Weight 340g
Evaluation The Gel Escape is a gem of a trail shoe. It hits the spot by feeling light yet protective, cushioned yet responsive, stable yet unrestrictive. It’s the sort of shoe your foot sits in, not on. You are cocooned in a snug upper that stops your foot sliding within the shoe on unstable ground, while allowing plenty of toe space. You stay low to the ground, too, which adds to the stable and positive feel, and there’s a medial post and good midfoot shank, making it one of a small number of trail shoes aimed at overpronators as well as neutral runners.
Finally, there’s grip, and plenty of it. You could wear the Escape for small sections of road, but it’s really designed as a gloriously pure off-road beast. What’s more, it’s great value.
In short The Gel Escape is what a trail shoe should be – low-slung, quick and tremendously grippy in slippery conditions. It’s fun, protective and confidence-inspiring.
Try it if you liked New Balance 904 (£70); Adidas Brahma (£60, now called Beltline Classic); Asics Gel Canyon (£45)
