Altra Torin 8 Road Running Shoe Review
An in-depth review of the Altra Torin 8 zero-drop road running shoe
April 21st, 2025
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Our verdict
The Altra Torin 8 is an excellent option for runners and walkers who want a zero-drop shoe without sacrificing cushioning. Unlike conventional running shoes with 6-10mm of heel-to-toe drop, the Torin 8 maintains identical stack height in both heel and forefoot, promoting a more natural foot position. It also has a wider toebox than most other running shoes, allowing your toes to spread naturally while you run or walk.
The Torin 8s have 30 mm of stack height, which makes them comfortable for long runs. The zero-drop platform strengthens your feet, so they’re excellent for shorter daily runs as well. They’re also very versatile, and we use them for walking and long days on our feet, as well as mixed surface runs on gravel, pavement, and even dirt.
The Altra EGO MAX midsole delivers a firm yet cushioned ride. Rather than mimicking the ultra-plush feel of brands like HOKA or On, the Torin 8 provides a solid, stable platform that strengthens your feet while still offering sufficient protection from the everyday impact of running. This balance makes them ideal for runners who prefer a more grounded feel without sacrificing comfort.
They have a rubber outsole that covers almost the entire tread. Compared to many road running shoes, which have large sections of exposed midsole foam, the almost full-coverage rubber outsole offers excellent traction and increased durability. This makes the Torin an excellent choice for running and walking on any surface.
They have a comfortable mesh upper and well-padded tongue, ankle, and heel areas. Notably, Altra has maintained the improved tongue design introduced with the Torin 7, addressing comfort issues from earlier models. The mesh upper provides breathability, which helps keep your feet from overheating.
Whether you’re zero-drop curious or a long-time minimalist shoe runner who wants cushion for longer road runs, the Torin 8 is a great option.
Altra Torin 8
Men's
Women's
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Specs
Weight: 287.7 g (10.15 oz) men’s / 238.14 g (8.4 oz) women’s
Heel-to-toe drop: 0 mm
Stack height: 30 mm
Cushion: High
Support: Neutral
Upper: Jacquard mesh
Midsole: Altra EGO™ MAX
Outsole: Rubber
Suitable for vegans: Yes
Comparison table
| RUNNING SHOE | WEIGHT MEN'S | WEIGHT WOMEN'S | CUSHION | HEEL DROP | STACK HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altra Torin 8 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 4.7 oz | 1 lb, 1.3 oz | Moderate | 0 mm | 30 mm |
| Altra VIA Olympus 2 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 3.2 oz | 1 lb, 6.8 oz | Maximum | 0 mm | 33 mm |
| HOKA Arahi 7 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 3.8 oz | 1 lb, 0.2 oz | Maximum | 5 mm | 37 -32 mm |
| Topo Magnifly 5 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 1.4 oz | 14.4 oz | Low | 0 mm | 25 mm |
| Brooks Glycerin 22 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 3.7 oz | 1 lb, 2.2 oz | Maximum | 10 mm | 38 - 28 mm |
Who is it for?
The Altra Torin 8 is for road runners and walkers interested in the benefits of zero-drop footwear who still want a cushioned platform to protect their joints. They combine natural foot positioning and a wide toebox with the underfoot protection needed for longer distances.
We tested the Altra Torin 8 on paved and dirt roads and paths throughout Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. Photo by Sam Schild
How we tested
We tested the Altra Torin 8 while running roads and greenways in Arizona and Utah during the winter and spring. We used them for 20+ mile runs and shorter runs between 2 and 5 miles. We took them on city sidewalks and gravel paths through the park, in temperatures ranging from 30 to 90 degrees. Our women’s tester also ran on roads, paved paths, and non-technical trails in Colorado during spring and summer months.
We primarily used the Torins for long, easy runs. But we also wore them during speed workouts, and while they’re heavier than running shoes designed for speed, they have a firmer midsole that makes each stride feel efficient. We ran with them on back roads, neighborhood streets, and recreation paths, as well as dirt and gravel roads. While they’re designed for road running and walking, they’re more durable and have better traction than many road running shoes, making them a good crossover shoe. We also wore them while walking around town and on days when we had to be on our feet for long hours.
