REVIEWS
13 Reviews
Solimar
Paradigm 8 Wide in Black. I have wide feet and very low arch. The cushion is awesome in all areas. I have inward overpronation and this is my first shoe with guide rails to correct this and have support. It took me couple of days to get used to the rails. At the beginning I felt some moderate pain in my left arch as the guide rails don't let you do the inward overpronation. I started wearing the shoes for 30 minutes for a walk, then next day an hour, until I was able to reach almost 8 hours between walking and seating. The left arch pain went away as I got used to the rails. So, I kept the shoes. They are what I needed for all day support. I tried the new Torin ST for support , but Paradigm 8 felt better, maybe because of all the cushion. I would buy another pair in a different color, but the other options for wide doesn't include the light blue. I hope Altra makes light blue an option for wide shoes.
Felisa
I ordered the Paradigm 8 after wearing Paradigms for several years now, most recently the 7. The shoe changed so much I had to send it back. It was way too tight in the toes/across the top while my heel kept slipping in the back. I was so disappointed as these are some of the only shoes that feel great on my feet.
Carole P.
After reading the negative reviews, I decided to go try on a pair of Paradigm 8 at my local running store. Glad I did before ordering. The 8 is just awful. They seem narrower, toe box smaller and the cushion isn’t quite the same. I have 2 pairs of the Paradigm 7 and they are absolutely, hands down the best shoe I have owned. I own 6 pairs of Altra’s and use each one for different activities. You guys really screwed up a good thing by making the changes to the 8. Please go back and make the Paradigm 7 again. Guess I’ll have to start looking at other brands. Take these reviews to heart and quit changing a good shoe!
Allison
I loved the Paradigm 7s. The wide option fit my feet perfectly and were the only shoe I could find that had a wide enough toe box and didn’t add to any of my foot issues. The 8s are physically smaller in all directions. I compared my 7s to my 8s and I ordered the exact same size and width. The 8s are smaller in length and width, squish my feet, and are generally uncomfortable. Extremely disappointed in these and will be returning them.
Hope
I loved the 7's. They were the most relief I've had in years. I have multiple foot issues. The 7's wore out and I could only find the 8 to purchase. So I did, the toe box height is way too short. They squish both my big toes from the top down which causes me severe pain. I need the wide to accommodate a bunion, but I think they are a little too wide. They do relieve my heel pain. But overall, I'm going to send them back. Too much $$ to not love them and to suffer toe pain and again.
Gee Bee
Bought these for my daughter for her birthday and she loves them! She has had another pair for about 5 years. They are faded, but still in good condition!
AH
I had a 6. 5 W in Paradigm 7. I loved them! I was sad to hear they made the cushion softer with Paradigm 8 but with my wide feet, I enjoy the space, 0 drop and stability. I was extremely disappointed when shoes arrived they were smaller, tighter. My custom-made orthotics, which fit perfectly in the Paradigm 7 I can barely get in an out with the Paradigm 8. Why would you change your actual shoe size?? It is visible to the naked eye. And of course to my poor toes.
Kerri
I have worn the wide in the paradigm- the 7's fit great- the paradigm 8 has an even wider toe box, and I feel like I have on a pair of crocs!!- very loose in the toes, and I wouldn't even need to wear the wide's compared to the older models.
Amy
These are the best Paradigms yet. I have no back pain wearing these shoes and they feel amazing! Like previous Paradigms you will need to size up a 1/2 size. The most comfortable walking and standing on your feet all day show I have ever owned in my life and I am in my 50's. People complain of heel slippage. I have very narrow heels and it does slip a little bit but you just tighten the upper shoe strings and it fixes the issue.
Erin B.
Upper material is too rigid or toe box height is too shallow - either way my toes were not happy. Had to switch to the flow stability to see if a more flexible upper/single layer upper would work better. Love Altra though! Bought their training and hiking shoes
Keep it running
This shoe is perfect for those who need stability and enjoy a little extra room in the toe box. The shoe is durable and will last the usual 300-500 miles. The sad thing is Dicks does not have these in stock and the shoe colors are boring.
lindsay2323
Love these!! Have been wearing the Torin for a year or so but tried these on and even more cushion!!!! Had major bunion surgery almost 7 mos ago and finally getting back to an almost power walk. Hoping to do some running soon!!!
Old Wide Foot
I love them for walking, but will not use them for running or cross training because the heel drop is lower than the top of the shoe. It felt like an earth shoe if the 70’s. I will definitely try another style in this shoe because the wide foot base is fabulous and the cushion is spot on. The sneaker is of excellent quality.
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