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Nov 2021
9:44am, 2 Nov 2021
35,590 posts
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SPR
Rivera is here. Stats have it at 1-2mm thicker than the Escalante but visually it looks like more. I ran in the Escalante for 7 miles today then put the Rivera on for a tester, definitely softer. Also interestingly it weighs 15g less in a size 12, maybe due to a lighter upper? Or less dense Ego midsole (what makes it softer. As the tester felt ok I'll wear it for a proper run tomorrow.
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Nov 2021
11:14pm, 2 Nov 2021
85 posts
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PAJ89
Nice SPR, particularly curious to know how it runs as my workplace will be stocking the Rivera 2 from February next year. Escalante is my favourite shoe (ran 650 miles in two pairs of 1.0, currently closing on 300 miles in a 1.5, and have two pairs of boxed 2.0s waiting to be opened), so a slightly cushier version of it for longer/easier runs sounds a potential winner.
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Nov 2021
9:23am, 3 Nov 2021
35,592 posts
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SPR
PAJ - I've just done 10 miles easy in the Rivera. Tired legs and the type of run where I just don't get on with the Escalante 2.5 as it felt too clunky. Rivera was good. The 2.5 felt ok on faster longs but I think it's just too firm for me and therefore means my legs are more beat up than they would be in other shoes. Possible that the Rivera will be one paced and struggle with the faster side of easy but it didn't feel like it would.
I ran in the Escalante 1.5 and didn't have that same feeling of harsh ride. I did have to change the lacing as I found the upper too stiff initially but it was ok after the lacing change. Upper a bit sloppy though.
I might try the Rivera insole in the Escalante at some point. The insole and the footbed in the Rivera is different from the Escalante. A more spongy insole and footbed in the Rivera. The Escalante insole and footbed feels denser and pushes back against being squeezed (guess that's part of the rubber ball bounce that people like).
Have you heard about any changes coming for Rivera 2? Is it getting plusher (Ego max maybe)? Always a risk when you like a shoe that the new version changes too much.
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Nov 2021
10:51pm, 3 Nov 2021
86 posts
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PAJ89
Awesome, thanks for the feedback. As you can probably imagine given my line of work I do love the techy side of shoes and all that comes with it :D As far as I remember it's still the regular Ego. Quoted stack height is 26mm and 250g in sample size men's (likely between UK 8.0 and 9.0). Although I don't think they're necessarily going whole hog and making it mega plush, it wouldn't surprise me if it rides a little plusher than the origibal. We were discussing whether to take the Escalante (my personal favourite and obviously one of Altra's big names) or Rivera, and the reps indicated that they believed the Rivera is a more accessible shoe on a few counts. First being a slightly higher stack than the Escalante and inherently a little more forgiving. Second being a slightly more secure fit, obviously it retains the foot shape toe box and you'd never describe an Altra as narrow, but for anyone who might think the 'classic' Altra fit is too wide or sloppy, they were suggesting the Rivera would feel more locked in whilst still having the big toe box for foot splay.
I'm looking forward to running in it myself and fingers crossed we are successful with it so we can continue stocking in future seasons. One thing I'll also say is they have two very exciting speedier/race focused shoes on the horizon too, was slated for early next year but more likely to be delayed due to COVID/factory stuff. One road, one trail. Not something we'll stock but can't wait to see how they perform!
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Nov 2021
3:48pm, 4 Nov 2021
3,458 posts
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jacdaw
You should have asked them why they had dropped the Kayenta; my favourite road shoe ever. Or whether they have a new shoe that is similar.
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Nov 2021
6:18pm, 4 Nov 2021
35,614 posts
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SPR
Thanks for the info PAJ. I'm sorted for road racers for now (especially as I only do the road relays) but I think my racers have been discontinued so have to keep an eye out for a replacement (still have currently lightly used pair and a brand new pair).
jacdaw - We agree that the Kayenta is great (a bit more wear protection would be useful for everyday wear). I've still got a brand new boxed pair but I'm tempted to get another couple before they disappear altogether. The Rivera is good but I don't think it's for faster work which the Kayenta is good for.
My guess as to why it's been discontinued is the supershoes are taking over the fast training category and most seem to like the Escalante or the racer version from an Altra perspective for that. I doubt many would wear it as an everyday shoe (it took me a while to start using them as one as thought they'd wear out too quick).
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Nov 2021
9:15pm, 4 Nov 2021
87 posts
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PAJ89
Would agree that it's probably a casualty of the super shoe category encroaching into the training space. Traditional speed options and racing flats are definitely getting more niche, even something like a Saucony Kinvara (which is beloved and has years of heritage) seems like it'll be threatened by the success of Endorphin Speed as a shoe that can pull double duty for training and racing.
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Nov 2021
10:00pm, 4 Nov 2021
3,459 posts
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jacdaw
I just want a wide toe box, a flat thin sole and as little structure in the upper as possible. Not much to ask.
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Nov 2021
7:04am, 5 Nov 2021
88 posts
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PAJ89
On board with you jacdaw! Shift towards more maximal and plated/rockered/superfoam shoes has squeezed this category. I'm hoping we cycle soon into a phase where slightly more minimal, lower options are favoured by a greater majority so there are more options available.
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Nov 2021
7:21am, 5 Nov 2021
35,619 posts
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SPR
Can't see it happening. Racing shoes used to be the least cushioned and I can't see that rolling back, especially when there's a speed advantage in the current shoes rather than simple preference.
My road racing shoe is the Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro. Proper racing flat (as they used to be) with Pebax cushioning (which is better than EVA) but the amount in the shoes like the Vaporfly (return plus increased height) in combination with the plate is what makes the real difference as I understand it.
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The vaporfly thread
Dec 2024
