Altra Paradigm 7 review

9 expert score
5.3 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 19th January by TJ Jones Road and trail runner, stability shoes expert.
59 other reviews

Altra Paradigm 7 Verdict

The Altra Paradigm 7 is a unique max cushioned stability trainer. Small changes were made to improve a great trainer to make it one of the leaders in the max stability field.

The pros

  • The Natural Ride System
  • Adaptive Stablity
  • Comfort

The cons

  • Longer adjustment and break in period

Rating breakdown

Comfort
9.0
Build quality
10
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
9.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
Paradigm 7
Previous model
Type
Weight
9.9 oz (281 g)
MSRP
$170.00

Heel
30 mm.
Toe
30 mm.
Heel drop
0 mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
True to size
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Wide

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Balanced/plush
Amount of cushioning
Highly cushioned
Stability
Very stable
Flexibility
Medium

Usage

Racing
Speedwork
Daily training  
Long distance racing
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the Altra Paradigm 7 ?

A runner who is looking to step out of their comfort zone and try a unique stability trainer.

Who should not buy the Altra Paradigm 7 ?

A runner who needs a drop higher heel to toe drop of zero or who needs lots of stability.

Altra Paradigm 7 Introduction

Picture of Altra Paradigm 7

Merriam Webster dictionary defines paradigm as an outstanding clear or typical example. Altra’s Paradigm is their unique max cushioned stability. It combines a traditional stability system with Altra’s principles, giving runners an alternative trainer.

The Paradigm is one of two stability options from Altra. The Provision is the mid cushioned option, it shares some features but it is lighter with less cushioning.

The Paradigm competes with the Brooks Glycerin GTS, ASICS Kayano and the Hoka Gaviota.

Altra Paradigm 7 First Impressions

Picture of Altra Paradigm 7

I was excited to receive these because I had reviewed the last two editions. Opening the box my initial reaction was interest. The colorway was subtle but it popped and hey didn’t seem much different from the previous pair I reviewed.

I noticed they had less bounce while on, but other than that they felt comfortable from heel to toe.

The maiden voyage of the Paradigm was a 5k. It was a smooth and comfortable ride, minus a little bit of bounce. The fit allowed me enough space for natural movement and for my toes to splay out.

I also wore these out and about as a daily shoe because of how comfortable they felt.

Altra Paradigm 7 Upper

Picture of Altra Paradigm 7

The Paradigm 7 received a newly engineered mesh upper. This mesh is just as breathable as previous editions. It provides a medium amount of structure while also being quite flexible. It is an effective mesh providing a comfortable fit that moves with you.

Altra’s standard FootShape follows the contours of your foot. In this shoe there is no area of tightness throughout the upper.

A plush tongue and heel collar add to the comfort and fit. It also makes the Paradigm more stable.

The added cushion to the tongue fixes the tongue movement issue from the last edition. The simple lacing system is effective as well.

The upper is a no nonsense simple and effective part of the Paradigm.

Altra Paradigm 7 Sole Unit

Picture of Altra Paradigm 7

Let’s begin from the ground up. A thin layer of rubber covers the outsole, it is durable and handled all the conditions I ran in well.

The outsole is made with Footpod technology, basically built with natural movement in mind, with Innerflex found on the outsole.

There are strategically placed grooves in the midsole to give it more flexibility. This adds to the natural feeling in the midsole.

The midsole is made with AlterEgo Max, a responsive compound with some bounce to it.

The midsole is big but doesn’t feel bulky or heavy.

It follows Altra’s FootShape giving your feet room for natural movements. There is a slight cradle-like fit. The Paradigm has guiderails for stability. A larger one on the medial side and smaller one on the lateral side.

They are adaptive, engaging when you need stability, and they did that.

Picture of Altra Paradigm 7

These aspects worked together to produce a stable and comfortable ride.

The Natural Ride System (NRS) makes up a good portion of the midsole. This consists of three elements, FootShape, zero mm drop from heel to toe, and metatarsal specific shapes in the outsole (Footpod).

These aspects are what sets Altra apart.

The system not only made the Paradigm a good running trainer but also an everyday shoe.

These are my event day shoes for a race company I work for. Now there is a slight adjustment period because of these aspects but they make running in them enjoyable overall.

Altra Paradigm 7 Conclusions

Picture of Altra Paradigm 7

The Altra Paradigm is an example of a trainer making small changes to improve a solid shoe. This is my 3rd Paradigm I’ve reviewed and my favorite.

