Details
Brand
Altra
Heel To Toe Drop
0mm
Breathability
7.5/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• Dual Layer EVA with A-Bound Top Layer gives runners great energy return with each step• InnerFlex midsole provides a lightweight flexibility and overall construction• Midsole is weight-balanced from front to back to encourages a low-impact landing• Quick Dry Air Mesh upper, gave runners waterproofing and improved upper durability• FootShape (TM) toe box promotes stability through toe spread• New FootPod outsole technology takes into consideration the bones and tendons in runner’s feet for a natural feel.
Upper
The upper of the Torin 2.0 received the biggest overhaul of all other components found in this shoe. The redesigned upper remains their very comfortable and soft feel in the interior with a newly composed padded tongue and a soft sock liner. Both long and short distance runners appreciated the new seamless interior and the breathable upper mesh materials that Altra utilized this time around. The new Quick Dry Air Mesh material found in the upper is highly breathable, and runners reported a comfortable, roomy toe box that allowed their toes to splay naturally as they ran. In fact, some runners found that their bog toe remained straight throughout a run, which allowed their foot to move naturally when running and provided them more energy returns and stability. In short, the upper of the Altra Torin 2.0 is constructed with freedom of foot movement and providing ample room for the runner to move naturally during a run.
Midsole
Altra continues its tradition of providing runners a plush and comfortable ride with the all-new midsole of the Torin 2.0. This newly enhanced cushioning system simply adds to the levels of overall comfort by utilizing the dual layer EVA A-Bound midsole material, providing both a responsive and comfortable ride. This technology is combined with the Innerflex construction to improve upon the midsole of the Torin 1. Innerflex is basically a groove system that is placed in a grid-like pattern and it’s found throughout the entire midsole. Runners found that it helped significantly with speed and performance. Altra once again used its heralded zero drop cushioning system that marathon and daily trainers alike seemed to enjoy so much from the previous iteration of the Torin. Overall, runners agree that the new midsole of the Torin 2.0 provides more balance and flexibility with all the softness and comfort that the previous version was known for.
Outsole
The Altra Torin 2.0’s outsole is constructed with their new Foot Pod Technology, which “maps” how the bones and tendons interact with the outsole and allows for freer foot movement. Runners found that the energy return was greater with this new compound and felt a reduction in ground impact, almost acting as a buffer. Upon visual inspect of the outsole, the eye immediately notices how the layout is formed in the natural shape of a human foot, which runners really felt made a difference. The durability of the outsole was increased with the sturdy rubber material used in the outsole of this shoe, which also improves overall grip and traction in this edition.
Breathability
Breathability has been improved with the newly redesigned upper of the Torin 2.0. The mono mesh and simple no-sew overlays are a sign that this shoe is not just breathable but light on the foot. Runners have found a direct link between a running shoe’s materials and their ability to dissipate heat and moisture. Altra used light materials in every aspect of the construction of the new Torin 2.0, which translates to a highly breathable shoe. Runners did not report any issues with hot spots or moisture collection while putting the shoes through their paces, in even the hottest of conditions. If you run on “hot” like some runners do, the Torin 2.0 might just be exactly what you’re looking for.
Comfort
Comfort is where this shoe shines and what keeps runners coming back time and again to Altra shoes. Let’s start with the centerpiece of the shoe: the zero drop platform. By placing your forefoot and heel at the same distance from the ground, the Torin 2.0 encourages a natural, low impact proper running form throughout your run. Runners that are not aware of the science behind zero drop report that these running shoes are the most comfortable they have ever tried and appreciate the slip-on comfort that they provide, while the smoother ride and extra cushioning comes in handy when running long distances. When this unique design feature is paired with Altra’s FootPod outsole technology that maps the tendons and bones of your feet to provide flexibility where required, what’s left is a supremely comfortable trainer.
Style
The Torin 2.0 does not look like every other running shoe, which is a nice change of pace considering how many trainers have suspiciously similar designs and color options. With color scheme names like Pina Colada, Altra takes pride in separating themselves from the rest of the pack when it comes to their running shoes’ appearance. Additionally, reflective material is used in such a way aesthetically pleasing while also providing the runner with additional visibility in low-light conditions. There is no question that whichever color scheme offered for the Altra Torin 2.0 one may choose, they will be sure to stand out from the crowd with these vibrant looking shoes.
Durability
The Altra Torin 2.0 is made from high-quality materials, and the outsole will provide a runner with long-term durability. However, these shoes are intended as a road runner, and some runners that took them out on the trail found that the upper can be damaged by sharp, jagged rocks and sticky weeds. Runners that stick primarily to the open road will be more than satisfied by the quick-drying air mesh and its ability to provide a fair amount of protection from the elements. Long distance runners also commented on Torin’s ability to wear very slowly, even after heavy use over several months—as marathon shoes need to be—so expect a pair of Torin 2.0’s to last quite a long time.
