ALTRA TORIN 7 REVIEW - RESPONSIVE YET CUSHIONED, AWESOME 0 DROP SHOE! - EDDBUD

[@TheSandkastenverbot]

I love Altra shoes and am always very pleased when they get some love from runners outside the zero drop community

[@EDDBUD]

It’s a great shoe. Really impressed with the build and the versatility

[@jasonk446]

I’m an ASICS guy. Most of my shoes are 10-12mm drops. Just bought these as I’ve been having knee issues. It was recommended that I try zero drop shoes. So here I am. Only did a short 3 mile recovery run today at a slow pace. Shoes felt great.

[@EDDBUD]

Hope they work out for you

[@DConk]

Looking at doing the same - what’s your experience so far going from 10-0?

[@mo01.]

Are they softer than the Asics Numbuds 25?

[@superx96]

I hope for your knees, that you are an Altra boy now😂

[@ellleigh1216]

The Altra community has nothing but love for their shoes, just so comfy and feel so right

[@EDDBUD]

Very surprised by this one. In a good way

[@chunghongbrandonko2876]

I bought the shoe and it feels good. It's nimble, responsive, yet cushioned. Thanks for the review.

[@EDDBUD]

A good balance on this one

[@tonyknowlton]

Love my Altra Torin 7’s

[@peakproofuk]

It’s worth mentioning that Altra’s point of difference is really shape, rather than width. It avoids the common issue where companies put the point of the shoe near the centre. If you’ve ever found a shoe squeezes your big toe over, you may enjoy Altra. I think of my feet as being not super wide but very footshaped! Altra fit me well.

[@EDDBUD]

I did like that extra space upfront

[@ABucc]

I absolutely love Altra. I started with the Vanish Carbon, and I just got the Vanish Tempo. The zero drop feel while running puts my legs at ease and is great for my plantar fasciaitis. I could run miles in Altra shoes without feeling the stress. I definitely am going to get more Altra shoes in the future.

[@GTE_Channel]

I also have both Vanish models, absolutely love them. Looking to replace the Tempos with some new Tempos, hope a new colour is available soon. Also bought Rivera 3, bit still dont really enjoy that one. And then there is the Escalante Racer. More minimalist, but somehow more comfortable than Rivera on long run (>20k)

[@shashank.prasanna]

I discovered your channel due to the Escalante 2.5 review you did years ago, and I’m happy I did! You’ve introduced me to some real gems, shoes I’d never try otherwise, and have got great enjoyment from running them and watching your videos. Keep sharing! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@EDDBUD]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@sachakopa7964]

Who’d have thought? A shoe shaped like a foot. Amazing!

[@junglisttt]

I actually found your channel through the Escalante 2.5 review, but stayed for midsolebud! 👑 I run a bulk of my miles in Altra, great shoes. Don't use anything else on the trails, with toe socks is a match made in heaven. I am also a midsole freak so i do use other shoes aswell. Race in vaporfly/alphafly for the road. Takumi 9 are my new favourite session shoe👍👍

[@EDDBUD]

The toe socks are a revelation to me!

[@1519Spring]

​@@EDDBUD toe socks are great, especially for those prone to blisters from toes interacting with each other!

[@kmcandre]

For a 4E width supinator with Morton's toe, these are the first shoes that legitimately fit my feet. All NB, Asics, Brooks, and Nikes give me blister/black toe issues even in their 4E shoes.

[@EDDBUD]

I really liked the fact they have a wider landing area for me.

[@haydenvincent8821]

I use Altra exclusively for trail runs and obstacle course races. The wider toe box prevents friction when you step in water

[@EDDBUD]

Another bonus. Seems to help me push off a bit.

[@gordonpringle5320]

Hi Ed, love the Lost in the Dream recommendation. Prefect music for my easy heart rate runs.

[@EDDBUD]

What an album, still sounds good a few years on

[@eileencheng603]

The only pair of Altra shoes I have so far is Torin 5 and I love them! I mainly used them to walk around when my legs are tired because they are so soft and my feet can relax into foot shape, but I have done easy 5k and boxing sparring in them. Will definitely check out more Altra shoes in the near future.

[@chrisbates8943]

Great review. I’ve transitioned to Altra, love the natural foot shape.

[@EDDBUD]

Yeah the extra room helps to toe off

[@briceps1]

I bought some altra hiking shoes on a gamble. Did about 250miles last couple months and im in love. Going to be buying some running and trail running shoes now.

