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The Altra Torin 8 shoe comes with a roomy toe box and zero-to-low drop. Which, for this runner, is a good thing; metatarsalgia notwithstanding.
According to Altra, this shoe is suitable for regular training, semi and long runs, and steady workouts. “The shoe is probably good for hard anaerobic sessions too; however, some athletes will choose a supershoe; each to their own.”
If we are going to look at value per kilometre, the Torin 8 at $180 – $200 (Canadian) is a better deal for anything up to a 10km time trial, as well as long runs of 20 miles or 32 kms. Why wear out a $350 – $450 shoe when you can save it for race day and the most meaty workout in advance of your important road races?
The Torin lets the toes splay and lets the Achilles stretch a little.
Key features
Key features include the wide toe box and very little heel-to-toe drop, but also the shape of the upper curves, like the angle of the foot, which therefore feels natural.
FootPod™ technology in the outsole supports your foot’s flexibility and helps the shoe move naturally with your body’s movement, so you can interact with your environment.
This product received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, awarded to products found by the Association to promote good foot health.
Pros
Balanced stability: The shoe protects the foot from underneath, yet is not a supershoe or superthick trainer. While racing flats and lightweight trainers are not in vogue with manufacturers these days, the Torin 8 is relatively light-feeling.
Roomy and comfortable fit: The upper is roomy, especially in the toe box, which this tester appreciated due to metatarsalgia. Moving a size up provides plenty of space.
Quality build: The Torin 8 seems to be built sturdy. While running, it doesn’t have that feeling of stress in the upper that other shoes give off. It feels as though the shoe is keeping the foot straight, rather than stretching the fabric out, perhaps on a turn or going downhill.
Suitable for longer runs: This shoe has gone out for 22-plus-kilometre runs and many 5 km to 15 km efforts. I am certain that it can perform well over the 20-mile/32km Sunday long run over hill and dale.
Versatility: The low profile allows for rock jumping with confidence. Or moving from bedrock to dirt, to gravel and grass. Some thicker-soled shoes feel as though the ankle could sprain due to the height. Not with the Torin 8s.
Cosmetics: The Torin 8 looks humble, not gregarious. For anyone who doesn’t want to be that guy with neon green supershoes, and would rather roll along unnoticed, this shoe is for you.
Cons
There are no cons per se from initial wear testing.
If forced to come up with a con, there may come a day when I have to pull out one of those superthick shoes with training upped. For an active rest day. Of course, this can also be accomplished by running on a sandy beach, in the snow, or thick grass with the Torin 8.
In conclusion
Unless you are ripe for a personal best, or a new age benchmark or some sort of long-planned race to peak for, this shoe can do all the work, all year round. When you need the super shoe (because you have to pay to play, these days), fine, pull out the beasts. Save the Torin 8 tread for all those other humble runs in training.
This shoe is recommended.
