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* '''Lacing'''. The flat laces work well and remained tied. Like many Altra shoes, I find the position of the uppermost eyeholes a little old, with the top hole too high and the next hole a little too low. The shoes come from the manufacturer laced in a way that indicates they think you should do a [[Lacing#The Heel Lock| "heel lock" style of lacing]], which I hate. I find that approach is very hard to get the tension right.
* '''Heel counter'''. The Paradigm has a surprisingly firm heel counter, but there are no strongly defined edges, so it should not cause a problem. The heel counter comes as far up the back of the heel as is normal for running shoe.
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=Compared with Altra Olympus=
The [[Altra Olympus]] and the Paradigm are remarkably similar shoes, but I find myself generally preferring the Olympus. While the Olympus is a little thicker and heavier, its ability to work on and off road is useful, and its outsole is rather longer lasting.
* The Paradigm is road only, where the Olympus will handle both road and mild trails.
* The Olympus is slightly thicker (36mm v 26mm) and slightly heavier(11.8 v 10.2oz), but the difference is fairly marginal when you're wearing them.
* The outsole on the Olympus is quite hard, and can lack traction on a treadmill at steep incline.
* The Paradigm is slightly more cut away at the base of the heel to produce more of a rocker effect.