Altra was founded with a desire to find a better shoe for road and trail running. Experience the difference of our FootShape and ZeroDrop design.Why Altra? The Difference of Three: Every Altra shoe is built on a ZeroDrop platform that positions the heel and forefoot an equal distance from the ground. This natural foundation aids in optimal alignment, cultivates better form, and encourages a low-impact landing. Altra's Fit4Her technology caters to the specific form of the female foot, which has a narrower heel and midfoot, a higher instep, a longer arch and unique metatarsal spacing.
Altra was founded with a desire to find a better shoe for road and trail running. Experience the difference of our FootShape and ZeroDrop design.Why Altra? The Difference of Three: Every Altra shoe is built on a ZeroDrop platform that positions the heel and forefoot an equal distance from the ground. This natural foundation aids in optimal alignment, cultivates better form, and encourages a low-impact landing. Altra's Fit4Her technology caters to the specific form of the female foot, which has a narrower heel and midfoot, a higher instep, a longer arch and unique metatarsal spacing.
in 1 offers
The lowest price for Altra Women's Paradigm 6 Black / 6 right now is $211.36.
Prices last updated 15 Sept 2025.
Altra Women's Paradigm 6 Black / 6
Altra was founded with a desire to find a better shoe for road and trail running. Experience the difference of our FootShape and ZeroDrop design.Why Altra? The Difference of Three: Every Altra shoe is built on a ZeroDrop platform that positions the heel and forefoot an equal distance from the ground. This natural foundation aids in optimal alignment, cultivates better form, and encourages a low-impact landing. Altra's Fit4Her technology caters to the specific form of the female foot, which has a narrower heel and midfoot, a higher instep, a longer arch and unique metatarsal spacing.
Altra was founded with a desire to find a better shoe for road and trail running. Experience the difference of our FootShape and ZeroDrop design.Why Altra? The Difference of Three: Every Altra shoe is built on a ZeroDrop platform that positions the heel and forefoot an equal distance from the ground. This natural foundation aids in optimal alignment, cultivates better form, and encourages a low-impact landing. Altra's Fit4Her technology caters to the specific form of the female foot, which has a narrower heel and midfoot, a higher instep, a longer arch and unique metatarsal spacing.
Last updated at 15/09/2025 06:34:52
originally posted on altrarunning.com
I know a lot of the men have said they don't care for this much cushion but at 51 and a woman the cushion this shoe provides for me is PERFECT on my joints and I have a few times had them on all day (yes, I know it's a no no) and my feet NEVER hurt! The wide toe box is amazing and the support is just right. I am SO DISAPPOINTED that the new 7 shoe is only High cushion! Please go back to the MAX cushion on the 8! It took me years to find the right shoe! I am now scouring the internet for my size and will buy as many as I can unfortunately I have to buy the women's as the men's are sold out in my size. I purchased the men's because the ladies colors were ugly...I loved the neutral beige color of the men's. Please go back to the MAX cushion on the 8!
originally posted on REI
These shoes fit my feet well. I have been wearing Altra shoes for years. They have been comfortable and I need the zero drop. This current pair is narrower in the toe and heel which some people have complained about. My heels are narrow, so these worked great for me, even with a bit less toe room. Unfortunately, after less than ONE month of wear, they are falling apart. I'm beyond frustrated with the current quality. For the price, these shoes should last for quite a while. My last pair of Altra shoes didn't hold up near as long as my pair previous to those. But they sure lasted longer than one month!Companies need to do better for consumers. I wore nothing but New Balance shoes for 30 years because they quality was great. Then I bought a pair in 2018 that started ... MoreThese shoes fit my feet well. I have been wearing Altra shoes for years. They have been comfortable and I need the zero drop. This current pair is narrower in the toe and heel which some people have complained about. My heels are narrow, so these worked great for me, even with a bit less toe room. Unfortunately, after less than ONE month of wear, they are falling apart. I'm beyond frustrated with the current quality. For the price, these shoes should last for quite a while. My last pair of Altra shoes didn't hold up near as long as my pair previous to those. But they sure lasted longer than one month!Companies need to do better for consumers. I wore nothing but New Balance shoes for 30 years because they quality was great. Then I bought a pair in 2018 that started falling apart within a few months. When I sent photos to New Balance customer service I was told that my feet "must have changed in size or shape. The problem was with my feet and not with the shoe quality." I have never bought another pair of New Balance shoes and I don't plan to. Altra shoe cost almost as much as Birkenstock shoes do, but Birkenstock shoes last for years. Literally for years. They have a huge, loyal customer following and they have always offered zero drop shoes. But they don't sell athletic shoes like I need. Can anyone reading this recommend any zero drop shoes that don't fall apart right away?
