The Altra Escalante Racer 2 and Altra Vanish Pulse are both neutral road running shoes with firm, responsive cushioning. The Vanish Pulse is 0.4 oz lighter (8.4 oz vs 8.8 oz).
Specs side by side
| Spec | Escalante Racer 2 | Vanish Pulse |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145 | $150 |
| Rating | 3.8 / 5 (169 reviews) | 3.7 / 5 (13 reviews) |
| Weight | 8.8 oz | 8.4 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 0 mm | 0 mm |
| Heel stack height | 22 mm | 22 mm |
| Cushioning | Firm / responsive | Firm / responsive |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Surface | Road | Road |
| Available for | Men & Women | Men & Women |
Specs and prices from Altra, checked 2026-10-11. Weight is usually for a men's size 9–10.
Which should you get?
Get the Escalante Racer 2 if…
- you want the more widely reviewed shoe
Get the Vanish Pulse if…
- you want the lighter shoe
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