Our review of the max cushioned stability Altra Paradigm 8, we’ve loved past models so let’s find out where this one stacks up.
When unboxing the shoes the first thing I noticed was how big they looked. I was afraid they’d feel a bit clunky on my feet, but was surprised at how nicely they fit and felt. We’re starting to realize this is the trend with max cushion, they look far more clunky than they feel.
Cushy, but not too stiff, what I desire the most as a runner in a stability shoe. While I haven’t historically been drawn to the Altra style, I am a stability shoe runner, which made me really curious to see how these would compare to my other shoes.
How does the Altra Paradigm 8 stack up to other max cushion stability shoes? I took them out for a few spins to see if they’re up to the challenge of providing comfort and support!
Who Is It Good For?
- Wide Feet:Wide toebox as expected and general comfort through mid-foot common to Altra.
- Heavier Runners: As a stability shoe with cushion these could be a good option, but aren’t quite as plush as some others on the market.
- Long Runs:Definitely built for comfort and durability of longer miles.
- Front of the Pack: Not designed for speed work of any kind.
The Paradigm is great for the runner who needs stability, loves a roomy toebox, but doesn’t want a max plush shoe.
Altra Paradigm 8 Overview
I was a big skeptic when I first put these on– the wide toe box life just isn’t for me, at least that’s what I thought at first. After the first few miles of my first run in them I looked at my training partner and said “alright, I guess you really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover– I think I might like these!”.
With just enough cushion without sacrificing the much needed support, I felt enough pep in my step without the shoe feeling clunky or stiff, like I’ve felt from other comparable shoes including the Brooks Adrenaline or Mizuno Wave Inspire.
If you loved the Altra Paradigm 7, I’ve got good news for you! Not only did they change very little between the two models, the price on the Paradigm 8 is actually lower. In this economy?!? You really can’t beat it.
The Altra Paradigm 8 boasts the updated Altra EGO MAX midsole to provide cushion. I found the ride of this shoe was comfortable but not over the top– not too much pep and not the most responsive. With that, I’d leave these at home when hitting tempo workouts or long runs with pace miles baked in.
My feet, ankles, and knees felt great over a good number of training miles in the Paradigm 8 thanks to a few of Altra’s trademarked features.
With the GuideRail technology, these shoes provide the support we’d expect out of a stability shoe, by encouraging natural foot placement. Altra paired this technology with their signature FootShape fit, giving the support and stability I look for from running shoes.
While the Paradigm felt less plush than my tried and true Brooks Glycerin GTS 22, these are a great alternative that provide cushion and support without the rigidity of other stability shoes.
Altra Paradigm 8 Specifications
- Weight: 10.9 oz Men’s, 8.6 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 30 mm
- Heel Drop: 0 mm
- 5 Colors Men’s, 6 colors Women’s
- Not available in wide
- Available on altrarunning.com for $160
Quick Take
- Breathable and comfortable upper
- Encourages natural foot placement
- Wide toebox
- Not super plush for a max cushioned shoe
- Not much pep or responsiveness
Altra Paradigm 8 Fit
The fit of the Paradigm 8 was much more comfortable than I expected– with the wide toe box I anticipated feeling discomfort, but now I understand all the hype from Altra enthusiasts.
The shoe was a little big for my feet, but I’d say they’d run true to most sizes across most brands. Next time I’d opt for an 8 instead of an 8.5
Even with the size feeling a little big I felt good support in the midfoot, with the redesigned upper mesh being breathable and comfortable. The tongue and heel were both plush and provided a fit that was not too loose and not too snug, keeping my foot right where I wanted it to be.
Although this is Altra’s max cushion shoe, it did not feel super plush like some of the other brands on the market. It did provide enough cushion to make it comfortable and a shoe I’d consider adding to the daily trainer rotation.
It still provided enough support throughout the shoe, in part thanks to the toebox design that allows your toes to splay out and bring some natural stability.
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Similar Shoes to the Altra Paradigm 8
- Hoka Arahi 8– Looking for stability with a lot of cushion? This shoe is for you. While the Altra Paradigm 8 is their max cushion shoe, it’s not going to give you a feel of softness like the Hoka Arahi 8 does.
- Brooks Glycerin GTS 22– A nice in between of stability, but don’t make it too rigid, cushion you can feel more than the Paradigm 8, but a bit more plush.
- Mizuno Wave Inspire 21– Designed more on the moderate cushion end this stability shoe is a bit more responsive and could be an option worth looking into if you want a bit more pep in your step, but hold the cushion.
See all of our stability running shoe reviews >>
Our Verdict
The Altra Paradigm 8 is an excellent option for the runner logging a lot of miles who is looking for support, a good amount of cushioning (but not too much!) and prefers a wide toe box! Our lower rating is mostly because it’s not the shoe for everyone and we still question the title of max cushion.
All right that’s our review of the Altra Paradigm 8 from an actual stability shoe runner, what a concept right?! Have you put in miles in the Paradigm, what are your thoughts?
What to read next?
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