The Altra Paradigm 6 Shoe blurs the line between a road running shoe, everyday trainer, and support shoe. The Paradigm 6 is the first Altra shoe inspired by and developed by an Altra athlete—Kara Goucher, a two-time Olympian. Using Kara's input, Altra added the supportive Altra Ego Max midsole and slimmed down the overall design without sacrificing its maximalist fit and feel. Altra Ego Max midsole for extra bounce and durability, while remaining light and responsive InnerFlex midsole grooves improve flexibility and movement GuideRail provides support and encourages natural foot placement Innovarch arch support for a secure fit and customized feel Summer 2022 product Equipped With FootShape Toe Box Altra's FootShape toe box allows the toes to relax and spread out naturally, and the big toe to remain in a straight position for maximum stability and power. It is also designed to address biological differences in men’s and women’s feet. Balanced Cushioning Every Altra shoe is built on a Balanced Cushioning platform that positions the heel and forefoot an equal distance from the ground. This natural foundation aids in optimal alignment, cultivates better form, and encourages a low-impact landing.
The Altra Paradigm 6 Shoe blurs the line between a road running shoe, everyday trainer, and support shoe. The Paradigm 6 is the first Altra shoe inspired by and developed by an Altra athlete—Kara Goucher, a two-time Olympian. Using Kara's input, Altra added the supportive Altra Ego Max midsole and slimmed down the overall design without sacrificing its maximalist fit and feel. Altra Ego Max midsole for extra bounce and durability, while remaining light and responsive InnerFlex midsole grooves improve flexibility and movement GuideRail provides support and encourages natural foot placement Innovarch arch support for a secure fit and customized feel Summer 2022 product Equipped With FootShape Toe Box Altra's FootShape toe box allows the toes to relax and spread out naturally, and the big toe to remain in a straight position for maximum stability and power. It is also designed to address biological differences in men’s and women’s feet. Balanced Cushioning Every Altra shoe is built on a Balanced Cushioning platform that positions the heel and forefoot an equal distance from the ground. This natural foundation aids in optimal alignment, cultivates better form, and encourages a low-impact landing.
The Altra Paradigm 6 Shoe blurs the line between a road running shoe, everyday trainer, and support shoe. The Paradigm 6 is the first Altra shoe inspired by and developed by an Altra athlete—Kara Goucher, a two-time Olympian. Using Kara's input, Altra added the supportive Altra Ego Max midsole and slimmed down the overall design without sacrificing its maximalist fit and feel. Altra Ego Max midsole for extra bounce and durability, while remaining light and responsive InnerFlex midsole grooves improve flexibility and movement GuideRail provides support and encourages natural foot placement Innovarch arch support for a secure fit and customized feel Summer 2022 product Equipped With FootShape Toe Box Altra's FootShape toe box allows the toes to relax and spread out naturally, and the big toe to remain in a straight position for maximum stability and power. It is also designed to address biological differences in men’s and women’s feet. Balanced Cushioning Every Altra shoe is built on a Balanced Cushioning platform that positions the heel and forefoot an equal distance from the ground. This natural foundation aids in optimal alignment, cultivates better form, and encourages a low-impact landing.
The Altra Paradigm 6 Shoe blurs the line between a road running shoe, everyday trainer, and support shoe. The Paradigm 6 is the first Altra shoe inspired by and developed by an Altra athlete—Kara Goucher, a two-time Olympian. Using Kara's input, Altra added the supportive Altra Ego Max midsole and slimmed down the overall design without sacrificing its maximalist fit and feel. Altra Ego Max midsole for extra bounce and durability, while remaining light and responsive InnerFlex midsole grooves improve flexibility and movement GuideRail provides support and encourages natural foot placement Innovarch arch support for a secure fit and customized feel Summer 2022 product Equipped With FootShape Toe Box Altra's FootShape toe box allows the toes to relax and spread out naturally, and the big toe to remain in a straight position for maximum stability and power. It is also designed to address biological differences in men’s and women’s feet. Balanced Cushioning Every Altra shoe is built on a Balanced Cushioning platform that positions the heel and forefoot an equal distance from the ground. This natural foundation aids in optimal alignment, cultivates better form, and encourages a low-impact landing.
