Altra Escalante Running Shoe - Men's Gray 9

Had the opportunity to try these out yesterday and I must say the cushioning quality is outstanding. While I usually like a taller stack height on my running shoes because I'm pretty much a slower, older runner, and performance shoes don't fit my running style, I did think the Ego cushioning is extraordinary. Perhaps the best I've tried. I couldn't help but think what would happen if Altra could incorporate this cushioning into all their shoes. I would think the competition would be scrambling to keep up. Would love to see this cushioning on a shoe with a taller stack height.

I've been running in Altra since Instinct 1.5, but these are my favorites so far. Wearing them feels like wearing pajamas sewn on to flip-flops - in other words, great. After them, more traditional running shoes seem harsh and constricting. On the road or on the trail they fade away, encouraging my feet to spread out and welcome the ground contact. I wear mine all the time. They have been my most durable Altras. The soles don't wear and the tops don't tear. Over time the sole softens and become more pliable until you finally realize it's time to replace them. You might be bothered by the gel-like feel of the sole. It is squishy underfoot, most noticeable when you are trying to stand and balance on one foot. The soft upper does not offer a lot of side-to-side support. Neither of these bother me while I'm running, especially on pavement, but even running up and down trails on San Bruno mountain. I buy these 1/2 size up.