ALTRA TORIN 7: full review of a super comfy zero-drop daily trainer!

[@timivers8823]

I went from Hoka to Altra after a Dr i work with recommendation. Absolutely love it. Finally found a size 14 wide!🤙

[@its_Matt_B_]

Congrats on finding your size! I think the Torin 7 is the best Altra shoe i've run in!

[@davidafonso5948]

Totally agree I just looooovvvveee them !!!! Just came back from a 23 k run, so comfy !!!!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Good to hear! Solid run today, David! 👊🏽

[@nettenstudios1414]

Most underrated running KZbinr

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thank you! That's kind of you to say! 🙌🏽

[@stanmakowski1985]

Great review, Altra used to be my go to shoe, however when they moved to the three different foot shapes they lost me unfortunately. The Torin used to be a original foot shape but moved it to standard a few versions back, but the good news is they offer it in a wide. Hoping that this version delivers. Thanks for your reviews and your work.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I've got fairly narrow feet, so every Altra I wear seems like there is loads of toe box room, but this shoe is the most comfortable Altra i've run in (since the Torin 4.5 Plush).

[@jimjurek7911]

Torin was never on the original footshape last... its ALWAYS been on the standard fit performance last. Common misconception.

[@cosmaddi]

🥚Great review, thank you! I ran in torin 5 and quite liked them, I just ordered my pair of torin 7 and look forward to running in them.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks for watching! If you have the time (or inclination), let me know your thoughts on the 7 compared with the 5. I skipped the 5.

[@DJ.Skyhawk]

🥚 I run in the Altra Escalante Race and Vanish Tempo. Both are reaching the end of their lifespan, so I’m looking at what my next pair will be. The Escalante Race are pretty thin soled, good for up to 10k at my level, the Vanish Tempo are incredibly comfortable, and fast, but the durability is not there (about 80-100mi less than my other shoes with the same tread wear). I’m not training for anything specific, and doing about 15-20mi a week of just just recovery style runs (9-9:30min/mi pace). I think the Torin 7 will be my next shoe. Cushion looks good, wider toe box than the Vanish tempo, and looks to have same type of tread as the Escalante Race. thanks for the review!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers for watching! I agree; I think the Torin 7 will work well for you and what you want to use them for! 👊🏽

[@Richard_Johnson69]

Thanks ! I am a Hoka Mach 5 lover which is 5mm drop shoe. So for me switching in between to Altra T7 was not too severe as drops are not too big a change - still getting my opinion on Altra T7 firmed up but ok so far 😊

[@its_Matt_B_]

The Mach 5 is a great shoe, albeit a little different from the Torin 7 but the Torin 7 has been my favorite Altra shoe I’ve run in!

[@AdamMcManus-mv3wq]

🥚 great review! I appreciate the honesty and straightforward approach. I currently have the 4.5 & 5 iterations and will be looking to add the 7 to my rotation. Thank you!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Adam! This is a great update and will be a good addition! 👊🏽

[@brewlovinrunner]

I like my 7’s but I have rubbed through the fabric in both heel cups and the upper has a couple spots that look like tears are forming. This is after just two months of use. Otherwise it’s great. I wish they hadn’t used ortholite style insoles though. They’re too squishy and slippery and cause hot spots on humid days.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Oh wow! I’m surprised to hear you’ve got so much wear on them after such a short amount of time! Is this typical wear for your running shoes?

[@Mr.Christopher3000]

Thanks for the review....great job! I am currently running in the Torin 5. It weighs in at 9.0 ounces. The 6 and 7 have gained so much weight. I am gonna be looking for another set of 5s once I am done with this pair. 🥚

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks for watching! If the 5s work, stick with them, especially because the price will be right (if you can find them)!

[@junglisttt]

I love the 4.5 plush! Still got a few pairs i bought on sale, so i will probably not have to upgrade until the 8. Keen to test this though. Skipped 5 and 6. Great video 👊

[@its_Matt_B_]

The 4.5 Plush were the last Torins I wore, and I loved them! I'm happy to have missed versions 5 and 6, but this is one to look at when you're ready!

