Based in Oregon, Columbia Sportswear have a long history of producing top quality products for the great outdoors. From their footwear range we take a look at the Escape Ascent trail running shoe.
What is it?
The Escape Ascent is a trail running shoe of average weight at 297g for a size 8UK.
Key features
It features a seamless upper which should offer better comfort by reducing any rubbing points.
The Escape Ascent is a streamlined shoe with slightly pronounced curved outsole. At first this feels a little bit on the narrow side, perhaps lacking stability but a few steps and you’ll feel how nimble it is. This is not a clumpy shoe.
The upper features Haptic Print Technology provides lightweight stability and flexibility and has a striking contour design. Or is it zebra? The TPU around the toe and heel is there to help protect the toes and there is enough of it to do a great job as it extends over the top of the toes. At the heel it adds and extra level of waterproofing.
In common with many trail shoes the Escape Ascent features a D-loop at the front of the laces to allow easy installation of a gaiter should you need to fit a pair.
A nicely padded tongue keeps things comfortable.
Navic Fit System™ provides an extra level of support around the mid foot, keeping things snug. This is an extra set of loops for the laces in the mid foot area.
A velcro heel loop allows for a decent sized loop that can be tucked flat against the heel tab and will stop it snagging on anything.
Adapt Trax™️ outsole features front and rear facing, suitably aggressive 4mm lugs and ribs. These offer very good traction going uphill or down.
Is it worth your money?
The Escape Ascent is a well constructed trail show with some nice extra touches such as the gator loop and the velcro heel loop and priced at £115 it is about average for a trail shoe. Columbia have created a striking looking shoe that balances aggressive performance with an elegant form. I was a little concerned by the stability of the shoe but that was not an issue in use.
The shoe offers a decent balance of comfort and traction. If you are looking for marshmallow level of midsole comfort these might not be just right for you. Performance with adequate comfort. Nothing to fault here but can I keep the white ones clean?
Find out more at the Columbia website here.
