If you’re a fan of zero-drop running shoes, then you’ve likely come across Altra running shoes. However, if you haven’t, this article is tailored for you. Today, we’ll be examining two of the brand’s most popular road running shoes: the Altra Escalante vs Torin. One is a moderately cushioned road runner built on a proven design, while the other is the brand’s top-selling road running shoe, featuring high cushioning and Altra’s renowned FootPod design. But which one is the right choice for you? Below, we’ll delve into the key differences, specifications, images, and provide in-depth reviews for each shoe. Let’s dive into the details!
Altra Escalante vs Torin
- Both are Neutral road running shoes. Making them a good choice for most runners unless you need a support/corrective running shoe.
- Altra lists the Torin as its best selling road shoe. Which it has been making for over 10 years.
- Both shoes features the brands “standard” foot shape fit. Not the original or slim foot shape offered on other models.
- The Altra Torin is the slightly heavier of the two shoes. Weighing 9.8 ounces compared to the Escalante weighing 9.3 ounces.
- Both shoes feature a 0 drop. Which the Altra brand is known for.
- The Altra Escalante has a much lower 24mm stack height. Compared to a 30mm stack height on the Torin.
- Altra classifies the Escalante as having a “moderate” amount of cushion. While the Torin is one of the brands “high” cushioned running shoes.
- The Torin features Altra’s foot pod technology. While the Escalante has the brands Innerflex midsole.
- The Escalante is typically cheaper than the Torin. Currently listed at $130 compared to $150.
Altra Escalante
MSRP Price: $130
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men: 9.3 oz/ 263 g
Weight Women: 7.7 oz / 218 g
Support: Neutral
Drop/Offset Men’s: 0mm (zero drop)
Drop/Offset Women’s: 0mm (zero drop)
Stack Height: 24mm
Cushion: “Moderate”
Foot Shape: Standard
Altra Torin
MSRP Price: $150
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men’s: 9.8 oz / 278 g
Weight Woman’s: 8.1 oz / 230 g
Support: Neutral
Drop/Offset Men’s: 0mm (zero drop)
Drop/Offset Women’s: 0mm (zero drop)
Stack Height: 30mm
Cushion: “High”
Foot Shape: Standard
Performance Summary
Founded in 2009, Altra Running has risen to prominence as the leading brand for both road and trail running shoes with a zero-drop design, meaning the shoe maintains the same stack height from front to back. The brand has garnered a dedicated following among those who seek or appreciate zero-drop footwear. Most of their models feature zero-drop designs and relatively low stack heights. In this article, we’ll delve into two of the brand’s popular road running shoes: the Altra Escalante vs. Torin. Both shoes have their merits, but neither is without its flaws. So, let’s dive into the in-depth reviews.
Altra Escalante:
Upon first glance, the Altra Escalante presents itself as a road running shoe that could easily pass for casual daily wear. If you’re not keen on the stereotypical “road running” shoe look, the Escalante may be an attractive option, especially with its available color choices, including white & red, red, and blue. The shoe boasts Altra’s distinctive sole design, featuring tread that mimics the arrangement of your toes.
On your feet, the Escalante 3 showcases the brand’s standard foot shape, deviating from the previous “original” foot shape in earlier models, a change that has sparked discussions among brand loyalists. Altra has attributed this shift to the more structured upper in the new models, although cost-saving considerations may also play a role. This combination of a structured upper and standard lower imparts a lightweight feel to the Escalante, a characteristic I wasn’t anticipating compared to testing previous versions, which was somewhat disappointing. If you prefer roomier shoes, consider going half a size up.
Running in the Escalante was a satisfactory but not exceptional experience. Despite its stack height and low-profile design, it lacked the expected rebound, resulting in a road runner that seems uncertain of its identity. For me, the Escalante excels as a daily wear shoe for walking and the occasional short run or keeping up with my dog. However, as a dedicated road running shoe, the latest release left me somewhat disappointed.
Altra Torin:
Upon unboxing the Altra Torin, I was immediately struck by its overall look and design, making it appear suitable for both running and everyday wear—a feature I appreciate in a shoe. Altra offers four color options, increasing the likelihood of finding a design you like. The Torin also boasts Altra’s unique sole and FootPod design, a feature that will surely please brand loyalists.
When lacing up the Torin, the “standard” foot shape caught my attention. Like the Escalante, this layout is narrower in the midsection and toe box, unlike Altra’s “original” foot shape, which has seemingly been phased out in their road running models. Due to this, you may want to consider going half or even a full size up for added comfort. The next noticeable feature was the cushioning—these Torins, for an Altra Running shoe typically known for minimalist designs, offer ample cushioning and a matching stack height. If you’re seeking substantial cushioning, the Torin is an excellent choice, but it may not align with minimalist running preferences.
Taking the Torin out on the road for some mileage, they feel more like genuine running shoes compared to the Escalante. The increased cushioning helps dampen road shock, and they provide decent rebound. However, they lack the quick turnover often found in other brands. The Torin left me somewhat puzzled with its zero-drop design combined with a 28mm stack height. It’s not a minimalist shoe nor a high-cushion speedster—it falls somewhere in between. Overall, they are a good (but not outstanding) road running shoe that appears to struggle in defining its target market. Customer reviews from long-time users echo these sentiments.
Image Comparison
Below is an image comparison of the Altra Escalante vs Torin. Showing the side, top, and sole views from both shoes.
Altra Escalante Profile
Altra Torin Profile
From above, you can see the similarity in the two shoes based on the “standard” foot shape.
Escalante Top View
Torin Top View
As you can see, the two soles on the shoes are very similar.
Altra Escalante Soles
Altra Torin Soles
Conclusion – Altra Escalante vs Torin
When comparing the Altra Escalante vs. Torin, these two shoes exhibit striking similarities overall. Both feature a zero-drop and standard foot shape design, with only slight differences in weight and stack height. Consequently, the two running shoes share some of the same strengths and weaknesses in their design. With that in mind, which one should you choose?
Which road running shoe to buy?
If you’re in search of a genuine running shoe, my preference between these two road runners would be the Altra Torin. Its added cushioning and FootPod design offer a soft landing, effectively mitigating a significant portion of the impact from the road on your legs. While it may not provide the quickest turnover among running shoes, it certainly surpasses the Escalante in this regard.
However, if you seek a versatile option that can seamlessly transition between daily wear and the occasional run, the Escalante would be a suitable choice. In my opinion, it is the more visually appealing of the two shoes and, while it doesn’t top my list of preferred road runners, it serves admirably as a highly comfortable and attractive walking shoe.