[@junglisttt]

@@its_Matt_B_ Yeah 5 and 6 seemed kinda shite to be honest:)

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@junglisttt Yeah, that was basically the view of the whole Internet!

[@jordanschneider1077]

The Torin 4 and 4.5 Plush were two of my favorite shoes ever. I passed on the Torin 5 and 6 after hearing a lot of negatives. After watching a video review of the T7 (Run Moore) I decided to try them. Glad I did, its a really nice daily trainer. Good for easy miles, probably best in the 10k to 10 mile range for me. Nice ride, nothing fancy and as you said, the shoe knows what its role is. Without any rocker, its just not a tempo shoe. Funny, the Via Olympus, with its rocker shape, does encourage you to pick it up. Somehow the Via feels better when you up the pace. I actually think they are a good pairing. Both shoes are well built and should give you good mileage, in the 500 range. 🥚

[@its_Matt_B_]

Glad to hear you're enjoying them! I agree about them being best for the 10k-10 mile range! That is typically the range I take them out for! I hadn't thought about the TOrin and Via Olympus being a good pairing, because I was only thinking of the similarities, but now I think you're onto something!

[@lyrilljackson]

torin is a touring shoe and altra meant altera which means heal, u are not supposed to heal through racing....lems' slogan is explore more with less. topo well means topology i guess which is why they have obnoxiously much trail models, interestingly tho they don't use a topology wrap paper unlike icebreaker.

[@jordanschneider1077]

@@lyrilljackson The name Altra is from the Italian word altera, which means altered. The founders of the company were shaving off the heels of shoes and making them flat, altering them. TOPO is an acronym from the the founder/owner of the company TOny POst.

[@lyrilljackson]

@@jordanschneider1077 well you can have your take but i'll have mine too. i honestly don't even remember when and where i read it and i don't care what someone's name is irl

[@jordanschneider1077]

@@lyrilljacksonI've heard both owners of those companies say as much. Not my take, just their own words. Believe what you want.

[@matthiassventoest6800]

they look super fresh.., got me thinking about altra again. I have only run in the timp 2, I think 🖋️

[@its_Matt_B_]

The Torin 7 is definitely worth a look! 👀👊🏽

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

🥚When I finish with the Brooks 15 , will see if my local shoe store can get hold of them , sounds like they hit the same spot ( my day to day walking shoe is the escalante racer , so no probs with the 0 drop)

[@its_Matt_B_]

This is definitely one to put on your list! If you're finding the Escalante Racer comfy, this is going to feel like a water bed inside a Cadillac!

[@hopfag6555]

Your sure know your stuff! Your mentionned they’re on the beaker side of things and the aren’t suited for high paced fast runs. Is that only because of the weight or the design too? Would it still do great on recovery and faster runs alike or are they really ONLY for low pace, thank you

[@its_Matt_B_]

The weight isn't too bad and they don't feel like you're wearing bricks, but there are so many lighter options out there that it becomes clear they're more suited to cruising than specific workouts (intervals, tempo, racing, etc). Ultimately, you could easily run fast in these shoes, but they are plush and comfortable and there are other options that may feel a little better at speed. I don't want to put you off buying these because they are an excellent daily trainer. It's only been in the last few years when we've had different shoes for every type of run we do. Before that most people would just lace up the shoes they had! 😃

[@hopfag6555]

@@its_Matt_B_ Welp, bought them already, first fit and they feel great, will see about the speed 👍🏻

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@hopfag6555 You'll be able to pick up the pace just fine. Glad you're enjoying them!

[@fransera]

​@@hopfag6555how are you getting on with the Torin 7?

[@mauricioyoshimoto2316]

As usual, well done Matt! Cheers 👍🥚

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Mauricio! 👊🏽

[@roostermiller]

🥚Great review. Last torin I ran in was 2.5. Went to the Olympus range for road for more protection. Love the escalante for 5km only. The mont blanc didn't work for me in the end. Looking forward to the torin 7 when it drops in Australia though.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Any idea on when the Torin will drop in Australia? I've heard a lot of good things about the Escalante, but haven't tried it (yet). Cheers for the 🥚!

