Customer Reviews Altra Paradigm 6

After reading several reviews on the Paradigm 6 on how it was made narrower than the Paradigm 5 I decided to look on line for a Paradigm 5 and ordered it. I've owned several Altras over the years but went back to Hoka because they started making the bondi in a 4E width. I will tell you I love the Paradigm 5's width so I will be afraid to order the Paradigm 6. I guess I'm writing this to stress to Altra that some people would also enjoy the choice of your shoes in a wide width especially us guys that train for marathons and would enjoy a little extra space. I love the looks of all the Altras but sure would like some wide widths in the future.

I received these shoes in the first week of September. Since then I've put right about 100 miles on them at a 5 mile runs, 5 times a week. So far everything is great. No undue wear and tear. No odd sounds. No discoloration or smells. Just a good all round running shoe. I have been dealing with ankle pain from a trail running injury in April that put me out for all of May. I was wearing Altra trail shoes at the time, but that is probably not related to the injury. I switched over to Hokas to do my road running but felt that something wasn't quite right. They are squishy shoes, but never provided the spring I needed. With the Paradigm 6 I was able to get my mileage back up to where I wanted it to be without any knee, hip or (quite surprisingly) ankle pain. I generally have good form but the Guide Rails have been just enough to keep me in line if I start slipping and begin to have any over-pronation issues.

I had previously purchased from Altra another shoe - LP Alpine - and while that is a very nice trail shoe over time I found that my heels would sink into the back of the shoe essentially turning the arch support into a fulcrum. When rocking back on my heels the shoe basically became a negative drop heel similar to the old Earth shoes, painful for my back. So this time I wanted to try on the shoes at a local store. They had just gotten the Paradigm 6 in stock. The fit is very similar to the Alpines, wonderful toe box, wide enough for my medium width feet and fit perfectly to my normal 11.5 size with a bit of room to spare. In some shoes I have to go up to a 12 or select a wide size but not these. The feel underfoot is dramatically different from the Alpines, there is no heel sinking. It just feels as if you're standing on a flat cushioned surface. The cushioning forms well to the foot and is enough to be comfortable on most surfaces, especially for a heel pounder like myself, while not being in the Hoka category - my other favorites. This is an expensive choice and I'm not familiar with Altria's other running shoes or the previous version of this shoe but should you choose to buy you would not be disappointed. To me this is somewhere between a "minimalish" shoe and a Hoka - low enough stack height, zero drop but enough cushioning to satisfy people like me without making you feel unbalanced when not pounding the pavement.

This shoe became dead and floppy with 175 miles and under 2 months. The worst part is customer crevice put me through the ringer and then said the shoe is not defective but here's 20% off if you want to buy another one. Company is really going for those $$$ instead of taking care of customers.

I am a physical therapist and I wear this shoe 3 days a week to work. Love them.

I am 63 and will turn 64 in a month. I use these shoes for fitness. Some 6 mile runs, mostly 8-15 miles per week. I am trying to return to Triathlon status, but my current job and a previous injury has slowed the process. I purchased one size larger because of no half sizes for 12. I have used an alternate shoe tie to lock in the heel and reduce the blue toe issues.

This is the perfect balance of cushioning and support for me. As well as being shaped like a human foot, which so few other companies are, the fit and width are perfect for those with a medium to wide foot. Those with tugboats for feet may need the original-fit models. Unlike the Torins and Lone Peaks, which I really like, the heel is firmer and better supported. There is no see-saw effect with your heel sinking if you happen to lean back a little. With those, you can go from a zero drop to a negative drop. But that's easy to compensate for; just maintain a slight forward lean onto the balls of your feet. I use these for speed walking exercises as well as all-day walking activities. My only complaint, applicable to most Altras, is the availability of color choices. I also wear Hokas, which have far more color choices as well as greater cushioning if desired. But they don't have the foot shape of Altras, so I have to order 2EE wide shoes.

