Details
Brand
Altra
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Zero-drop design• Highly cushioned neutral trainer• Road shoe• NEW Quick-dry Air Mesh upper construction for improved breathability• NEW More flexible FootPod outsole• Foot shape toe box offers more room to breathe• EVA midsole for impact protection• A-Bound layer for an ultra-responsive ride• Interior Flex Grooves in midsole for a smoother ride• 28mm stack height• Fit4Her women’s styles available
Upper
The upper has probably been tweaked the most compared to the rest of the Torin. A new Quick-Dry Air Mesh covers the shoe for improved breathability over the 2.5. The same roomy foot-shaped toe box graces the 3.0 and women can expect a customized Fit4Her fit. Fit4Her caters to women’s unique foot anatomy for an improved fit. Reviewers found the Torin true to size and particularly loved the anatomically correct forefoot. Wearers also agreed that the upper was much improved in terms of breathability. A few users noted the shallowness of the toe box was a problem, so those with a high instep may find the height of the forefoot a bit short. Users also noted the thicker, more resistant upper design increased durability but somehow also improved air circulation. An impressive feat. A few reviewers found the fit of the 3.0 a bit larger than the previous version but not oversized.
Midsole
Like the 2.5, the 3.0 features a generous amount of midsole material. The Torin delivers the perfect mix of soft cushioning and responsiveness. The EVA midsole features a layer of energy-filled A-Bound cushioning. Interior midsole grooves encourage natural flexion, too. The Torin is a great long-distance running shoe thanks to its highly cushioned midsole. The padding is comfortable but lightweight. The Torin rides smooth with a nice amount of responsiveness. Some reviewers did find the 3.0 slightly less responsive than the 2.5, however. A few also pointed out the midsole felt firmer than before. Overall, though, most wearers cited an improved ride feel.
Outsole
The outsole features the same FootPod design as before but is now much more flexible, which greatly improves ride feel. Reviewers appreciated the smoother ride and characterized the Torin 3.0 as much more durable than its predecessor. Reviewers also found the outsole suitable for handling light trail running and training on the roads.
Breathability
Poor ventilation was one of the leading complaints users had about the Torin 2.5. In the 3.0, Altra has used an air mesh construction for the upper. The mesh is quick-drying, too, and provides all-around better breathability than before. The fit helps with ventilation, also. The foot shape design better accommodates a runner’s foot compared to almond-shaped sneakers. For women, Altra incorporates a Fit4Her design, which is better suited to a woman’s unique foot shape and helps encourage better air circulation.
Comfort
Reviewers raved about comfort for all versions of the Altra Torin. The 3.0 is no exception. The improved breathability helps a great deal to improve comfort during the hotter months of training, and the 3.0’s more flexible sole enhances ride feel a great deal. The anatomical foot shape returns in the updated version, so wearers have room for natural splay. There’s also plenty of EVA and A-Bound cushioning in the midsole for impact protection and comfort. Overall, the shoe is lightweight, which contributes to a smooth ride feel. Reviewers noticed that the 3.0 delivered a slightly firmer ride but still featured the same soft padding underfoot.
Style
The look of the Torin 3.0 hasn’t changed significantly since the previous model. The design is available in beautiful colorways for both men and women. Women can choose from a blue, pink & dark blue model, a pink choice with grey accents, or a grey version with pink accents. Men have their pick of a grey & yellow colorway, a blue & grey option, blue & yellow shoe, or a tough-looking black & red model. The design is sporty but sleek, and reviewers liked the various color options available.
Durability
Reviewers noted that the 3.0 seemed just as durable as its predecessor and commented on the durable nature of the shoe’s highly cushioned midsole. The A-Bound cushioning has a great capacity for bouncing back even after a serious pounding. Reviewers also felt the new quick-dry mesh upper seemed more resistant. Some described the upper as being thicker than before. Impressively, even with a more robust construction, the shoe is lighter and more breathable. The outsole, with the same FootPod design, also felt just as tough as the previous models’.
Protection
Lots of cushioning means generous impact protection. The Torin’s midsole is filled with both A-Bound and EVA for a dual-layered design that absorbs shock and delivers a soft, comfortable ride. It makes the shoe a great choice for road runners who like to occasionally grace the trails with their presence. Maximum cushioning isn’t quite the same as having a rock plate, but it does the trick for well-groomed trails with minimal debris. The FootPod design of the outsole ensures a slip-free run and the new quick-dry mesh upper keeps water from ruining your run. Improved breathability offers better heat protection in the summer months, as well.
