I have the torrent 2s and I love them. Highly recommend. Ethan’s review is accurate, though I might say the shoes are a little more comfortable than he does - personal preference of course. For me, they are more cushioned than I expected from a shoe Hoka categorizes as responsive, and that’s not a negative comment. The upper is definitely durable (thicker) and the shoes do get swampy, but I live in South Florida so every freaking shoe gets swampy. Get a pair.
Had my first run in them last night. 13 miles of fast (for me) trail running. So much better than my Peregrine 10s. Upper comfort, nimbleness, and that rebound in the midsole on downhills is awesome. Great shoe from first impressions.
Got the first edition for 80 something not long ago, LOVE them! I use them for backpacking. Started with salomon speed cross 3, fit was too tight, moved to altra timps, was not a fan of the zero drop, but loved the wide foot box. The hoka torrent is the sweet spot for me.
I am 210 lb 49 years old and usually go for thick cushioned shoes like challenger, Stinson, or Bondi. Got a pair of torrent 1’s on sale, was a bit leery of the profly midsole that’s firmer under the forefoot since I have occasional forefoot pain issues. Torrent is now my go-to trail shoe for anything even slightly technical (Stinson for fireroad runs). Go figure. Glad to hear 2d version hasn’t changed much, will get a pair when these wear out
Months after first seeing this review, I decided to pick up these shoes. So, I came back and went through your affiliate link to make sure you get credit. Love your content and glad to support it!
This has been my go to for almost 2(?) years now. Haven’t had one issue with PF anymore. Such an incredible trail shoe that excels in all conditions. (Even ice to a degree….ice is ice tho so always gotta be careful) Ran my first 31.5 miler in these this fall, did great.
Love the shoe. Although it's very interesting that you use it as a speed/race shoe. It's definitely my long comfy run shoe. For races and more technical stuff the shoe lacks a bit of ground feel and feels a bit heavy (in comparison to something like the Salomon Sense Pro for example or Altra Superior). New version still looks very interesting though. Thanks for the review 👍
@@bikeinmotion It's not really about feeling small pebbles (which you still won't in those other shoes), but just having a more direct contact to the ground, so you can react quicker to missteps I think. But that might be different for everyone. The Torrent just feels a little bit vague and spongy and unreliable in some terrains to me.
I've been looking forward to this review since the Torrent 2 came out. The first version of Torrents are my favourite trail shoes. I bought another pair just before the Torrent 2 came out. Glad to hear not too much has changed.
Have been using the first version Torrent for long distance walks for years (50 milers max) and was happy with them. Just started using Torrent 2 and get lots af foot fatigue and even mild blistering after 42k. This shoe feels a lot thinner and i can feel every rock thru it. Will test some more but now even after 5k i'm glad i'm back home and can n'joy a cold beer without this painfull shoes on my feet. For now it's back to an old pair of Nike Wildhorse 5 as long as its not wet outside.
I love BBQ and strawberry shortcake! I also love knowing that you are still out there running and reviewing. These shoes sound bad ass. 😜 Have a fantastic week!
I've purchased a pair of these for my local mountain. It's steep and technical, my other shoes just don't feel safe coming down. I'm amazed just how hard they are under foot tho. Something I'll have to get used to. However this will obviously be a help with stability and safety, tho I highly doubt I'll be taking these on longer runs on firm trails. We will see tho. Had em on 30 mins now around the House and already starting to feel much better. The ergonomics are great. My walking gait feels solid
I went through 2 pairs of the originals and put around 900 miles in them, such a brilliant all rounder. It might be a "racer" with groundfeel compared to other Hokas, but it's actually quite well cushioned compared to lots of other brands. I don't think Inov8's most cushioned shoe would even come close to the cushion on this one, but overall this can cope with literally all conditions.
So I tried hoka, and after durability issues with the challenger 4 outsole, and similar issues with the torrent 1? i am not buying. Why? I had several issues with the first version. First and foremost is the inability of the shoe to drain. The welded overlay around it makes it a bathhub. Here in Thailand It is quite hot and humid so even the trails are dry you will be filling the shoe with you own sweat. All the welded overlays started to delaminate within a week of use. Another point was the super flimsy insole. This paperlike insert kept folding up so i had to replace it with a better one. And last point is the outsole durability. The rubber peels of the foam after 20k and the foam is so exposed that rocks can tear it apart. I had a look and had not seen any of these points addressed for the second version. The feel of the shoe is really nice though. Being a premium brand (at least the price) Hoka simply don't meet standards.
@@micahb8818 i use the Saucony peregrine 10 now. outsole and insole is definitely better. it feels a bit more comfortable to me. It might be just marginally better when soaked.
@@micahb8818 I only used the version 10 so far. I used them an technical rocky, sandy terrain (wet and dry). I believe they outperform the Torrent in terms of grip by far. The small rockplate in the front is also a benefit over the Torrent. I have now 380k in my torrents2 and appox 45k in my peregrine 10.
Just retired my Torrent 1s and was very happy with grip and light weight. I did have a big toe blow out in the upper early on which is unusual for me with Hoka. Hopefully the new upper will resolve that.
My only neg would be the cushion packs down before the shoe wears out in any other way.(even the grip is still good usually) But for the price point, I’ll deal with it. Usually have 2-3 pairs on rotation for different distances.
the nb hierro v5 ...the pro hoka adidas ...lovin' them and can't keep my hands off them(no sniggering at the back please) ...so well put together and forgiving on my ancient beat up pins ...might be a tad weighty/clunky for some ...schmick lookin' shoe as well ...vibram and thick fresh foam combo ...scrumtious ....
