Altra Paradigm 8 Review
By Bach Pham, Content Manager
Altra Paradigm 8Price: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.8 oz, 278 g (men's size 9), 8.6 oz, 244 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 32mm throughout
Drop: 0mm
Shoe Purpose: Stability trainer
Pros: Ample forefoot fit, nice step-in feel
Cons: Midsole slightly flat on the run
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Altra Paradigm 8 is a mild guidance-based, zero drop stability shoe. The latest iteration offers a comfortable fit upgrade over the past version while also improving the width and length and updating the EGOMAX midsole. Runners who like a lower to the ground feel, zero drop trainer with stability through sidewalls and geometry will want to shortlist the Paradigm 8 (after all, it's kind of your only option).
SIMILAR SHOES: Topo Magnifly
PAST MODEL: Altra Paradigm 7
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Bach: The Paradigm 8 from Altra offers a much improved fit over v7 for me. The length and width of the shoe feels much more dialed in, offering a comfortable fit and easy shoe to wear all-day. Altra has a standard footshape on this model, offering a roomy forefoot (Other shapes in the Altra line include original which is the roomiest and slim which is closer to a standard size from other companies. The standard footshape seen here fits inbetween.). On the run, I did feel the need to use a lace lock to secure the shoe, but after that I had no issues with heel security. The shoe does have a highly flexible heel counter, which is a rare sight in stability footwear. The fit overall gets a good mark for me. It fits nicely, once laced up properly it felt dialed in. The upper did run slightly warm, however, on the hottest days of summer here in South Carolina. I would keep this to runs under an hour.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit Bach well:
Nike Pegasus 40, Saucony Guide 17, Mizuno Wave Inspire 19, Saucony
Endorphin Speed 3, Nike Structure 25
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Asics Kayano 30, Puma Electrify Nitro, Brooks Hyperion, Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
Shoes that have fit large: Hoka Gaviota 5, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Lightly
How Flexible is the Shoe: Very lightly mid-to-forefoot
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Average
Recommended for Haglunds: Yes
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: No
Recommended for Sockless: Yes
Durability Expectation: Average
PERFORMANCE
Bach: The Paradigm 8 features a slight upgrade on the EGOMAX midsole (EVA) which definitely feels a bit softer on step-in. I found the last edition to be a little bit better uptempo and a bit more of a struggle at easy pace, but the Paradigm 8 feels much better at daily paces thanks to the midsole improvement. It still runs on the firmer side as the midsole compresses quickly into the ground. There is some mild flexibility in the forefoot, more than a typical stability shoe. The Paradigm 8 will run better for those who are more on their forefoot thanks to the generous width. I found the shoe not feel as smooth from heel-to-toe, but the more I stayed forward - which is more natural for me anyways - the better I felt the shoe to be. The shoe can still pick up the pace a bit being on the lighter end of stability shoes, but the lower stack than average limited how far I could do a workout with it due to my personal limitations. Those with good foot strength may fair better for longer efforts.
I will say that I had to really limit my miles in the Paradigm as it had been awhile since I tested zero drop footwear. Runners new to this drop will want to ease in to using this shoe. I definitely felt my ankles being worked during this testing - and not in a bad way (see the culture corner below for more).
The outsole is ample and has not had any issues after 20 miles. I think the sole will feel the wear before the outsole. I didn't have any issues on wet surfaces with the Paradigm, but would not run in grass or gravel with it. This is definitely best on roads.
For those seeking a lower stacked walking and standing shoe, this may be a solid option thanks to the improved fit in particular. The heel-to-toe is much smoother while walking.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Bach: The Altra Paradigm 8 is a mild guidance-based shoe. There are big sidewalls on both sides of the shoe to help keep the foot on the platform and encourage some gentle guidance forward. It is very light though, compared to things like Brooks GuideRails or the former J-Frame from HOKA. I believe even neutral runners who may struggle with Altra's neutral zero drop initially may be able to use this model if they are okay with guidance stability to gently ease into zero drop shoes. The Guiderails in the Paradigm 7 really were noticeable for me and distinctly centered me when running slow, but I didn't feel their presence as much in this iteration. There is also a very wide base throughout as well to help provide a lot of landing zones. The medial side of the shoe is also a bit firmer, providing a little extra support without being intrusive.