Last updated at 02/11/2024 16:32:57
originally posted on altrarunning.com
This is a fantastic shoe. And while I like Altra, Altra doesn't get everything right. In fact, I ordered 8 different models to try on, and this was hands-down the best. The tongue is comfortable, there's no heel slippage, the shape is not too wide or narrow, and the feel on the road is perfect - comfortable and stable while still allowing natural motion. I don't really feel the Guide Rail or stability working, and this is my first stability shoe. It just feels like a great shoe.Now, the Torin 4 was perhaps the greatest shoe ever. Every Torin since has had a terrible tongue that just ruined it. But the Paradigm 6 is the worthy successor. Can't say enough good things about this shoe.
originally posted on altrarunning.com
A clear bright spot in Altra's ever-decreasing product quality. This shoe might be, without qualifiers, the best high-mileage trainer. The durability is acceptable for ultra training, and the life of the outsole, foam, and upper are balanced so that it 'exits gracefully'. The ego max foam is fantastic. Because it's geared toward stability, the P6 is, surprisingly, PHENOMENAL on trail, which is where I use it almost exclusively. This shoe is so good that I drilled the outsole for a few 1/4" studs so that I can use it for a high-elevation ultra. It outperforms Topo's Mtn Racer line, which seems to be aiming for a feel something along the lines of the P6. Most Altras blow the heel liner during extended uphill power-walking, which for some reason does not happen with ... MoreA clear bright spot in Altra's ever-decreasing product quality. This shoe might be, without qualifiers, the best high-mileage trainer. The durability is acceptable for ultra training, and the life of the outsole, foam, and upper are balanced so that it 'exits gracefully'. The ego max foam is fantastic. Because it's geared toward stability, the P6 is, surprisingly, PHENOMENAL on trail, which is where I use it almost exclusively. This shoe is so good that I drilled the outsole for a few 1/4" studs so that I can use it for a high-elevation ultra. It outperforms Topo's Mtn Racer line, which seems to be aiming for a feel something along the lines of the P6. Most Altras blow the heel liner during extended uphill power-walking, which for some reason does not happen with this model.This outstanding performance led me to think that maybe 'Altra is back', so I picked up a pair of the Timp 4s in hopes of not trail running in a pair of road shoes with screws in the sole. The uppers of the Timp 4 blew out on the fourth or fifth run. I don't know if Altra made the P6 so good just by accident or not. But it is easily the best shoe in my current quiver and probably the best high-mileage trainer I've ever had.
originally posted on roadrunnersports.com
The Paradigm has impressive roots-the versions 3 , 4, and 4.5 were the BEST running shoes I had found in the past 10 years-wide toe box, just right levels of cushioning. Bought over 8 pairs. Shoes change. Some lose their way. The 5 was too hard, I use for a door stop. This 6 is getting better, but too soft. I am 6'1 and 188-these are too soft. They bottom out. Altra, please go back to the EVA firmness of your earlier pre-5 versions. And please revert to the original toe box width of that era. Altra-an idea: offer shoes in different levels of firmness and set a shoe sole hardness level from 1 to 10 perhaps. Maybe try 2 versions. Or at least give your rating across your line for standardization. Please study version 4.5. I would almost recommend this version of the ... MoreThe Paradigm has impressive roots-the versions 3 , 4, and 4.5 were the BEST running shoes I had found in the past 10 years-wide toe box, just right levels of cushioning. Bought over 8 pairs. Shoes change. Some lose their way. The 5 was too hard, I use for a door stop. This 6 is getting better, but too soft. I am 6'1 and 188-these are too soft. They bottom out. Altra, please go back to the EVA firmness of your earlier pre-5 versions. And please revert to the original toe box width of that era. Altra-an idea: offer shoes in different levels of firmness and set a shoe sole hardness level from 1 to 10 perhaps. Maybe try 2 versions. Or at least give your rating across your line for standardization. Please study version 4.5. I would almost recommend this version of the shoe. Thank you!
| ARCH SUPPORT | Stability |
| TERRAIN | Road, Gyms, Flats |
| PURPOSE | Running |
This is a fantastic shoe. And while I like Altra, Altra doesn't get everything right. In fact, I ordered 8 different models to try on, and this was hands-down the best. The tongue is comfortable, there's no heel slippage, the shape is not too wide or narrow, and the feel on the road is perfect - comfortable and stable while still allowing natural motion. I don't really feel the Guide Rail or stability working, and this is my first stability shoe. It just feels like a great shoe.Now, the Torin 4 was perhaps the greatest shoe ever. Every Torin since has had a terrible tongue that just ruined it. But the Paradigm 6 is the worthy successor. Can't say enough good things about this shoe.
