Customer Reviews Altra Paradigm 7

While I understand all good things get little redesigns in their time, I must say this redesign missed the mark. I absolutely love the Hope color-way collaboration with Kara Goucher, but that is the only positive so far for this shoe. The toe box got super narrow, which is disappointing seeing as I love Altras for their foot shape. The shoe is also very stiff and didn't feel very responsive. I took these out for a short run and by mile 1 I was forming blisters on both heels. I've never experienced that with any Altras. Once my blisters heal a little more, I'll take these out for another short run, but at this point it looks like I will have an expensive pair of casual shoes.

I'm a paradigm wearer. I've had a lot of paradigms in the past and I have 6 pair of the paradigm 6 which I'm glad that I bought as many. I just bought the paradigm 7 and will have to return them. It's really just me because I have arthritis and the cushioning in the ball of the foot area isn't there in the 7s. I've been wearing these now all day and cannot wear them anymore, which never occurred in the 6s, I never need a breaking period on the 6s. After putting a pair of the 6s on now I really can tell the big difference in that cushioning on the bottom of the front of the foot. So whatever the change was seemed to take away that super cush that the paradigm is known for. Sucks for me I know, because these were about the only shoe I can wear. I'll have to pick up a few more pairs of the paradigms 6s before they go away.

I loved how the shoes felt on. They were super light and were comfortable. However when I wore them they rubbed the back of my ankles raw.

I buy my running shoes half a size to a fully size larger than my regular foot size (8.5). I requested half a size larger (9) with these running shoes and they were too tight for a running or walking. I feel the width was a bit tight too. I tried them on a few times and walked around my house. It was a bit disappointing that I requested the wrong size but I loved how they hugged my heel. I felt the paradigm 7 was a good shoe over all. It had a strong cushion to form to my arch, it hugged my heal nicely (usually my heal slides), and it was super light. I am going to see where it is sold so I can check out a different size.

I use this shoes for walking on my everyday life activities, housework, shopping, going to church, etc. I do not walk for fitness or run. I can only afford to buy a pair a year and up to last year they held. The paradigm 7 did not, though. I purchased them in Feb and they have teared on the heel of both shoes, on the top rim, and the left shoe has a rip where the fabric meets the rubber on the outer side. I have no other choice of shoes since this have been recommended by my podiatrist as the shoes to wear. I called customer service and the person who answered told me to go to the webpage and fill out the warranty questions. I tried filling out the warranty questionnaire on line and every time I get to the end it tells me something went wrong. It seams to me that I am out on a limb here. I find myself looking at other options because I cannot invest in such expensive shoes to find that they don't have the quality that they used to have. I would like for someone to to give me some answers, please.

I bought these shoes and they felt too small. that's ok. In trying to return them i didn't get a response until the 30 day return window had closed and now I'm left with shoes that don't fit and can't return them.

The Paradigm 6 was perfect. Perfect amount of cushion, perfect amount of responsiveness. Altra took what was perfect and ruined it. The 7 feels like I'm running on hard plastic. It's awful on my feet and feels like shin splints waiting to happen. I hope the 8 is more like the 6. The 7 is utter garbage.

Felt ok for the first month but now seems my foot slides and the toes get a bit mushed. Probably need a bigger size but even then the same has happened to me with a different brand.

I wanted to love this shoe but unfortunately not for me. ALWAYS give me blisters on my arches no matter the distance. A nice responsive shoe sole though.

Love my Paradigm 6s & Provision 6s. Don't love the Paradigm 7. Soles are too hard, laces are skinny strings that hurt, & the lacing style doesn't work for me. Too $$ and uncomfortable to keep.

I had the 6 and loved them! Wore them for 2years walked around 5 miles a day on them. I did not like the 7 at all! The arch was different and hit different caused a lot a discomfort!

I was so excited to get my shoes they are comfortable but less than a month of wearing I have a hole at the toe. I'm waiting to hear back from the warranty department to see how this will be handled.

I bought these to replace my 6's which I wore out. These do not fit the same. The toe box is different. I had no trouble with my toes or foot pain in the 6 version. With these, I have black toe and fore foot pain after ~10 miles. Please go back to the 6 style.

First, 'paradigm 7' size 9 has so much material in the toe box you can just grab it up and pinch an inch easily, whereas size 8.5 is a perfect toe box fit, but of course shorter in length than you need for a size 9 foot. I have had a size 9 pair for a year and went back to try an 8.5 and that's what I found. Sales also surprised at the difference in extra material in the toe box. So I went back and tried on my old 'paradigm 6' pair that is a size 9, and it fits like the 'paradigm 7' size 8.5 shoe...and even though it's older, it feels more comfy. Now I need a new pair of paradigms and what to do? Searching for a pair of 'paradigm 6'!. I love the wide toe box and neutral shoe, but not very happy with Altra and their product quality and consistency. Recommend if you can find a size that fits...although as others have said they need to replace the padding.

I love the Paradigm 6. Best shoes I've found for my feet period. The Paradigm 7 feels like a completely different shoe and I returned them. The arch cut into the bottom of my foot painfully and the support is gone - virtually none. The way the shoe is made has changed and you can see that part of the support system has been done away with when you remove the insole (a mesh that extends from the upper across the midsole under the insole. Cutting costs but charging more. Like others have said, the cushioning feels thin and too firm. I found another pair of 6's online and ordered them and plan to order more.

Really disappointed. Had the paradigm 6 and loved them. These cause my toes to tingle because they are so restrictive! Please go back to providing a wide toe box in most of your shoes! Returning these

I returned these as the width was too small. I hope ALTRA keeps their wide shoes in the future