8,153
edits
Changes
From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
m
comment: batch update
* '''Cushioning'''. The midsole of the Paradigm uses Altra's EGO foam, which is TPU based like the great [[Altra Escalante]]. TPU foam has more bounce, and is much longer lasting than traditional EVA foam. While the Paradigm has some of those characteristics, it's not as bouncy I had hoped. It's also not quite as soft and cushioned as I had expected, and is quite a bit firmer than the [[Hoka Clifton]]. It's not even quite as softly cushioned as the Escalante, which is a little surprising. Having said all that, the Paradigm is still a remarkably comfortable shoe, just not quite up to the standards of a [[Maximalist]] shoe. I feel like the Paradigm should be a few ounces lighter, as its cushioning-to-weight ratio is a little off the mark.
* '''Drop'''. Like all Altra shoes, the Paradigm should be zero drop, and my measurements showed that it is remarkably close.
* '''Structure'''. This shoe is made of a single type of foam which is painted at various levels to make the shoe look a little more structured. There is no variation in foam density within the midsole to interfere with your biomechanics. Remember that zero drop doesn't mean a flat sole, and there is a modest bulge under the arch that could irritate the plantar fascia, though it never caused me any issue. The heel is cupped, which provides a little passive stability, but mostly ask acts to keep your foot centered in the shoe.
* '''Flexibility'''. The Paradigm is reasonably flexible for shoe of this thickness. The gaps in the outsole help a little, and the flexibility tends to increase over the first few miles as the foam breaks down and softens.
* '''Outsole'''. The Paradigm has harder rubber over most of the contact surface of the sole. This reduces the wear on the outsole; see updates below for details on how it holds up over the miles.
