Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Serving up guidance-style stabilization and balanced, ultra-plush cushioning, the women's Altra Paradigm 6 road-running shoes keep your stride steady and your feet on cloud nine, mile after mile.
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View all Altra Women's Road-Running Shoes| Best Use | Running |
|---|---|
| Running Shoe Support | Stability |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 0 |
| Heel Stack Height (mm) | 30 |
| Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 30 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | Engineered mesh |
| Lining | Nylon |
| Midsole | Altra EGO Max foam |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 2 oz. |
| Gender | Women's |
Fits true to size based on reviews
| 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Women's | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11..5 | 12 |
| UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
| EU | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 |
| Foot Length (in.) | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 |
Altra’s unique FootShape™ toe box and zero to low shoes are built to place your foot in a natural position, with a stable and confident foundation to run on. When fitting, be sure to allow a full thumb’s width in front of your toes. If your feet are used to cramped toe boxes, Altra shoes may feel a little big at first. Give your toes some time to get used to the newfound wiggle room.
Altra offers a range of FootShape fits:
Original Fit: The fit that started it all, Original is the roomiest of the 3 options from Altra.
Standard Fit: The most common fit from Altra is right in the middle of Original and Slim.
Slim Fit: The slimmest-fitting Altra option still allows room for your toes to spread out naturally.
IS THIS SHOE TRUE TO SIZE? The product Features above will provide a suggestion if Altra advises you to size up or down in this particular shoe. If no such note exists, please order your regular size.
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I had a couple pairs of Altra Lone Peaks, women’s size 10, from previous years that fit well. This time I decided to go with road-running shoes, but size 10 in the Paradigm 6 were too small. I went with size 10.5, thinking my feet have spread out since I’ve been running more (not sure if this happens?). Even with the size 10.5, my big toe toenails rub up against the front of the shoes & I’m getting holes in socks because of this, which never happened before. Could be unique to me, but I wonder if others feel the fit of these aren’t exactly right. Otherwise, it seems like a quality running shoe.
I first want to say thank you to the young lady who helped me find these. I explained to her that I am a nurse and my feet had been hurting so I was looking for comfortable shoes with support. I went in thinking I was going to buy Hokas and when I was disappointed with the fit, she suggested these. I wear Vans most days (flat sole) which the altras also have. As soon as I put these on, I was in love. It is like walking on clouds without the squished front end of most sneakers. I am already considering buying a second pair for everyday wear!
Absolutely love this railing technology! I noticed that my feet stay in the perfect position even at the end of the workout when I'm tired! Also, I'm not as sored, my running indoors on the treadmill is not as loud, I walk taller without even trying! I love these shoes! I initially purchased a pair for my mother in-law because of how roomy they are at the toes, and when she called me also said to be very happy with her shoes and wants to purchase another pair in the future! so if you are a runner like me, or a casual elder who goes on easy walk you'll love these shoes
Just not right for me, great for foot issues but for me the heel hurt. I returned them. Love this brand though and I have their trail running shoe.
These shoes were recommended by my podiatrist. I removed the standard insert and used my orthotics instead. Wow, these shoes have a lot of cushion. They are a dream to walk and jog in. I have bunions and these shoes are wide enough and don't put pressure on them. I like that they also offer side to side stability since I've rolled my ankle in prior running shoes and feel like you wouldn't be able to in these. I had used Salomon's waterproof trail running shoes for years and didn't realize there was something way more comfortable out there.
I have rediculously wide, blocky feet and FINALLY I found a shoe that the arch of my foot doesnt fall over. The guiderails are amazing for my thick wide feet! I always get a half size up with altras, just to give my toes extra breathing room so I have these in a 9. Only reason I didnt give them 5 stars is because the that outer bit of fabric where the base of my pinky toe rubs on is starting to wear down and I have mayyyybe hit 100 miles. But other than the fabric wearing out, these are great for my sensitive, wide, flat feet ! Thanks Altra!!
I was running in the Torin 5 and loved them. Thought I needed little more cushion and tried hokas out. They gave me terrible blood blisters so I switched to these and love them! Altras never need a break in for me. They have a little more cushion than the Torin which is nice. They seem to cater well to my flat feet. The wide toe box is always great. Looking forward to many miles in these!
I wear these shoes at work and I love them. I am on my feet a lot and then I walk 2-3 miles during lunch and these shoes are super comfortable. For longer weekend walks, though, I'm not a fan. I think the thick platform sole gets to be too much and my foot rocks around. Still love them, but not my shoe for distance. I'm not running in these, so I can't comment there...
I am training for two 70.3 and an ironman triathlon this year. I’ve been looking for a shoe that provides comfort and support to go the distance with me. THESE ARE THE SHOES. They were comfortable from the minute I put them on! I am going to buy another pair as a backup. Even though these are “max cushion”, the cushion is just right. Other max cushion shoes I’ve purchased in the past were too much. These are perfect. I am a neutral runner, am 5”2” and weigh 110. I typically size up a full size and did the same here. Perfect fit.
I love Altra and the wide tow box they typically offer but these are WAY too narrow and tight. I ordered my normal Altra size 7.5 in the Navy. They are really a great looking shoe. I may try and size up to see if an 8 works but was surprised at how narrow and tight these were.