[@BlueBeliever]

How is the length of the Torin 7's? The Torin 5's were short and I didn't own the 6's? Thanks

[@its_Matt_B_]

I haven’t had the Torin since the 4.5, but I haven’t noticed a difference. They fit true to size.

[@60beats44]

Thanks Matt and always great to get a free pair of shoes. You would be saving a lot of money that way. I would prefer a more natural, less jagged speech flow though.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Yeah, the shoes for review is a good deal, although it counts as income so I have to pay taxes on the value of the shoes I receive. I wish it happened more often. As far as speech flow, I’m always trying to improve. 👊🏽

[@Binmiller80]

Hi, Do you prefer the Torin 7 over the Via Olympus?

[@its_Matt_B_]

Yes! The Torin has been a treat to run in from my first run! The Via Ol;ympus felt better after I got a few miles in them, but they're still very firm.

[@Binmiller80]

Thank you. I have really white feet so these are my only choices at present, which one would you choose if you had to do speed work in them? I know neither are designed for this though.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Binmiller80 Everything is easier when we’re comfortable and the Torin 7 is just much more comfy! Go with the Torin 7!

[@Binmiller80]

That’s great thanks for the help

[@justinsugay1149]

Thanks for this vid. I think it sounds like a good first experience for a zero drop shoe for those like me who are new to this. I'm not much of a runner yet either so I don't need something to do any "fast work". I appreciate the honesty and don't think you were trashing the shoe at all. My question is for durability would you still recommend this or the Paradigm? Is the Paradigm "too cushy" comparatively or is it something for someone new to this zero drop/barefoot experience? Thank you!

[@its_Matt_B_]

I'm sorry to say I haven't run in the Paradigm, so I can't give you first hand experience. I can tell you that the Paradigm has stability elements where the Torin is a neutral shoe. You may not have been running enough to know if you need the extra stability, so I would start with the Torin 7 and save the money!

[@mthuthuzelimsobantu5546]

I ran in the Torin 2 (terrible shoe), i loved the 4.5, but the midsole packed up at 400km, been in HOKAs, Saucony, Puma since then. We're so spoilt for choice today even compared to just a couple of years ago. Looks like a timely return to form for the Torin 🥚

[@its_Matt_B_]

Agreed that we're spoiled for choice! It's a good time to be a runner (and consumer!). My Torin 4.5 lasted much longer than 400kms, but it's been so long since i've had them that I don't actually remember how they felt at the end of their life!

[@mthuthuzelimsobantu5546]

@@its_Matt_B_ i ran my Torin 4.5 into the ground, was fairly new to running and it was my one and only for long run, hills, speedwork (if you could call it that 😃), so 400k was probably fair, and and i am probably a foot shorter than you but I'll say a tad (decent tad) heavier!

[@Chungdol]

Getting my first Altra's this weekend... mainly to train my plantar extension/flexion and work against my scoliosis, hallux valgus etc etc., cuz I'm so tight that I can lift me feet only 2-3cm's when I stand, leading to shortened iliopsoas, calves ... well you know the stories. So my expectations are kinda high, and I dont like that. I know that it needs time. I'm getting the Altra Provision 7 tho. I was thinking about the Torin but I have read that it may be not the best "introducer" to the whole barefoot zero drop thing. Also the reviews on Runrepeat for the last Torins were kinda bad. In your video it sounds that the Torin 7 are actually kinda good introducer.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Don’t judge the Torin 7s by the reviews of the Torin 6! The 7s are far better and much improved! I would definitely say they’re a good place to start with zero-drop! 👊🏽

[@Chungdol]

@@its_Matt_B_ Yes, you are definitely right. Depends how I will the Provision I might get the Torin 7 aswell, since I'm actaully into more "plush" shoes. I need to pick up the pace... sitting on 18pairs of running shoes, none over 300km such a waste!

