Altra Escalante Racer 2 Running Shoe in White | Women - 10

I am avid escalante racer user, the original. So, yes, I was extremely skeptical about the escalante 2, and was expecting this to be a meh review. I was surprised to find how much I love these shoes. I am an active mom of two small ones, currently pregnant, and would run barefoot if I could. I'm athletic, but have always disliked shoes because I use every muscle in my foot and I expect to be able to feel my feet operate smoothly. I don't want restriction. So, you'd know from that, that I love the freedom, flexibility, and light weight of the original escalante, but sometimes I need more support because I'm not running on a track but heavy pavement. This shoe still allows for flexibility, not as much as the original, which is okay, but enough to give my feet ligaments space to properly extend so they can work in unison instead of putting too much pressure on only one part of my foot. This is my biggest beef with most running shoes- they limit your feet to a small extension because their support won't move with your feet, but this running shoe I am pleased to report finally gives a great balance between support and freedom. For full disclosure, I'm still buying my original Escalantes every few months, but these are going to be included in my rotating running gear as well depending on the running surface.

I can feel the ground and at the same time they are well cushioned. Very comfortable and quick. The feel on the ground is smooth and seamless. I will buy the Escalante racer 2 again. Please keep making them.