
Altra Torin 8
THE SPECS
Support: Neutral
Weight: 10.4 oz / 294.8 g (men), 8.7 oz / 246.6 g (women)
Stack Height: 30mm/30mm
Midsole Drop: 0 mm
Cushion Level: Mid
KEY UPDATES
- Updated Altra EGO MAX Midsole: softer, lighter, bouncier... the trifecta.
- Engineered jacquard mesh upper: more breathable and more durable
- New molded heel cup and better ankle collar fit
ON THE RUN
Keith: The Torin is the keystone of Altra's road lineup, and when it shines, it elevates the entire brand to new heights. Slipping my feet into the Torin 8 sparked the same rush of excitement I got long ago, the first time I wore the original Paradigm and I felt my toes blissfully spread out in its roomy toebox!
The moment my foot hit the Torin 8’s reimagined EGOMAX midsole, I could feel the upgrade instantly. The plush, soft tongue and breathable upper wrapped my feet in luxurious comfort, treating them to a level of pampering that I had been missing since the Torin 4.5/Torin Plush.
Lately, I've been loving Altra’s 4mm drop in the Experience Flow and Experience Wild, but there’s something magical about returning to that pure, zero-drop feel. The natural connection between foot and ground—every stride, every step—is electric. And the Torin 8 takes it to the next level, offering unmatched comfort while keeping that essential, grounded sensation. It’s become my go-to for a weekly reset, reconnecting with my roots, but honestly? I’d be thrilled to run in these almost every day!
Sidney: I've heard all about the love affair people have with the Torin. Some reminisce about their fling with the Torin 4, others swear by the 4.5 (looking at you, Keith). But I fell for the Torin when most were looking the other way—the Torin 7.
Now, the Torin 8 is here, and it’s the best of both worlds. A bouncier, springier ride that was made for running. You still get that natural feel Altra is known for with its signature zero-drop design, but now with an added touch of responsiveness that makes every stride feel effortless.
I've heard all about the evolution of Altra’s beloved Torin. I may not have been there for the earlier chapters, but I know this version is it. Solving all the world’s problems—well, almost.
THE FIT
Keith: The fit improvements of the Torin 8 are almost as exciting as what is underfoot. An improved heel cup and ankle collar makes the shoe feel super connected to the foot. The lace lockdown is the best it has been since the Torin 4, making it much easier to run in. The jacquard mesh fits snugger in a good way. It doesn’t bunch up or feel baggy in the midfoot like the Torin 7 did.
The fit upgrades on the Torin 8 are almost as thrilling as the performance beneath your feet! With a redesigned heel cup and ankle collar, this shoe hugs your foot for a secure, connected feel like never before. The lace lockdown is great—the best it has been since the legendary Torin 4, making your run feel smoother and more stable. Plus, the jacquard mesh wraps snugly around your foot without any of the bunching or bagginess of some of the previous Torin iterations. The toebox is wide but not sloppy. It almost feels like they made it just for me!
Sidney: Even with my undying love for the Torin 7, I have to admit—the fit was its one flaw. But it was always something I was willing to overlook. It’s like that favorite pair of pants that don't fit you the best, but you love them anyway. They got you through the good old days.
The Torin 8, though? It nails the fit. The toebox still offers plenty of width, but without the extra fabric bunching up which I experienced in the Torin 7. And the heel cup? It locks your foot in place, making you feel truly connected to the shoe.
THE FEEL
Keith: The Torin 8 is reminiscent of the Torin 4.5/Torin Plush, but with a lighter, bouncier feel. It offers the perfect balance of premium cushioning and lightweight performance, making every run feel smooth and effortless. The support is also next-level—it's the most supportive Torin I've tried. This is amplified by a more form fitting jacquard mesh that is more comfortable and breathable. It also seems more durable than the Torin 7 upper. The midsole foam wraps around the arch to create a smooth, cushioned channel for your midfoot, all while keeping that soft, comfortable feel from start to finish.
Sidney: Putting these babies on my feet feels like wearing nothing at all—except with the perfect layer of cushioning underfoot. Every stride feels natural yet effortlessly cushioned, like running barefoot with an added spring in my step.
There's no doubt this shoe keeps me well supported while still allowing my toes to spread and breathe—something the Torin has always done best!
THE NITTY GRITTY
Keith: The Torin 8 provides an elite level of comfort! It embodies everything the die hard Altra fan will love, minus one thing. They went with the standard, slightly more narrow, toe box shape instead of the original. My foot loves the overall shape, but if you crave the roominess of the original Altra toe box, you may have to go with a wide width, which they do offer for the Torin 8. As a bonus, they are stylish and come in some killer colors!
Sidney: When I ran in the Torin 7, I often felt like I was running out of the shoe—it just didn’t lock down securely on my foot. The Torin 8 fixes that with its new mesh upper and molded heel cup, providing a much more secure fit.
That said, as Keith pointed out, I was a little bummed to see the standard toe box shape on the Torin 8 instead of the original. Don’t get me wrong—you still have plenty of toe room, just not as much as before. But for me, that’s an easy trade-off.
One of the most unique updates, as Keith mentioned, is how the midsole foam wraps up around the arch, creating a subtle “guide rail” effect. This makes the Torin 8 the most stable version yet. With its added support, cushioning, and improved lockdown, I’d say this one’s a win.
THE RUNDOWN
Keith: I’m seriously considering keeping a pair of Torin 8’s in my trunk at all times. That way, whenever the urge hits to cruise some pavement on foot, I’ll have a comfy, reliable shoe ready to go! If you’re someone who doesn’t want to settle, this shoe is the one. It’s got it all: loads of room, next-level cushioning, feather-light feel, killer looks, and it lets you run the way nature intended—no compromises. If you’ve ever been curious about Altra or zero-drop shoes, this is the perfect starting point. Your feet will thank you!
Sidney: I’m excited to see how Altra continues to evolve, especially as their shoes become more accessible to runners who may not be familiar with or initially drawn to a zero-drop, wide toe box design. The Torin 8 is a perfect entry point into the “natural footwear” world, offering the ideal balance of support and cushioning without sacrificing the signature zero-drop feel or toe room.
And for those who fell in love with the Torin in its prime—good news... it’s back!
MEET KEITH
Running trails, training for races and leading a group to PRs is just his side-gig. A dog Dad with an everlasting love for soccer, he is one active man with an affinity for GOOD shoes. He can be quoted saying ' you only get one pair of feet, you should probably be wearing good shoes'
All time favorite shoe: Altra Torin 4 (specifically gray & yellow colorway)
MEET SIDNEY
Sidney despised running her entire life until a doctor told her she wasn't allowed to run. A switch flipped and now she still can't stop years later. With an abundance of shoes and always being constantly on the move, she's fairly knowledgeable in the shoe game.
All time favorite shoe: Altra Experience Wild