Altra Paradigm 7

Name: Altra Paradigm 7
Brand: Altra

Daily trainer · Stability · Road · 9.9 oz · 30/30mm stack

Discontinued — we no longer see this shoe in stock. The Altra Paradigm 8 replaced it

How it ranks

The Altra Paradigm 7 trails most daily trainers in our data. Cushioning and comfort are its strongest sub-ratings. The rating rests on 6 runner reviews and 7 other rated shoes in the Paradigm product line. Another 6 reviews would set the confidence on this shoe's own reviews.

Below average

65/100

Overall

Below average 65

Cushioning

Very good 92

Comfort

Good 90

Durability

Below average 67

Value

Bottom-tier 58

Appearance

Bottom-tier 50

Confidence

How settled the rating is against every other rated shoe. A shoe can rate high on confidence with relatively few reviews of its own when its product line has a long record and external ratings from retailer sites agree. Confidence will score low when we have few ratings or when runners disagree.

See the product line's history

Confidence

63/100

Low 63

Where to buy

No offers available

Affiliate links included. They never affect our ratings.

Prices updated daily. Last checked Sep 14.

Pros

Cushioning draws 4.8 out of 5, the highest mark of any dimension, and reviewers use it to rack up daily miles.
The zero-drop platform on a 30mm heel stack is the main draw for reviewers who want it.

Cons

Appearance draws 3.3 out of 5 across six reviewers and value 3.7, the lowest marks of any dimension.
One reviewer says it does not feel especially fast.
The Paradigm 6 before it scores 71 against its 65.

Paradigm 7 rates 65. This shoe has low certainty. See how we rate shoes.

Better Shoes Rating of prior versions of the Altra Paradigm

Each dot is one version of the Paradigm, placed by its rating and release year. The gold dot is this shoe.

Rating

40 60 80 100

78 2017 77 2017 78 2018 71 2021 65 2023 60 2025 73 2016 67 2019

Release year

We use the reviews of past versions to inform this shoe’s rating. See why.

Paradigm 4.5

2019 · 4 reviews

67 Below average

43 Confidence
Paradigm 1.5

2016 · 1 review

73 Decent

18 Confidence
Paradigm 8

2025 · 1 review

60 Bottom-tier

39 Confidence
Paradigm 7 This shoe

2023 · 6 reviews

65 Below average

63 Confidence
Paradigm 6

2021 · 2 reviews

71 Decent

29 Confidence
Paradigm 4.0

2018 · 4 reviews

78 Decent

33 Confidence
Paradigm 3.0

2017 · 3 reviews

77 Decent

44 Confidence
Paradigm 2.0

2017 · 1 review

78 Decent

17 Confidence

Reader Ratings

6 ratings

5/5 2

4/5 4

3/5 0

2/5 0

1/5 0

See written reviews Write a review

Specs & fit

Sizing and ride details at a glance.

Weight: 9.9 oz
Release: 2023 Q2
Stack Height: 30mm heel - 30mm toe

Runner reviews

Write a review

Reader review

5/5

Overall

Piss Jug Hank · Jul 10, 2026

would buy again

Comfort: 5/5
Cushioning: 5/5
Durability: 4/5
Appearance: 3/5
Value: 5/5

If you are looking for a zero drop shoe, this one is excellent.

5/5

Overall

I have been a long time fan of Altera shoes. Quite some time ago I read a study indicating the varying the types of shoes you run in cuts down on injuries. Ever since Alteras have been part of my rotation. Even absent that, they make a great running shoe. I sometimes use them for speedwork, since they are responsive and leave my legs in good shape when I am done.

Anonymous runner · Jun 16, 2024

12 mpw training for a marathon came from the Altra Paradigm 6

Comfort: 5/5
Cushioning: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Appearance: 4/5
Value: 3/5

Good shoe for daily miles

4/5

Overall

It's zero drop which is the main selling point. Lots of cushion, and just enough guidance from the guiderail tech to keep from pronating too much. Doesn't feel especially fast, but does a good job of racking up miles and keeping me healthy.

Guy · Nov 26, 2023

training for ultramarathons came from the Mizuno Wave Rider 27