originally posted on altrarunning.com
My 4.5 Paradigms wore out in the heels almost immediately. Had to redo the lacing on them for them to be wide enough in the front of the shoe. Ordered a pair of Paradigm 6 women's and boy are they expensive. Hoping that they work better than the 4.5's. The original Paradigms I had were the standard width. They were wonderful. I wore them out of the store with no concerns, but the heel wore out quickly. You quit offering the standard width some time ago. Why do you advertise a wide toe box and at the same time narrow the footbed? My left shoe has a hole where the big toe is as well as my little toe. It would seem when a person is only walking that they would last longer than if you were running in them. I hope when I get the the Paradigm 6's they work. These are the ... MoreMy 4.5 Paradigms wore out in the heels almost immediately. Had to redo the lacing on them for them to be wide enough in the front of the shoe. Ordered a pair of Paradigm 6 women's and boy are they expensive. Hoping that they work better than the 4.5's. The original Paradigms I had were the standard width. They were wonderful. I wore them out of the store with no concerns, but the heel wore out quickly. You quit offering the standard width some time ago. Why do you advertise a wide toe box and at the same time narrow the footbed? My left shoe has a hole where the big toe is as well as my little toe. It would seem when a person is only walking that they would last longer than if you were running in them. I hope when I get the the Paradigm 6's they work. These are the only shoes I can find that work for my feet. I wish they weren't so expensive and were more durable. I miss the solid black shoe. I ordered the black but am not very happy about the orange and the logo on it. Some of us just want durable shoes that don't cost a fortune and are just plain as we wear them most of the time.
| Variant | |
| width | B |
| color | Black |
| size | 6 |
I know a lot of the men have said they don't care for this much cushion but at 51 and a woman the cushion this shoe provides for me is PERFECT on my joints and I have a few times had them on all day (yes, I know it's a no no) and my feet NEVER hurt! The wide toe box is amazing and the support is just right. I am SO DISAPPOINTED that the new 7 shoe is only High cushion! Please go back to the MAX cushion on the 8! It took me years to find the right shoe! I am now scouring the internet for my size and will buy as many as I can unfortunately I have to buy the women's as the men's are sold out in my size. I purchased the men's because the ladies colors were ugly...I loved the neutral beige color of the men's. Please go back to the MAX cushion on the 8!
These shoes fit my feet well. I have been wearing Altra shoes for years. They have been comfortable and I need the zero drop. This current pair is narrower in the toe and heel which some people have complained about. My heels are narrow, so these worked great for me, even with a bit less toe room. Unfortunately, after less than ONE month of wear, they are falling apart. I'm beyond frustrated with the current quality. For the price, these shoes should last for quite a while. My last pair of Altra shoes didn't hold up near as long as my pair previous to those. But they sure lasted longer than one month!Companies need to do better for consumers. I wore nothing but New Balance shoes for 30 years because they quality was great. Then I bought a pair in 2018 that started ... MoreThese shoes fit my feet well. I have been wearing Altra shoes for years. They have been comfortable and I need the zero drop. This current pair is narrower in the toe and heel which some people have complained about. My heels are narrow, so these worked great for me, even with a bit less toe room. Unfortunately, after less than ONE month of wear, they are falling apart. I'm beyond frustrated with the current quality. For the price, these shoes should last for quite a while. My last pair of Altra shoes didn't hold up near as long as my pair previous to those. But they sure lasted longer than one month!Companies need to do better for consumers. I wore nothing but New Balance shoes for 30 years because they quality was great. Then I bought a pair in 2018 that started falling apart within a few months. When I sent photos to New Balance customer service I was told that my feet "must have changed in size or shape. The problem was with my feet and not with the shoe quality." I have never bought another pair of New Balance shoes and I don't plan to. Altra shoe cost almost as much as Birkenstock shoes do, but Birkenstock shoes last for years. Literally for years. They have a huge, loyal customer following and they have always offered zero drop shoes. But they don't sell athletic shoes like I need. Can anyone reading this recommend any zero drop shoes that don't fall apart right away?
