Women's Altra Footwear Paradigm 4.5 Running Shoe Blue 9 M

Altra - I LOVE your shoes! As a runner who loves to test out shoes and actually feel all the latest technologies, I have tried every brand out there and MANY neutral styles. Altra's natural foot toe box has me hooked. I may wander and try another brand when they say they have a wider toe box, but they are not the same, and I can't wait to get back to my Altras. The Escalante and the Paradigm have the same type of cushioning/shock absorption and I have found it to be my absolute favorite. I like the Escalante for 3 milers and working on picking up my pace. I wear my Paradigms for all runs above 3 miles, no matter my pace and have had no knee or hip issues in training for half or full marathons. For me, the Paradigm is not heavy, it is more supportive than the Escalante so more forgiving when my legs get tired on long runs, and I really like the upper material. The Escalante's upper has more of a sock-like stretch to it, very comfortable, but also allows your foot to slide around a little more. Like I said, I love that, but on long runs and on tired legs I want the more secure feel. The Paradigm is very comfortable to me as well. I have no issues with the upper or the toe box like some other reviewers. For me, as a 51 year old female who hopes to be running for life, this shoe is perfect and definitely helps me run without injury.

i wear very large orthotics to help with a leg length discrepancy and flat footedness and it can be hard to find zero drop shoes that fit my orthotics. i ordered these a full size larger than my normal shoe size and they are perfect. i have never been so comfortable in a pair of shoes before.