Skip to content
Menu
Quick & Precise Gear Reviews
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Running
  • Cycling
  • Drones
  • Travel
  • Shop
Quick & Precise Gear Reviews

My Favorite Altra Shoe Meets a Signature Smartwool® Merino Blend Upper

Posted on January 9, 2025January 14, 2025

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.

Shop Altra Running

A future post will review my results from running in the Escalante 4 SW.

Access Newsletter Archives

Minimalist Shoe Reviews

by Brand

Recent Posts

  • Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick. Jack Wore The Altra Superior 7.

    Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick. Jack Wore The Altra Superior 7.

    May 28, 2025
  • One for Work. One for Travel. Which KÜHL Pant is Right for You?

    One for Work. One for Travel. Which KÜHL Pant is Right for You?

    May 22, 2025
  • The new Ruko U11MINI 4K Ultra-Portable Pocket Drone

    The new Ruko U11MINI 4K Ultra-Portable Pocket Drone

    May 19, 2025
  • The Altra Experience 4mm Drop Shoe Collection: Flow, Wild, and Form

    The Altra Experience 4mm Drop Shoe Collection: Flow, Wild, and Form

    May 18, 2025
  • REI Anniversary Sale 2025

    REI Anniversary Sale 2025

    May 17, 2025
  • WTGR Gear Giveaway: LEMs Shoes Switchback Sandals

    WTGR Gear Giveaway: LEMs Shoes Switchback Sandals

    May 14, 2025
  • Get ready for Summer with Smartwool Everyday Short Sleeve Shirt & 8-inch Shorts

    Get ready for Summer with Smartwool Everyday Short Sleeve Shirt & 8-inch Shorts

    May 13, 2025
  • The Switchback Innovative Game Changer From LEMs Shoes

    The Switchback Innovative Game Changer From LEMs Shoes

    May 10, 2025
  • Comparison of Xero Shoes Sandals & New Spring Colors

    Comparison of Xero Shoes Sandals & New Spring Colors

    May 7, 2025
  • LEMs Shoes Tariff Buster - 20% OFF Sale

    LEMs Shoes Tariff Buster - 20% OFF Sale

    May 5, 2025

SPONSORED

Never Miss A Post

Join our mailing list:

Post Archives

  • May 2025 (10)
  • April 2025 (7)
  • March 2025 (11)
  • February 2025 (1)
  • January 2025 (4)
  • November 2024 (16)
  • October 2024 (10)
  • September 2024 (7)
  • August 2024 (6)
  • July 2024 (4)
  • June 2024 (6)
  • May 2024 (4)
  • April 2024 (5)
  • March 2024 (1)
  • February 2024 (1)
  • January 2024 (1)
  • December 2023 (2)
  • November 2023 (4)
  • October 2023 (5)
  • September 2023 (2)
  • August 2023 (2)
  • June 2023 (4)
  • May 2023 (7)
  • April 2023 (1)
  • March 2023 (4)
  • November 2022 (6)
  • July 2022 (2)
  • June 2022 (1)
  • May 2022 (4)
  • April 2022 (2)
  • May 2021 (1)
  • November 2020 (1)
  • September 2020 (1)
  • August 2019 (1)
  • November 2018 (2)
  • September 2018 (1)
  • August 2018 (2)
  • June 2018 (1)
  • May 2018 (3)
  • February 2018 (6)
  • January 2018 (2)
  • December 2017 (2)
  • November 2017 (5)
  • October 2017 (1)
  • September 2017 (6)
  • August 2017 (3)
  • July 2017 (3)
  • June 2017 (6)
  • May 2017 (12)
  • April 2017 (4)
  • March 2017 (7)
  • February 2017 (7)
  • January 2017 (3)
  • December 2016 (5)
  • November 2016 (6)
  • October 2016 (2)
  • September 2016 (6)
  • August 2016 (6)
  • July 2016 (6)
  • June 2016 (6)
  • May 2016 (6)
  • April 2016 (1)
  • March 2016 (11)
  • February 2016 (2)
  • January 2016 (3)
  • December 2015 (8)
  • November 2015 (6)
  • October 2015 (10)
  • September 2015 (2)
  • August 2015 (1)
  • July 2015 (8)
  • June 2015 (8)
  • May 2015 (6)
  • April 2015 (10)
  • March 2015 (12)
  • February 2015 (8)
  • January 2015 (12)
  • December 2014 (12)
  • November 2014 (19)
  • October 2014 (10)
  • September 2014 (6)
  • August 2014 (4)
  • July 2014 (8)
  • June 2014 (6)
  • May 2014 (5)
  • April 2014 (7)
  • March 2014 (5)
  • February 2014 (4)
  • January 2014 (9)
  • December 2013 (12)
  • November 2013 (9)
  • October 2013 (13)
  • September 2013 (7)
  • August 2013 (6)
  • July 2013 (8)
  • June 2013 (7)
  • May 2013 (13)
  • April 2013 (6)
  • March 2013 (14)
  • February 2013 (14)
  • January 2013 (13)
  • December 2012 (12)
  • November 2012 (15)
  • October 2012 (14)
  • September 2012 (5)
  • August 2012 (10)
  • July 2012 (13)
  • June 2012 (7)
  • May 2012 (10)
  • April 2012 (5)
  • March 2012 (20)
  • February 2012 (11)
  • January 2012 (8)
  • December 2011 (7)
  • November 2011 (8)
  • October 2011 (6)
  • September 2011 (7)
  • August 2011 (10)
  • July 2011 (8)
  • June 2011 (6)
  • May 2011 (7)
  • April 2011 (10)
  • March 2011 (15)
  • February 2011 (10)
  • January 2011 (4)
  • December 2010 (8)
  • November 2010 (10)
  • October 2010 (1)
  • August 2010 (1)
  • June 2010 (2)
  • May 2010 (7)

Compliance

Review
WTGR received one or more of the products or services mentioned in our reviews for free in exchange for a full test review article in our blog. Some of the links in the review posts are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, WTGR will receive an affiliate commission.
Regardless, WTGR will only recommend products or services that will be good for our readers. WTGR is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
  • Minimalist Running Shoes
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Where To Buy
©2025 Quick & Precise Gear Reviews | Powered by SuperbThemes | Hosting by Host Gator Cloud