[@EDDBUD]

Glad they are working out for you

[@tomek7000tj]

Edd mate, so nice of you to review Altra shoe, I like the idea of zero drop, but was never brave enough or had spare money to buy Altra's. But absolutly love tu run in Nike Streakfly and Kiger 8 witch both have only 4mm drop, so maybe one day I'l try some soft foam Altra's.

[@EDDBUD]

It’s not all that different in fairness. Especially where you have 30mm midsole!

[@brokenfreddy7676]

I always keep a couple of altras around for working the feet and calves..the Rivera 2 is a very comfortable for walking around and working out..also I use the racing shoe for some shorter runs to keep my feet stronger..neither are very fast but I do enjoying the change to something more old school and how my feet react to them..

[@EDDBUD]

Certainly feels more conventional in this model

[@mkmstillstackin]

Yes, I am a fan of Altras! The last one I purchased was the Torin 5, which I still run in on occasion today. The 7 appears to be quite an improvement over the 5, based on your review here today. You're so right about the need to go up a half size. Unfortunately, half sizes aren't available for my big feet. So, I had to go up from a 14 to a 15, which is slightly too big but still works. Thanks for this! Zero drop works for me. I may wind up giving this one a shot.

[@EDDBUD]

I find the heel stays out the way of my stride a little more. With larger drop I feel like I’m having to tip my foot loads to achieve a mid to forefoot landing.

[@mkmstillstackin]

Great point about the heel! My exact sentiment.

[@EDDBUD]

@@mkmstillstackin Make a big difference. Almost trains you to land midfoot onward. Even at easier pace

[@dreamcatcherfan1382]

I've got a number of Altra shoes - Vanish Carbon, Vanish Tempo, Escalante 2, Torin 4.5 and Paradigm 5. I think they are definitely for a niche market. I enjoy the open toe box and they are generally well made. I was able to get all my Altra shoes on a big discount so my expectations weren't as high as if I'd paid full price. Even saying that, the EVA midsole is, well, what you would expect from an EVA midsole. I recall bitterly my first run in the Paradigm 5. It was a couple years ago in pouring rain. I was running in morning darkness on the footpath and decided I wanted to get on the road as there was no traffic so ran down a wet painted driveway. Big mistake! Before I knew what was happening, I was flying off my feet, hitting my elbow and sliding into the curb. It was a sight. First time I'd ever fallen running since I was a kid! Edd, I remember you mentioning on your channel at around that time that you had fallen using a shoe (sorry can't remember which one) and I thought to myself, who on earth falls running! Haa! I had to laugh at myself as I trudged back home that morning. It's very rare but it can happen. Their high end race shoes, that have the super critical foam in them were very good but certainly not top tier. They are a good brand. Edd, I'm glad you enjoyed the Torin 7. It seems a good shoe for those who like a low to zero drop.

[@EDDBUD]

I still have flashbacks of that fall! Will be 2 years in September! Never run fast past dogs anymore

[@dreamcatcherfan1382]

@@EDDBUD Words of wisdom for sure. I slow down too whenever I see a dog because it is just too easy to miss seeing an attached lead.

[@DarkPa1adin]

Yes! Some Altra love🎉

[@newyorkeranew]

Thanks for insightful review. I was low or zero drop for most of my running life and I’ve Marathon PRd in Torins. However, after a couple of years I got plantar fasciitis. I switched to Vaporflys and problem solved. The high drop of Vflys, however, hurt my quads in a Marathon. After your review, I’m thinking of giving the Torins another try.

[@EDDBUD]

As someone who is moving down the drop ( seem to prefer about 5mm for racing ) I found them not all that different to some other positive drop shoes. Love the width to the toebox.

[@newyorkeranew]

@@EDDBUD Spot on. Now I have to figure out what to do with the Vflys I stocked up when they were on sale!

[@GTE_Channel]

Maybe go to the Vanish range as a good middle ground?

[@newyorkeranew]

@@GTE_Channel Will ck it out!

[@honsten]

Been curious to try Altra for a while now. Might have to take the plunge. You learn a lot about your running form when running in zero drop shoes, they definitely make you aware of your foot strike. That’s one thing I liked about the barefoot shoes from way back; it did a lot for my form but am all about that max cush now.

[@EDDBUD]

There loads of cushion here. It’s a good middle ground

[@christiandm1041]

Just strapped on or tied up a pair of 5s this morning and ran. Wasn't a fan of the 6 overall. Look forward to this review...on we go!

[@matwillox2849]

My running club got to demo Altra last meet. The torin 7 was amazing.

