REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Supportive
True zero-drop profile
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited energy return
Weighty
Altra Torin 8 - Women's Review
Blending a traditional-feeling 27 mm with a wide toe box and zero-drop platform, this shoe is a comfort-focused trainer for runners pursuing natural mechanics without compromising on support
For strong, stable support, the Torin 8 is a reliable, mellow choice.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ June 16, 2025
Our Verdict
The Altra Torin 8 is a true zero-drop daily trainer that embodies the brand's original commitment to natural running mechanics. With its 27 mm platform and balanced cushioning, it's designed for runners seeking a natural stride, even stride without sacrificing comfort. The thickness of the stack feels traditional, while the wide toe box gives toes plenty of room to splay. Whether you're transitioning from traditional running shoes or are a seasoned zero-drop enthusiast, the Torin 8 offers a blend of support and comfort suitable for various distances and paces. This version of the Torin improves on its predecessor with a more refined midsole feel and a noticeably more comfortable upper.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The platform of the Altra Torin 8 stands at 27 mm and offers a true zero drop profile, as measured by our in-house testing team. At 7.45 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe, this version of the Torin is slightly heavier than the last. With so much comfort built into its undercarriage, the extra weight isn't a deal breaker for runners seeking a daily training shoe.
Though not the most responsive when it comes to forward propulsion, there's still plenty to like about the reliable Torin 8.
Cushioning
The Torin 8 features a 27 mm stack height in both the heel and forefoot. Our in-house testing team measured this and, sure enough, the heel and the forefoot ride on the same plane. The midsole utilizes Altra's EGO Max foam, providing a soft and reliable ride that absorbs impact effectively during longer runs. This cushioning strikes a well-tuned balance, providing ample protection for long miles while still preserving the ground feel that many runners value. The stack height isn't especially thick, so heel strikers might find the cushioning a bit sparse underfoot. Forefoot strikers will likely enjoy the upgraded midsole sensation that this version of the Torin brings.
The Torin isn't propulsive or especially fun, but it provides consistent comfort that many runners crave.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Upper Comfort
The upper is where the new Torin saw some strong upgrades. The engineered mesh upper wraps the foot snugly while still offering the wide toe box that Altra fans know and love. The material is breathable, and the padded tongue and collar enhance the overall fit. Notably, the Torin 8 addresses previous models' issues by providing a more refined upper that reduces the likelihood of irritation or hot spots. However, I still think a gusseted tongue would up the ante on this comfort-focused road shoe.
Altra's wide toe box shape offers the upper comfort we know and love from this brand.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Stability
The Altra Torin 8 is a neutral shoe through and through, though its rigidity adds a dose of lateral stability. Its design offers inherent stability through its broad base (4.4 inches), zero drop profile, and balanced cushioning. The zero-drop platform encourages a midfoot strike, promoting fairly natural alignment. The width of the toe box helps ensure that toes have space to splay and wiggle as they adapt to your stride, further enhancing the stable feeling of this shoe.
The structural components of the Torin 8 make it a neutrally stable zero-drop shoe.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Responsiveness
The Altra EGO Max midsole of the Torin 8 has an enjoyable comfort to it, but the shoe's wide base, heavier weight, and relatively flat rocker geometry dull most of its natural energy return. Instead of propelling you forward with ease, the shoe feels more grounded and steady. This makes the Torin great for daily mileage, but not ideal for racing or speedwork where you want quick turnover and snappy transitions. Runners who want speed won't like the shape and ride of the Torin, but runners in need of a mellow daily trainer might find that it hits all of the right paces perfectly.
The width and midsole of the Torin lack responsiveness, but don't inhibit this shoe's comfort.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Weight
Weighing in at 7.45 ounces per shoe in US women's size 6.5, the Torin 8 isn't exactly a lightweight shoe. However, it isn't heavy for the amount of underfoot cushion it offers. This weight allows for the right cushioning and support for daily efforts and mellow miles. The weight of the Torin rides mostly in its undercarriage, though its plush tongue does carry some of the weight.
The Altra Torin 8 is fairly heavy, and it feels that way underfoot.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
The foot skeleton-shaped lug pattern across the outsole provides reliable grip on most road running surfaces. The rubber placement across the Torin's outsole ensures durability in high-wear areas while maintaining flexibility. This traction instills confidence, allowing runners to focus solely on their performance without concerns about slipping.
The well-texturized outsole of the Torin adds a solid amount of traction to the Torin's ride.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Altra Torin 8?
If mellow miles in a comfortable, low-drop shoe is speaking to you, the Altra Torin 8 is a solid place to start looking. Because it lacks responsiveness, the Torin isn't our top recommendation for runners who want to hit uptempo speeds. Runners in need of a daily trainer that provides cushion without a huge amount of underfoot stack will find that the Torin hits a sweet spot.
While not an overall favorite, for a zero-drop mileage plodder, the Torin gets the job done in relative comfort.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider??
The Altra Torin 8 stands in a league of its own in many ways, making it a real crowdpleaser when said crowd wants what the Torin offers. If the elements of the Torin are almost right for you, but a few changes might make you an even happier runner, we have a few recommendations. The Altra Vanish Tempo offers a similarly comfortable foot-shaped design, but with a 7 mm drop and a 35 mm total stack. The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is another fun option to consider due to its speed and comfort-focused profile. The Asics Novablast 5 doesn't have the same shape or structure that the Torin offers, but it is another shoe that makes a great daily trainer because of its mellow mile-minded comfort.
—Ally Arcuri
You Might Also Like