The NRS (FootShape, 0 mm drop and footpod technology) encouraged natural movement throughout my stride. This system along with EgoMax cushioning made for a comfortable ride. The guiderails excelled at providing adaptive stability.

It is a max cushion trainer but never feels heavy or bulky. From smooth impact through flexible transitions to bouncy toe offs, the midsole delivered a stable and natural ride.

The upper of the Paradigm is simple yet effective in both design and performance. There is a newly engineered mesh. It provided a middle amount of structure while also being flexible. They corrected the tongue movement issue by adding more cushion to the tongue.

The upper’s secure fit added to the stability of the Paradigm. The fit hugged the contours of my feet with no tightness felt.

Both the stability and max cushioning trainer fields are becoming more and more crowded with each passing year. This makes it harder for a trainer to stand out.

With the Paradigm, Altra has managed to stand out in both fields. The Paradigm may not be for everyone but for me it worked. All of the aspects of the Paradigm create a symphony of natural comfort and ride for your feet.

The only drawback was a slightly longer adjustment and break in period.
I reviewed both the Provision and Paradigm this year. I can say without a doubt that the Paradigm is a better trainer. They stand out because of their unique characteristics and move to the front of the pack because of their performance.

The Altra Paradigm 7 is a unique max cushioned stability trainer.

Small changes were made to improve a great trainer to make it one of the leaders in the max stability field.

If you’re ready to step out of your running comfort zone, I suggest you try the Paradigm 7.

How does the Paradigm 7 compare?

Asics Gel Kayano 30
Altra Paradigm 7
Hoka One One HOKA Gaviota 5
Expert score
9
9
9
User score
Best price
Retail price
US$160
US$169.95
US$174.95
Shoe type
Weight
10.7 oz
9.9 oz
10.9 oz
Heel Drop
10 mm
0 mm
6 mm
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
balanced/plush
balanced/plush
balanced/plush
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
medium
medium
Stability
very stable
very stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Altra at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.

Reviewed by TJ

This review was written by TJ Jones on 19th January.
TJ Jones lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife and toddler son. He has been running for over half of his life. He has completed 3 full marathons and countless half marathons. In the daytime, he is a school counselor. He loves running no matter if it is on the road or trails

User feedback (4)

  • avatar-comment-1040990
    Sarah T.
    2 months ago
    8 score

    I recently picked up the Altra Paradigm 7 and although I love the wide toe box and the ample cushioning, the shoe feels a bit bulky during faster runs. I still appreciate the support, especially on longer distances, but I feel it’s more suited for recovery or easy runs rather than tempo efforts. Overall, I’d give it a solid 8. Do you think Altra would ever release a lighter version of this for speed work?

  • avatar-comment-1035599
    Cha Cha
    10 months ago
    1 score

    My wife running with this model but got knees injuries. Already processed merchandise return. Hopefully my wife’s knees can be recovery soon.

    • avatar-comment-1037777
      Weu
      6 months ago

      These shoes have nothing to do with your wife’s knee problem, since this type of shoe even shifts the load away from the hip/knee towards the achilles/ankle.

  • avatar-comment-1034972
    Ben
    11 months ago
    7 score

    This was my first experience with Altra. I had been a barefoot-ish disciple (FiveFingers, Vapor Glove, HFS) for about 15 years until last summer when persistent achilles issues prompted a return to “conventional” running shoes. Was suggested Altra as a transition option to get some cushion while keeping the zero-drop, forefoot-strike bias I was used to in the barefoot shoes. I have long, narrow feet with particularly narrow heels, so I wanted to try the Rivera (the “Slim” foot shape), but my local running store a.) didn’t have them, and b.) noticed some inward rolling in the shoes I wore into the store and recommended the Paradigm for some stability.

    First, I found that that they ran a bit long in my normal M9.5, and quite wide. I was able to size down to a M9, which definitely helped with the fit, but even then my foot shape doesn’t gel particularly well with Altra’s and I find my feet moving around a bit more than I’d like, even after playing with the lacing and heel-locking to secure to the greatest extent practical. Otherwise, they are quite comfortable though, and like TJ have become one of my favorite walking/casual shoes. They are also a good bit lighter than most of the stability trainers I’ve been trying recently. I think someone with normal-to-wide feet who’s interested in zero-drop would want to give these a look.

    I’ve got a pair of Rivera 3s on the way and look forward to seeing how those work out.

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