Article by Renee Krusemark and John Tribbia
Hoka Torrent 4 ($130)
Introduction
The Torrent is, or was, Hoka’s non-rockered, lightweight trail shoe with decent ground feel. While the updates from version 2 to version 3 were minor, version 4 is a top to bottom update.
The updates to the Torrent 4 are a bit of a deviation from previous models. Hoka stated that the Torrent had become a bit lost in their line-up, and in a world of plated shoes and super midsoles, the Torrent might have lacked excitement. In a nutshell, the likeability of the Torrent 4 will depend on if you like a rocker geometry. The shoe feels like a Challenger-Torrent combination.
Pros:
Light weight: Renee, John
Good toe flex: Renee, John
Comfortable upper: Renee, John
Protection: John
Cons:
Might be narrow for some runners: Renee
Rocker can be uncomfortable on some terrain: Renee
Stats
Spec Weight: women’s US8 8.4 oz / 236g, men's 9.8 oz / 279g US10
Prior Version Spec Weight: women’s 7.9 oz / 224g US8, 9.5 oz. / 269g men’s US10
Sample Weight:
women’s 7.79oz / 221g US7.5
Stack Height:
men’s 33 mm heel /28 mm forefoot (5mm drop)
women’s 32mm/27mm (5mm drop)
+2mm of stack height front and back compared to v3
Platform Width: 85mm heel / 73mm midfoot / 116 mm forefoot women’s US8
$130. Available now.
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Renee: In terms of the upper, we have a single layer mesh that I found comfortable and secure. During late summer miles, it ran warm but comparable to other trail shoes with similar uppers. The overlays across the entire upper help with security for trail, but perhaps too much for those with wide feet. I don’t have wide feet but the medial side felt slightly narrow. I think that narrow feel is mostly created by the rocker and midsole geometry and not necessarily the actual width of the shoe. That overlay is starting to peel off after 50 miles.
The tongue is fully gusseted. The heel/ankle counters have average padding.
Overall, the upper is secure and comfortable. The toe box itself is roomy for slim to average width feet, although between the rocker geometry and the medial side overlay, they might feel narrow for wider feet especially for mid to long runs. As compared to my Torrent 2, the width is the same. The insoles are the same too, so I’m inclined to think the rocker, not the actual width, is why the shoe feels narrow for me especially as someone who likes to have flex under my midfoot.
I wore my usual Hoka size 7.5. I’m between half sizes, and while I normally wear an 8 in other brands, a 7.5 in Hoka works best for me. I suggest true-to-size or your typical Hoka size.
John: The Hoka Torrent 4 has certainly lived up to my expectations. It's a lightweight yet cushioned trail shoe that offers a comfortable and stable ride. The revamped midsole compound provides a noticeable improvement in both softness and bounce compared to my previous pair, the Torrent 2. The increased stack height, combined with the Active Foot Frame, provides excellent support without feeling overly bulky.
As a US size 9, I found the Torrent 4 to fit true to size. The shoe is snug around the heel and midfoot, providing a secure fit without feeling overly constricting. The toe box is roomy, allowing my toes to spread out comfortably. The molded puff collar and lay-flat gusseted tongue further enhance the overall comfort and security of the shoe. The breathable single-layer mesh upper is a standout feature of the Torrent 4. It keeps my feet cool and comfortable, even on hot summer days.
While I haven't had the opportunity to put the shoe through enough paces on particularly technical terrain yet, the upper seems to offer adequate support and protection.
Midsole & Platform
Renee The midsole is an updated compressed EVA foam with 2mm more stack as compared to the previous version with my women US7.5 having a stack height of 32mm/27mm (5mm drop) with the men's having 1mm more stack height. The updated midsole foam is meant to be softer and bouncier than the previous version. I still have the Torrent 2 but not the Torrent 3.
The midsole has more stack to go to longer distances with a slight amount of give for comfort. I wouldn’t call it soft, but rather it is forgiving. As a trail shoe, anything too soft can present stability issues, and that’s not an issue with the Torrent 4. I don’t consider the midsole responsive in a propulsive way, but because of the light weight the Torrent can be fast.
The early stage MetaRocker felt good . . . initially. The shoe feels like a slightly less cushioned Challenger 7 with deeper lugs. For climbing, the toe flex is great and the rocker disappears. On rolling terrain, the rocker felt uncomfortable after 90 minutes or so.
