Altra Escalante 5

The Escalante 5 is the plain, low Altra: a 24 mm stack with zero drop, EGO midsole foam, a knit upper and a rubber outsole that gets an update. At 275 g it is a touch heavier than the previous Escalante, but the idea is unchanged, which is to let your feet move naturally without much getting in their way.

It suits runners who already like the ground close underfoot, for easy miles, speedwork and walking. Altra rates the cushion as low, though it stays comfortable enough for daily running if a flat, close feel is what you are after.

It is not a high-cushion shoe, and it makes a hard first pair of zero-drop shoes if you come from a raised heel. Expect little protection on the longest runs, and a heavier build than the speed-focused shoes in the line.