[@EDDBUD]

Yeah it’s a nice surprise and overall refreshing to try some other brands.

[@jacobriis7859]

Altra Escalante is my all time favorite shoe 😍 Fun to run in and good durability. I think it's a good idea to mix up your shoes a bit. So you could for example have Nike Invincible and Altra for easy runs. Mix it up!😢

[@EDDBUD]

Yeah no reason why not. I don’t even feel these are especially low drop to be fair

[@jacobriis7859]

@@EDDBUD I think when you are used to zero drop you will not notice it. I think it's good that you don't notice it. I remember my first run in some zero drop shoes. Some Merrell Trail shoes. They were VERY weird! But I got used to them and loved them after a few runs.

[@EDDBUD]

@@jacobriis7859 Yeah it doesn’t feel all that odd at all. Though I think they have softened things up a little to make these more appealing to more people.

[@hufemeve]

the Torin is a solid shoe. I'm slowly becoming an Altra runner, because of their zero-drop construction along with the super ample comfortable toe-box, which allows me to spread my toes to have more ground contact and get a much better running experience.

[@EDDBUD]

I felt the width in terms of ground contact! I have been experimenting also with toe socks. More spread and more push off

[@jefreywith1f924]

​@@EDDBUDMeaning of Injinji. African drummers like to achieve a certain level of performance called Injinji. It's that moment in a traditional drum circle where the dances and the rhythm of the music become one.

[@rohanandrewnaik3742]

Edd, I love your reviews. They've really helped me out a lot. Would love to see you try out a pair of barefoot shoes just to gauge what your experience in them is.

[@EDDBUD]

Not sure I would go for that round here. Too much glass! These are a good middle ground though.

[@rohanandrewnaik3742]

@@EDDBUD haha, fair point. But look up the Xero HFS. They're a barefoot road running shoe with a 5000 mile sole warranty, reviewed to have excellent protection against the elements.

[@ozenfant_ozn]

altras are intresting but pleeaase Edd, will you do a Topo review? Cyclone 2 or rather the new Fyl-lyte 5?

[@Tai_Pov]

One of the best foot shaped running shoes you can get

[@EDDBUD]

Yes it’s a lovely fit I have to be honest.

[@GriffRunning]

The lone peak has been the best trail shoe for me for about 5 years going.

[@mckonal]

i have gorilla wide feet and the runrepeat page suggest those, along with brooks glicerin models.

[@elijahmodnar1]

The lace hole/fused upper near my big toe knuckle is pretty restrictive :( i may have to cut/snip the fused "welt" to make it work for me, been wearing altras since 2017!

[@iconik-cn5rm]

I love my altra torins great for travel great for run great for grocery store or shopping..love my torins. love my altra olympus 5 trail shoe so fn comfy and traction is on point

[@EDDBUD]

Yes the traction was really nice. Like the flexibility too

[@iconik-cn5rm]

@@EDDBUD would love to see what ya think of the ALTRA OLYMPUS 5 TRAIL SHOE..I LOVE THAT SHOE I USE IT FOR HIKING WALKING RUNNING RECREATIONAL RECOMMEND TO ALL O DROP MAX CUSION BUT RESPONSIVE STABLE SHOE.

[@brewlovinrunner]

I want to try the paradigm. I think I’m starting to pronate too much

[@BDamen1984]

I always feel like I have to work a little harder in zero drop shoes, maybe that's a good thing. Some studies suggest it makes your feet and ankles stronger. Since you're enjoying this type of shoe, wouldn't a venture into their Vanish line be interesting? Truly wonder what racing in a zero drop carbon plated shoe feels like.

[@GTE_Channel]

I have the Vanish Carbon and the tempo. The carbon is a really easy shoe, does not feel weird in any way. The rocker geometry makes it easier to run faster than other Altras. I find it comfortable and nimble, can highly recommend it.

[@EDDBUD]

I do feel some super trainers are taking the “training” part out of the whole process.

[@albrecto]

I would love to have one,

[@BRMUFC]

Nice!🎉

[@EDDBUD]

Bronze

[@jefreywith1f924]

Coming from a former Altra wearer and now a Topo convert---"Anything you can do, I can do better."

[@EDDBUD]

Interesting. Not had the opportunity to try that brand yet

[@QronoZ713]

I approve of the 🇸🇪 colours!

[@EDDBUD]

Yes it’s a striking design!

[@brotherseanrichard]

i was able to try these today but found the heel very tight. would you know if the heel is any wider in the wide version? my local store did not have the wide version to try on.

