Details
Brand
Hoka One One
Heel To Toe Drop
5mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Traction
Key Features
• Aggressive 4-5mm lugs• Low-profile design• Lightweight ProFly Eva midsole provides ample cushioning• Toe box allows for ample natural toe splaying• Lightweight shoe that gives a faster and more responsive run on the trail
Upper
Many trail running sneakers, including some of Hoka’s other models, tend to be a little overbuilt and constricting when it comes to the upper. This is because manufacturers aim to keep the foot protected and stable while running over various types of terrain and elevation changes. Unlike other trail running shoes, however, the Hoka One One features a less-constricting upper construction made of open-engineered mesh to enhance breathability and allow for quick-drying, all-day comfort. Many users have been surprised at this sneaker’s upper because it is designed more like a minimalist trail-runner as opposed to a more-commonly seen maximal trail shoe. The upper’s material does not provide a ton of stretch so your foot will still feel supported, but because it is engineered with the softer mesh, it will conform comfortably to your foot. This sneaker also boasts a protective welded overlay that extends around the entire perimeter of the shoe, giving you added protection, durability, and support. The Torrent’s tongue is sewn into the inner mesh of the upper which helps to keep it from slipping – an excellent feature in a trail running shoe.
Midsole
Another thing the company is known for is their big cushiony midsoles. With the Torrent, Hoka One One tones the midsole down a little to provide a more streamlined lightweight silhouette. With that said, the midsole is still pretty substantial and is made up of dual-density ProFly EVA material that will deliver cushioning and response. This midsole is a tad softer at the heel to provide a responsive toe-off while the heel is made to be firmer for a more forgiving landing.
Outsole
Hoka is known for their big rugged outsoles, designed to take on even the toughest of terrains which may scare off some potential consumers. However, with the Torrent, Hoka One One changes it up a little. Because this is still a trail running shoe, it is engineered with deep 4mm – 5mm lugs to provide grip while not being overbearing. The lugs on these shoes are just enough to deliver excellent traction and grip on both wet and dry ground while not being too bulky and stiff – all the while maintaining a sleek silhouette. The high traction rubber will provide responsiveness, protection, and grip that is needed on any kind of trail.
Breathability
Mesh sneakers are designed to allow your feet to breath and the Torrent is no exception to this. Many built-up trail running shoes tend to be a little hotter on the feet due to all of their support but with this sneaker’s breathable mesh upper, your feet will feel more air out on the trail. Of course, no sneaker is going to help your feet stay perfectly free from sweat if you are running miles and miles of trails, but these are definitely more breathable than many other trail runners out there.
Comfort
A great number of consumers say that the Hoka One One Torrent fit great right out of the box, they are cushiony, lightweight, and hug the feet in the right places. The sneaker features a relatively padded tongue and padded heel collar to help prevent rubbing and blisters. While Hoka is known for their maximum cushion and plush foam midsoles, the Torrent is made to be a combination of both cushioning and agility. They are a little lighter and slimmer than their Speedgoat cousins but are definitely built to keep you comfortable on the trail. The heel-hugging collar keeps your ankle stable while the toe box is engineered to be a little more forgiving and allow for your foot to splay. Some users have admitted to the upper expanding a little after long-term use meaning that you may have to stop to readjust the laces after you’ve had them for a while.
Style
Without seeing the aggressive lugs on the outsole of this sneaker, you might think it is a sleek road-running shoe with its low profile design. Unlike many trail running sneakers, it is made to look more like a regular running shoe with its mesh upper and bright colorways. Both the men’s and women’s Torrent come in a great assortment of colors and will definitely turn heads on the trail.
Durability
Trail running can do a number on both your joints and your shoes with all of the changes in terrain and impact that may occur when you jump, climb, and shimmy your way over rocks and brambles. Keeping that in mind, you have to be certain your shoes are going to take the brunt of the impact. The cushiony ProFly EVA midsole of the Torrent will help dispel a lot of the force you put on your shoes and over time, they may wear down. They are supportive and will instill a great amount of confidence on the trail but after about 100+ miles, you may notice the midsole squishing down a little, which is to be expected. The protective welded overlay that extends around the sneaker will also aid in durability.
