REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable cushion
Spacious forefoot
All-day upper comfort
REASONS TO AVOID
Can feel a bit heavy
Not the most pace versatile
Altra Torin 8 - Women's Review
This comfort-focused trainer features a wide toe box and zero-drop platform, helping runners move naturally while still feeling supported every step of the way
With enough beveling through the heel and a wide forefoot, the Torin places its focus on keeping your feet comfortable no matter what kind of runs you like to take on.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ January 9, 2026
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The Altra Torin 8 is a zero-drop trainer built to support a natural, balanced running gait. Its 27 mm cushioning provides a comfortable, even ride without feeling overly soft or bulky, while the roomy toe box allows toes to spread naturally with each step. The updated midsole delivers a smoother, more responsive feel compared to previous versions, and the redesigned upper adds a noticeable boost in comfort and fit. Whether you're new to zero-drop shoes or a longtime fan, the Torin 8 offers a versatile option for a range of paces and distances, blending support, comfort, and natural mechanics.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Altra Torin 8 - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Women's Running Shoe |  Most Versatile Road Running Shoe | Best for Running Beginners |  Best Budget Activity Shoe | |
| Price | $160 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) | $150 List Check REI (on sale!) | $175 List Check Price at REI | $145 List Check Price at REI | $75 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This comfort-focused trainer features a wide toe box and zero-drop platform, helping runners move naturally while still feeling supported every step of the way | Packed with plush cushioning and built on a taller platform, it delivers joyful comfort and versatile performance in a soft, roomy, daily shoe | This thoughtfully updated longtime favorite blends smooth comfort, durable cushioning, and a balanced ride that feels both modern and reassuringly traditional | This shoe's balanced cushioning and smooth transitions make it an approachable option for everything from recovery miles to steady everyday runs | While it lacks high-end technology, this road running shoe delivers impressive comfort and reliability for the price |
| Rating Categories | Altra Torin 8 | Asics Novablast 5 | Brooks Glycerin 23 | Saucony Ride 19 | Asics Gel-Contend 9 |
| Comfort and Fit (45%) | |||||
| Cushioning (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (15%) | |||||
| Traction (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Altra Torin 8 | Asics Novablast 5 | Brooks Glycerin 23 | Saucony Ride 19 | Asics Gel-Contend 9 |
| Who is it Best For? | Slow-paced runners | Everyday runners | Everyday/comfort-focused | Beginners | Beginners |
| Best Use | Relaxed running | Versatile for variable paces | Daily training | Relaxed running | Relaxed running |
| Measured Weight | 7.45 oz | 7.30 oz | 8.55 oz | 7.45 oz | 7.18 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 0 mm | 9 mm | 9 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 27 mm | 40 mm | 37 mm | 36 mm | 31 mm |
| Available Sizes | 5.5 - 12 US, regular. wide | 5 - 12 US regular, wide |
5 - 12 US regular, wide, extra-wide | 5 - 12 US regular, wide | 5 - 12 US regular, wide |
| Midsole | Altra Ego Max | FF Blast Max | DNA Tuned | PWRRUN+ | AMPLIFOAM™+ |
| Plate Type | None | None | None | None | None |
| Upper | Jacquard mesh | Jacquard mesh | Mesh | Engineered mesh | Jacquard mesh |
| Outsole | Rubber | AHAR LO | Rubber | Rubber | |
| Heel Tab Type | Extended heel pull | Finger loop | Finger loop | Extended heel pull | Finger loop |
| Style | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | Daily trainer | Daily trainer | Daily trainer |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Altra Torin 8 is ideal for runners who want a zero-drop shoe that promotes a natural, balanced stride without sacrificing comfort. It works well for those covering various distances and paces, from everyday training runs to longer, steady efforts. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Comfort and Fit
The Altra Torin 8 falls into the “steady reliability” category when it comes to comfort. With a zero-drop profile, meaning the heel rides on the same plane as the forefoot, and a thick stack of underfoot cushioning, the Torin offers plenty of joint protection from paved surfaces.
Altra Torin 8 delivers zero-drop comfort with a wide forefoot and cushioned sole, perfect for runners seeking reliable joint protection and everyday comfort. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The forefoot is wide and pairs nicely with a modestly plush tongue for well-rounded comfort. The tongue isn't attached to the shoe on its lateral sides, which is something we think would make this shoe even more comfortable. The heel collar is well-padded and matches the rest of the shoe body in its comfort. Runners who want a zero-drop shoe that feels more plush than minimalistic will like what the Torin has to offer.
Runners who want to keep things comfy and uncomplicated might appreciate the laid back, easy-to-wear cushion of the Torin 8. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Cushioning
The Altra Torin 8 has a 27 mm stack in both the heel and forefoot, creating a level, zero-drop platform that encourages a natural running stride.
Altra's EGO Max foam midsole provides a soft but firm ride, absorbing impact on longer runs while still allowing runners to feel the road beneath them. The cushioning is well-balanced, providing sufficient protection for daily miles without being overly thick. Heel strikers may find it slightly firmer than shoes with traditional elevated heels, while forefoot runners will likely appreciate the smooth, predictable feel. Overall, it's a versatile option for runners who value comfort and a solid connection to the ground.
Despite being a somewhat heavy, thicker-feeling shoe, the Torin offers pretty breezy breathability. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Breathability
The Torin 8 features an updated engineered mesh upper that promotes solid enough airflow, keeping feet cool and dry during runs. The lightweight upper allows heat and moisture to escape while maintaining a secure and supportive fit. Even on longer runs or warmer days, the upper doesn't feel restrictive or heavy, helping prevent overheating and discomfort. For runners who value ventilation in their daily trainers, the Torin 8's combination of breathability and snug fit makes it a comfortable choice that balances airflow with stability, keeping feet comfy without feeling thin.
The texturizing of the Torin's undercarriage helps it remain grippy on most paved surfaces. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The well-texturized outsole of the Torin adds a solid amount of traction to the Torin's ride. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
The outsole of the Altra Torin 8 features a foot-shaped lug pattern that effectively grips most road surfaces. Strategically placed rubber adds durability where it's needed, while maintaining the sole's flexibility to provide runners with secure footing and confidence with every stride. The Torin offers significantly stronger traction than speed-focused options, providing a confidence-inspiring feel.
Mellow and well-rounded in its comfort, the updates to the Torin make it great for runners who want a spacious, zero-drop running shoe for modest miles. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the Altra Torin 8?
If you love the feeling of a zero-drop shoe and want one that offers substantial underfoot cushion, the Torin might be a great option to consider. Runners who want an energetic underfoot feel might not love the steady reliability that the Torin offers. But if predictably and a modest ride are what you're after, the zero-drop Torin is worth considering.
What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?
If the Altra Torin sounds like a beefier version of what you're looking for, the more flexible and minimal feeling Altra Escalante 4 is our first alternative recommendation. If you have your sights set on a shoe that places comfort at its core, the versatile and fun Asics Novablast 5 is worth considering. The Brooks Glycerin 23 offers similar comfort and traction in a build that feels predictable and traditional.
—Ally Arcuri
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