Altra Paradigm 8 Review: Subtle Support in a Zero-Drop Package

All shoes are reviewed by the Fleet Feet tester team, which represents a wide variety of goals, foot shapes, running locations and terrains. Reviewers pound the pavement, climb the hills, tackle the trails, then come together to compare notes. Debates ensue over the feel of the cushioning, the purpose of the shoe, and how it compares to last year’s model. While each reviewer has their own individual preferences, we hope that capturing our debates will help you make an informed decision.

The aptly-named Altra Paradigm has ushered in a new paradigm for running footwear.

The Altra Paradigm, along with other core Altra models, was built with a revolutionary idea: that a zero-drop platform (meaning your heel and forefoot sit at the same level) and a toe box that actually mimics the way your feet are shaped can help you move more naturally.

The Paradigm 8, available July 1, boasts an updated midsole and a redesigned upper with the same support technology, zero-drop platform and FootShape™ toebox that Altra loyalists know and love. Read on to hear what our review team thinks of this update.

The Paradigm 8 is built on a stack of Altra’s proprietary EGO™ MAX midsole compound. It’s the same midsole foam used in the previous version of the Paradigm, although Altra claims its been updated for a more cushy ride.

“Walking on the treadmill in the Paradigm 8 felt great,” says Mandy, whose walking pad recommendation has been a major upgrade to my home office. “The shoes provide support that allows me to walk and concentrate on my meetings as opposed to my shoes. I felt light on my feet with a little fun bounce.”

The support Mandy mentions comes from Altra’s GuideRail™ technology, a firm material that sits on the medial side of the shoe for extra reinforcement. This material delivers added durability for runners and walkers who place more pressure on the medial sides of their feet, ensuring the shoes wear out evenly.

The shape of the Paradigm also adds some inherent support, thanks to the FootShape™ toebox I mentioned earlier. Altra’s wider-than-normal toe boxes allow your toes to splay out and stabilize naturally, promoting improved balance.

“Altra’s FootShape™ silhouette combined with the GuideRail™ technology provide a subtle rigidity for those who may need a boost on the medial side of the shoe,” Max says. “I took these shoes as my only pair for a weeklong trip to visit my parents, where I went on a few 3-to-6 mile runs on some paved trails. I enjoyed each run in the Paradigm 8. They’re soft without having a super-high stack height.”

Max notes that the midsole foam doesn’t feel peppy or responsive, so we recommend sticking with easy runs and walks in the Paradigm 8.

The Altra Paradigm 8 features a redesigned engineered mesh upper intended to improve the model’s comfort, breathability and fit. While the shoe fits true to size, Altra’s FootShape™ toe box may take some getting used to for new Altra fans. Here’s what you need to know:

Altra running shoes offer three different FootShape™ Fits: Original, Standard and Slim. The Original is the roomiest of all three options, while the Slim is the narrowest. The Paradigm features a Standard FootShape™ Fit, which falls in the middle.

“The Altra Paradigm 8 has a slightly wider toe box than most running shoes, which I initially thought wouldn’t work for my narrow feet,” says Anna, who’s never tried an Altra shoe before the Paradigm. “I was delighted and surprised that the secure midfoot held my feet in place. I’ve found that the extra room in the toe box provides lasting comfort on my long runs.”

Mandy and Max also found the shoe to fit true-to-size. Max has narrow, low-volume feet (feet that don’t take a lot of space inside the shoe), while Mandy’s are a bit wider and higher volume.

Not sure about the width or volume of your feet? Your best bet will be to head into your local Fleet Feet. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height, so you can learn a lot about your feet while you’re there.

The good news is that runners who loved the Paradigm 7 will likely enjoy the 8, too, as Altra didn’t change much from the previous model. And, even better, the Paradigm 8 has decreased in price while maintaining the same key features and benefits. Price decreases aren’t something we’ve seen a lot of this season, so it’s worth calling out.

The Altra Paradigm 8, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 and New Balance 860 v14 all deliver smooth support in a comfortable package.

Both the Paradigm and Adrenaline use stiff medial reinforcements to create a durable midsole for runners who place more pressure on the insides of their feet. Coincidentally, both Altra and Brooks refer to their support system as Guide Rails. The Brooks Adrenaline also uses reinforcements on the lateral side, too.

The New Balance 860 doesn’t use medial or lateral reinforcements, instead opting for their Stability Plane Technology–a thin, rigid, plate-shaped EVA film that helps the midsole foam collapse and expand evenly upon impact and toe-off.

With soft cushioning and supportive GuideRail™ technology, the Altra Paradigm 8 is ideal for runners who want the best of both worlds — a plush, cushy ride with some firm reinforcements.

Thanks to Altra’s Standard FootShape™ Fit, the Paradigm delivers extra wiggle room for runners who want to let their toes splay.

“I’d recommend the Altra Paradigm 8 shoe to runners seeking subtle support for easy runs, long runs and recovery runs — especially for those who enjoy a zero-drop platform,” says Max.

If you’ve never worn a zero-drop shoe, we recommend easing into them gradually. Running in zero-drop shoes can work muscles you may not be used to working, so giving your body time to transition is key.