Altra Paradigm 4.0

93 / 100 based on 5 expert reviews

• Kyle Byrnes

  Level 2 expert

  Verified

  88 / 100 | RunRepeat Kyle Byrnes

  Altra Paradigm 4.0 - Plush and no mush!

  I switched to Altra as I have a wide foot, and need something that also provides cushioning around the forefront of the shoe. However, be aware, that this is a zero drop shoe and will take some time to adjust to especially if you’ve been using shoes like Brooks (typically 7mm-12mm) or Hoka (4mm-8mm).

  I’d suggest rotating in and out with a low drop shoe as you transition to zero drop. Don’t just go all in right away if you’re not used to them. When new shoes arrived, I was impressed with the packaging which included a booklet on “Getting used to the shoe” as well as a reflective sticker. 

   

  

  Comfort & fit

  It felt great out the box but could tell they were going to take a little bit of time to get used to. Also, it is shipped with good packing and shoe inserts to help shoe retain form.

   

   

  I typically wear wide shoes (2EE). However, Altra is naturally a wide shoe, so you will not see a wide option. 

  But understand that their average sizing is true to fit and would be the same as a wide shoe option. However, this shoe is not for a narrow foot runner.

  Grip & traction

  Average, with room to improve. I would have liked a stronger grip though. The shoe serves its purposes for Road Runners and can handle the wet conditions.

  However, there isn’t a lot of room for error. When crossing a street, I did almost slip on the painted part of the wet sidewalk crossing which could have been bad. Thus, moving forward, I was much more cognizant of this and had to pay more attention to the road itself.

  Durability

  I have put in about 100 miles in now and not showing any signs of breakdown! So far, the shoe has provided a lot of support in the fore-mid foot. I wanted the cushioning other Altra’s don’t provide so was happy to see Altra tapping into this market.

  Aesthetics

  The colorways are limited to only 3 color schemes. They may look a little clunk in the toe box, but this is to help Altra meet their goal of having toes return back to their natural position.

  I do not care about aesthetics, but these were not as ‘bulky’ looking as I originally expected. Pleasantly surprised.

  Upper 

  Interestingly enough, I encountered an issue I never had before, which resulted in blood and cuts. In all, the entire upper sole is very breathable and comfy and provides flexibility to expand as you work through your run.

   

   

  However, as photos will show, there is a little bit of “flare” on the inside of the shoe which is very rigid. And due to my style of running, where at times I overpronate, it rubbed and cut against my left heel which was very annoying and painful. 

  On the other hand, I find the tongue neither too slim not too bulky. Just the right size and didn’t encounter any issues.

  Midsole

  The midsole is pretty firm and strong. I liked the snug fit on the inside of the midsole especially around the midfoot. I was concerned that this would lead to blisters over time, but so far so good!

  I felt a little bit snug on the inside of the sole/inner foot, which guides the foot to opening up in the toe box helping Altra reach that “toes” back to a relaxed and widened natural state.

   

   

  The entire midsole seems very durable and after 100 miles, is not showing much room of deterioration - well done and constructed shoe.

  A little narrow/snug in the width area which concerned me at first, but found it refreshingly snug and helped guide toes and shoe accomplish the overall goal of returning runners to natural methods.

  Outsole

  The outsole is firm, strong and holding up very well vs. competitors. I would like a little more give, but it's not too firm that there's no room for breaking in.

   

  Heel

  The heel holds well without adding too much bulk. It prevents the foot from too much/any slipping.

  Pros

  • Cushioning, without making a major sacrifice in aesthetics like other brands
  • Hits mission in providing a maximalist shoe
  • Confident in the durability

  Cons

  • Limited to only 3 color schemes
  • The darn “StabiliPad” found on both the middle and back part of the inner shoes is sharp, it rubbed against my opposite ankle and cut it like a razor, several times over and had to change my style overall to avoid it the best I could moving forward

  Final observations

  This was my first time in a zero drop shoe which needs to be rotated in and out with another low drop shoe as you adjust. I would certainly give Altra another try in the future and will continue to use the Paradigm 4.0.

  The shoe doesn’t feel as heavy as it may appear, breathable and dries very well. Just runners be aware: learn more about what a zero drop really means and do your homework especially if you're used to Brooks and Hokas, which are meant for wide feet like ours.

  Zero drop is different and uses lower parts of the leg we haven’t been forced to deal with in the past. Overall, for me, this is a great shoe especially if you're looking for something different and mixing into your routine.

  This expert has been verified by RunRepeat. Reviews are neutral, unbiased and based on extensive testing.
• Steve Moore

  Level 3 expert

  91 / 100 | Run Moore

  So this shoe is great for somebody who's walking, who's running, who wants to lean a little more midfoot.
• J

  Jeremy Krall

  Level 4 expert

  98 / 100 | Running Northwest

  Needless to say, but we are impressed with the new Altra Paradigm 4.0. Sure there are very very minor nitpicks (like it’s still a little heavy), but this is a maximum cushion shoe So honestly landing a little over 10 ounces is amazing.
• A

  Austin Bonds

  Level 4 expert

  90 / 100 | Believe in the Run

  There’s a myriad of choices for runners seeking max-cushioned shoes, road, and trail alike. The addition of EGO in the midsole and a knit upper are the two noteworthy characteristics of the Paradigm 4.0. And at $150, the mileage return will skew towards a higher number. 400-500 miles doesn’t seem unreasonable in the least.