Equipment Review - Altra Escalante 4 & Diadora Nucleo 2
Equipment Review – Shoes Part 3
I must lead into these reviews with a disclaimer. I am a regular guy. A large regular guy at 6’5” 260 lbs. I run and I own a running store but I am by no means a professional runner or shoe reviewer. These are my observations from running in the shoes that I’m trying and I am only trying shoes that are legal to use in Ironman races. This is not meant to be a selection of the best shoe for me or anyone else. Just one man’s point of view.
Altra Escalante 4
Price $130
My Use Short Fast Runs/Lifting
Size 14D
Stack height (Heel/Forefoot) (24mm/24mm)
Drop 0mm
Weight 9.5 ounces
What does Altra say?
They built the Escalante 4 as a nod to the fan-favorite Escalante 1.5, with FootShape fit, greater flexibility, and a lighter weight. Tackle fast training runs, daily walks, or everyday errands in this streamlined and versatile road-mile destroyer. It’s got an engineered knit upper for a more sock-like and forgiving fit, with a knit tongue, just like the original Escalante. We evolved the rubber midsole for a lighter weight and more flexibility so you can feel connected to the road. A new footbed feels more like the iconic Escalante 1.5 and 2.0, with the same Altra EGO™ midsole foam for responsiveness and comfort. Move the way you were designed to with a roomy toe box to help your toes move freely and zero drop. How did we pack so much comfort and style into such a simple shoe? Lace it up, take it out, and see for yourself!
My Thoughts
The only Altra I’ve done significant running prior to the Escalante 4 was the Torin, also a zero drop shoe but with a little more stack height. I did Ironman Arizona in the Torin 6 or 7 (can’t remember) and I had been training in it for quite a while. I was a horrible heel striker and was trying to use the zero drop to help me break that habbit. I loved the Torin and really enjoyed running in it but after a couple of years I found my calves to be rock solid (I’ve always been gifted in the calf area anyway) so I moved to a higher drop shoe.
I love the feel of the Escalante 4. It fits like most other shoes do for me. When I put on a 14 I have almost a full size of room. I did no training in the 1.5, 2.0 or 3 so I have nothing to compare to. I can say this, I like the footbed, I like the toe box, I like the responsiveness of the midsole and I like the comfort…..for short runs and gym work. At my size I just need a little more stack when I’m going to do some real miles.
Diadora Nucleo 2
Price $160
My Use Daily Driver
Size 14D
Stack height (Heel/Forefoot) (35mm/30mm)
Drop 5mm
Weight 9.7 ounces
What does Diadora say:
Nucleo 2: lightweight and fluid, the training tool for those who truly understand the journey.
This version has been entirely re-engineered to significantly enhance overall support, while maintaining the very qualities that made it an essential neutral running shoe for fluid, long runs.
Nucleo 2 offers a unique mix of features, making this the foundational running shoe for every runner, whether expert or beginner. Weighing just 9.7 oz and equipped with an Anima midsole, which offers 30% more midsole responsiveness while reducing weight by 20%, Nucleo 2 ensures a smooth, fluid ride for runners of all levels.
The design team worked on a new, asymmetrical design of the midsole. Two external excavated areas and a flattened internal construction contribute to improved stability and rotation control, complemented by a less concave inner area from the heel to the medial side. The low 5mm drop and refined upper design make it the perfect companion for long runs and daily training. The upper tongue has been redesigned and is secured laterally with elastic mesh integrated into the lining construction to prevent twisting, ensuring a snug fit without compromising flexibility. Widening of the heel by 9mm, the midfoot by 13mm, and the forefoot by 5mm. The internal length of the heel outsole rubber on the medial side has also increased from 6 cm to 11 cm, providing improved stability and enhanced control over rotation.
My Thoughts
First, I hadn’t worn a Diadora shoe since high school (that’s like 35 or 40 years ago). When we opened we got some seed shoes to try and were extremely impressed with the comfort of these shoes. So much so that they are pretty much my daily go to shoe when I’m going to be on my feet all day.
As I write this, I’m wearing them. For some reason they found a place in my garage (my shoes are not generally in my garage) for the last 2 weeks and I didn’t wear them. When I put them on literally looked at Jenny and said, “these things are like not even wearing shoes.” They are just so comfortable. That being said, I do not run in them. I feel like I need more “discomfort” when wearing a shoe to run in. I know that sounds strange but they are just too comfortable for me. I’ve walked 3 or 4 miles in them a few times, I’ve worn the all day and gotten 15,000 steps in them but I’ve never gone for a run in them.
Overall
I wear in both of these shoes regularly. The Escalante I do enjoy short speed work (if there is such a thing in my repertoire) and working out in them. The Nucleo’s I absolutely love to wear for pretty much anything, I just do not run in them.
Next Week
Next week I’ll take on the Veloci Ascent and the Asics Gel Cumulus.