Altra Paradigm 4.5

This was my 1st altra’s and I feel in love with them. The wide toe box and zero drop are perfect for good form and comfort.

I have been running in this shoe for about 200 miles, mostly road running, in training for a marathon. I am a big guy 6'2' inches and 245#'s this shoe has a very roomy toe box, great cushioning, and grips the road well. I run about half of my miles on dirt roads, and it grips well there too. This shoe had a zero drop, and has really helped me improve my foot striking. The only drawback i have seen is that the sole seems soft and seems to be wearing out quicker than most.

This shoe feels good in the store but goes quickly downhill with use...

Cushioning - great, nice feel, lasts through usage

Fit - good at first but knit upper stretches a lot, you'll add an entire size and a half with use

Upper - knit is bad !!! ok at first, it quickly stretches out, additionally, it holds a lot of fluid so if you step in water or sweat a lot, it stays in the shoe...effectively doubling its weight...woof ! It makes the end of a run tough ;-)

Sole - ok but the inserts on the sides (Stabilpods) cut into your legs like razors... I think I'll file them down

Overall, would not reco this shoes... Altra still needs to do some work to make it better.

Gold or Garbage rating : Garbage

Love the toe room.great distance shoe also seems to help my archives problem.