Culture Corner: Shoes are Tools, Especially These
By Bach Pham
One of the unique benefits I have had testing shoes at Doctors of Running is being able to experience a wide range of shoes from the most stable of training shoes like the Brooks Beast series to the polar opposite like the Nike Vaporfly. In between this broad spectrum I've learned that there's a lot of subtle variations that test different parts of my body. I've had the opportunity to test both neutral and stability oriented zero drop shoes from Altra and Topo, and even just within those two brands have seen the major differences in what a highly neutral, low stacked option like the Topo ST-5 can bring to the table versus the polar opposite in something like an Altra VIA Olympus which on paper isn't significantly higher than the Paradigm but feels taller and more plush.
Most of my runs in the Paradigm 8 ended up being south of 30 minutes due to how much the shoe was working my ankles. Having been testing almost entirely stability shoes over the past year, they tend to be on the higher drop side of things. I knew immediately on my first run that this would have to be something I eased into, and I'm glad I did. For me has become a great tool that I plan to continue using on occasion to help build strength to my ankles and also provide a nice option to alleviate some load to the knee from all my high drop footwear. Having some variety in your rotation if you are able (don't be afraid of looking at last year's models for hefty discounts) has a very positive effect in helping not load one area so frequently. I found mixing up the Paradigm with some higher drop shoes during testing to be a really great balance that I was missing over the past several months.
Don't be afraid to explore finding ways to add some variation into your shoe rotation, whether it is via drop, methods of stability that you are comfortable with, or incorporating some high and low stack options. Being able to adjust where you load on a weekly basis is a great way to help ensure some longevity.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Bach: I normally don't like recommending more stack, especially these days as shoes are all tall, but the Paradigm reaching full max cushion would greatly give the shoe some more identity. I think the Provision provides a middle of the road option. The extra cushion could help add more separation between the two shoes. Alternatively, the shoe could make a large foam upgrade to help provide a more energetic ride. The EGOMAX foam feels softer than before, but still a little flat. Something with a bit more responsiveness could be extremely good, especially with a lower stack competitor in the Brooks Hyperion GTS leaving the market permanently.
Additionally, the Paradigm upper is a bit on the warm side and could use a little more breathability.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Bach: For runners who want a lower to the ground, zero drop stability shoe with guidance, the Altra Paradigm 8 is essentially the only option in the mainstream market. The Paradigm is best for easier efforts and some short, slightly uptempo efforts. As you hop to 4mm shoes, options like Altra's new Experience Form and Topo Ultrafly come into play, but zero drop enthusiasts really have the Paradigm and the more geometric stability option in the Provision. You will want to either have stronger feet to use this for longer efforts or look to this as a tool as mentioned above.
GRADES
Bach
Fit: B+/A- (Good length, width, and volume. Feels like Altra at its best fit-wise. Slightly warm upper though)
Performance: B (The shoe is lighter which helps with some faster efforts, but the shoe does feel lower than 32mm with compression. Those with stronger feet and have a preference for zero drop shoes will like this.)
Stability: B+ (A mild guidance trainer that will suit a broader audience as long as the sidewalls are not bothersome. Those with high stability needs may need a little more bit support)
Value: B (This is tough because there's not really a similar shoe besides one other in the market, but there are good low drop options that are also higher stack)
Personal: B- (For my own needs it very much is a specific tool rather than a high volume usage shoe)
Overall Design: B (Rationale for grade)
SHOP | SUPPORT DORAltra Paradigm 8Price: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
Check out Gear We Love
Naked Belt The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist.
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
FURTHER READING
On's premium trainer.
Altra's 4mm stacked neutral trainer.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
Thanks for reading!
FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running
PODCAST
Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.
Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: Altra Experience Flow 2