[@mintymus]

I like having a 0 drop shoe in my rotation, about to retire a pair of Torin 4.5s.

[@EDDBUD]

I didn’t really feel the zero drop

[@undeadly1103]

it's strange. a lot of people talk about going up a 1/2 size in altras but i always have to go a 1/2 size down

[@EDDBUD]

The 11 was too tight for me in the Escalante 2.5

[@undeadly1103]

@@EDDBUD i had the Escalante original and that was such a comfy shoe. i couldn't use it for running unfortunately but that knit upper and no hard materials anywhere made it great for traveling and walking.

[@mayadethabrew-hutton4342]

I have to go 1.5 sizes up in Altras, seems excessive but the perfect fit for my feet and never had blisters!

[@philbrown9901]

Channeling cousin Eddie there Edd. "it's a good quality item". Not sure if it was intended mind you, probably not 😂

[@EDDBUD]

Yes! You got it. So few figure out my weird odd little references. 🤣👍🏼

[@philbrown9901]

@eddbud I recalled you were a fan. Best Christmas film ever 👍. You should def keep slipping in the references, I'll be looking out. All the best!.

[@BDamen1984]

Currently have a pair of the Escalante 3's in my rotation. I use them for shorter runs, and a lot for walking. So comfortable! I always feel like I have to work a little harder in zero drop shoes, maybe that's a good thing. Some studies suggest it makes your feet and ankles stronger. Since you're enjoying this type of shoe, wouldn't a venture into their Vanish line be interesting? Truly wonder what racing in a zero drop carbon plated shoe feels like.

[@alanpelosi2955]

Hi eddbud 👋 , very interesting 🤔 , I've been looking at different companies of late as a couple of shoes in my rotation are starting to go or haven't work out , the new under armour flow velociti 3 is out to very under the radar??

[@EDDBUD]

Saw there’s a new flow Velociti. Quite a small change though midsole wise. The Torin is a nice shoe for the money. Boston 12 review tomorrow 👍🏼

[@alanpelosi2955]

@@EDDBUD 👀👀👀👀 bos 12 can't wait to see what the midsole kings got to say 🙌

[@mo01.]

Are they softer than the Asics Numbuds 25?

[@EDDBUD]

A little and less stack here.

[@cmo3]

Great review and appreciate your thorough detail. Like I said on Strava, I love those Boston colors. You may have sold me on a pair of those or the 6 if I find them cheaper. Would use them casually as well as for running. Quality. Never had a pair of Altras and the zero drop does not seem intimidating.

[@EDDBUD]

Glad I could help!

[@cristinamartins4381]

If I look at Altra's size guide and giving the lenght of my feet, I should go for a size 39. Given your expérience, should I go for 39.5 instead?

[@EDDBUD]

A half up seems to work better for me.

[@cristinamartins4381]

@@EDDBUD Thank you for the quick reply 🙂

[@yosef8377]

Would this be a good shoe for a healthcare worker?

[@EDDBUD]

There’s more cushion in other shoes. Not all get on with zero drop

[@jimjurek7911]

Best... toes and feet comfy... 0 drop helps posture. They're the running shoe version of a birkenstock

[@thespecialone7632]

What does dankashire mean?

[@EDDBUD]

It’s a poor attempt at German from a man that struggles to speak English. 👍🏼🤣

[@michaelr.8402]

​@@EDDBUD😍 from a German

[@ralfm3470]

​@@EDDBUDDankeschön for your never-ending flow of reviews 😊

[@EDDBUD]

@@ralfm3470 Much appreciated!

[@Stevenc1984]

Been out to the local for the quiz and some light conversation... What is a female swan called?

[@EDDBUD]

It’s a bic 🖊

[@bp996959]

all my wide shoes ie saucony and new balance have finally worn out so ive been on the quest for new shoes,, after many pairs ive finally found altra torin.. NOT a fan.. i wear a 6.5 to 7 wide.. the 7 torin wide was huge on my foot.. on my smallest foot,, i have 2 thumb spaces.. also the fit wasnt great,, didnt fit like a glove and it wasnt that comfy..

[@EDDBUD]

Shame these didn’t work for you. I love the toebox room

[@philbrown9901]

Hopefully they don't need fumigating though! 😂

[@EDDBUD]

🤣🤣

[@richardrendell9363]

Yo

[@EDDBUD]

Gold!

[@cheekster777]

Hi

[@EDDBUD]

Silver