What we liked
Zero-drop design gives a natural foot position
Wide toebox with natural foot shape provides room for your feet to swell
Grippy rubber outsole provides excellent traction – even on gravel roads
Comfortable for long runs
What could be better
Zero drop takes some getting used to
Not the most cushion
No recycled materials
Features
Natural fit
The Torin has a natural FootShape toe box, which is Altra marketing speech for a wide toe box and zero-drop design (more on zero drop below). This allows your foot to sit as it would when barefoot, with enough room for your toes to spread out.
This toebox design is unique in the world of running shoes. Most running shoes don’t have this much room in the toebox, so they squish your toes together. If you ever get blisters between your toes when running long distances, you know what we’re talking about here. The Torin has more room in the toebox, so they don’t press your toes into each other, which helps many runners avoid blisters.
Beyond blister prevention, a wide toebox also creates healthier, stronger feet by allowing each of your toes to engage with the ground. Foot strength can help with balance, ankle stability, and more.
Zero-drop platform
Altra uses a zero-drop platform to build all of its running shoes. Zero drop is your natural foot position when standing and walking barefoot. With the Torin, your feet are in their natural position but with cushioning underneath.
Most running shoes have at least 5 mm of heel-to-toe drop, which positions the heel higher than the forefoot. This foot position isn’t natural and can affect your entire body—from tight Achilles tendons to calves and beyond. We’re not body movement experts or podiatrists, but we do understand the fact that most shoes position your foot differently than it is when barefoot.
Zero-drop shoes, like the Altra Torin 8, allows for natural foot positioning while still providing cushion. Photo by Sam Schild
Zero-drop isn’t the be-all and end-all for running shoes. Most of the shoe industry doesn’t use zero-drop, after all. And if your running gait strikes on the heel first, zero-drop will probably hurt, at least initially. But if you’re used to zero-drop shoes and want a cushioned running shoe in a zero-drop platform, the Torin is a great option.
Cushioning
The Torin has 30 mm of stack height and uses Altra EGO MAX foam. The midsole feels responsive while providing ample cushion for long runs. This isn’t the highest stack or most cushioned shoe out there, but it has plenty of underfoot padding for long distances or marathon days on your feet.
Compared to some pillowy-soft midsoles on other max-cushion running shoes, the Torin’s EGO MAX midsole feels firmer. It’s still soft, but it doesn’t seem to compress as easily underfoot. The Torin feels like a more solid platform to push off of. And while some people love the cloud-like feel of modern running shoes, not everyone loves how bouncy they feel. We like both types of cushioning and think there’s a time and place for each. But if you’re looking for a running shoe that feels like a traditional running shoe, without the ultrasoft modern EVA foams, you’ll probably like the Torin.
Compared to some pillowy-soft midsoles on other max-cushion running shoes, the Torin’s EGO MAX midsole feels firmer. It’s still soft, but it doesn’t seem to compress as easily underfoot. Photo by Sam Schild
Breathability
The Torin has a Jacquard mesh upper, which allows enough airflow to prevent your feet from overheating. We’ve worn these shoes in hot desert conditions and have never felt like they made our feet too hot. The wider toebox is also great for hot conditions because it gives extra space for your feet to swell, which can happen when it’s extremely hot.
The extra space in the toebox creates more room for air to circulate, creating better breathability conditions. The mesh holes are most prevalent on the top of the toebox, and the roominess combined with breathable material makes these shoes quite breathable.
The Jacquard mesh upper is breathable and allows airflow in hot conditions. Photo by Sam Schild
Durability
The Torin 8 has a rubber outsole that covers almost the entire tread area. Many road running shoes use rubber sparingly on the tread, which saves weight at the cost of durability because it exposes the midsole foam to the ground with every step. The Torin, on the other hand, has very little exposed midsole foam underfoot, thus increasing the lifespan of the shoes.
The Altra Torin 8 (top) has far less exposed midsole foam underfoot than many road running shoes, like the HOKA Bondi 9 (bottom). Photo by Sam Schild
These shoes are durable and grippy enough that they’ve become a favorite for running on dirt and gravel roads. They don’t have knobby lugs like a trail running shoe, but the rubber outsole material grips loose dirt, gravel, and slickrock better than a road running shoe with half the rubber underfoot. And the Torin’s full coverage rubber outsole will last longer than a running shoe with large sections of exposed midsole material.
Step-in comfort
The Torin is comfortable right out of the box and requires no break-in time. When we started testing them, we put them on and immediately went on a five-mile run with no issues.