A clear bright spot in Altra's ever-decreasing product quality. This shoe might be, without qualifiers, the best high-mileage trainer. The durability is acceptable for ultra training, and the life of the outsole, foam, and upper are balanced so that it 'exits gracefully'. The ego max foam is fantastic. Because it's geared toward stability, the P6 is, surprisingly, PHENOMENAL on trail, which is where I use it almost exclusively. This shoe is so good that I drilled the outsole for a few 1/4" studs so that I can use it for a high-elevation ultra. It outperforms Topo's Mtn Racer line, which seems to be aiming for a feel something along the lines of the P6. Most Altras blow the heel liner during extended uphill power-walking, which for some reason does not happen with ... MoreA clear bright spot in Altra's ever-decreasing product quality. This shoe might be, without qualifiers, the best high-mileage trainer. The durability is acceptable for ultra training, and the life of the outsole, foam, and upper are balanced so that it 'exits gracefully'. The ego max foam is fantastic. Because it's geared toward stability, the P6 is, surprisingly, PHENOMENAL on trail, which is where I use it almost exclusively. This shoe is so good that I drilled the outsole for a few 1/4" studs so that I can use it for a high-elevation ultra. It outperforms Topo's Mtn Racer line, which seems to be aiming for a feel something along the lines of the P6. Most Altras blow the heel liner during extended uphill power-walking, which for some reason does not happen with this model.This outstanding performance led me to think that maybe 'Altra is back', so I picked up a pair of the Timp 4s in hopes of not trail running in a pair of road shoes with screws in the sole. The uppers of the Timp 4 blew out on the fourth or fifth run. I don't know if Altra made the P6 so good just by accident or not. But it is easily the best shoe in my current quiver and probably the best high-mileage trainer I've ever had.
The Paradigm has impressive roots-the versions 3 , 4, and 4.5 were the BEST running shoes I had found in the past 10 years-wide toe box, just right levels of cushioning. Bought over 8 pairs. Shoes change. Some lose their way. The 5 was too hard, I use for a door stop. This 6 is getting better, but too soft. I am 6'1 and 188-these are too soft. They bottom out. Altra, please go back to the EVA firmness of your earlier pre-5 versions. And please revert to the original toe box width of that era. Altra-an idea: offer shoes in different levels of firmness and set a shoe sole hardness level from 1 to 10 perhaps. Maybe try 2 versions. Or at least give your rating across your line for standardization. Please study version 4.5. I would almost recommend this version of the ... MoreThe Paradigm has impressive roots-the versions 3 , 4, and 4.5 were the BEST running shoes I had found in the past 10 years-wide toe box, just right levels of cushioning. Bought over 8 pairs. Shoes change. Some lose their way. The 5 was too hard, I use for a door stop. This 6 is getting better, but too soft. I am 6'1 and 188-these are too soft. They bottom out. Altra, please go back to the EVA firmness of your earlier pre-5 versions. And please revert to the original toe box width of that era. Altra-an idea: offer shoes in different levels of firmness and set a shoe sole hardness level from 1 to 10 perhaps. Maybe try 2 versions. Or at least give your rating across your line for standardization. Please study version 4.5. I would almost recommend this version of the shoe. Thank you!
I love the original foot shaped shoes. This isn't one of them. This shoe is narrow in the middle of the long axis which rubbed on my feet. I do not have wide feet. I stopped noticing the rub after a few miles, but each run I would feel it in the beginning. The reason why I returned them was the corrective design of the shoe. The description says it wont correct if you don't pronate. I do not probate and actually found it very corrective to the point where I was supinating. This caused lots of pain for me in the foot and inner knee. Aches and pains all over the body for several days afterwards. I ran another 8 miles in this shoe that week and had the same problems. For the next run, I went back to my Torins. No pain, and life was good again. Thanks to Altra's great ... MoreI love the original foot shaped shoes. This isn't one of them. This shoe is narrow in the middle of the long axis which rubbed on my feet. I do not have wide feet. I stopped noticing the rub after a few miles, but each run I would feel it in the beginning. The reason why I returned them was the corrective design of the shoe. The description says it wont correct if you don't pronate. I do not probate and actually found it very corrective to the point where I was supinating. This caused lots of pain for me in the foot and inner knee. Aches and pains all over the body for several days afterwards. I ran another 8 miles in this shoe that week and had the same problems. For the next run, I went back to my Torins. No pain, and life was good again. Thanks to Altra's great promise to refund shoes if they don't work out, I settled on the Via Olympus.
I learned to love running in the Paradigm 4.5. Before I tried Altra my feet would hurt because most shoe toe boxes were too cramped. I put 300+ miles on the 4.5s and then replaced them with a pair of Paradigm 5s that I also put 300+ on. Then came the Paradigm 6. Altra introduced some big changes which have led me to stock up on the Paradigm 5s until Altra releases a shoe with their original footshape. The Paradigm used to be an excellent support shoe with a wide toe box, supportive upper, and a fairly stiff sole. The 6 is narrower, has a more breathable but less supportive upper, and has a much more flexible sole. The Paradigm 6 didn't last 100 miles before the cushioning gave out in the left shoe while the right shoe developed a squeak. I noticed an increase in ... MoreI learned to love running in the Paradigm 4.5. Before I tried Altra my feet would hurt because most shoe toe boxes were too cramped. I put 300+ miles on the 4.5s and then replaced them with a pair of Paradigm 5s that I also put 300+ on. Then came the Paradigm 6. Altra introduced some big changes which have led me to stock up on the Paradigm 5s until Altra releases a shoe with their original footshape. The Paradigm used to be an excellent support shoe with a wide toe box, supportive upper, and a fairly stiff sole. The 6 is narrower, has a more breathable but less supportive upper, and has a much more flexible sole. The Paradigm 6 didn't last 100 miles before the cushioning gave out in the left shoe while the right shoe developed a squeak. I noticed an increase in left foot shock value (RunScribe) around 50 miles that slowly got worse until I stopped using them after 80 miles. I ran in my old 300+ mile Paradigm 5s and the asymmetry in shock went away. I've tried to find the Paradigm 4.5, as that version had the best upper, but unfortunately they are pretty much gone. I've purchased a few pairs of Paradigm 5s but not sure what I'll do when I run through them. I hope Altra hasn't given up on the footshape fit that made Altras such amazing running shoes for people with wide forefeet. If you're reading this Altra, please bring back a support shoe like the Paradigm 5 or earlier versions.
