ALTRA ESCALANTE - Altra has established itself as a viable running brand. The new Escalante is one reason why runners have given Altra a chance, their products are well thought out and executed. The upper is a circular knit which offers a snug fit with a comfortable stretchy feel to it. The last still has a roomy forefoot, but here looks less obvious than in many of their other shoes. The midsole however, is where the magic happens, as Altra has relied on a bouncy formulation called A-bound, but with the Escalante (and the new King MT trail shoe) introduces a new compound with a clever name, Altra Ego, and a ride to match. The bouncy feel is noticeably livelier than that of A-bound, cushy without bottoming out. The outersole is fairly minimal, thin, tough carbon rubber interspersed with the foam, allowing for good flexibility with minimal wear. If you have been looking for a tempo shoe and half marathon racer, the Escalante just might be it, but it certainly will provide a protective, quick, and resilient ride.

Testers: "Snug midfoot but roomy toebox, with a stretchy knit - very accommodating fit. The midsole is resilient and bouncy with a great ride"

Sizes: Men 7, 8-13, 14, 15; Women 5.5-11, 12
Weight: 9.5 oz. (men's size 11); 7.6 oz. (women's size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics