Details
Brand
Altra
Heel To Toe Drop
0mm
Breathability
8/10
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Max cushioned• Zero Drop• FootShape toe box• Reflective details• Double placed EVA midsole featuring Soft A-bound
Upper
Some new improvements were added to this version of the Altra Paradigm. Some of these improvements are found in the upper unit of the shoe. In this version, Altra uses a thicker mesh material. This material is more durable, but still breathable. Another improvement found in the upper unit are the reflective details. These reflective keep runners safe in low light conditions. The upper unit of the Altra Paradigm 2.0 utilizes an asymmetrical lacing system that helps to alleviate pressure on top of the foot. Although the upper portion does not use overlays, many reviewers find it to be supportive.
Midsole
The Altra Paradigm 2.0 features a dual layered EVA midsole. The main layer of the midsole is made out of EVA Soft A-bound. This material is cushioned and adds an element of impact protection. This layer helps to distribute shock upon impact. On top of this layer is another piece of EVA foam. This EVA foam layer is designed to be firmer, for added stability. Some reviewers felt that this layer was too firm for a max cushioned shoe, but other reviewers appreciated the added stability.
Outsole
Altra utilizes a specialized Foot Pod technology on the outsole of this shoe. The carbon rubber is molded into a pattern that resembles the shape of a foot. This configuration is flexible and adds natural movement to the shoe. Carbon rubber is known to be durable and to provide excellent traction. The outsole of the Altra Paradigm 2.0 is considered to be a full contact outsole. Many reviewers found this to be helpful, considering that this shoe has a relatively high stack height.
Breathability
The improved design of the upper portion of the Altra Paradigm 2.0 features a simpler and thick mesh material. The new mesh material offers more durability, but does not compromise the level of breathability. The Altra Paradigm 2.0 offers moderate amounts of breathability to keep your feet dry and comfortable while running.
Comfort
The Altra Paradigm 2.0 is a max cushioned running shoe. This shoe offers various degrees of comfort. The midsole is composed of a dual layer of EVA foam. This foam is comfortable and will also help distribute shock upon impact. Some reviewers found the midsole to be on the firmer side in this version. However, despite its firmness, it is comfortable and supportive enough for easy runs and everyday use. Although this shoe is not as plush as some people would expect from a max cushioned shoe, the wide platform and wide FootShape toe box design enables room and comfort throughout the forefoot. The mesh material in the upper is bendable and offers breathability, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
Style
This new version of the Altra Paradigm 2.0 is benefits from slightly improved style. This shoe features a simplified upper that now offers reflective details, which not only keeps runners safe on night runs, but adds to the overall style of the shoe. The newer version also boasts brighter and more modern color options. If you liked the previous models of the Altra Paradigm, then the improved style of the Paradigm 2.0 will win you over even more.
Durability
The Altra Paradigm 2.0 is a durable shoe. The material in the upper in this version is thicker than previous models, offering more durability. The carbon rubber outsole is also quite durable and offers ample traction. The dual layered EVA foam midsole is durable and comfortable. Many reviewers were impressed with the amount of durability possessed by the Altra Paradigm 2.0.
Protection
Despite the simplified upper found in the 2.0 version of the Altra Paradigm, the mesh fabric and wide FootShape toe box offer adequate protection. The thick layers of EVA foam offer comfort and protection. The high stack height also offers ground protection. Keep in mind that some reviewers found the high stack height to prevent this shoe for being used for speed. The design of the Altra Paradigm 2.0 also offers protection from various foot, knee, and back injuries.
Responsiveness
When compared to other zero drop platform shoes, the Altra Paradigm 2.0 may not seem to offer much responsiveness. However, when you compare it to other highly cushioned shoes, the amount of responsiveness seems moderate if not excellent. The FootPod outsole is built out a series of fused pieces of carbon rubber. The carbon rubber is designed in the shape of a foot. This series of configured rubber allows for movement and responsiveness. The midsole of the Altra Paradigm 2.0 is made out of EVA foam. EVA foam is known to be responsive. However, due to the dual layer of EVA foam, many reviewers felt that ground responsiveness was limited at best. If you are looking for a fast and responsive shoe, the Altra Paradigm 2.0 may not be the shoe for you. If you are looking for a supportive and cushioned shoe that alleviates foot, back, and knees pain, then the Altra Paradigm 2.0 is ideal.
