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Altra

Paradigm 4.0

Paradigm 4.0
Daily trainer · Neutral · Road
Average (40%)

Shoe details

Weight
10.5 oz
Release
2018 Q2
MSRP
$150

Ratings & Reviews

Average (40%)

Rated worse overall than 60% of all shoes.
?

This score rates worse than 60% of other shoes we judged.

Our ratings use detailed reviews from knowledgeable runners, ratings for shoes in the same product line, and reliable product information from trusted retailers.

Rating breakdown

Percentile vs. all shoes. Shaded bars reflect our uncertainty.
?

Rankings are based on real review data, but there is always some uncertainty.

The shaded bar shows a plausible range for this shoe’s rank based on the review data we have and normal variation in runner feedback. More reviews usually narrow the range.

Overall

Average (40%)

Cushioning

Very good (82%)

Durability

Average (48%)

Comfort

Average (40%)

Value

Bottom tier (13%)

Appearance

Bottom tier (9%)

All Running Shoes

Worse than 60% of 2,492 running shoes ranked.

Average (40%)

Daily Trainers

Worse than 58% of 1,818 daily trainers ranked.

Average (42%)

Paradigm Family

Better than 88% of 10 paradigm family ranked.

Very good (88%)

Altra

Better than 67% of 125 Altra shoes ranked.

Above average (67%)

Pros & Cons

Pros

Compared to other shoes

See how this shoe compares to others like it.

Altra Paradigm 4.0
Altra Paradigm 8
Saucony Kinvara 16
Paradigm 4.0
Paradigm 8
Kinvara 16
Current shoe
Reference shoe
Lightest / Newest
Lowest price / Best overall / Best comfort
Shoe properties
Type
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Pronation
Neutral
Stability
Neutral
Weight
10.5 oz M
8.6 oz M Lightest
—
Stack
—
32/32mm
—
Drop
—
mm
—
Release
2018 Q2
2025 Q3 Newest
2025 Q2
MSRP
$150
$160
—
Best price
—
$169.95
$129.95 Lowest price
Ratings
Overall
Bottom tier (3%)
Bottom tier (0%)
Exceptional (100%) Best overall
Comfort
Average (40%)
Bottom tier (0%)
Exceptional (100%) Best comfort
Cushioning
Very good (82%)
Bottom tier (2%)
Exceptional (99%) Best cushioning
Durability
Average (48%)
Bottom tier (1%)
Exceptional (99%) Best durability
Appearance
Bottom tier (9%)
Bottom tier (1%)
Exceptional (99%) Best appearance
Value
Bottom tier (13%)
Bottom tier (1%)
Exceptional (100%) Best value
Specific shoe

Search for the exact model to add to this comparison.

Where to buy

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95th percentile

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More from Altra

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Reader Reviews

4 reader reviews

Review a shoe

Showing 1–4 of 4 reviews

Altra Paradigm 4.0

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

4/5

Overall

Overall a work horse of a shoe, probably the most miles I've ever had on a pair of shoes (at least 1200+ miles). A bit too heavy to run really fast tempos or workouts in, but the shoe is capable of anything from short and easy to long and quick. Not as comfortable as I had hoped for a max cushion shoe, but the Altra footshaped shoe is significantly better than other companies in my opinion.
Comfort
4/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
4/5

Comfortable, yet fast shoe

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

Initially, this shoe felt like I was running in a pair of bricks! They are tall and dense. Once I put about 20 miles on them, the shoe started to feel very comfortable on my feet. I also like how the Paradigms helps my form: it is easier to lift my feet and land underneath myself, while avoiding my previous habits of over-striding + heel-striking. As a result, it is effortless to stay on goal pace during my runs, and even find myself running faster. I typically use the Paradigms for recovery runs and long runs, however I have also used this shoe for tempo and progression runs as well.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
5/5
Value
5/5

Reader review

Sroman · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
4/5

Incredible Cushion

theJeff · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

Pros: probably the best cushion on the planet. That is a lot of Ego midsole! Even so, the combination of Zero Drop and the EVA diagonal slice still makes this feel like an actual running shoe. Cons: It’s heavy, but you knew that when you purchased a shoe with a maximal TPU midsole. (It still weighs less than most Boost shoes, and you get better cushion.) Knit Upper: Like the Escalante, the knit upper is comfy but not secure. (I believe this is more secure than the Esc, but still similar issue.) The knit also retains a lot of moisture, so if you sweat a ton or plan on encountering rain or puddles, be advised. Great shoe for recovery miles and to save your legs a beating a few times per week.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
4/5