Altra Escalante 4 Women's Road Running

Ultra comfortable! I wear these as my daily shoe.

These running shoes, simply put - are excellent. Flat heeled and wide toe-box make them my dream running shoe. They're unbelievably comfortable, lightweight and still durable. The olive green colour is a nice change from my usual running attire, as all of my other kit is bright neon colours - but I do really love these. It's a nice change. Quality wise, they're excellent. I can't recommend these enough.

I wasn’t too keen on the colours of these ALTRA Escalante sneakers at first but I must say, they’ve grown on me. I’m a typical UK shoe size 6 but was delighted to see these came in half sizes, so I chose a 6.5 to accommodate a padded sports sock. They feel very light, while providing plenty of support and I really appreciate the extra wide toe shape which gives plenty of wiggle room for when out running. Very well made, nice long, good quality laces and they look stylish too. I’ve never spent this much on trainers before, but I think these are worth every penny.

Material is good quality and flexible while the fabric is breathable, allowing for better air circulation to help reduce sweat and cools the feet down. Very lightweight too - you barely feel like these are on when out on a run. Shoes are true to size - I went for my usual size and it fits perfectly. The wide toe design leaves plenty of room unlike a lot of other options which have a narrow front that squeeze the toes together. Low cushioning but still helps with shock absorption which make these ideal as running shoes. Costs £125.00 at the time of this review, which I think is a decent price.

These trainers present a fascinating blend of traditional running shoe design and the wide-toe-box philosophy of barefoot footwear. At first glance, they may appear to be just another pair of regular trainers – sleek, stylish, and athletic in their design. However, upon closer inspection, particularly when viewed from above, it becomes evident that these shoes offer a different proposition entirely, catering to those looking for more room and a more natural fit. Right out of the box, the build quality is striking. The stitching is precise, and the joins between the various elements of the shoe are consistent, with no noticeable imperfections. I must say, it's refreshing to see such attention to detail, particularly in a market flooded with trainers that sometimes cut corners when it comes to construction. The overall feel is light and nimble, which is ideal for those who favour agility and comfort. However, it’s worth noting that the outer material is predominantly fabric. While this makes for a lightweight and breathable experience, it also means the shoes won’t provide much in terms of insulation for colder climates or waterproofing should you find yourself caught in a downpour. So, if you're looking for shoes to tackle the British winter or those muddy gym sessions in the rain, these might not be the ideal choice. The standout feature of these trainers is undoubtedly the toe-box. It’s noticeably spacious, offering ample room for your toes to spread out comfortably – an especially welcome attribute for those with wider feet. The design allows for a more natural foot position, which is becoming increasingly popular with those who prioritise comfort and foot health. However, the fit does narrow towards the back of the shoe, so while the front is a delight for those with wide toes, the heel area may feel slightly snug if you have broader feet in that region too. It’s a trade-off that many will appreciate, but it's worth considering if you have wide feet from heel to toe. In terms of performance, I’ve found these trainers to be a solid addition to my footwear rotation. They offer a noticeably different feel compared to my more traditional gym shoes, allowing my toes to spread out and enjoy a greater sense of freedom. The cushioning is adequate, providing comfort during aerobic and dynamic exercises, but I wouldn’t recommend them for heavy-duty weightlifting. Their flexibility and lightweight design don’t lend themselves well to the more planted, stable feeling that’s often required for weight training. That said, they are perfect for cardio, running, or any activity where agility and a more natural stride are beneficial. In summary, these trainers offer a unique and thoughtful combination of features, making them a great option for those seeking a more spacious and natural fit without sacrificing performance. They may not be suitable for every training scenario, but they excel in those that require comfort, flexibility, and freedom of movement. For anyone looking to mix things up in their gym shoe rotation or wanting to try something different for their workouts, these trainers are well worth considering. They may just give your feet the breather they’ve been craving!

These are way more narrow than the escalante 3 - considering returning them as they no longer let the foot breathe and toes splay.

I do like the colour of these. Due to the wide toe box they do look a little unusual. The zero drop does seem to help once you get used to it.

Very wide fitting almost barefoot trainers Very light weight good grippy rubber sole and comfortable relatively breathable and well made over all. But very expensive for what you get as the brand is relatively unknown and the style is a bit marmite!