Protection
One thing you won’t have to worry about while trail running in the Torrents is getting hurt by underfoot debris. The 4-5mm lugs provide an excellent amount of protection while offering a better ground response to give you a more minimalistic trail run. While the upper does not consist of the thick, bulky, more restrictive materials trail running shoes are typically engineered to have, it does have multiple layers of engineered mesh to keep your foot protected.
Responsiveness
These shoes have been said to be a great combination of both stability and agility. The high traction rubber on the outsole and cushioned EVA midsole provide a responsive ride. Many trail runners have been surprised at how fast they feel in the Torrent compared to other trail running sneakers due to their lightweight feel. Between the engineered mesh upper, ProFly midsole, and lug-laden outsole, you will definitely feel fast and confident on the trail.
Support
The Hoka One One Torrent offers a great amount of support in the ankle, it is a little stiffer than the rest of the shoe. Its heel collar hugs the heel snugly and is padded enough to prohibit blistering and slippage. The sneaker’s mesh upper conforms well to feet and the toe box will help support proper toe splaying. With that said, some users have said that the toe box does leave you vulnerable to minor toe bangs on steep descents. The lack of stretch in the upper and laces, however, will keep your feet in place otherwise.
Terrain
The lugs on these sneakers are meant for the trail. You could wear them for brief periods on smooth running terrain but the trail is where the grip of the lugs really shines. With its aggressive lugs, this shoe works well on both wet and dry terrain and will keep you sure-footed.
Price
For being such an out-of-the-mold lightweight trail running shoe, these are priced fairly especially considering how much other Hoka sneakers may run you. They are an excellent investment for anyone looking for a responsive and lightweight trail run.
Drop
This shoe offers a lower heel to toe drop of 5mm. This allows the wearer to be closer to the ground and feel the trail below them but still adds a very small layer in between. Runners used to running in a traditional heel drop of 10-12mm may need a little time to adjust to this more minimalistic style.
Stability
Due to the fact that these trail running sneakers aren’t over-blasted with unnecessary upper bells and whistles, they aren’t as stable and aren’t as stiff as many other trail running sneakers. They offer enough stability to keep your feet secure inside the shoe while providing grip for a large amount of traction. They are a low-profile design so if you have weak ankles, these may not be the right trail runners for you.
Flexibility
Like most trail running sneakers, the Torrent isn’t the most flexible shoe around and you don’t necessarily want super flexible when you are on the trail. With that said, the Torrent is definitely more flexible than many trail shoes out there due to their flexible mesh upper and cushioned midsole. These shoes are a great mix of support and protection while allowing for enough flexibility and ground feel for a more responsive trail run.
Traction
You definitely will not get tripped up the Hoka One One Torrent. The sneaker’s aggressive lugs allow you to grip any kind of terrain with ease and security. Whether you are trekking through mud, over rocks, or traversing through trickling streams or even a little snow, the Torrent will be able to grip the ground easily.
Bottom Line
The Hoka One One Torrent is definitely unlike any other trail running shoe out there. Hoka changed up the typical design of trail runners and stripped away any unnecessary bulky add-ons to give it a sleeker, more trim design. It is a lightweight trail runner, more so than most other options you’ll find, while being a grippy and solid sneaker at the same time. It has been praised by many users to be zippy and responsive on the trail and is surprisingly comfortable and breathable. The Torrent allows for more of the terrains’ feel to be transmitted to your foot so you will experience a more minimalistic run with exceptional protection. If you are looking for a trail running sneaker that fits more like a regular running shoe, without all of the constricting upper material found on many shoes, then this is a great option. At this sneaker’s price point, you won’t have to break the bank to try out a one-of-a-kind trail runner.