My 4.5 Paradigms wore out in the heels almost immediately. Had to redo the lacing on them for them to be wide enough in the front of the shoe. Ordered a pair of Paradigm 6 women's and boy are they expensive. Hoping that they work better than the 4.5's. The original Paradigms I had were the standard width. They were wonderful. I wore them out of the store with no concerns, but the heel wore out quickly. You quit offering the standard width some time ago. Why do you advertise a wide toe box and at the same time narrow the footbed? My left shoe has a hole where the big toe is as well as my little toe. It would seem when a person is only walking that they would last longer than if you were running in them. I hope when I get the the Paradigm 6's they work. These are the ... MoreMy 4.5 Paradigms wore out in the heels almost immediately. Had to redo the lacing on them for them to be wide enough in the front of the shoe. Ordered a pair of Paradigm 6 women's and boy are they expensive. Hoping that they work better than the 4.5's. The original Paradigms I had were the standard width. They were wonderful. I wore them out of the store with no concerns, but the heel wore out quickly. You quit offering the standard width some time ago. Why do you advertise a wide toe box and at the same time narrow the footbed? My left shoe has a hole where the big toe is as well as my little toe. It would seem when a person is only walking that they would last longer than if you were running in them. I hope when I get the the Paradigm 6's they work. These are the only shoes I can find that work for my feet. I wish they weren't so expensive and were more durable. I miss the solid black shoe. I ordered the black but am not very happy about the orange and the logo on it. Some of us just want durable shoes that don't cost a fortune and are just plain as we wear them most of the time.
These are my second pair in 1 year. I wore my first pair out. I use these for power walking 2 to 3 miles 4 to 5 days a week. I suffered from a Morton's Neuroma for almost 2 years and had to have surgery for it in July 2022. I first bought the Paradigm 6 a few months before my surgery and wish I had known about them before I developed a painfil neuroma.Maybe I would have avoided getting a neuroma in the first place, if I had. These are the most comfortable athletic shoe I have ever worn, plus they give me plenty of stability. More importantly, they allow lots of toe room to help me avoid getting another neuroma, even with my own full inserts I put in them with a metatarsal pad. They come highly recommended by my local Runner's Depot for my foot problem. They look ... MoreThese are my second pair in 1 year. I wore my first pair out. I use these for power walking 2 to 3 miles 4 to 5 days a week. I suffered from a Morton's Neuroma for almost 2 years and had to have surgery for it in July 2022. I first bought the Paradigm 6 a few months before my surgery and wish I had known about them before I developed a painfil neuroma.Maybe I would have avoided getting a neuroma in the first place, if I had. These are the most comfortable athletic shoe I have ever worn, plus they give me plenty of stability. More importantly, they allow lots of toe room to help me avoid getting another neuroma, even with my own full inserts I put in them with a metatarsal pad. They come highly recommended by my local Runner's Depot for my foot problem. They look very nice on too. I love the dark navy.
I have used the Paradigm model since the beginnings of the company, and it is great for working all day on concrete floors, and it cured my Planters Fasciitis. BUT newer versions of this shoe were changed to a regular width for some strange reason!! Please, go back to wide width or at least offer the option!! These were isupposed to be maximalist zero drop wide sneakers, to allow toes to splay and spread out, which is healthier for the foot and body. My podiatrist notes the same problem with these. Very disappointing. I looked into Hoka as an alternative but they don't have zero drop maximalist shoes. Altra is such a great company, please do the right thing and go back to your roots. Not everybody wants a rocker toe, as is on the Olympus.
