New video! Yeah! I am waiting for the OG ESC review to see if I could replace my ECSs to Racers. Being heavier and less flexible it is not what I was expecting. These two shoes are my favourite road Altras!
I've been a huge Altra fan for years. However, over the past few years they've been getting farther and farther away from what made them good in the first place. I almost saw them off after they really messed up the escalante's with the escalante 3. However, the escalante racer was still there and the one road shoe I was still willing to buy from them. I had high hopes for the racer to but the changes they made tell Altra no longer believes in their core values. It's sad but I'm done with Altra.
I could definitely see them consolidating their "fits" into standard/original and just offering slim/wide on a couple models. I really wish they had more wide options. I used to love the Racer. But minimalist running in Racers and Xeros enlarged my foot volume and width. Now only a wide fit Torin (with skipped forefoot lace hole technique) is the only shoe I can run in. Even the wide fit Lone Peak has a narrower insole when put directly on top of a wide fit Torin insole -- in the same size! How does that make sense in their fits? If Lone Peak is Original, and Torin is Standard, shouldn't a wide Lone Peak be wider than a wide Torin?? It's super frustrating not being able to find a low-drop, extra-wide, straight-lasted running shoe that could be used for daily training or racing. I guess that's asking too much, since not many share my wide forefoot AND midfoot problems. Oh well, back to my wide Torins and 4E Ghost Max (Name a wider athletic shoe, I've probably tried it. Yes, that means SoftStar. Similar to Vivo -- too shallow. Whitin/Hobibear show promise but are WAAAAY too cheap.) Great content by the way! Keep up the good work 👍
@@slavasss2189 Yes, USA. I must say both Ghost Max 1 and 2 are excellent high-stack straight-last options for long/slow runs, walking, and even work since they have great neutral color options and all widths. But they are HEAVY. My size 10.5 Ghost Max 2 with 4E width comes in at 12.4oz
I am about to order this Racer 2 mate, I wear 9.5 UK in Saucony. People say they r true to size compared to escalante 4. So shall I go with UK 9.5 or 10, please help
Hey! As far as I know, Altra tends to be on the smaller side, but I cannot say anything about Saucony. My experience is that both the Escalante 4 and Racer 2 are the same size. When in doubt, I'd size up. In casual shoes, I'm usually an 8 UK, but for the Altra's I wear casually I'm 8.5UK, but running shoes I go for a 9UK.
I don't run (at least not at the moment) and I just am looking for a zero drop shoe for walking dogs and casual wear. I prefer something thicker than typical minimalist shoes which are usually very thin. I have the Feelgrounds with cork insole at 8mm. it is fine but I want something thicker. idk if Escalante 4 and racer 2 are good options but they're on discount now so are they good options ? if so which one would be better ? difficult to decide
@@person737 I'd go for the regular Escalante 4. It looks more casual too. The Racer's upper is like a net, so you'll be seeing your socks through them.
@@TDMiller thanks for the quick response. you think Escalante 4 is a good option for someone like that likes minimalist shoes but wants something a littler thicker ? I bought whitins running shoe since it is cheap too but considering the escalante now since it is on discount. I will see which one I like better (whitins yet to arrive)
Not surprised about the different weight between the left and right shoes. I just bought a pair of the Escalante Racer 2 and they seem fine although I haven't weighed them or taken them outside yet. However, I have tried to get a pair of Olympus 6 and I have looked through 4 different pairs in 2 shops and every one of them has a serious manufacturing quality problem that has meant I have avoided buying all of them so far. Altra is just too frustrating with their poor fabrication standards and obvious lack of quality control. I still try to look for them because they fit my feet but I would look elsewhere in a second if another brand did a comparable option but I definitely NO LONGER RECOMMEND ALTRA TO ANYONE because I don't want any of my friends or family to have to sort through so many poor quality options even if they do have good design and ergonomics.
I'm looking for a low drop, low stack daily trainer and tempted by these, but I've been disappointed with my last Altras (Torin 7s and Outroad 2s) which feel a bit dull. I want something with good ground feel - go for these or any alternatives?
