Altra Torin 7

The truth is that it is always a pleasure to try Altra shoes, whether they are running or trail running shoes because they are a different challenge for those of us who are used to (and like) running with high profile shoes and with good cushioning.

The Altra Torin 7 is a running shoe that has the characteristic 0mm drop of the brand but, thanks to its profile (30 mm) and the good cushioning provided by the EGO Foam technology developed by the brand, we can get used to it quickly and without problems of any kind.

First impressions and characteristics of the Altra Torin 7

We are used to combine mountain training with asphalt training every week and, throughout this summer the Altra Torin 7 have accompanied us during our outings on asphalt, although in some of the workouts we have combined them with areas of tracks and forest trails of little technical difficulty.

The Altra Torin 7 is a very good option to introduce us to shoes with 0 mm drop.

Thanks to the last with the standard Footshape fit that Altra incorporates in its shoes, we felt very comfortable running from the first kilometers, with that feeling of freedom of the feet inside the shoe that, surely, is more appreciated in running shoes than in trail shoes.

Main features of the Altra Torin 7

The upper allows a good fit of the foot inside the shoe and also has a good breathability (we have to take into account that we have tested it during the vacation weeks with intense heat and high humidity levels).

The tongue has a padding that we particularly liked, neither too much nor too little, ideal for running comfortably for many kilometers with the shoe.

The shoe has a good cushioning provided by the Altra EGO MAX although without reaching the levels of the Altra Olympus, surely the most outstanding shoe of the brand, but it is a cushioning that will accompany us from the first kilometer to the last, even over long distances, providing a high degree of comfort and cushioning.

The sole has the Foot Pod technology that guarantees us a good grip and, above all, an extraordinary durability thanks to the high presence of rubber, in addition to the characteristic design in which the line of the metatarsals of the feet is followed, with small indentations to improve the flexion in each of our strides.

We have done sessions in which, due to the orography of the terrain, we have combined asphalt with mountain trails, always with little technical difficulty and where we have not had excessive problems when running through them.

Obviously, the grip is not as good as on asphalt, but we have been pleasantly surprised and we can also see that they have not suffered in terms of durability because the sole has not shown excessive wear despite not running on asphalt.

In the heel area we have a protection in the Achilles heel very similar to the HOKA running shoes. That elevation in the back gives us extra protection and comfort without reducing the weight of the shoe.

What kind of runners are the Altra Torin 7 for?

We believe that, due to its characteristics, it is a shoe that can be adapted to a wide range of runners, even those who are not used to running with 0 mm drop.

Thanks to its good cushioning, the Altra Torin 7 is a good candidate for running of average weight and who are not excessively fast.

For what distances do we recommend the Altra Torin 7?

It is a very versatile shoe in terms of distances as we can use them both in short and long distances, as they will respond perfectly, without any problems in all types of distances.

Obviously, being a 0 mm drop shoe, more experienced runners will be more comfortable over longer distances than those who are just starting to run with this type of shoes and will have to gradually increase the number of kilometers of their training sessions.

What we liked most about the Altra Torin 7

We especially liked the cushioning of the shoe, the Altra EGO MAX works like a charm, both in short and long distances in which we have enjoyed running with them, providing a more than reasonable cushioning.

We believe that another positive aspect of the shoe is that, due to its characteristics, it is one of the strong candidates to be one of the first running shoes to adapt in an 'easy' way to the 0 mm drop, perhaps more complicated with other shoes that have lower profiles and protections.

Opportunities for improvement in the Altra Torin 7

Few aspects to improve in the shoe, it could be a shoe that could provide a little more reactivity but, the truth is that we are in front of a training shoe, not a light and fast shoe. It has a good cushioning, very similar to other similar shoes we can find in the market and it also has a reasonable weight for the materials and technologies it has.

We will see if in the future, during 2024, the brand surprises us with new models that do not have the 0 drop, so that they have more acceptance by more runners, but the 0 mm drop with which the shoe has is ideal for starting to run with this type of shoes.

With which models can we compare the Altra Torin 7?

Brooks Ghost 15

HOKA Clifton 9

ASICS Cumulus 25

Saucony Ride 16

Adidas Solarboost 5

Altra Torin 7 Final Conclusions

The Altra Torin 7 is a runningshoe par excellence that combines the main characteristics that this type of shoes should have, comfort, cushioning and durability, with the hallmarks of the American brand such as the 0 mm drop and the last that prioritizes the natural movement of the foot when running.

Despite not being used to running with this type of shoes, it has been one of the most comfortable and best training shoes of this styledrop 0 mmdrop, lightweight and versatile).