My Altra experience only involves Torin 6, so I wanted to try another style. I work in healthcare and stand for several hours at a time. I have been wearing them to work as well as power walking. Firstly, there is a great amount of arch support for folks with high arches. These have a notable lift to them, but are not obnoxious like some brands. The lift seems to be camouflaged. The fit in the heel is comfortable and mine doesn't slip. These shoes seem to hug the foot more than the Torin 6. The tongue seems to stay in place and I like that it is not more of a slip-on type so there can be more room added with the laces if wearing thicker socks. Compared to 6, the toe area is slightly narrower and maybe a little shorter. I have wide feet, and these are on the edge of ... MoreMy Altra experience only involves Torin 6, so I wanted to try another style. I work in healthcare and stand for several hours at a time. I have been wearing them to work as well as power walking. Firstly, there is a great amount of arch support for folks with high arches. These have a notable lift to them, but are not obnoxious like some brands. The lift seems to be camouflaged. The fit in the heel is comfortable and mine doesn't slip. These shoes seem to hug the foot more than the Torin 6. The tongue seems to stay in place and I like that it is not more of a slip-on type so there can be more room added with the laces if wearing thicker socks. Compared to 6, the toe area is slightly narrower and maybe a little shorter. I have wide feet, and these are on the edge of fit. There seems to be less room in this shoe and would maybe step it up a half size. The bottom of my feet seem to burn at the end of the day, but it may just be because it is a little small. I will note that there is a significant squeak when walking and sometimes do not wear them to work because of it but It may just be this pair. I will probably return to the Torin, but this is a good shoe to alternate.
I purchased these to replace an older pair. I've been rotating between these and my old pair to break them in and allow my feet some time time to get used to them. So far, it seems the sole on the new pair is much firmer than the old pair. Not my favorite. The support is generally okay, but I am surprised at the noticeable difference in firmness. Also, this version of the shoe feels narrower throughout. This is a frustrating change as I am a loyal Altra customer because I have wide feet. The newer versions of Altras all feel narrower and firmer in the soles. As a comparison, I got about 6 miles into a recent road run in this new pair and started feeling a shin splints sensation in one leg. Whereas I ran an easy 10 miles on the road in my old pair with no issue. I've ... MoreI purchased these to replace an older pair. I've been rotating between these and my old pair to break them in and allow my feet some time time to get used to them. So far, it seems the sole on the new pair is much firmer than the old pair. Not my favorite. The support is generally okay, but I am surprised at the noticeable difference in firmness. Also, this version of the shoe feels narrower throughout. This is a frustrating change as I am a loyal Altra customer because I have wide feet. The newer versions of Altras all feel narrower and firmer in the soles. As a comparison, I got about 6 miles into a recent road run in this new pair and started feeling a shin splints sensation in one leg. Whereas I ran an easy 10 miles on the road in my old pair with no issue. I've been running in the new pair for the last 4 months at short distances (2-5 miles) and felt a longer run should be no issue at this point. Another thing I noticed when I tried on 3 different Altra styles (this one included) is the soles seem to be low under the balls of my feet, giving the feeling that my akles are being guided to roll inward slightly. It is not a significant angle, but enough to feel a but awkward. Overall, the things I've observed are not big adjustments from my old shoes and I am able to run relatively comfortably, but the new versions are not what I was expecting based on past iterations of the shoe, leaving something to be desired.
