Altra is the king of foot-shaped shoes and both the Altra Paradigm 6 and the Altra Torin 5 are great shoes for your longer runs. But which one should you choose?
Sometimes figuring out what shoe to buy can be a hassle. The running shoe world is a jungle that sometimes is filled with ambiguous jargon and unnecessary marketing slogans that confuses more than it helps.
In this article, I try to compare two models from Altra that both work great for daily training and are especially suited for your Sunday long runs.
Specs
As you can see, on the specs side there are small differences that make a big impact. Both shoes have the same midsole, but Altra Torin 5 has 2mm less foam. Together with a guide rail system and some added stability padding, this makes the Altra Paradigm 6 about 50g heavier on your foot.
Footshape Fit
How are they on the foot?
As seen above, both Altra Torin 5 and Altra Paradigm 6 have a Standard Footshape Fit. They give enough space for the toes to live free, but don't sacrifice any hold around the midfoot. Generally, both these shoes are fantastic to have on, at least once you have adjusted to having more wiggle room for your toes.
Video Altra Torin 5
Even though they both have a similar fit, the Altra Torin 5 has a lighter first impression when putting your feet into it. It just isn't as big as the Altra Paradigm 6 is. Stability is less featured in the Altra Torin 5, and that makes it feel lighter on the foot. You can see a noticeable difference in the tongue, which is extremely thin on the Altra Torin 5. And when you have one of each foot there just is more breathability when you run in the Altra Torin 5.
Video Altra Paradigm 6
But you can easily flip that view the other way. Yes, the Altra Paradigm 6 has more bulk, but it is also comfier to put on. It just holds your ankle that tiny bit more. It is more secure, and a preferable fit for those who just want to be supported when they run. And even though the difference is there between the two shoes, this shoe still has a very breathable upper, and doesn't get too warm when you run.
How does it feel to run in them?
Both shoes have the EGO MAX midsole, which feels nice and comfortable on, but once you start running in the shoes, the Altra Torin 5 sticks out as the faster shoe to run with, much because it is that much lighter. There is no doubt that if I want to run at a higher pace, then the Altra Torin 5 would be my first choice, but running fast isn't always everything.
Video Altra Torin 5
If speed and tempo runs are lower on your list of priorities, then the Altra Paradigm 6 really can shine. It is a shoe that makes running longer distances easier, not only because you have a bigger amount of foam underneath your foot, but also because it is a tad bit more stable.
Video Altra Paradigm 6
So overall there is the matter of what you want out of the shoe. Do you want a lighter feel that gives you more freedom, or do you want a shoe that helps you, especially when you get tired on the long runs.
What stability do they offer?
One very important thing to emphasize is that the stability that Altra Paradigm 6 offers don't make it rigid and stiff, but rather guides you in the right direction. This makes it an ideal running shoe both for neutral and stability runners.
The Altra Paradigm 6 is a more stable running shoe, it is meant to give support to those who need it, either from the start or later in the run when your ankles get tired. The difference between the Altra Paradigm 6 and the Altra Torin 5 is there but isn't extreme in any way.
A nice way to think about it is. If you want some support you'll find it in the Altra Paradigm 6. If you want to feel free like the bird, then the Altra Torin 5 is more your shoe.
Didn't you find your favorite?
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