Customer Reviews Altra Paradigm 1.5

I really liked the way these shoes felt on my foot, both as they came and also with my custom full-length orthotics installed in place of the supplied insole. I wanted very much to keep them but I have hallux rigidus (arthritic big toe) in both feet and they were a little too snug across the top of the foot, putting some pressure on my enlarged and tender big toe joints. The heel was very comfortably fitted. I usually wear a 7 or 7.5 in a running shoe, and I tried both the 8 and 8.5 in this Paradigm model. The 8.5 fit the best. I will probably end up buying the Olympus 1.5 model, in a size 8, because it has more vertical space in the toe box. I was also a little concerned that the Paradigm might not keep my feet warm enough outdoors in the winter, since the fabric seemed thin (you can see your socks through the top of the shoe).

I was so disappointed that this new model of the Paradigm shoe has far less room in the toe box and felt smaller all around. They were my go-to shoes and now I will have to find something else.

Soft and squishy like I wanted but still supported my deformed, flat feet. Normally I wear Wide in running shoes but not w/ these. No problems transitioning to zero drop. My only complaint is the way out of whack sizing...buying a 10.5 was irritating.

Super comfort, but runs one full size smaller. Most comfortable shoe ever, yet Altra does suffer from an ugly problem over all. Ugly colors, ugly in general. Have had Lone Peak, and Torin, and have put miles walking and running in both. Paradigm beats both of those for comfort and weight. Have not run in Paradigm.

Love these shoes with the foot-shaped toe box! Comfortable and supportive, but they do run short. Fortunately, I read the reviews and was aware of this. Zappos should give me a commission because I posted these on the Weightwatchers website and got over 200 comments and likes! And I know at least one person bought them from you as a result!

1) these run SMALL. get at least 1/2 to 1 size larger. 2) the cushion is awesome!! So thick and comfortable I don't use another pad. 3) these work IF your witness is in your toes, if your foot is wide at the ball.. This may not be for you. 4) break them in slowly. This shoe has the same width of the sole at the toes to the heal, I think, or at least it's different than what you are used to.. So break in slowly to get used to them. I love mine.

I really like these shoes! My only complaint is they do run a half size small compared to other running shoes (including Altra's). I'm normally a size 9 and needed to order a 9.5. I use these shoes for long runs and recovery runs on both road and trail. It's actually a pretty stable shoe on the trails with a nice wide platform so you're not rocking and rolling everywhere. There's so much cushion while still being an impressive 8 oz. Great shoe!

Super comfortable. Large toe box adds comfort to your feet. Great fit.

I love this shoe. I will only buy Altra for running shoes from now on. My pinky toes are no longer squashed and they have tons of cushion. I joke that I feel like I am running on little pillows.

I tried these as a replacement for the Torin 2.0. which I found to be too large in the smallest size of 5.5. The reviews for the Pt the Altra Paradigm said it ran very small. Unfortunately the 5.5 was still too large for my feet, though they were closer to a 5 that the Torin 2.0, which were enormous on my feet. I also feel the Paradigm had a bit more cushioning and height than I was comfortable running on. With the smaller shoe the higher sole almost felt like a platform rather than just extra cushioning. I am more than disappointed that Altra has stopped producing the Torin in a 5. I loved my Torin 1.5 and can not find a suitable replacement among the other Altra models.

Seems to be improved from my older pair. Still roomy in the toe box but not as sloppy as before. Great support.

Have been wearing Altra Shoes for several years. First, Provisioness (now Provision - which I just ordered again via Zappos), Repetition (which has been discontinued), recently purchased Olympus and now Paradigm. Tried to go back to conventional styled shoes and it just makes the issues with the feet worse. The Zero Drop philosophy regarding the foot and its design of shoes is what I continually return to and continue to embrace. Thank you Zappos for offering the Altra Shoe brand on the site! The Paradigm is a simple style of shoe; and yes, do go up a half size for best fit and to allow the toes ample room. Can wear with heel cups; arch supports; metatarsal pads if needed. I have a narrow foot so the laces must be securely tied for best fit. Good for walking and every day use.

Excellent shoe, but not right for the following reasons: Toe area not quite wide enough, shoe laces too short, arch support wasn't in the right position (too far back on the foot) and they had a strange way of making my foot turn inward (pigeon toe)- or maybe an optical illusion?

I have WIDE feet, typically wear New Balance Women's 11EE. These Altra's are not wide enough for my feet.