For me, the rocker makes the shoe feel narrow, especially when running faster from a mid or forefoot landing. The platform is not narrow, but the sidewalls on the medial side pinch my arches. The “rear foot-focused Active Foot Frame” (what a mouthful!) might cater more to heel strikers for those runnable sections, and I imagine the narrowness I feel wouldn’t be an issue. In short, the midsole is a good combination of cushion and stack for trail while remaining light enough for fast paces.
John: The Torrent 4's updated midsole foam is a significant improvement over my last pair. It offers a balance of softness and responsiveness that is well-suited for a variety of trail running conditions. While it may not be as soft as some other trail running shoes, the increased stack height provides ample cushioning for longer runs and technical terrain.
I agree with Renee that the midsole is not overly soft, which can be a benefit for stability on trails. However, I find it to be more responsive than she described. The shoe feels light and nimble underfoot, making it easy to accelerate and maneuver on technical terrain.
The Torrent 4's platform is relatively stable, thanks to the Active Foot Frame and the moderate rocker design. The rocker is noticeable, but it doesn't feel overly pronounced or intrusive. It helps to smooth out the transition from heel to toe, which can be beneficial for runners who tend to overstride. While I haven't experienced any issues with the platform, I can understand why some runners might find it to be a bit narrow.
Outsole
Renee: The outsole is a high abrasion rubber, with 5mm lugs. The outsole durability is better than the Torrent 2, and since I’m comparing the shoe to the Challenger 7, it’s way more durable than that shoe for rocky terrain. I felt some slight slipping on wet hard surfaces, so it might not have the tackiness of other outsoles using Vibram or VJ’s compound, for example.
Hoka Torrent 3 outsole
Note: Many complained about T3 outsole delaminations due to the skeletal nature of the pattern. T4 pattern seems more continuous
John: The 5mm lugs provide excellent traction on a variety of trail conditions, from loose dirt to rocky terrain.
The high-abrasion rubber is durable and shows little signs of wear after several runs. I agree with Renee that the Torrent 4's outsole is durable. However, I have not experienced any significant slipping on wet hard surfaces, but I really haven’t given a full throttle test in those conditions yet. Still, the Torrent 4's outsole is a well-designed component that provides reliable traction and durability. It is a more robust improvement over the previous version I tested and is also one of the shoe's standout features.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Renee: The Torrent 4 is a mix of the Challenger 7 and the previous Torrents. The early stage MetaRocker felt a bit narrow for me on rolling/runnable terrain, although for climbs the toe flex is great and the shoe is quick, nimble and cushioned.
If you like light weight trail shoes, the Torrent 4 is a good choice. The shoe would work for short runs up to a 50k or 50 miler, as long as the rocker/narrowness isn’t an issue. For me, the rocker works against my natural foot flex, so it’s not a shoe I would choose for an ultra or any run with long stretches of rolling or flat terrain. If you like the Challenger 7 but need a more substantial outsole, the Torrent 4 is for you as long as you don’t mind the early stage rocker.
Renee’s Score:9.1/10
(-.60 rocker not for everyone, -.30 loses traditional ground feel ride)
😊😊😊😊
John: The Hoka Torrent 4 offers a smooth and comfortable ride. The combination of a plush midsole, stable platform, and responsive rocker design makes it a joy to run in. The shoe feels light and nimble underfoot, allowing for a quick and efficient pace. While it may not be as soft as some other trail running shoes, the increased stack height provides ample cushioning for long runs and technical terrain.
I would highly recommend the Hoka Torrent 4 to runners who are looking for a comfortable, stable, and durable trail running shoe.
It is a great option for runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced trail runners. The shoe is particularly well-suited for runners who prefer a reasonably cushioned ride without sacrificing speed or agility.
John’s Score: 9/10
Ride: 9, Fit: 9, Value: 9, Style: 9, Traction: 9, Rock Protection: 9
7 Comparisons
Hoka Torrent 2 and 3 (RTR Review)
Renee: I’m going to miss the non-rocker Torrent of old. I did not run the Torrent 3, although the updates were minimal from the 2. If you like ground feel and shoes without a rocker, stock up on the old Torrents. If you need more stack and deeper lugs, and don’t mind Hoka’s early stage MetaRocker, go with the Torrent 4. Sizing is the same. I have more width in the toe box area in the 4, but it feels narrow on the medial side.