@@plain-bagel yes actually this is my top choice atm, I will likely order next month. I have the Topo MTN Racer 3 and rate them, the Magnifly also look like a superior rival to the Torins.... I like Altra as a company and they have made some great shoes over the years but the last couple ive bought have missed the mark, I think that they need to utilise other foams.
I'm in no way a hardcore runner but this is my exp w/ the shoes so far. ~900km w/ OG racer(retired) - heel slip when doing tempo/threshold - more ground feel, sometimes too harsh when doing long runs in pure concrete. My feet definitely feel the discomfort after the ~18-20km mark - lighter than the racer 2 ~65km w/ racer 2(used in all my runs) - surprisingly, I have yet to experience heel slip on any of my tempo/thresholds so far - definitely more forgiving than the OG racer. I don't know why. While the ground feel is still there, the impact to the ground is more softer than the OG. - tighter/slimmer toe box? This I'm not sure why since someone in reddit compared both racers and both have the same insole sizes/shapes. So, could be the upper knit of the shoe(?) Hopefully they'll address the difference of weight in the next update or at least for their new pairs, and for the next version, they'll take the - sole(they're the same based on altra's website so idk why the different ground feel), ok w/ either tho I prefer the OG racer's - heel area of racer 2 - the mid and toe area of the OG racer. - less tight upper of the OG racer
Yes. The whole thing with low stack height and zero drop is that it makes you run better! No bad knees ❤️
only just started seriously using my escalante racer 1. very good shoe for many purposes
The video I'm waiting for! Thanks for your review!
New video! Yeah! I am waiting for the OG ESC review to see if I could replace my ECSs to Racers. Being heavier and less flexible it is not what I was expecting. These two shoes are my favourite road Altras!
I've been a huge Altra fan for years. However, over the past few years they've been getting farther and farther away from what made them good in the first place. I almost saw them off after they really messed up the escalante's with the escalante 3. However, the escalante racer was still there and the one road shoe I was still willing to buy from them. I had high hopes for the racer to but the changes they made tell Altra no longer believes in their core values. It's sad but I'm done with Altra.
Oh no, I am really enjoying the vanish tempo for my MP runs building for a marathon. I hope they don't get discontinued!
How do they compare to vanish tempos? Which do you prefer?
I could definitely see them consolidating their "fits" into standard/original and just offering slim/wide on a couple models. I really wish they had more wide options. I used to love the Racer. But minimalist running in Racers and Xeros enlarged my foot volume and width. Now only a wide fit Torin (with skipped forefoot lace hole technique) is the only shoe I can run in. Even the wide fit Lone Peak has a narrower insole when put directly on top of a wide fit Torin insole -- in the same size! How does that make sense in their fits? If Lone Peak is Original, and Torin is Standard, shouldn't a wide Lone Peak be wider than a wide Torin?? It's super frustrating not being able to find a low-drop, extra-wide, straight-lasted running shoe that could be used for daily training or racing. I guess that's asking too much, since not many share my wide forefoot AND midfoot problems. Oh well, back to my wide Torins and 4E Ghost Max (Name a wider athletic shoe, I've probably tried it. Yes, that means SoftStar. Similar to Vivo -- too shallow. Whitin/Hobibear show promise but are WAAAAY too cheap.)
Great content by the way! Keep up the good work 👍
Is ghost max available in 4e? I thought 2e only...or probably u from usa?
@@slavasss2189 Yes, USA. I must say both Ghost Max 1 and 2 are excellent high-stack straight-last options for long/slow runs, walking, and even work since they have great neutral color options and all widths. But they are HEAVY. My size 10.5 Ghost Max 2 with 4E width comes in at 12.4oz
@@daigz You probably have the wider foot in the world!
@@daigz ahh ok… brooks and nb are not willing to present full sizing in europe (also not models), so its rare to find then in 2e… 4e i not even seen
@@dimitriosfrydas1474 I think it's mostly my wide midfoot. My toes can get away with 2E width but my midfoot always hangs off the lateral side
I am about to order this Racer 2 mate, I wear 9.5 UK in Saucony. People say they r true to size compared to escalante 4. So shall I go with UK 9.5 or 10, please help
Hey! As far as I know, Altra tends to be on the smaller side, but I cannot say anything about Saucony. My experience is that both the Escalante 4 and Racer 2 are the same size. When in doubt, I'd size up. In casual shoes, I'm usually an 8 UK, but for the Altra's I wear casually I'm 8.5UK, but running shoes I go for a 9UK.
