Products
Tested using Methodology v0.10
Updated Mar 19, 2026 02:40 PM
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Amazon
Tested using Methodology v0.8.2
Updated Jan 22, 2026 08:20 PM
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Amazon
Weight
263.8 g (9.30 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
0.3 mm
Plate
None
Weight
279.9 g (9.87 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
1.3 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
Altra Torin 8
Altra Paradigm 8
The Altra Torin 8 and Altra Paradigm 8 are two zero-drop shoes that target runners who want a more minimalist experience, though they have some key distinctions. The Torin 8 is the daily trainer, offering a stiff platform with light bounce, and serves as the most neutral option of the two. The Paradigm 8 is similar on most counts, only with a bit more support baked in. Neither shoe is snappy, bouncy, or even particularly cushioned; they focus more on a traditional ride, prioritizing ground feel.
Variants
- Torin 8 (Black - (Men - US 9))
- Torin 8 (Black - (Women - US 7))
- Paradigm 8 (Black/White - (Men - US 9))
- Paradigm 8 (Black/White - (Women - US 7))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
5.0
4.4
Forefoot Energy Return
6.0
2.1
Forefoot Stack Height
27.3 mm
29.4 mm
Weight
5.9
5.2
Heel Energy Return
2.9
1.4
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
5.9
5.2
Right Shoe Weight Photo
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Left Shoe Weight Photo
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Weight
263.8 g (9.30 oz)
279.9 g (9.87 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
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Heel Stack Height
27.6 mm
30.7 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
27.3 mm
29.4 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
0.3 mm
1.3 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
0.0 mm
0.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Outsole Heel Width
82 mm (3.2")
92 mm (3.6")
Outsole Arch Width
77 mm (3.0")
87 mm (3.4")
Outsole Forefoot Width
113 mm (4.4")
112 mm (4.4")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.97
3.00
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
4.14
3.81
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Internal Length
277 mm (10.9")
278 mm (10.9")
Internal Heel Width
68 mm (2.7")
64 mm (2.5")
Internal Forefoot Width
98 mm (3.9")
95 mm (3.7")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
No
Forefoot Fit: Width
9.4
Forefoot Width Photo
Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
3.1 mm (0.122")
Toe TTS Deviation
2.2 mm (0.087")
Forefoot Fit: Height
9.9
Forefoot Height Photo
Toe TTS Deviation
-0.5 mm (-0.020")
Arch Fit: Width
6.9
Arch Fit Photo
Arch Width TTS Deviation
-4.7 mm (-0.185")
Length Fit
10
Toe Clearance Photo
Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Non-gusseted
Fully-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Energy Return
2.9
1.4
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Energy Return
69.4%
66.1%
Forefoot Energy Return
6.0
2.1
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Energy Return
73.4%
68.1%
Heel Cushioning
4.7
5.0
Heel Cushioning Picture
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Heel Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 550N
2.51 J
2.41 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
6.40 J
6.87 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
10.90 J
11.64 J
Forefoot Cushioning
5.9
6.3
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
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Forefoot Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 800N
3.69 J
3.86 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
6.29 J
6.70 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
9.41 J
9.91 J
Heel Firmness
7.7
7.4
Heel Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 550N
82.5 N/mm
72.7 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
161.5 N/mm
153.5 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
350.1 N/mm
336.5 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
8.8
8.6
Forefoot Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 800N
138.8 N/mm
133.6 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
279.6 N/mm
248.4 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
485.0 N/mm
475.7 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
5.5
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 10km
6.23 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
5.97 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
5.79 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
5.66 J
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Altra Torin 8
Altra Paradigm 8
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Altra Torin 8 vs Altra Paradigm 8: Main Discussion
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