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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Altra Paradigm Review}}
The Altra Paradigm is a [[Minimax]] (minimum dropshoe, maximum cushioning) that follows on from their success with rather like the Olympus[[Hoka Shoe Review| Hoka range]], but it has zero drop and a nice wide toe box. In theory itThere's a road version of lot to like about the OlympusParadigm, but I find myself preferring the Olympus, even asphalt. Itit doesn's a similar to t match the [[Hoka Shoe Review| Hoka One OneClifton]] shoes, and it improves on their design in many waysfor lightweight cushioning. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
=Characteristics=
* '''Why you'd buy it'''. The Paradigm is a nice shoe, but I think you'd be better off looking at the [[Hoka Clifton]] or the [[Altra Olympus]].
* '''Flexibility'''. The Paradigm is reasonably flexible for shoe of this thickness. The shallow grooves cut into the sole do help a little. 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, but there are areas around the little toes that are exposed midsole which will wear more quickly. See the picture at the top right for more details.
* '''Shape'''. The shoe is the classic Altra shape, which follows the outline of the human foot much better than other makes. This gives it a broader toe box, but I find there is not enough height for my toes and [[Shoe Modifications| I still have to cut the toe box open]].{{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* '''Upper'''. The upper is a thin seamless material that is reasonably breathable. There is good padding around the ankle opening.
* '''Tongue'''. The Paradigm has a classic tongue rather than a tongue-less sock style of upper. The tongue is partially attached on the inside edge to keep it positioned, which I really like. The tongue has minimal but adequate padding.
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=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 it has slightly better and off road is usefulcapacity, and its outsole is rather longer lasting. * The Paradigm is road only, where the Olympus will handle both road and some mild trails.(Choose the [[Hoka Mafate]] for all –terrain use.)* 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 it lack traction on smooth rock or 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.
[[File:OlympusParadigmRun.JPG|none|thumb|300px| I actually ran with an Olympus on one foot and a Paradigm on the other. It's a great way of comparing two shoes, but don't try this at home as it's also a great way of getting injured.]]
=Compared with Hoka=
Compared with the [[Hoka Shoe Review| Hoka range]], the Olympus/Paradigm is not quite as well cushioned, but has a much better toe box design. I also prefer the way the Olympus/Paradigm tapers the midsole towards the front of the shoe creating a more gradual rocker effect. However, the remarkable [[Hoka Clifton]] offers similar cushioning at a significantly much lighter weight.
=Gallery=
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