They have a padded heel collar that holds your heel in place and provides extra comfort around the ankle. The tongue is also padded and is anatomically shaped to wrap around the top of your foot. This gusseted tongue design is not unique, nor is the padded heel collar, but it is a feature that we like to see in every running shoe.
There is a break-in time for your body to adjust to running in zero-drop shoes, however. If you’ve never worn zero-drop shoes before, they will probably make you sore in places other than where you’re used to after the first few runs. We recommend gradually introducing your body to wearing zero-drop footwear by alternating between these and your old shoes and by starting with shorter runs. As your body adjusts, you can then increase the frequency and distance you wear the Torins.
There is a break-in time for your body to adjust to running in zero-drop shoes, so if you’ve never run in zero-drop shoes before, we recommend making the shift gradually. Photo by Sam Schild
FootPod technology
The Torin 8 uses Altra’s FootPod technology in the outsole. This technology shapes the rubber outsole to correspond with your toes, metatarsal bones, and joints, allowing your feet to flex and move more naturally.
How the FootPod technology works is, essentially, this: there are creases in the rubber outsole in all the places your foot should be able to move if barefoot, allowing your foot to move naturally inside the shoe. On one level, this seems like a marketing gimmick. Since every foot isn’t the same, how can Altra claim to know exactly where each one flexes? On another level, though, the outsole does need to flex somewhere, so why not map it onto the places where feet naturally flex?
Either way, this FootPod technology allows the outsole to flex. A flexible rubber outsole is better than a stiff sheet of rubber. The Torins feel flexible underfoot, though they don’t feel magically more flexible than other running shoes. We’re on board with this because we like the outsole flexibility, whether or not mapping it onto the bones of your feet is effective.
APMA certified
The Torin has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. The APMA awards this to products found by the Association to promote good foot health.
You know how we said we weren’t movement experts in the above section about zero-drop design? Well, the doctors of feet at the APMA approve of the Torin because it promotes good foot health.
Performance in the field
Daily runs
The Altra Torin 8 is a great shoe for daily runs of any length. It has enough cushioning for any distance, and the natural foot shape strengthens your feet as you strengthen your legs and lungs.
It’s not the max-cushion running shoe we’d choose for active recovery days, but the moderate level of cushioning is great for a daily trainer. The wide toebox makes them comfortable to put on every day, and as your foot swells and spreads out from all those miles, you’ll appreciate the extra space.
The Altra Torin is a great shoe for daily runs of any length due to the cushion and spacious toe box, provided you’re comfortable with zero drop. Photo by Becca Downs
Walking
The Torins are supportive for all-day wear or recovery walks. Walking in zero-drop shoes is a great way to build foot strength and stay healthy. Since they promote a natural gait, they’re a great option for walking. Then you can build to running in the same shoes if that’s your goal.
Since they’re great for walking, the Torins are an excellent choice for wearing at work if you need to be on your feet for long stretches of time. The natural foot position and generous cushioning make them a great option for nurses, bartenders, servers, warehouse jobs, and more.
Longer runs
The Altra Torins have enough cushion for longer runs, too. We love the wider toebox for long runs because as you go farther, your feet can spread out. And the wider toebox helps prevent blisters as your feet swell. They’re also lightweight and durable, which makes them a great option for long days.
The Altra Torin 8 has enough cushion for longer runs and can handle crossing over onto dirt roads or non-technical trails. Photo by Sam Schild
Sustainability
The Torin 8 does not contain any recycled materials. As a brand, Altra does not seem to be prioritizing sustainability.
Sustainable Review has given Altra a sustainability rating of “It’s a start.” They’re trying to be a sustainable company, but it’s unclear how much success they’re currently having.
Altra Torin 8 vs. similar road shoes
Compared to other neutral stability road running shoes, the Torin has zero heel-to-toe drop. Zero-drop is unique to Altra among running shoes, with the exception of Topo Athletic Magnifly 5 and a few other zero-drop options from Topo Athletic. The zero-drop design of the Torin 8, combined with the wide toebox, is the main difference between the Torin and similar road running shoes. The Torin uses a slightly firmer midsole foam than many modern road running shoes and has less stack height than many similar shoes as well.
Should I buy the Altra Torin 8?