I had a pair of the original Torrent, great workhorse of a shoe that's light yet sturdy. Unfortunately the width did them in for me (I have wide feet however), I couldn't go further than 25km in them without blisters on my little toes. Ended up switching to Topo for more width / toebox spread, but if you fit the Torrent they're a great shoe.
Two comments: 1. The last time I ran was literally 25 years ago but these shoes look so cool that they might make me contemplate running again. Ok, I thought about it and that's a hard no :) 2. Love the intros to your vids and would like to know which program you used to make them. 3). Ok so there are three comments. Great content! Even if my exercise routine consists of me raising my arm to tell the time watching your vids is a blast! All the best!
Would you say the new Salomon Sense Pro 4 is direct competition to the Torrent 2? More or less the same drop, stack and weight but the Salomon has the protection of the Profeel film, something the Torrent lacks - don't get me wrong, the Torrent is my go to shoe, but the new Sense Pro 4 seems similarly appealing
I got these shoes. Noticed no issues with underfoot discomfort, in terms of midsole. I do, however, weight 165 and am 6’4”, so I’m not the heaviest underfoot
About to purchase but not sure on the sizing. On the hoka Cavu 2 im a uk 9.5 which fit just nicely but feel like I'd need to go up a half size with the torrent 2s. Can anyone give advice?
Just did 2, 10 mile runs in them, in fairly tech trail. Blown away...just as good as my Jackals and would say they are better. Hoka better not get rid of this shoe....cuz I would NEVER wear any other style from them. The grip works well in a variety of terrain and they are very well built shoes. For 120 bucks is a very reasonable price considering what you get.
How’s the mid foot lock down compared to V1? I could not get a good lock in the first version and would roll my ankle too much for my liking. I still put in around 350 miles in that pair but decided to go a different direction but miss the shoe.
How does this compare to the Skechers GoRun Speed TRL? These are the two pair of trail shoes I am most interested in for winter running. Are there are any other shoes in this category that I should look at. I don't wear Nike, Reebok or Adidas. I have a strong preference for Saucony but hated the Peregrin.
Currently running in Sense Ride 2s and looking for a new trail pair. Would you say this is good for those longer trail or should i look for more cushion. I almost got the Torrents they fit me better than the sense ride 2s. Appreciate any suggestions :)
Hi Ethan. For Version 1, I had to size down half a size. Would you say Version 2 are more true to size or similar? Thanks as always for your review and cheers from Canada.
WOW! Made the top 20. This is a shoe Ive been curious to try...debateing between Evo Speedgoat and Torrent. Good review Ethan....take care and stay safe....( Hi Kim !)
Anyone have insight on the extent to which these shoes have a rocker in the front? Or how firm the forefoot is? I prefer shoes that are firm and have a rocker, which I hear that Hoka is known for. These shoes look perfect... except that in the video they don't look like they have much of a rocker, so I'm curious what they feel like in that regard.
Just picked up a pair of the originals on sale from my local running store , i could not find a pair of my beloved Brooks Caldera's (the last 3 pairs ive owned) put over 5000 KM in the calderas , i usually run between 17-30 km on training runs and am planning on a self supported 100 K this early summer
I normally run sense Rides but alternate with Torrent 1. First 25 miles in Torrent 2 is same issues. Can't get fit right. affects my right shoe for some reason. Two loose in mid to me. Sense fits me better but Torrent has better cushion for me. Also I am 200lbs and run in 12.5s
I bought the torrent 1 in my usual shoe size of 10.5, and my toes didn't feel squished like Hokka's usually do on my feet, still a bit snug, but they fit good. If you're worried about width I recently found out hokka makes a "wide" version of their shoes. I've always wanted to try a Clifton, but they were always too narrow, I picked up a wide size shoe, and it fits great. Drop by a specialty running store and they should be able to get a pair that's properly sized for you.
didnt change much? HA. I have wide feet and the torrent 1 fit great. Just tried on the 2 and it is noticeably tighter around the metatarsal heads in the same size (13-and i can tell it would be too long in front and too loose in the heel if i went to a a 14.) Which is a real disappointment because the outsole looks improved and the midsole feels a bit cushier. Have to return and stock up on teh clearance 1's.
I have pair of Torrent and I would not buy them again as when I finish a simple 20 km run, I run in water (my sweat; the shoe doesn't evacuate water...). If the Torrent 2 is less breathable, not good...
you and me both brother ...they were well ahead of the curve in a ot of ways but just never figured out that marketing angle ...still have a couple of pairs in my rotation that i use sparingly and another couple on standby that just about might see me out ...
My "review" would be very similar. A better-looking shoe even, especially this colorway. I did hope that they would be a little softer. They felt a little more "jarring". I also felt like the foothold was BETTER...but not great.
Just got my first pair and almost done training for 100k. Haven't worn them yet. Used to Mafate 2 and looking for something more low profile. Initial impression is that this is tooooo cheap feeling, but will report after this weekend. Mafate 2 is a TANK and for the technical stuff, seems like it will be easier on the feet but caveat is the extra ounce of weight. We'll see. I'm too worried lol
The most undurable trail shoe I`ve had ... at less than 100km (at the first 14kmSKy race on aggressive technical terrain) the outsole is starting to separate from the midsole. I also saw a Hoka Challenger ATR 6 at about 130-150km and the sole looks chewed up and spit out.Hoka is too expensive to be of such quality.This is unacceptable and puts me off the brand.
@@TheGingerRunner It took me a solid 2 years to really master huarache style sandals? I think there are some considerable advantages to that style of running, but learning to master the lacing system is an art. And I don't think Luna's stock straps are very good.
The durability on these are pure junk unless you’re a 150 lb skinny boi. Speaking from direct experience where the outsole is disintegrating with minor technical trail running. Confidence in the downhill is super sketch and not awesome...oh well...