Responsiveness
The Torin’s A-Bound midsole is incredibly responsive and its apparent from reading reviews that runners loved the energy-filled midsole. Combined with EVA the well-cushioned midsole is soft but bouncy. With a more flexible outsole design, the ride in the 3.0 is a whole lot smoother than ever before. A few runners felt the midsole was a tad less snappy than previous versions, but the consensus seems to be that the Torin offers better than average responsiveness. The shoe’s combination of responsiveness and super cushioned midsole make it a versatile footwear option. It features durable enough cushioning for longer efforts but is light and responsive enough for tackling speedy track workouts.
Support
All that soft midsole cushioning doesn’t hamper support. The 28mm stack height delivers a supportive platform for wearers. For long or short efforts, the Torin delivers the perfect combination of softness and firmness underfoot. A little firmer than the 2.5s, according to reviewers, the 3.0 is just as supportive as its preceding model. The upper, too, delivers a just-right fit that holds and secures the foot. Reviewers agreed that the shoe is supportive enough for a little light trail running.
Terrain
While Altra offers an array of trail-ready shoes in its lineup, the Torin 3.0 is a road-specific shoe. The FootPod outsole is resistant but doesn’t feature the aggressive tread pattern seen in Altra trail-specific models. Still, for light trail running, the Torin 3.0 will do just fine. A quick-drying upper works well for waterlogged trails and water crossings. Generous cushioning – with a stack height of 28mm that keeps your body protected as you bound downhill. Without a rock-plate, the Torin isn’t a good choice for gnarly terrain, but otherwise, on well-groomed packed dirt trails, it’s a reliable option.
Price
The Torin 3.0 has obvious value. It’s a versatile trainer best suited for road running but adequate for light trail outings. The cushioning is ultra-comfortable but supportive and protective. Sizing is just right, with few complaints from users. Overall, there’s little doubt that the Torin is a great buy. Reviewers seemed to agree that their purchase was very much worthwhile.
Drop
The Altra Torin features a zero-drop design. Even with a 28mm stack height, the shoe feels close to the ground. Added feedback means better stability. A lower drop height paired with improved flexibility also translates to increased responsiveness and a smoother ride.
Stability
For navigation the roads, neutral runners don’t require that much stability. Still, the Torin offers a soft yet firm and stable ride. The cushion is comfy but generously piled on. The 28mm stack height delivers a stable platform. The new air mesh upper fits quite well, too, offering a firm hold. The upper is thicker than before, with a nice snug fit. Reviewers found the Torin 3.0 offered an exceptionally stable ride, even for moderately rough trails.
Flexibility
The Torin 3.0 offers a more flexible outsole. In addition, the shoe features inner midsole flex grooves. Overall, the shoe provides a smoother ride feel than the 2.5 and feels much more natural as one moves from heel to toe. Overall, reviewers felt the 3.0 had a much better feel thanks to its softer outsole.
Traction
The FootPod outsole of the Torin is unchanged since the previous model and is fairly standard. Reviewers found the outsole perfect for road running, and while there’s nothing particularly notable about the outsole, the grip is good enough for light trail running. Just keep off highly technical trails and avoid wet rocks.
Bottom Line
The Altra Torin 3.0 delivers smart but minimal changes to the already well-designed Torin lineup. The upper, with its Quick-dry Air Mesh, is much improved and greatly increases overall breathability. The outsole, previously characterized as stiff, now feels flexible delivering a much smoother ride.;Reviewers continue to love the things that make the Torin popular. The well-padded midsole, comfortably soft yet supportive cushioning, and very responsive A-Bound material, all make up the 3.0. The 3.0 revises what needed fixing and keeps everything else that worked so flawlessly. For road runners – especially those who need a bit of extra space width-wise – the Torin is an excellent choice.;If you’re seeking a highly-cushioned neutral shoe, consider the Torin 3.0. There’s little to improve upon with this shoe. Lighter, more flexible, and more breathable than its predecessor it’s easy to see why it’s so well-loved.