Buy if: You want a cushioned, zero-drop daily trainer with a roomy toe box.
If you’re looking for a zero-drop running shoe for daily training, the Torin is a great option. The Torin’s wide toe box is a great feature if you have wider feet or deal with blisters on your toes when running or walking long distances. And a shoe that’s comfortable for long distances is ideal for a daily trainer; the miles add up quickly when running every day.
Skip if: You need extra support or prefer a traditional drop shoe.
If you prefer a traditional fitting road running shoe with more cushion in the heel than the forefoot, the Torin isn’t the best for you. The Torin’s zero-drop design places as much cushioning under the heel as in the forefoot, so if you’re a heel striker, they won’t cushion your feet as much. Zero-drop isn’t for everyone, and if you’ve tried and found it doesn’t work for you, then the Torins likely won’t work either.
The Altra Torin 8 road running shoes are ideal for runners looking for a zero-drop daily trainer that provides cushion and a spacious toe box. Photo by Becca Downs
Where to buy the Altra Torin 8?
The Altra Torin 8 road running shoes are popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Similar products
Altra VIA Olympus
Weight: 1 lb, 3.2 oz men’s / 1 lb, 6.8 oz women’s
Heel-to-toe drop: 0 mm
Stack height: 33 mm
Cushion: Maximum
Support: Neutral
The VIA Olympus has more cushion than the Torin, which makes it slightly better suited for all-day comfort and long runs or walks. The Altra Torin 8 has 30 mm of stack, while the VIA Olympus has 33 mm. The VIA Olympus has the same wide toebox and natural footshape platform as the Torin, but the VIA Olympus feels slightly less flexible than the Torin due to the extra midsole foam.
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Topo Magnifly 5
Weight: 1 lb, 1.4 oz men’s / 14.4 oz women’s
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Stack height: 25 mm
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Support: Neutral
The Topo Magnifly 5 are another zero-drop option, also with a wide toe box. However, they have a slightly lower stack height of 25 mm, versus 30 mm of the Torins. If you're looking for more ground feel than the Torins, the Magniflys could be a good alternative. Read our full review of the Magnifly 5.
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Brooks Glycerin 22
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The Brooks Glycerin 22 is another daily trainer running shoe. It has a 10mm drop, with a 38mm heel and 28mm forefoot, which is very different than the zero-drop Torin. The Glycerin has a DNA Tuned midsole that uses larger cells in the heel for a softer feel and smaller cells in the forefoot for a more responsive feel.
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HOKA Arahi 7
Weight: 1 lb, 3.8 oz men’s / 1 lb, 0.2 oz women’s
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The HOKA Arahi has 5 mm of heel-to-toe drop, so it’s another low-drop running shoe option. The Arahi, however, is a stability shoe designed to prevent overpronation, or inward roll. If you need a shoe to correct your feet from rolling inward as you step, the Arahi 8 is a much better option than the Torin, which is a neutral shoe that doesn’t correct your gait.
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The HOKA Mach 6 is a lower drop shoe similar to the Torin 8. The Mach 6 has a stack height of 37-32 mm, so it has 5 mm of drop. This is less drop than the 10 mm of drop that’s common in many road running shoes, making the Mach 6 a good step toward zero-drop. If you’re zero-drop curious but have been running in traditional high-drop running shoes, this is a good shoe to try as you transition to zero-drop.
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The HOKA Clifton has more cushion than the Torin while weighing significantly less. The Clifton has 8 mm of drop, and the toebox is narrower than the Torin. The Clifton’s higher stack feels much more cushioned than the Torin. Also, the Torin weighs over 1.5 ounces more per shoe. The Torin has a lot more rubber on the outsole, and the midsole won’t compress as quickly as the Clifton, though. So while the Clifton is lighter and more cushioned, the Torin won’t wear out as quickly. For more, read our review of the HOKA Clifton 10.
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About the author / Why you should trust us
Sam Schild is a thru-hiker, runner, cyclist, and mountain athlete based in Colorado. He’s been a runner since he was a child, when he ran five days a week as cardiovascular training for soccer. As he grew older, he stopped playing team sports and focused on running and cycling.
Sam regularly runs five days or more per week. He has completed countless ultra-distance, self-supported road and trail runs on trails throughout the American Southwest. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail, Arizona Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice, always in running shoes.
You can read more about Sam on his author page or his website.
