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Tested using Methodology v0.8.2
Updated May 25, 2026 10:13 PM
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Amazon
Tested using Methodology v0.16
Updated Sep 17, 2026 03:54 PM
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Heel Stack Height
30.7 mm
Weight
279.9 g (9.87 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
1.3 mm
Plate
None
Heel Stack Height
38.4 mm
Weight
303.6 g (10.71 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.6 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
Altra Paradigm 8
Topo Aura 2
The Topo Aura 2 is a better running shoe than the Altra Paradigm 8 for most runners. Though the Altra is cheaper, lighter, and slightly more stable, the Aura 2 provides much better impact protection and is more versatile overall. That said, the Paradigm is practically zero-drop, so it’s the shoe to get if you specifically want the lowest-drop stability option. If you want better protection without giving up the foot-shaped fit, low drop, and secure ride, get the Topo.
Variants
- Paradigm 8 (Black/White - (Men - US 9))
- Paradigm 8 (Black/White - (Women - US 7))
- Aura 2 (Black/Cloud - (Women - US 7))
- Aura 2 (Charcoal/Green - (Men - US 9))
Main Differences for
Half/Full Marathon Racing
Half/Full Marathon Racing
Threshold
Half/Full Marathon Racing
4.4
6.0
Heel Stack Height
30.7 mm
38.4 mm
Plate
None
None
Weight
5.2
4.2
Forefoot Stack Height
29.4 mm
32.8 mm
Forefoot Energy Return
2.1
1.7
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
5.2
4.2
Right Shoe Weight Photo
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Left Shoe Weight Photo
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Weight
279.9 g (9.87 oz)
303.6 g (10.71 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
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Heel Stack Height
30.7 mm
38.4 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
29.4 mm
32.8 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
1.3 mm
5.6 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
0.0 mm
5.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Outsole Heel Width
92 mm (3.6")
93 mm (3.7")
Outsole Arch Width
87 mm (3.4")
83 mm (3.3")
Outsole Forefoot Width
112 mm (4.4")
117 mm (4.6")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.00
2.42
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.81
3.57
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Internal Length
278 mm (10.9")
280 mm (11.0")
Internal Heel Width
64 mm (2.5")
68 mm (2.7")
Internal Forefoot Width
95 mm (3.7")
98 mm (3.9")
Wide Sizing Available
No
Yes
Forefoot Fit: Width
7.4
Forefoot Width Photo
Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
6.8 mm (0.268")
Toe TTS Deviation
8.7 mm (0.343")
Forefoot Fit: Height
8.3
Forefoot Height Photo
Toe TTS Deviation
-2.2 mm (-0.087")
Arch Fit: Width
9.9
Arch Fit Photo
Arch Width TTS Deviation
1.4 mm (0.055")
Length Fit
10
Toe Clearance Photo
Heel Rocker Geometry
5.6
Heel Rocker Photo
Heel Spring
15 mm (0.6")
Heel Apex Position
22.5%
Heel Rocker Angle
12.6°
Forefoot Rocker Geometry
7.2
Forefoot Rocker Photo
Toe Spring
50 mm (2.0")
Toe Apex Position
64.8%
Forefoot Rocker Angle
25.5°
Foam
Primary Foam Picture
Secondary Foam Picture
Primary Foam Name
ZipFoam
Primary Foam Type
EVA + TPU
Secondary Foam Name
No Secondary Foam
Secondary Foam Type
No Secondary Foam
Laces
Laces Picture
Lace Type
Flat
Width
6.0 mm (0.2")
Thickness
2.2 mm (0.1")
Stretch
10.0%
Breathability
6.0
Breathability Video
Upper Breathability
Upper Microscope Photo
Time-To-Dry
4.6
Time-To-Dry Timelapse
Time-To-Dry Graph
Preview Graph
Time To 30% Dry
10.3 hrs
Time To 70% Dry
25.3 hrs
Time To Dry
39.7 hrs
Water Absorption
7.7
Dry Weight Photo
Wet Weight Photo
Water Absorbed
40.3%
Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Fully-gusseted
Non-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Compression Energy Return
1.4
1.0
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Energy Return
66.1%
64.8%
Forefoot Compression Energy Return
2.1
1.7
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Energy Return
68.1%
67.0%
Heel Cushioning
5.0
7.3
Heel Cushioning Picture
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Compare High-Res
Heel Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 550N
2.41 J
3.16 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
6.87 J
8.94 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
11.64 J
15.62 J
Forefoot Cushioning
6.3
7.7
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
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Compare High-Res
Forefoot Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 800N
3.86 J
4.78 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
6.70 J
8.33 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
9.91 J
12.00 J
Heel Firmness
7.4
8.8
Heel Firmness
Preview Graph
Heel Firmness Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 550N
72.7 N/mm
52.5 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
153.5 N/mm
61.9 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
336.5 N/mm
84.9 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
8.6
8.5
Forefoot Firmness
Preview Graph
Forefoot Firmness Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 800N
133.6 N/mm
60.3 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
248.4 N/mm
77.5 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
475.7 N/mm
108 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
6.7
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 10km
7.46 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
7.21 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
7.07 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
6.97 J
Rocker Stiffness
6.7
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Video
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Graph
Preview Graph
Force To Flatten The Rocker
77 N
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
4.6
Forefoot Bending Video
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
55.3%
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
7.3
Forefoot Bending Resistance Picture
Forefoot Bending Resistance
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
13.9 N/mm
Forefoot Bending Force
278 N
Heel Compression Depth
5.1
Heel Compression Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Compression At 550N
10.5 mm
Heel Compression At 1100N
17.8 mm
Heel Compression At 1900N
22.4 mm
Forefoot Compression Depth
5.7
Forefoot Compression Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Compression At 800N
13.3 mm
Forefoot Compression At 1300N
16.8 mm
Forefoot Compression At 2050N
19.0 mm
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Altra Paradigm 8
Topo Aura 2
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Altra Paradigm 8 vs Topo Aura 2: Main Discussion
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