Flash Sale: These Limited-Edition Altra Shoes Will Benefit Boulder Victims
The Colorado-based footwear brand just released their sought-after Bolder Boulder Escalante Racer to help support the families of the victims from last week's tragedy.
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Colorado-based footwear company Altra just announced the revival of a popular limited-edition shoe in the wake of last week’s tragedy in Boulder, when a 21-year-old man entered a King Soopers grocery store opened fire, killing 10 people (including a police officer) and leaving a community in mourning.
Through April 3rd, Altra is donating 100 percent of net proceeds from their Bolder Boulder Escalante Racer shoes to the Colorado Healing Fund to support the families of victims of the shooting.
The limited-edition model is typically only released in conjunction with the community’s popular Bolder Boulder 10K held annually over Memorial Day weekend. Despite this year’s race being canceled, Bolder Boulder, Jack Rabbit, and Altra are working together to support the Boulder community in this time of tragedy.
“We’re incredibly saddened by the recent tragedy that occurred at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado,” Altra writes on their website. “Colorado is our home, and the Boulder community is one we’re deeply connected to. It’s home to many of our employees, athletes, partners, and more.”
“Heavy hearts here in Boulder. Our community has been devastated by the loss of 10 beautiful lives,” Altra-sponsored and Boulder-based elite runner Kara Goucher wrote on Instagram Tuesday.
Altra Escalante Racer: The Specs
- Weight: 5.7 oz. (W) / 6.8 oz. (M)
- Offset: 0mm
- Midsole: AltraEGO
- Outsole: Blown rubber in FootPod configuration
- Upper: Engineered knit mesh
- Price: $140
Here’s what our wear tester Elizabeth Carey thought of the racing flat over her 100-mile test:
“The Altra Escalante Racer is a lighter, performance-oriented version of the Altra Escalante. First launched in 2017 to coincide with the Boston Marathon, it’s been released in limited, special editions.
Out of the box, the Altra Escalante Racer popped. It’s light, but bold.
It boasts a commanding forefoot—Altra’s so-called Footshape toe box—but overall a slimmer last than the Escalante. The mid- and outsole combo feel firm but pliable. On foot, it feels close to the ground yet firmly cushioned. The airy knit upper is static, not stretchy, but precisely snug.
Altra uses a female-specific design for women’s shoes. In general, women’s feet are wider in the forefoot, narrower in the heel, and have a higher arch, and the brand has tooled every women’s style to these specifications.
The Racer’s unencumbered outsole is simple and slick. Traction-wise, it held up on sidewalks, bike paths, groomed pea gravel, and roads, even in the rain—not so much on damp grass or mud.
The midsole, made of the energy-return foam AltraEGO, is firm, but forgiving, akin to an amped-up racing flat. Altra calls it ‘race-tuned.’ The upper, improved from earlier models, kept my foot in place even while cornering and surging downhill. It didn’t bag out, but was extremely breathable. A snug lacing system lies flat and tight.
Most importantly, I didn’t have to think much about this shoe. Whether logging easy miles or hill repeats, the Racer melted seamlessly into the experience at every speed. After a few runs, it just felt natural.”
Where to Buy the Bolder Boulder Escalante Racer
The limited-edition Escalante Racer can be purchased both online and in store at two Colorado locations. Donations will account for sales made through Saturday, April 3rd, or while supplies last.
Online
In Store
- Boulder Running Company, Boulder: 2775 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302
- Boulder Running Company, Cherry Creek: 2500 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80206
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