsole is tuned to give livelier energy return than in the 4, avoiding the dead feeling some runners noticed in the previous version, especially compared with the latest compounds that offer a great sense of bounce even without a plate. With a 24 mm stack and zero drop, the ride is firm and connected to the ground, with no standout cushioning or pronounced rocker: the foot works naturally, something increasingly hard to find. It is an ideal shoe for easy runs, running technique sessions, gym work and for those looking to get started with zero drop by adding it to their shoe rotation.