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Chungdol Nah, it's not a waste. It's a collection! 🤣

[@Jay-sd9ye]

Cool shoe. Does it have a high arch? I recently purchased Nike pegasus 40, the arch is too high for me. And the shoe feels like I'm on my toes too much. Not liking the pegasus 40 's ...Im more flat footed. 🥚

[@its_Matt_B_]

I wouldn't say it has a high arch, but it's a tough one for me to say because I don't notice the arches in most shoes! Yeah, I can see how you'd feel like you're on your toes with the Peg! You definitely wouldn't have that problem in these Torins!

[@Jay-sd9ye]

@@its_Matt_B_ 👍 thanks.

[@chrisbates8943]

🥚 great review.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Chris! 👊🏽

[@Running-j5v]

Very nice 👍👍👍👍

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, mate! They are a solid shoe!

[@davidturner3083]

🥚 Nice color

[@its_Matt_B_]

I thought so too! Great minds!! Thanks for the 🥚!

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

Funny, I have 11 pairs of Altras going back 10+ years, none of which is a Torin. I was a minimalist back then & wasn't into the higher stack height of the Torin. 🥚

[@its_Matt_B_]

A minimalist with 10 pairs of Altras? 🤩 That’s my kind of minimalist!

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

@its_Matt_B_ Back then, there was the One, which had an 18 mm stack height w zero drop.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@MyFatAdaptedLife 18mm was probably considered a high stack back then! I don't remember people talking about the stack height of shoes 10 years ago, but perhaps I just didn't care!

[@lyrilljackson]

@@MyFatAdaptedLife one had 21.....

[@i.p2088]

🥚🥚🥚

[@its_Matt_B_]

Triple🥚s! Brilliant!

[@lisasims7728]

I like Torin 6 better.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Good to hear, because they can be had for a great price! It seems like you're in the minority though, which can be a good place to be. What is it you like about the 6 over the 7?

[@htownq7224]

🥚

[@its_Matt_B_]

Always with the emoji! You're the best! 🙌🏽

[@traceyhoyle4145]

🥚🥚🥚

[@its_Matt_B_]

Tracey, you are clearly a triple threat with your emoji use! 🤩

[@traceyhoyle4145]

@@its_Matt_B_ I'm triple supporting you! 😄

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@traceyhoyle4145 🤩

[@walterafable]

🥚

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Walter! Are you thinking of picking up a pair of these?

[@walterafable]

@@its_Matt_B_ they're on my list! Didn't have much luck with the Torin 5 - the upper blew out much earlier than anticipated. Working through my second pair of Torin 6. Taking a bit of a detour with the Topo Athletic Cyclone 2. [I wish Altra would bring their racing foams down from the Vanish series to the Torins or Escalantes.] But yes, I definitely see a pair of Torin 7 in my future...

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@walterafable Nice! Yeah, bringing that EGO PRO to their more affordable/popular shoes would be a good move! I didn't run in the Torin 5/6. I went from the 4.5 straight to the 7! I am looking forward to the Vanish Carbon v2 next year!

[@r.cordis8251]

@@walterafable Hi, didnt tried the vanish tempo but heard that the foam is much better, all my altras has similar foams, Ego or Ego max, seems kind of heavy and outdated, but I like the zero drop and the space of the toebox and stable base. What about topo does it has better foam? comparable to the vanish series, good alternative? thanks

[@walterafable]

@@r.cordis8251 the Cyclone 2 in particular uses polyether block amide (PEBA, or PeBax) foam throughout the midsole. It’s lightweight, springy, and resilient. Most racing shoes these days are featuring some variant of this foam, including Ego Pro. The Cyclone 2 is the least expensive ($150) shoe that I’m aware of that features this foam. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a game changer. This shoe has made it onto many shoe of the year lists.

[@yeowmun]

🥚

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers! 🙌🏽

[@michaelalbrecht3395]

🥚

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, Michael! Do you have the Torin 7 or are you thinking of getting a pair?

[@michaelalbrecht3395]

I am thinking of getting a pair I currently use the escalate 3 for my shorter runs

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@michaelalbrecht3395 Nice! You’re going to love how plush these feel!