@TDMiller thanks a lot for your prompt response mate, 🙏I ll size up to UK 10
If there are OG’s for sale at a decent price would you buy them or are the upgrades worth extra ? Thanks for your reviews
@@amandaball7116 I'd say go for the original. The 2s are nice, but not worth the extra money.
I don't run (at least not at the moment) and I just am looking for a zero drop shoe for walking dogs and casual wear. I prefer something thicker than typical minimalist shoes which are usually very thin. I have the Feelgrounds with cork insole at 8mm. it is fine but I want something thicker. idk if Escalante 4 and racer 2 are good options but they're on discount now so are they good options ? if so which one would be better ? difficult to decide
@@person737 I'd go for the regular Escalante 4. It looks more casual too. The Racer's upper is like a net, so you'll be seeing your socks through them.
@@TDMiller thanks for the quick response. you think Escalante 4 is a good option for someone like that likes minimalist shoes but wants something a littler thicker ? I bought whitins running shoe since it is cheap too but considering the escalante now since it is on discount. I will see which one I like better (whitins yet to arrive)
@person737 definitely! I love wearing mine casually. They're not crazy minimalistic. Probably more minimal than mainstream, but with enough cushion.
I miss Escalante 2.5.
Not surprised about the different weight between the left and right shoes. I just bought a pair of the Escalante Racer 2 and they seem fine although I haven't weighed them or taken them outside yet. However, I have tried to get a pair of Olympus 6 and I have looked through 4 different pairs in 2 shops and every one of them has a serious manufacturing quality problem that has meant I have avoided buying all of them so far. Altra is just too frustrating with their poor fabrication standards and obvious lack of quality control. I still try to look for them because they fit my feet but I would look elsewhere in a second if another brand did a comparable option but I definitely NO LONGER RECOMMEND ALTRA TO ANYONE because I don't want any of my friends or family to have to sort through so many poor quality options even if they do have good design and ergonomics.
I'm looking for a low drop, low stack daily trainer and tempted by these, but I've been disappointed with my last Altras (Torin 7s and Outroad 2s) which feel a bit dull. I want something with good ground feel - go for these or any alternatives?
Check out the Topo Cyclone 2. Low stack, 5mm drop, full pebax midsole, 6.7 oz. Smashes anything Altra has ever made.
@@plain-bagel yes actually this is my top choice atm, I will likely order next month. I have the Topo MTN Racer 3 and rate them, the Magnifly also look like a superior rival to the Torins.... I like Altra as a company and they have made some great shoes over the years but the last couple ive bought have missed the mark, I think that they need to utilise other foams.
lono flow
i'm going to be pissed if they drop the rivera. did you see in the catalogue for 25, the timp boa and the lone peak will have vibram?
@@graevanhooser7348 yep 😏🤐🤫
@@graevanhooser7348 Lone Peaks really deserve vibram outsole!
I'm in no way a hardcore runner but this is my exp w/ the shoes so far.
~900km w/ OG racer(retired)
- heel slip when doing tempo/threshold
- more ground feel, sometimes too harsh when doing long runs in pure concrete. My feet definitely feel the discomfort after the ~18-20km mark
- lighter than the racer 2
~65km w/ racer 2(used in all my runs)
- surprisingly, I have yet to experience heel slip on any of my tempo/thresholds so far
- definitely more forgiving than the OG racer. I don't know why. While the ground feel is still there, the impact to the ground is more softer than the OG.
- tighter/slimmer toe box? This I'm not sure why since someone in reddit compared both racers and both have the same insole sizes/shapes. So, could be the upper knit of the shoe(?)
Hopefully they'll address the difference of weight in the next update or at least for their new pairs, and for the next version, they'll take the
- sole(they're the same based on altra's website so idk why the different ground feel), ok w/ either tho I prefer the OG racer's
- heel area of racer 2
- the mid and toe area of the OG racer.
- less tight upper of the OG racer
I realllly hope rivera isn’t discontinued, it’s the only Altra that really fits my narrow feet 😢