HOKA Torrent 4 Path Runner Evaluation

Backside Line

Relating to an incredible worth, the HOKA Torrent 4 is a no brainer. Its low price ticket earns a Funds Purchase award on our greatest path trainers for males information, but it surely additionally shines as a light-weight, cozy, and quick trip. Editor Ian Krammer loves the Torrent 4 for lengthy miles on scorching summer time days, testing them over 250 miles of path within the Colorado Rockies. 

Whether or not you’re new to path operating, an ultralight hiker, or on the hunt for a discount, the Torrents checks all of the bins – they’re as simple in your pockets as they’re in your toes. The 4s supply nice arch assist and out-of-the field consolation. The design feels nimble, gentle, and breathable, good for warm days. A grippy outsole makes it really feel enjoyable and quick on roots, rocks, and rolling singletrack and the acquainted profile is simple to like.

The largest draw back of this mannequin is its lack of sturdiness. We love the refreshed outsole and lug sample, but it surely solely took 250 miles earlier than the tread blew out. Additionally, this trip could also be a bit uncomfortable for some because of the rocker geometry, narrower match, and diminished quantity of froth in comparison with different fashions.

Should you don’t thoughts their shorter life, although, we extremely advocate the Torrent 4. These path runners ship quick, cruiser miles on a spry and light-weight chassis, making them an incredible bang to your buck.

Consolation

Proper out of the field, the Torrent 4 have been snug. We skilled nearly no break-in interval, and we have been pounding out lengthy miles in dust inside days. Our tester discovered there was loads of arch assist and simply sufficient cushioning all through. The gusseted tongue creates a easy, irritation-free step-in, and a newly added heel loop makes them simpler to tug on than the prior iteration. The Torrent’s laces cinch down evenly for a safe and cozy match, and the 4’s have been upgraded with double eyelets on the ankle for a extra customizable match. 

Probably the most vital change on this model? Their midsole compound will get an improve with a barely firmer midsole. We discovered them extra supportive and cozy than ever.

The draw back of the Torrents is their narrower match, together with via the toe field. If in case you have large toes, these could not give you the results you want as there isn’t a wider model. Additionally, the rocker geometry feels propulsive, however it could possibly take some getting used to and might really feel awkward for runners preferring a extra pure, foot-shaped shoe.

Traction

Ian pushed the boundaries of the Torrent 4 on trails within the excessive Rockies filled with sand, packed trails, and sharp rocks. The decision? HOKA has a winner with the Torrent 4. From crawling up steep trails to operating on packed dust to hurry runs on scorching asphalt, the Torrent 4 offers glorious management and safety on most average terrain.

HOKA upgraded the traction sample. The lugs are extra evenly distributed for higher floor contact in comparison with the three. This shoe additionally will get new, blocky chevron lugs and a winged swallowtail on the rear. On steep descents, this redesign delivers a extra responsive really feel with constant braking efficiency.

That mentioned, its rubber mix falls quick on moist, muddy terrain. The lug sample is ok on drier floor, however we fell a number of instances on slippery rocks, and so they felt precarious on moist log bridges.

Weight

The Torrent 4 is likely one of the lighter sneakers on our record. It’s only one pound, 3.6 ounces for the pair, or 9.8 ounces per shoe – and we felt the distinction in comparison with heavier fashions.

Ian reaches for the Torrents for quick runs on combined trails that embrace dust, rocks, and asphalt. The 4’s supply a breezy, barely-there really feel that’s unimaginable for coaching runs, race days, and ultralight mountaineering.

However, such low weight comes at the price of sturdiness. The Torrent 4 will want changing ahead of later.

Sturdiness

Some components of the Torrent 4 are long-lasting. Strengthened rubber overlays on the uppers assist stop untimely put on in rocky and sharp terrain. We additionally respect that components just like the laces, stitching, and heel cuff proceed to carry out with no noticeable injury.

However, these sneakers rating pretty low for sturdiness. Ian’s have been in tough form at 250 miles, with the mesh blowing out on the toes and the overlays starting to raise. 

Our testing finds outsoles are probably the most damage-prone space, although. On Ian’s sneakers, the rear heel tread separated in a single giant uniform piece of rubber. This isn’t uncommon for ultralight footwear, although it might be a dealbreaker for folk who need longer-lasting sneakers.

Breathability

Nothing kills an extended hike quicker than scorching, sweaty toes. Fortunately, that’s not a difficulty with the Torrent 4. Its mesh provides among the greatest breathability of any shoe on our record, and earns high marks because of this.

Ian retains the Torrent 4 in his rotation particularly for warm summer time days. They preserve the air flowing when he’s mountaineering in Colorado or navigating slots and open deserts in Utah. 

This shoe can also be extremely quick drying. When paired with skinny socks, they dry a lot of the means inside 45 minutes on a heat day.

Responsiveness

If you need a shoe with a energetic trip, we extremely advocate the Torrent 4. Because of their up to date midsole, these really feel quick and springy. The rockered profile provides a propulsive toe-off and easy heel strike. Ian ran a half marathon in these sneakers, and so they have been a superb alternative for quick miles. They provide a pleasant mix of floor really feel and safety to maintain momentum.

You’ll commerce responsiveness for cushion, although – these have a stiffer trip than others on our record. Should you’re searching for a extra plush trip, take a look at foam-forward fashions just like the HOKA Speedgoat 6 or the North Face Vectiv Enduris 4.

Nonetheless, the steadiness between cushion and spryness is why we love this shoe. Its easy transition throughout path, highway, and packed dust makes it a straightforward favourite for large runs, small runs, and every little thing in between to maintain a springy, energetic step.

Ought to You Purchase the HOKA Torrent 4?

The HOKA Torrent 4 is a superb match for path runners, hikers, and mixed-trail adventurers who need that elusive mix of low weight and low value. Combining breathable mesh and light-weight foam, these are enjoyable and agile sneakers for masking lengthy distances rapidly on scorching days. Anybody who desires a mix of floor really feel and cushioning will respect the responsive midsole, and particulars like double ankle eyelets, a heel loop, and good arch assist make them snug and conveninet. Plus, they’re extra reasonably priced than a lot of the competitors.

However the Torrent 4s underwhelm with regards to sturdiness, cushioning, and a roomy trip. Testing finds their lifespan isn’t dependable past 300 miles. The midsole is agency relatively than pillowy, which could not work for everybody. The match is slender, so these with wider toes could wish to look elsewhere.

Nonetheless, if you happen to’re searching for finances pleasant, light-weight path sneakers for summer time days, the Torrent 4s are an incredible alternative. From race-day efficiency to day by day grinds, the Torrent 4 are plenty of shoe for the cash – simply don’t count on them to final without end.

What Different Path Operating Footwear For Males Ought to You Take into account?

Take a look at our information to one of the best path trainers for males to learn how the HOKA Torrent 4 holds up towards the competitors. Take a look at these different top-performing path runners: 

HOKA Speedgoat 6 Evaluation: The HOKA Speedgoat 6 is analogous in weight, breathability, and traction to the Torrent 4. Nonetheless, it provides extra cushioning for a softer trip and barely higher sturdiness.

Brooks Catamount 4 Evaluation: The Brooks Catamount 4 shares specs with the Torrent 4 with regards to a comfortable match, good traction, and low weight. It stands out with superior sturdiness and responsiveness, although it’s costlier.

Saucony Peregrine 15 Evaluation: The Saucony Peregrine 15 hits the identical excessive mark for traction and sturdiness. It’s extra cozy, responsive, and breathable, though it prices a bit extra.