Altra Paradigm 7 Woman - Black

(Size chart see "attachments" below. NOTE! Size and color inquiries: info@petrisbarefoot.com)

Zero drop - Quite wide toe space - Moderately light - Thick and cushioned sole - VEGAN

Meet the Paradigm 7, with a fresh redesign featuring an engineered mesh upper for breathability and ghillie lacing for a secure fit. A molded heel collar with soft detailing and premium lining materials provides a soft step-in feel. Experience responsiveness with a side of plushness in 30 mm (28 mm - Petri's note!) of lightweight, updated Altra EGO™ MAX midsole foam. Invite your feet to spread out in our Standard FootShape™ Fit, designed for natural foot position. Our GuideRail™ technology has got your back (and your feet) with medial support, only when it’s needed.

FEATURES

• Midsole: Altra EGO™ MAX
• Outsole: FootPod™
• Stack Height: 30 mm (28 mm - Petri's note!)
• Upper: Engineered mesh
• Footshape: Standard
• Cushioning: Max
• Line: Road
• Weight: 293 g

PETRI'S PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

The Altra Paradigm 7 is more cushioned Altra road running shoe with a total height of 30 mm (28 mm actually - Petri's note!). We originally ordered Torin/Pradigm to fill the gap of the women's Escalante, which is rarely available from the manufacturer, but a well-cushioned shoe has its own advantages for those who want a well-cushioned shoe. The shoe has a lot of room in the toes even though it is not Altra's widest model and the ankle does not get sprained easily, so it is also suitable for family games outside.

On the scale of pure barefoot shoe - hybrid model - thick-soled barefoot shoe, I count Paradigm in the "thick-soled barefoot shoe" category.

Suitability for barefoot shoe beginners

I can recommend Paradigm as the first (thick-soled) barefoot shoe, because it is safe to walk and run long distances in them right from the start. Of course, the zero drop can take some time to getting used to it in the beginning, so listen to yourself before rushing to the half marathon with your new shoes.

Take off the insole from time to time and notice how the feel of the ground and the shoe changes! Also remember the foot exercise and in few months, if you want, you can also buy thin soled barefoot shoes for yourself according to your own preferences. Try to get away from heavy heel-striking before you get thinner-soled barefoot shoes - you can practice that too with Paradigm.

Suitability for experienced barefooters

I could imagine that too much is too much with 28 mm total cushioning? Paradigm 7 is too cushioned a shoe for someone who also wears thin-soled barefoot shoes on hard surfaces? Of course, the insoles can be removed and as a running shoe with a hard surface, that much more cushioning can be just right for you too? All other characteristics of a good barefoot shoe can of course be found in the shoe, except for the "excessive" thickness of the sole.