Altra Paradigm 5.0 Review
Improved Protection with Classic Altra Feel
Likes
- Protective cushioning
- Improved stability
- Smooth ride
Dislikes
- On the heavier side
- Flat road use only
What's New
The Altra Paradigm shoe line has long been a favorite among runners seeking maximum cushioning and balanced stability for their daily training needs. In its newest iteration, the Paradigm 5.0 has been updated from top to bottom to further refine its performance while retaining its signature style. The Guide Rail and StabiliPod guidance systems have been improved to provide more support than previous models. Altra has also slightly rounded the heel design to create smoother landings and a more comfortable running experience. Finally, the updated engineered mesh upper is sleeker than ever and offers a supportive fit that Paradigm lovers will appreciate.
The Bottom Line
The Altra Paradigm is well known for being an exceptionally protective shoe that delivers high-quality comfort and support for daily training, as well as long recovery runs. The Paradigm 5.0 delivers top-notch performance updates to the midsole and upper that modernize these shoes without sacrificing their traditional feel. Although improved, the overall fit may still be too roomy for some runners, especially those with narrower feet. The EGO foam midsole is stacked high, providing a soft and protective ride that still puts a nice bounce in your stride. With beefed-up Guide Rail and StabiliPod systems, the Paradigm 5.0 provides excellent support for moderate to excessive overpronators. Even neutral runners will enjoy the extra support as their legs and feet begin to tire. If you are in the market for a well-cushioned stability shoe for long and recovery runs, then the Paradigm 5.0 is exactly what you are looking for.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium to low | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 11.7 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.7 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 34 mm (Heel), 34 mm (Forefoot) - includes removable sock liner | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Moderate Stability | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Softness is what the Paradigm does best. The EGO foam is in full supply here, delivering the plush comfort that has become this line's calling card.
Garrett: "This is definitely one of the softest Altra models, but it's not quite as soft as the Torin Plush or Olympus, in my opinion. From heel to toe, the Paradigm offers a large amount of cushion to soften landings."
Ride/Energy Return i
Although the EGO foam retains its signature bounce, the Paradigm is built more for comfort and protection than speed. The new rounded heel design helps deliver a smooth heel-to-toe transition that is perfect for easy miles.
Garrett: "This shoe is all cushion. The midfoot provides a smooth ride but no real energy return."
Underfoot Protection i
The Paradigm's high stack height and soft EGO foam deliver top-of-the-line protection and the durability to withstand the test of time. The enhanced Guide Rail and StabiliPod construction improve this shoe's support, making it a great pick for even the most excessive overpronators. Neutral runners may also benefit from the extra guidance when they are tiring late in their runs and their form starts to drift.
Garrett: "This shoe is very thick, and the stability keeps my feet supported. The only downside is that I have rolled my foot a couple of times on slanted surfaces."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Even though the Paradigm 5.0 has a significant stack height, Inner Flex offers noticeable flexibility and creates an efficient ride that allows runners to cruise through miles with ease. The Natural Ride System design assists the foot and allows for a smooth footstrike transition, which further enhances the overall running experience.
Garrett: "Though these shoes are thick and have moderate stability control, they deliver a pretty smooth ride with some flexibility."
Upper Feel i
Altra has updated the upper of the Paradigm 5.0 to increase comfort and breathability, which runners will notice immediately upon stepping into these shoes. The engineered mesh provides a secure hold through the midfoot and delivers Altra's signature roominess through the forefoot.
Garrett: "The upper around the midfoot provides a nice hold on my foot. The toe box is what you'd expect from Altra. This is a major upgrade from the 4.5, which I thought did not secure as well."
Altra Men's Paradigm
Altra Women's Paradigm
Individual Thoughts
Overall, I think these shoes are a welcomed upgrade from the 4.5. They have better support for overpronation and a much smoother ride. The upper has an improved lockdown, as well as better breathability. The Paradigm 5.0 offers excellent protection, even with a messed up metatarsal in my foot, and helped me run longer distances. This shoe performed well for most of my runs, but my heel did roll a couple of times on uneven surfaces. I needed to bring more attention to my running to avoid a roll, but I enjoyed the shoe nonetheless.
