Products
Altra Escalante 4
On Cloudsurfer 2
Tested using Methodology v0.8.2
Updated Oct 27, 2025 07:28 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Tested using Methodology v0.8.2
Updated Nov 20, 2025 06:30 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Weight
241.4 g (8.52 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
1.4 mm
Plate
None
Weight
252.9 g (8.92 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.6 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
Altra Escalante 4
On Cloudsurfer 2
The Altra Escalante 4 and On Cloudsurfer 2 are both classic daily trainers that lean toward the firmer, more traditional end of the spectrum, but they differ significantly in design philosophy and underfoot feel. The Escalante 4 is far more minimalist, with a lower stack height, near-zero drop geometry, and a ride that offers a lot of ground feel. It’s also lighter and has a more energetic midsole that delivers good rebound despite the shoe’s firm profile—but it’s also noticeably less protective than the Cloudsurfer. The Cloudsurfer 2, while still on the firmer side, offers more underfoot cushioning and a smoother rockered transition, making it a better pick for those who want a bit more structure and impact absorption.
Variants
- Escalante 4 (Black - (US - Men 9))
- Escalante 4 (Black - (US - Women 7))
- Escalante 4 (Black Gray - (US - Men 9))
- Escalante 4 (Black/Black - (US - Women 7))
- Escalante 4 (Black/White - (US - Men 9))
- Escalante 4 (Blue - (US - Women 7))
- Escalante 4 (Dark Shadow - (US - Men 9))
- Escalante 4 (Dusty Olive - (US - Men 9))
- Escalante 4 (Gray - (US - Men 9))
- Escalante 4 (Gray - (US - Women 7))
- Escalante 4 (Gray/Teal - (US - Women 7))
- Escalante 4 (Green - (US - Men 9))
- Escalante 4 (Light Gray - (US - Men 9))
- Escalante 4 (Light Gray - (US - Women 7))
- Escalante 4 (Mint - (US - Women 7))
- Escalante 4 (Navy - (US - Men 9))
- Escalante 4 (Purple - (US - Women 7))
- Escalante 4 (White - (US - Women 7))
- Escalante 4 (White Black - (US - Men 9))
- Escalante 4 (White/Blue - (US - Men 9))
- Escalante 4 (White/Gray - (US - Men 9))
- Escalante 4 (White/Green - (US - Women 7))
- Escalante 4 (White/Orange - (US - Women 7))
- Escalante 4 (White/White - (US - Women 7))
- Cloudsurfer 2 (Black/Black - (Men - US 9))
- Cloudsurfer 2 (Black/Black - (Women - US 7))
- Cloudsurfer 2 (Glacier/Ivory - (Men - US 9))
- Cloudsurfer 2 (Glacier/Limelight - (Women - US 7))
- Cloudsurfer 2 (Ivory/Ivory - (Men - US 9))
- Cloudsurfer 2 (Ivory/Ivory - (Women - US 7))
- Cloudsurfer 2 (Pearl/Orchid - (Women - US 7))
- Cloudsurfer 2 (Tangerine/Ivory - (Men - US 9))
- Cloudsurfer 2 (Tangerine/Ivory - (Women - US 7))
- Cloudsurfer 2 (White/Mineral - (Men - US 9))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
3.9
4.8
Forefoot Energy Return
5.4
1.6
Heel Stack Height
24.3 mm
35.8 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
22.9 mm
27.2 mm
Forefoot Firmness
3.6
8.4
Weight
6.7
6.3
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
6.7
6.3
Right Shoe Weight Photo
Left Shoe Weight Photo
Weight
241.4 g (8.52 oz)
252.9 g (8.92 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
Heel Stack Height
24.3 mm
35.8 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
22.9 mm
27.2 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
1.4 mm
8.6 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
0.0 mm
9.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Outsole Heel Width
79 mm (3.1")
88 mm (3.5")
Outsole Arch Width
74 mm (2.9")
65 mm (2.6")
Outsole Forefoot Width
114 mm (4.5")
112 mm (4.4")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.25
2.46
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
4.98
4.12
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Internal Length
273 mm (10.7")
276 mm (10.9")
Internal Heel Width
60 mm (2.4")
67 mm (2.7")
Internal Forefoot Width
97 mm (3.8")
93 mm (3.7")
Wide Sizing Available
No
No
Other Features
Other Features Photo
Tongue Gusset Type
Non-gusseted
Non-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Energy Return
1.6
0.9
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Heel Energy Return
66.8%
64.3%
Forefoot Energy Return
5.4
1.6
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Forefoot Energy Return
72.4%
67.0%
Heel Cushioning
1.1
6.8
Heel Cushioning Picture
Heel Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 550N
0.76 J
3.34 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
2.25 J
8.20 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
3.81 J
13.91 J
Forefoot Cushioning
1.4
6.4
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
Forefoot Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 800N
0.80 J
3.87 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
2.13 J
6.82 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
3.45 J
10.40 J
Heel Firmness
4.5
6.4
Heel Firmness
Firmness At 550N
55.5 N/mm
59.9 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
90.0 N/mm
137.1 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
144.7 N/mm
253.8 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
3.6
8.4
Forefoot Firmness
Firmness At 800N
52.5 N/mm
130.7 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
101.1 N/mm
236.6 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
171.6 N/mm
419.7 N/mm
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Altra Escalante 4
On Cloudsurfer 2
Comments
Altra Escalante 4 vs On Cloudsurfer 2: Main Discussion
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