John: The Hoka Torrent 4 offers a more cushioned, responsive, and durable ride compared to its predecessor, the Torrent 2. The Torrent 4 features a higher stack height, updated midsole foam, and a more breathable upper. While the Torrent 2 provides a lighter and more grounded feel, the Torrent 4's improvements in cushioning and durability make it a great choice for runners who prioritize comfort and performance.
Hoka Challenger 7 (RTR Review)
Renee: The Torrent 4 feels like the Challenger 7 with a better outsole for trail. The Challenger has more cushion for ultras, in my opinion, and they both climb well despite the rocker geometry. Both shoes feel narrow to me on the medial side when on runnable terrain, although the Challenger seems to have more width in the midfoot which could be because of the overlays on the Torrent 4 upper. The Torrent 4 has a slightly more spacious toe box. Sizing is comparable. The Torrent is slightly heavier, by only a few grams in my size 7.5.
Hoka Zinal 1 or 2 (RTR Review)
John: The Torrent 4 offers a balance of cushioning and responsiveness, making it suitable for a variety of trail conditions and distances. It's a good choice for runners who prioritize comfort and stability without sacrificing speed. On the other hand, the Zinal is designed for lightweight, fast-paced trail running. It offers minimal cushioning and a more aggressive rocker for a responsive and efficient ride. It's ideal for runners who prioritize speed and agility on technical trails.
Saucony Peregrine 14 (RTR Review)
Renee: The Peregrine and Torrent used to be comparable as both were great ground feel, relatively light weight shoes. The Torrent 4’s rocker gives it a different ride than the Peregrine’s traditional geometry. If you don’t mind the rocker, the Torrent 4 is more diverse in terms of speed work or longer distances. The Peregrine’s rock plate gives some added protection and stability for rocky terrain. I wear an 8 in the Peregrine and a 7.5 in the Torrent.
Brooks Catamount 3 (RTR Review)
Renee: Both shoes are speedier, lightweight, and diverse uses trail shoes. The Catamount rides more traditionally as compared to the rockered rid of the Torrent 4. The Torrent 4 has more cushion feel and protection under the forefoot for longer runs. For faster, shorter efforts the Catamount works best. For distances or varied terrain, the Torrent 4 is best as long as you like the rocker geometry. I wear a half size longer the Catamount.
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 3 (RTR Review)
John: The Hoka Torrent 4 and the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 3 represent two distinct approaches to trail running footwear. The Torrent 4 offers a more balanced approach, combining cushioning and responsiveness to appeal to a wider range of runners. Its thicker midsole provides ample protection for longer runs and varied terrain. In contrast, the S/Lab Pulsar 3 is designed for lightweight, aggressive trail running. Its minimal cushioning and aggressive rocker promote a faster, more efficient stride, making it ideal for technical trails and competitive races.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.
John Tribbia (5' 6", 130lbs) is a former sponsored mountain/trail runner who has run with La Sportiva, Brooks/Fleet Feet, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon. Even though he competes less frequently these days, you can still find John enjoying the daily grind of running on any surface, though his favorite terrain is 30-40% grade climbs. He has won races such as America's Uphill, Imogene Pass Run, and the US Skyrunner Vertical Kilometer Series; and he's held several FKTs on several iconic mountains in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah. If you follow him on Strava, you'll notice he runs at varying paces between 5 minutes/mile to 12 minutes/mile before the break of dawn almost every day.
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7 comments:
So if your favorite thing about the 2 and 3 was the lack of rocker and more traditional geometry, what would a good alternative be? The Torrent 3’s are getting hard to find!
How is this shoe light? with 8g less than a Speedgoat ?
Similar to Terra Kiger, they started as light shoes, but now are on the heavier side. I was a fan of bothm but Kjerag is light a shoe with 220g.
peregrine or kjerag ? EVADICT ultra light if you're in europe
Seems like the outsole is more rugged now and durable. But I'm sad they went in a new completely new direction. On paper the TORRENT 3 was simply perfect and only needed a vibram outsole that's grippier and more solid than the one it came with.
The Peregrine or if you like zero drop the Inov-8 Trailfly G270. The Hoka Challenger 7 rocker/medial side does not bother me, so that’s an option.
Agravic speeds are a light more natural flexing shoe, same with Kjerag, VJ Maxx2. Kiger 9 is heavier, but can be found very cheap so is a good daily shoe.
I’ll also add the Brooks Catamount 3 and Scarpa Golden Gate AtR 2 as options.
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