ALTRAWomen's Paradigm 3

I am a 33yo female, 155lbs with knee problems. I'm not a natural runner. I've used the Asics Gel DS Trainer 17, Saucony Triumph 9 and 10. I've always had knee pain after running so I began looking for a better shoe. I tried on the Asics Nimbus 19 and it was ridiculously narrow. I bought the Asics Nimbus 18 because it was supposed to be top of the line cushioning. While comfy, it gave me arch, heel and hip pain, and felt so heavy and hot. I tried on the Altra Torin 3.0 in a store and it felt way different from any other brand because of the toe shape and rocker feel but didn't have enough cushion. I found the Altra Paradigm 3.0 and decided to try it because it is their highest cushion model. I am in love! It's like being barefoot but with tons of cushion underneath. Though the heel doesn't look like a rocker, on the bottom these deep grooves that hit at the ball of your foot (see pics) force you to roll forward off your toes. There is also so much toe room for them to spread out. I was worried about it looking like a clown shoe but it doesn't; they're actually cute. The mesh is very breathable and the dark blue you see on the shoe is a rubbery vinyl type of material that gives structure. Just make sure you get the right size or it's not going to do what it's supposed to. I wear 9.5 in regular shoes and 10's in most running shoes. I ordered a 10 and 10.5 in the Paradigm. I tried on the 10 and hated it. Toes squished, hurt my arch and didnt get the "roll off toe" action I mentioned. The 10.5 fits like it's apparently supposed to. My toes are about 1/2" from the top. So I recommend a full size up from your non-running shoe size.UPDATE: After running about 25 miles in these over the course of a week, I cannot praise this shoe enough!!! This is the most I have ever run in one week because 1.) I have zero pain and don't need 2 days to recover between runs! 2.) Literally feel like I just want to keep running at the end of my run so I keep going! Feet stay cool, shoe is so light. Bought my husband a pair a few days ago and he is having the same results. We both agree that while they are not as cool looking as competitors, these are the best!! We both had purchased Hoka shoes a few weeks ago and while they had more cushion, looked really cool, and were only 5mm drop, we were both still in some pain with those. It has to be Altra's Zero Drop that makes the difference.

,I just had to let you know that these shoes have made my life so much more enjoyable! I have very sensitive feet and have tried almost every brand of shoe available and the Altra Paradigm 3 are THE BEST shoes. Most other shoes I try on, my feet start hurting instantly. These feel like I'm walking on clouds. I work in a lab and I am on my feet 12 hours a day and with these shoes, my feet, legs and back do hurt any more. I also walk/ run 4-6 miles on my days off, and with these shoes I feel like I could keep going for much longer. Until I found these shoes I dreaded just putting a pair of shoes on, now I look forward to it because I know my feet will not be hurting. I liked them so much I bought another pair! I will be wearing these shoes for a long time. I talked my husband into buying a pair and he agreed that these are the best shoes. Please don't change anything about them, they are as perfect as a pair of shoes can be. I tried several styles of Altra before I found these, and had to send them back. I love the wide to box so my toes can spread out, and the cushion in the sole is awesome! Thank you again so much for these shoes!!

Nice cushioning, offers no arch support, so all you overpronators or oversupinators need orthotics with this one. I know because I overpronate on one foot due to a birth defect, but they are good with my orthotics. I really hate the looks of these shoes, but they offer enough room in the toe box and the cushioning is what I wanted. They are not fast, however they do not feel slow due the narrowing of the toe for the breakover. If you want a comfortable ride because of pain this is a good shoe...however the style has a lot to be desired.

They did not work for me. The curve up on the toe is extreme and exacerbated the arthritis in my left toe joints. They are fine shoes, They would work very well for someone else who does not have my problem toe.

I have plantar fasciitis in one foot and achilles tendonitis in the other foot and these shoes are exceptional. I have struggled for years to find the right shoe to treat my foot conditions and this shoe is the best I've found. I've always had to buy shoes in a wide width so I was skeptical that these don't come in a wide width. That's because they don't need to. Because the toe-bed of the shoe is naturally shaped to your foot, it takes away the need for a wide width. I will say that I am glad I read reviews of these shoes because you definitely need to order a 1/2 size larger than you normally would. I normally wear a women's 7 1/2 but ordered an 8 in these shoes and was so glad I did. What everyone says about these shoes is true. They are so comfortable and your toes have room to breathe and aren't all smushed together. I do wear a heel lift in the left shoe due to my achilles tendonitis and the shoe lift fits perfectly. I 100% would recommend these shoes for anyone suffering from foot pain. Just remember to order a 1/2 size larger.

Quite comfortable though not as wide as I would like, you can see a line of sock on the sides of the tongue. I work in a lab and like how they “walk”. I usually wear 8.5 w or ww, these are listed as 9w.8.5 would have been too small. I think they could use a little more arch support for me but I think it’s adequate for most people. The toebox is better than most shoes. I’m satisfied.

Very well cushioned....too well for running. I felt like all of my energy was absorbed in the padding and it took a lot of effort to push off. They feel great if you just walk, but that is not what I bought them for. Also seem to be aggravating an IT-band issue I have been having. I feel like my ankles are tipping inwards when walking or running in these...not good if you already have over-pronation issues. Unfortunately I missed the 30 cut-off to return them, so now I'll have a nice looking, expensive pair of shoes in my closet.

I like the shape. They look good, but they fit small. Maybe a half size too small. I am an 11 and never has that been too small. What’s a girl with big feet to do? :)