I have always had the hardest time finding shoes, but luckily the search is over, because the Paradigm 6 fit my feet perfectly. The front of my foot is wide, but I have a very narrow heel that causes a lot of heel slippage. My heel is secure and I feel there's plenty of width in the toe box. To compare the width of the toe box of the Paradigm 6s with other brands like Hoka is ridiculous. I'm a heavier runner at around 205 Lbs and I feel there's just the right amount of cushion and support. I'll definitely be buying another pair to cycle runs with.

This shoe is cool looking. It has a great amount of of cushioning. The stablizing technology is state of the art. The upper mesh is comfortable and fit me snug.The updated medial support helps more then the last model of this shoe.

Very comfy, wide toe box, plenty of support...looks great too. Debating if I want another pair in another color! Using the shoes casually...and wont run in them though. Wish the tongue were not loose (I like sock like running shoes or shoes where the tongue stays in place)...but that is the only complaint and it is a very minor one. Hope you folks enjoy em like I am!

I love the freeness of the toes in the toe box. I was getting foot numbness and shin splints in my other running shoes. I ran 5 miles in these shoe without even realizing it because of the comfortability.

The first time I put this shoe on I knew I was a lifer for Altra. The toe box is unlike any other shoe I have tried, roomy & comfortable. The shoe itself is like a mattress for your feet but not a super soft as in a long jog would hurt. The support & comfort level is just right. Will buy a back up pair soon!

I usually wear an 11 but got a 9.5 in these after trying them on so heads up on that. They are however the most wonderful pair of shoes I have ever put on my feet. Crazy comfortable.

Love this shoe!! I had the Paradigm 5 and liked it, however, this is a great improvement. I have been running for years and started using zero stop about a year ago and it has helped me so much with my knees. I have the Escalante Racer and the Torin 5. I like the Paradigm for everyday training. I am a large runner I am about 6 feet 3 and weigh about 220. I am going to run my next Marathon in the Paradigm 6. Believe me I have a closet full of different brand shoes and I always go back to my Altras because of the comfort and fit . Also Altra customer service is unbelievable!!!

Outsole durability is terrible. 39 miles of walking, half of which has been on dirt/grass, amd there is visible wear on the sole. Other than that it's a great shoe, on my second pair

I loved the feel and support of Paradigm 5! No knee pain, no plantar fasciitis, no matter how much I ran. But eventually they got worn out and I had to buy the new Paradigm 6. They look great, definitely nicer than the 5s, but, unfortunately, my problems started soon: plantar fasciitis and the dreaded IT Band syndrome. They clearly have less arch support than the previous model. I now need to use insoles or arch straps when running in them, and my IT band syndrome still comes and goes in spite of expensive physical therapy and doing many different types of exercises recommended for it.

I work on concrete floors, which requires a good walking/running shoe. The paradigm 5 was excellent, it was the best shoe for me since the brooks trance series. This shoe has lots of cushion, but it falls far short of the previous model. The paradigm 5's cushion is superior, it has more of a resilient spongey bounce that absorbed shock better. Though plentiful the cushion in the paradigm 6 seems to be a much lower quality foam.

I use my Paradigm 6 sneakers for walking and running. I am extremely pleased with how comfortable they feel. I will definitely buy them again.

Pros: -very good heel support engineering for heel strike -wide toe box to allow all toes to be used -less slipping than torin7s -breathable material -all around comfortable and sturdy arch support -artistic design: logo on heel is nice touch Cons: -bottom most tread sole could have the exposed center, imprinted with the logo, recessed up in z-axis a little higher to prevent slipping when tread wears Responsive to customer feedback and meeting a wide range of foot types well. This is the best fitting shoe you've engineered that fits my foot. I would continue to buy shoes of this form and shape as long as Altra produces them.

I purchased the men's Paradigm 6 since the women's 6 was no longer available in my size. For me there was virtually no difference in fit and comfort. Super comfort! Love the max cushioning and roomy toe box! More comfortable than the Paradigm 7.