Tungstated zirconium catalysts for paraffin isomerization may comprise: a mixed metal oxide that is at least partially crystalline and comprises tungsten, zirconium, and a variable oxidation state metal selected from Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Ce, Ni, and any combination thereof. The mixed metal oxide comprises about 5 wt. % to about 25 wt. % tungsten, about 40 wt. % to about 70 wt. % zirconium, and about 0.01 wt. % to about 5 wt. % variable oxidation state metal, each based on a total mass of the mixed metal oxide. The mixed metal oxide has a total surface area of about 50 m2/g or greater as measured according to ISO 9277, and at least one of the following: an ammonia uptake of about 0.05 to about 0.3 mmol/g as measured by temperature programmed adsorption/desorption, or a collidine uptake of about 100 μmol/g or greater as measured gravimetrically.