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. ... MoreThis 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 was critical of a few things in my first review that I would like to revisit now that I'm on my second pair. I ran in the Hoka Arahi 6s just to see what the scuttle butt was all about, so I will say this about the Paradigm 6: I now think Altra does a much better job than others with heel slippage. The upper could be better but its fine, maybe better construction. The Arahi seemed stiffer in a good way, more supportive I guess. The Paradigm 6s breath just fine. The only negative I have for the Paradigm is the Innovarch. It doesn't work and at worst is abrasive. I'm switching back because I need my feet to splay, I love the zero drop, and the guiderail is brilliant. The Paradigm 6s relieve pain in my hips, arches, and plantar fascia.2 things I think need to ... MoreI was critical of a few things in my first review that I would like to revisit now that I'm on my second pair. I ran in the Hoka Arahi 6s just to see what the scuttle butt was all about, so I will say this about the Paradigm 6: I now think Altra does a much better job than others with heel slippage. The upper could be better but its fine, maybe better construction. The Arahi seemed stiffer in a good way, more supportive I guess. The Paradigm 6s breath just fine. The only negative I have for the Paradigm is the Innovarch. It doesn't work and at worst is abrasive. I'm switching back because I need my feet to splay, I love the zero drop, and the guiderail is brilliant. The Paradigm 6s relieve pain in my hips, arches, and plantar fascia.2 things I think need to drastically change Change for Altra in general. I have run in Escalantes/Racers, Lone Peaks, Torins, and Riveras. The cushion. It's no good. The stuff blows out after 100-150 miles. The other is the color schemes. They are just awful. Always the same black, gray, blue with probably one good color choice. The trail shoes have an ok color choice, but the road shoes seem to be going for a much older audience.
This is the most comfortable walking shoe ever made :)I'm not a runner just biking and every day walking and I love these shoes. A nice balance of casual dress sneaker and athletic. The multi color laces are cool too. Soft cushiony feel walking. I also have Hoka rincon 3, bondi 8, Clifton 8, avenger 7, solimar, and Mach 5, but I wish I had discover Altra first. I discovered these paradigm 6 while returning a bunch of hokas at a local running store and it was love at first step. These do have a spacious toe box but I wish there was a wide version as I have 1 foot with wide toes and I'm not overweight. Regardless these feel as wide as Hoka wide shoes. I hope even more colors keep coming. The navy is very nice looking and I'll buy more colors.
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 ... MoreI 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.
I have bought and used many Altra running shoes over the years....the Provision, The Torin and the Paradigm models. While Paradigms are my favorite because of the extra cushioning, I have had to switch to Torin when for whatever reason the new Paradigms come out with a much narrower toe box (i.e . 4.0. 4.5...and now the 6!!) Where is the consistency between models lately? The Paradigm 6 is so much narrower than the earlier models and the 5....they need to stop promoting this shoe as "giving your feet more space". Such a shame. Paradigm was my favorite running shoe...but not with the "standard footshape fit". What happened to the "original footshape fir"??? At least there is another running shoe company that offers a roomy, anatomical toe box.....and delivers every ... MoreI have bought and used many Altra running shoes over the years....the Provision, The Torin and the Paradigm models. While Paradigms are my favorite because of the extra cushioning, I have had to switch to Torin when for whatever reason the new Paradigms come out with a much narrower toe box (i.e . 4.0. 4.5...and now the 6!!) Where is the consistency between models lately? The Paradigm 6 is so much narrower than the earlier models and the 5....they need to stop promoting this shoe as "giving your feet more space". Such a shame. Paradigm was my favorite running shoe...but not with the "standard footshape fit". What happened to the "original footshape fir"??? At least there is another running shoe company that offers a roomy, anatomical toe box.....and delivers every time. Sorry Altra, you lost me with your "flip-flopping" on the toe box.
| ARCH SUPPORT | Stability |
| TERRAIN | Road, Gyms, Flats |
| PURPOSE | Running |