Responsiveness
The zero drop design on the shoe provides runners with a “barefoot” feeling that optimized responsiveness. Runners reported that their feet sit naturally and the toes splay as they would if they were not wearing shoes at all. There is no feeling of a minimalist shoe here, even though the Torin 2.0 is extremely lightweight. Runners enjoyed the response that two inches of cushy sole provided them. However, the Altra Torin outsole, while being significantly cushioned, is slightly firmer than its predecessor. Testers noted that the outsole is not too rigid and they preferred the cushy ride. However, runners that are used to a firmer, harder-hitting outsole can also expect more responsiveness. If this is your personal preference, it’s important to remember that this is very much a well-cushioned zero drop runner.
Support
The InnerFlex midsole provides runners with the flexibility and support that they expected. Like its predecessor, the Torin 2.0 sports a 27mm stack, which typically doesn’t allow for an overwhelming amount of support. Long distance runners were happy to support no chaffing or skin irritation while running in these shoes and felt the benefits of the zero drop. Runners can expect a low-impact landing with more than adequate support for their step. The use of a dual layer EVA that Altra chose to implement with an A-bound top layer makes a difference, support-wise, when it came to giving testers a combination of a natural feel and stability when they needed it. If you are used to a neutral training shoe and are looking to try out the zero drop style, the support the Torin 2.0 will provide a great running experience.
Terrain
The Altra Torin 2.0 is a road running shoe that’s perfect for any open road and whatever may be found in that environment. The upper is waterproof, and runners that took them out on rainy days and put them through the paces found the Torin 2.0 kept their feet nice and dry. It was also reported that there was no loss of traction on wet pavement and support and response levels maintained their consistency quite nicely. These shoes also have great durability, so runners can feel comfortable wearing them as daily trainers and gym shoes. However, they are not constructed to go on rocky terrain. Although some testers took them out on technical terrain with nothing more than cosmetic wear and tear, keep in mind that there isn’t any rock guard for protection against sharp rocks and other hazards.
Price
The Altra Torin 2.0 is a smart buy, especially if you are not an early adopter. Altra is known for lowering the MSRP once they have been released for some time, so if you are in the market for a very comfortable running shoe, now is the time to buy The Torin already has a strong following despite being a relatively new model from Altra and is a perfect shoe if one is looking for a great price on a marathon-worthy zero drop running shoe.
Drop
Being a zero-drop shoe, the Altra Torin 2.0 is exactly as advertised: 0mm heel to toe drop. Due to its great amount of cushioning and responsiveness, this is a pretty good choice for runners looking to transition to a zero drop shoe.
Stability
Being a zero drop trainer, the Torin 2.0 is a highly stable shoe. Providing superior balance to a marathon-style trainer, its Zero Drop cushioning keeps the foot comfortable while also offering a great amount of stability.
Flexibility
The Innerflex construction in the midsole is a series of grooves that improve the overall flexibility and performance. The Zero Drop cushioning system also helps provide balance to the foot while its EVA midsole provides great energy return and cushioning, providing a flexible support throughout a run.
Traction
With an outsole covered by durable rubber, the Torin 2.0 is also outfitted with Altra’s FootPod Technology, which maps the bones and tendons in the foot and how they perform during a run. This FootPod Tech then customizes the outsole’s performance based on the runner’s natural form. The outsole also provides a fair amount of traction, including the no-slip grip on slick surfaces.
Bottom Line
First and foremost, there are countless testimonials from runners all across the Internet claiming that they now have a pain free run thanks to the Altra Torin 2.0. If you or someone that you know is passionate about running but experiences frequent discomfort or have fear of rekindling a past running injury, it’s more than worth it to give the Altra Torin 2.0 a try. Several runners that bought the previous models have even stated that they were now going to be lifetime customers of the Altra brand.;The Altra Torin 2.0 offers runners a smoother ride with a more cushioned midsole, something that is difficult to pull off. Their plush feel has been improved and their use of the responsive A-Bound technology provided runners more energy returns than their predecessors. Additionally, if a runner is curious about what a running shoe with a zero drop would feel like, these are the shoes to start off their zero drop life. Runners will enjoy the balance provided from the front to the back of their feet and how it strengthened their Achilles. With Altra’s new Footshape toe box technology, the natural feel of this shoe goes above and beyond what most runners are used to. Simply put, for neutral runners, the Altra Torin 2.0 may just be a new beginning: one that offers a zero drop ride with excellent cushioning and a great amount of responsiveness.
