Altra’s New Paradigm 7 x Kara Goucher Collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation Benefits Program to Train Next Generation of Dystonia Researchers

August 8, 2023

$5 from every pair sold will benefit the Bachmann-Strauss Fellowship in Dystonia Research, a training program by The Michael J. Fox Foundation growing the global base of researchers studying the movement disorder dystonia.

DENVER (August 8, 2023) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Altra, a leading innovator in performance running, is excited to launch a special version of its Paradigm 7 shoe in collaboration with Altra Elite Athlete and two-time Olympian Kara Goucher. Five dollars from every pair sold of this limited edition colorway will benefit the Bachmann-Strauss Fellowship in Dystonia Research, a training program through The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) which specializes in growing the global base of researchers studying the movement disorder dystonia. The special colorway is a blend of Goucher’s signature coral and a mix of light blue and navy to represent dystonia, the world’s third most common movement disorder and a symptom of Parkinson’s disease, a cause near and dear to Goucher’s heart.

“Being diagnosed with dystonia has been difficult and frustrating, but I have hope that we can find a cure through research,” said Goucher. “I am very proud of Altra and MJFF for joining forces. Through shoe sales of the special ‘Hope’ colorway, we can raise money to fund the research needed. I am honored and proud to be a part of this effort and want to remind people to hold on to hope!”

Michele Golombuski, MJFF’s Chief Development Officer added, “We are continuously inspired by our community and the distances they go to move the Foundation’s mission forward. With the enormous momentum in science coupled with the tremendous support and creativity from partners like Altra, this fellowship program has the ability to benefit not only people and families living with dystonia, but also the millions living with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. We need to grow our global research community to help move scientific breakthroughs forward from the lab to the clinic.”

The Paradigm 7 road shoe is in its seventh iteration, with advancements including a more cushioned, yet lighter EGO™MAX foam, continued GuideRail™ geometry designed for medial support when needed. Ghillie style lacing through the midfoot holds the foot dynamically through the gait cycle. It’s designed for a road runner looking for a max cushion shoe to support them with every mile. This shoe is meant to work with the body, not for it. The Paradigm 7 was truly created to function with all bodies for any distance or pace.

“The Bachmann-Strauss Fellowship in Dystonia Research has the potential to make astonishing scientific achievements in the field of dystonia and movement disorders,” said Bonnie Strauss, MJFF Board member and Founder of the Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia and Parkinson Foundation. “I am exceptionally grateful to Kara Goucher for sharing her journey, the Altra team and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for their support of this initiative that will impact the lives of patients today and those living with the disease tomorrow.”

The Paradigm 7 x Kara Goucher Hope colorway is available for purchase online at altrarunning.com and at select retailers. The shoe retails for $170 and sold in women’s sizes 5.5 through 12. For more information, visit altrarunning.com.

ABOUT ALTRA

Altra was founded in the backroom of a small specialty running store in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Since the beginning, the goal has been to create innovative and purposeful running shoes that help people run more naturally. Altra’s unique platform includes a Footshape™ toebox that allows the toes to relax and spread out which enhances stability and encourages natural running form. Balanced Cushioning™ platform that positions the heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground, cultivating optimal alignment, better form and a low-impact landing. Altra’s purpose is to unleash human potential by inspiring the world to move naturally. Be a part of our journey and follow along on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. #altrarunning

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Contact:

Clara Parker

clara@bfcollective.co