When I finished Chemotherapy last fall it left me with neuropathy in my feet. I needed to find a good supportive shoe that would lessen the numbness in my feet and also cushion my tender feet. I tried Hokas but just found them too clunky. A salesperson at my local outdoor store suggested I try these after trying other brands that just did not fit well. I had to go up a half size but they fit my wide feet great and are the only reason I can resume my normal activities. Several nurses and physical therapy people also noticed my Ultras right away when I started wearing them. People who spend a lot of time on their feet and who run kept asking me how I liked them and what model they were. I had no idea I was buying a shoe that was so trendy but I appreciated that for a ... MoreWhen I finished Chemotherapy last fall it left me with neuropathy in my feet. I needed to find a good supportive shoe that would lessen the numbness in my feet and also cushion my tender feet. I tried Hokas but just found them too clunky. A salesperson at my local outdoor store suggested I try these after trying other brands that just did not fit well. I had to go up a half size but they fit my wide feet great and are the only reason I can resume my normal activities. Several nurses and physical therapy people also noticed my Ultras right away when I started wearing them. People who spend a lot of time on their feet and who run kept asking me how I liked them and what model they were. I had no idea I was buying a shoe that was so trendy but I appreciated that for a well made, supportive shoe they look modern and in style. I liked them more and more the longer I wore them and am so happy I bought them. Without these shoes I don't know if I could even go shopping or go for a walk with the nerve damage chemotherapy caused. I would like to buy another pair to have on hand because I actually need these shoes! They run small so plan to go up a half to a whole size. I used to wear a 9.5 but my Ultra Paradigms are 10.5. I was wearing a size 10 in Nike before buying these Ultras. I have the navy color and am very happy with them.
Caveat: I do have a wide foot, but have found the Lone Peak style incredibly comfortable in regular width.I recently developed the need to switch to a more supportive shoe, and as a huge fan of Altra in general and the Lone Peak style in particular, I opted to try the Paradigm. Big mistake. I knew the last for this shoe was narrower than the one for Lone Peak, but I didn't expect it to be this much narrower. And it's still not the narrowest last!! I made it ten minutes before the pain across the ball of my foot became too much. This shoe is the most uncomfortable thing I've put on my foot since I quit wearing standard last shoes. The whole point of Altras is the foot shape. The move towards narrower lasts is making them pointless. Zero drop is the only thing going ... MoreCaveat: I do have a wide foot, but have found the Lone Peak style incredibly comfortable in regular width.I recently developed the need to switch to a more supportive shoe, and as a huge fan of Altra in general and the Lone Peak style in particular, I opted to try the Paradigm. Big mistake. I knew the last for this shoe was narrower than the one for Lone Peak, but I didn't expect it to be this much narrower. And it's still not the narrowest last!! I made it ten minutes before the pain across the ball of my foot became too much. This shoe is the most uncomfortable thing I've put on my foot since I quit wearing standard last shoes. The whole point of Altras is the foot shape. The move towards narrower lasts is making them pointless. Zero drop is the only thing going for them anymore. Unfortunately, there are no support shoes in Altra's lineup with the Original foot shape last, so I guess it's time to look elsewhere.
After going through Chemotherapy the Chemo left my feet with neuropathy (some numbness and nerve pain) that would flare up from just walking around a grocery store. I tried on several brands of shoes to find something comfortable and supportive. These shoes were my last hope and despite the price I gave them a try because they were the only ones that were comfortable and supportive with my neuropathy. As I started wearing them out of the house to my radiation appointments and physical therapy appointments several of the nurses and physical therapists noticed my Altra shoes right away and commented on them! They wanted to know which model they were and how I liked them. I had no idea they were so popular with the more physically fit crowd. I bought mine at an outdoor ... MoreAfter going through Chemotherapy the Chemo left my feet with neuropathy (some numbness and nerve pain) that would flare up from just walking around a grocery store. I tried on several brands of shoes to find something comfortable and supportive. These shoes were my last hope and despite the price I gave them a try because they were the only ones that were comfortable and supportive with my neuropathy. As I started wearing them out of the house to my radiation appointments and physical therapy appointments several of the nurses and physical therapists noticed my Altra shoes right away and commented on them! They wanted to know which model they were and how I liked them. I had no idea they were so popular with the more physically fit crowd. I bought mine at an outdoor store. These shoes made it possible for me to walk normally and be on my feet when I needed to be to live a normal life. I just hope the Paradigm 7 is as comfortable. My shoes lasted well over a year of normal activity and have not come apart at all. I did not use them for running and I alternate these with summer shoes in hot weather. They do squeak a little when I walk so if it's quiet you can hear them, but it's probably happening more now that they've loosened up from being worn for 18 mo's.
| Variant | |
| width | B |
| color | Black |
| size | 6 |
