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Weight
9.35 oz/ 265g for men’s US9
Stack height
30mm stack height
Zero Drop
Made for
Longer tempo runs
Transition from conventional shoes
Pros & Cons
✔ Wide, comfortable toe box with classic Altra foot-shaped fit
✔ Stable heel design prevents excessive movement
✔ Durable midsole and upper for long-term use
✔Slight forward roll makes transitions feel smooth
✖ Exposed EVA on the outsole may wear faster on rough terrain
✖ Snugger midfoot fit may not suit all runners
✖ Stiff heel could cause discomfort for sensitive feet
✖ Heavier than some competitors, limiting speed-focused use
At 30mm in stack height, the Altra Torin 8 is pushing into that highly cushioned realm.
But considering we’re likely not going to see an Olympus Via anymore, the Torin may be some people’s only hope for a high stack zero drop.
The updates from Torin 7 to Torin 8 aren’t drastic, but they’re worth considering before you run out and buy the new version. With the price staying the same at $150, it’s still a shoe worth considering.
So let’s start with the fit because that’s the most important fact!
Altra’s spacious toe box is what we expect, providing perfect toe splay ability. For runners who appreciate ample space around the big toe and forefoot, the Torin 8 continues this tradition. While the toe box did feel shallow upon first trying the shoes, they packed out after 20-30km and became more roomy.
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Midfoot Fit: Snugger Than Its Predecessor. The midfoot area feels tighter due to raised sidewalls, requiring a break-in period for some. For me, it was a little uncomfortable at the start, but within the first 20km, the snug fit became secure and more forgiving.
The stiffer heel will divide opinions. A stiff heel cup can be uncomfortable for those with heel sensitivities, but it can also be essential for those pushing the mileage or recovering from injuries. I never had an issue with the heel cup, but I advise anyone using this shoe to weave in some ankle and foot strengthening exercises to maintain strength in those areas.
No more ankle bone rubbing! The lowered collar and padded tongue provide a much more comfortable fit, improving the previous versions. However, it should be noted that I had to wear longer socks for the first few runs as the higher heel lip rubbed until it was broken in.
Altra Torin 8
From the forefoot forward, you’ll feel a minor taper/rocker. For me, this helped create a smooth transition through my gait, and I could maintain pace with minimal effort. But for those wanting to reconnect with the ground, you may want to look at the Escalantes instead.
I smell a hint of toe spring. While most Altras are pan flat throughout the foot, the Torin has the toes slightly lifted towards the end of the shoe. I.e., Toe spring. This may not concern those coming from conventional shoes as this is almost the norm, but it’s not common for foot-shaped/barefoot folk.
The midsole felt firm and moderately stiff, helping on tempo runs. The shoe’s stiffer underfoot contributes to a solid ground feel, which made it feel good on tempo runs for me. However, its weight of approximately 265 grams in a mens US9 may limit its appeal for looking for a race day shoe. Arguably, that’s good for a 30mm stack height shoe, but by modern standards, things are changing.
It feels like the Torin is now truly a stable shoe. The heel bevel subtly guides heel strikers towards a more neutral foot position, and the side walls stop your foot from spilling over the edge of the shoe. Lastly, that stiffer heel cup keeps your rear foot firmly in place. All this screams “stability”, which is ok when used appropriately. Just don’t overuse them.
Altra Torin 8
With the midsole feeling somewhat firm, I’d expect it to last a decent amount of time. I do expect it to pack out, as I’ve already found in the first 30-40km, but from here on out, I think that’ll reduce, and we’ll see a good lifespan out of this tried and tested EVA foam.
We now see some exposed EVA on the Torin’s outsole. Much like the rest of the Altra road running range, the outsole rubber only partially covers the underside of the shoe, specifically in high-wear areas. This is unlikely to be an issue for you unless you take them on the trails, which I wouldn’t suggest.
The upper mesh has thickened slightly, making it more durable and secure. Obviously, with a thicker material, you are more than likely going to see less wear. That comes with a more secure fit, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on your needs. But that also means it comes with a minor weight increase, so there are always trade-offs.
The inner liner will likely be the weakest part of the shoe. And this is mostly due to that stiffer heel cup. You’ll end up with friction when you combine a stiff heel with a poor fit. The friction will turn into wear over time, meaning you’ll likely wear through that inner liner quickly. This is just a warning to ensure you have a good fit when buying the shoe!
Altra Torin 8
While I wouldn’t normally choose such a high-stacked shoe, I’ve enjoyed picking up the pace in the Torin 8.
The stiffer, rockered design has allowed for a quicker turnover of my legs, meaning I would likely reach for this shoe in a ½ marathon or even marathon.
However, it should be noted that this stiffer, high-cushioned design may not be suitable for everyone.
- If it doesn’t fit in the heel or midfoot, it’ll be uncomfortable very quickly.
- I will not allow the foot to function “normally.”
If this is you, I’d encourage you to look at the Escalante 4 or the Escalante Racer, as these cushioned designs are much more foot-function friendly.
Altra Torin 8