Support
The Altra Paradigm 2.0 is offers ample support. The dual layered EVA foam midsole adds elements of comfort and support. The Paradigm 2.0 has excellent arch support. The upper is also supportive. Despite the fact that the uppers lack overlays, an asymmetrical lacing system provides support and also relieves pressure off of the top of the foot. The Altra Paradigm 2.0 is supportive and comfortable. This shoe is well designed and offers runners relief from various foot, knee, and back problems.
Terrain
The unique FootPod technology found on the outsole of the Altra Paradigm 2.0 is designed to perform best on roads and pavements. Many reviewers found this shoe to also be comfortable enough for everyday use, particularly if they suffered from foot problems. Many runners with back and knee issues also find that they are able to run in this shoe. Despite the fact that the carbon rubber outsole is quite durable, it is not designed to withstand rigorous trail running. Many reviewers find that the shoe is too wide and the platform is too high to be used for speed runs, but the Altra Paradigm 2.0 performs well for any other type of running.
Price
The Altra Paradigm 2.0 has a higher price when to compared to some running shoes. This shoe costs around $130 However, the Altra Paradigm 2.0 is a zero drop max cushioned shoe. Not all max cushioned shoes offer a zero drop platform. This shoe is also comfortable enough for heavier runners. This shoe is also ideal for anyone suffering from various foot problems like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and neuromas. The shoe also features the specially designed FootShape toe box for better toe splay. Many reviewers found the pros of this shoe to outweigh the steeper price.
Drop
The Altra Paradigm 2.0 is a zero drop shoe. Many runners are used to a more traditional drop of 10-12 mm, and because of this, it is important to acclimate your feet to a zero drop platform before performing long runs. Some reviewers noted that although the Altra Paradigm 2.0 features a zero drop platform, the max cushioning prevents a certain degree of road responsiveness that other more minimal zero drop platforms offer.
Stability
The Altra Paradigm 2.0 is not a stability shoe, but it does offers some stable features. The distinctive FootShape toe box and wide base allows your foot to spread out and move naturally, providing a stable platform for runners. Many reviewers found the full contact outsole to have satisfying traction. This also allows for stability while running. The FootPod technology found throughout the outsole, also contributes to the amount of traction, providing solid grip and a confident, stable running experience. Overall, despite the Altra Paradigm 2.0’s significant stack height, it is a stable shoe.
Flexibility
The Altra Paradigm 2.0 offers moderate amounts of flexibility. Considering that this shoe is a max cushioned shoe, the added flexibility is a bonus. The series of rubber configurations that form the FootPod outsole allow for the Altra Paradigm 2.0 to bend and move, allowing flexibility and responsiveness. The lightweight mesh upper is also flexible. It does not have overlays. The EVA foam midsole is known for its relative amount of flexibility. The Altra Paradigm 2.0 is a moderately flexible shoe.
Traction
The FootPod technology found in the outsole of the Altra Paradigm 2.0 is formed together by a series of well configured pieces of rubber. The pattern resembles a foot. This carbon rubber is durable and flexible. The carbon rubber also offers an impressive amount of traction. The Altra Paradigm 2.0 is designed to be used on roads and pavements. The amount of traction contributes to this shoe’s level of versatility. Essentially, the Altra Paradigm 2.0 offers a satisfying amount of traction for everyday use.
Bottom Line
The Altra Paradigm 2.0 is a good improvement from the previous version. This shoe is comfortable and supportive. The Paradigm 2.0 offers excellent arch support and is an excellent choice for any runners suffering from foot, knee, and back injuries. Many heavier runners found this shoe to be comfortable. The wide FootShape toe box offers plenty of space for your toes. This shoe is versatile for various types of running and everyday use. Keep in mind that due to the high stack height, many reviewers preferred not to use this shoe for speed training. However, the durability and traction allow this shoe to be used for long distances runs. Despite the higher price tag, the Altra Paradigm 2.0 is a dependable max cushioned shoe that offers comfort, stability, and support. Overall, the Altra Paradigm 2.0 is an excellent choice for runners looking for a comfortable, everyday shoe.
