The Altra Escalante 4 SW is a special edition of the popular Escalante 4 running shoe, featuring a collaboration with Smartwool to incorporate a Merino wool blend upper.
Design and Materials
- Upper: The standout feature of this edition is its upper made from a blend of Merino wool, courtesy of Smartwool. This material is known for its excellent thermal regulation, keeping your feet warm in cooler conditions and cooler when it’s warmer. Additionally, Merino wool naturally manages moisture and resists odors, enhancing overall comfort.
- Midsole: The shoe utilizes Altra’s EGO™ midsole foam, providing a responsive and cushioned feel underfoot. This foam strikes a balance between softness and energy return, making it suitable for various running activities.
- Outsole: Designed for durability and traction on road surfaces, the rubber outsole ensures a reliable grip during runs.
Fit and Comfort
- FootShape™ Fit: Altra’s signature FootShape™ design offers a roomy toe box, allowing your toes to spread naturally. This design promotes better stability and comfort, especially during longer runs.
- Zero Drop Platform: The shoe features a zero-drop platform, meaning the heel and forefoot are at the same height. This design encourages a more natural running form and can help reduce impact on joints.
Performance
- Versatility: The Escalante 4 SW is versatile, suitable for daily training runs, speed workouts, and even casual wear. The responsive midsole and comfortable upper make it adaptable to various running styles and distances.
- Flexibility: The shoe offers good flexibility, allowing for natural foot movement. This flexibility contributes to a smooth and comfortable ride.
Durability
- Upper: The Merino wool blend upper is durable and maintains its shape well over time. Its natural properties also help in resisting wear and tear.
- Outsole: The rubber outsole provides reliable durability, withstanding regular use on road surfaces without significant wear.
Aesthetic Appeal
- Design: The collaboration with Smartwool gives the shoe a unique and stylish appearance. The Merino wool upper adds a premium look and feel, setting it apart from standard running shoes.
Considerations
- Temperature Regulation: While the Merino wool upper offers excellent thermal comfort, it may feel warmer in hot conditions. However, its moisture-wicking properties help mitigate excessive heat buildup.
- Weight: The shoe maintains a lightweight profile, contributing to a responsive and agile running experience.
Special Circumstances
I decided to take the Escalante 4 SW on a short trip to Asia (3 countries in 17 days) to evaluate as a walking and travel shoe before evaluating it later for road running. I put in at least 100 miles (over 211K steps) by only wearing that one shoe in hot and humid weather – I hydrated with Liquid I.V. electrolytes (full review) to supplement water.
To my surprise, it is the best walking and travel shoes I have ever tested and even dethroning the LEMs Shoes Nine2Five (version 1) that previously held that title. While I sweat (like a dog) and get sun tanned (no sun burns), my feet kept cool and never got a blister or hot spot (sockless) during the whole trip!
Its texture is reminiscent of Allbirds shoes, giving it a stylish look that can double as a casual shoe. The shoe features Smartwool logos and coloring on the outside of the heel and tongue, but the design remains understated and not overly flashy.
Conclusion
The Altra Escalante 4 SW Smartwool Edition combines the performance features of the Escalante 4 with the natural benefits of a Merino wool upper. Its comfortable fit, responsive cushioning, and unique design make it a compelling choice for runners seeking a versatile and stylish shoe suitable for various running activities and conditions.
Included an extra pair of shoelaces for two benefits:
Customization: The additional laces allow you to personalize the shoe’s appearance, enabling you to choose between the two distinct colors to match your preference.
Replacement: Having a spare pair ensures you can replace them when needed, maintaining the shoe’s functionality without the inconvenience of sourcing new laces separately.
The Altra Escalante 4 SW limited edition is available now – get yours before they run out of stock.
A future post will review my results from running in the Escalante 4 SW.