Published: Sep 15, 2021

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SCORE: 9/10

Weight: 9.0 oz Size 9 (M) and 7.3 oz size 8.5 (W)

Heel Drop: 0

Shoe Type: Max cushioning

Running Surface: Road and light trail

           Pros

• • • Lightweight
    • Zero heel drop and good arch support
    • Excellent aeration
    • Responsive
    • Beautiful design (sport-like)

           Cons

• • • It may be pretty wide for a narrow-footed runner

Take Away

The Altra Torin shoe model has been around for quite a long time, and it is known for providing good cushioning, stability, and performance. The Torin 5 has an updated upper, more cushioning and good arch support, and excellent energy return.

Altra Torin 5 Instant Impression

I have run in the Altra Torin 4.5, and it is a shoe I like though it was nothing close to the Torin 4, which I had back in 2019. The 4.5 was very plush and had more weight than the Torin 4 and a more stacked midsole. I couldn't compare it to the Torin 4 or series.

With the Altra 5.1, running experience is more exciting because Altra tends to advance better to provide runners with excellent running experience. I am not sure if it is an update of the Torin 4.5, but it cannot be Torin 4 because the plush aspect does not feature in the Torin 4 but is very available in the Torin 4.5.

The Torin 4 served me well, and it wasn't tricky going for an Altra when it was time to get a new running shoe and replace the high mileage Nike React Infinity Run FlyKnit. It had to be something with good cushioning, springy, and rides smooth, just like Nike React Run Flyknit but of a different model.

So I went for Altra Torin 5. I love the grey-lime-colored knit mesh, which complements the yellow Altra logo. However, my attention was first drawn to the soft, thin and highly perforated mesh and the stacked up midsole that is nicely constructed. Torin 5 looks simple with some sparks of a premium look.

You know the right shoe when it fits comfortably, like the designer designed it specifically for your foot. That is what I felt when I slid my feet into Altra Torin 5. The fitting was secure, with spaces in the right place. The lock-in was excellent with a sock-like feel.

Coming from a rocker midsole to a zero drop running shoe may be troubling sometimes. As for me, I didn't have to strain because of my experience with Torin 4 and Torin 4.5. My first ride was smooth and springy. I effortlessly did a 5k on the first day.

Altra Torin 5 Upper Component

The upper of Torin 5 is quite different from the other Torin models since Altra tweaked the upper a little bit. Apart from the same engineered knit mesh, Altra redesigned the heel counter to give it more structure. Around the ankle and the heel is made of a soft rubber material with ribbed creases molded onto the rubber. This provides a design and layout.

 The upper is constructed with an engineered mesh and has perforations all around to enhance the aeration. As a result, the upper has some thickness, yet it is remarkably breathable because Altra drilled ventilation throughout the toes box and midfoot.  

The toe box is roomy to allow the toes to splay out when landing. It is typical of Altra to design a roomy toe box, which works well for runners with broad feet like me.

I see nothing much going on in the upper, especially with the traditional round lacing system plus the tongue is not gusseted. Also, Altra went with the saying, "little is enough," so it gave the tongue just a piece of padding and was smart enough to add tiny air bubbles on the tip of the tongue. I don't know what role the bubbles play, whether it is for design or cushioning purposes. I can't tell, but they are not restrictive.

I do not have a problem with the thinly padded tongue because it means no stuffiness during hot days. I find it comfortable, more so the way it sits on top of the foot without slipping sideways or downwards.

The thinness of the tongue is well complemented with thick padding around the heel collar. The padding does not extend into the heel counter but is limited around the ankle and hugs the footwell to reinforce a snug fit while preventing debris from entering. Though they hug, the feeling of a thick collar around the ankle melts away as you run.

My size 9 fits true to size with an all-around comfortable upper and profound arch support. The FootShape toe box is also flexible and secure. There is no sloppiness in the forefoot and midfoot because Altra ingeniously dialed the fitting. It has a sock-like fitting. I did not experience any hot spots.

I think Altra Torin 5 has an okay appearance. It is sound and straightforward, and you may find it extra lovely depending on your choice of color. You will also notice that it has a sporty look.

Altra Torin 5 Sole Component

The upper sits on a squishy and responsive 28mm thick Ego Max midsole with zero heel drop and no rocker shape. The sensation is equal to a rocker feel when running.

A highly cushioned shoe helps alleviate the pain when running, and Altra Torin 5 is the shoe for my knee problem. It has an excellent balance between cushioning and responsiveness. The sufficient energy return ensures that I do not put a lot of effort during takeoff. I

I am used to the zero drop because I have run in the Torin 4.5. Anyway, all Altra running shoes have zero drop. Apart from the usual zero drop, Altra tuned up the midsole, making the Torin 5 a max cushioned Altra shoe. It is undoubtedly the most max cushioned Altra I have ever run in.

If you are not used to zero drop shoes, it may take you a while to get used to the Altra Torin 5, and once you do, you will love the engaging feel on light trails and the roads.

Even though I haven't tried it on a treadmill, Altra Torin feels like an all-purpose shoe. The outsole holds up well, and I am sure it can handle vigorous gym sessions, and speed runs on a treadmill.

I have done about 200 miles and Torin 5 rides pretty softly. The squishy midsole has a lot of responsiveness. I also think Torin 5 has a deceiving look. It is designed like a daily trainer. Besides, it is easy to clock a 5k or even a marathon when on the road. I feel like the energy return equals the force injected.

I know the carbon plated marathon shoes like the Hoka Carbon X2 or the endorphin Pro 2 have the upper hand against Torin 5 because they have a profound forward push missing in Altra Torin 5. However, Torin 5 offers a unique ride I can't find in many running shoes.

Name any zero drop shoe without a rocker but ride like a rockered shoe and handle various races on-road and light trail. I can quickly think of the Altra Torin 5.

Altra Torin 5Final Opinion

Altra has always been consistent in producing reliable, neutral running shoes. It is a shoe many runners count on during training or competition. The Escalante, just like the Torin, is among the top Altra running shoe models that always give runners the experience they want. For this reason, Altra sticks to a working formula, and one of them is a zero-drop midsole that performs like a rocker shoe.

The Torin 5 has a close resemblance to Torin 4.5 Plush. Some may consider it an update to Torin 4, which is very unlikely, and some may see it as an upgrade of Torin 4.5 Plush. Altra toned down the plush upper, went for a thin engineered knit mesh to enhance breathability, and souped-up the midsole by stacking up the EgoMax Foam.

The toning down of the upper, especially around the midfoot and toe box, and beefing up padding around the heel collar make the Torin 5 feel very protective yet less obstructive when running on road or light trail. Altra also made the right balance between cushioning and responsiveness by dropping the QuanticTM foam in Torin 4.5 and using the pumped-up, responsive, and durable EgoMax foam while keeping it lightweight.

Torin 5 offers a natural gait cycle with an excellent ground contact feel and impact absorption even with a zero drop. Arch support is also another essential feature you will find in the Torin 5.  

Get the Altra Torin 5 for any type of running on the road and trail. You can also subject it to rigorous gym exercises and treadmill runs. I love it for its "focused fit" and performance. If you have never run in an Altra shoe, try the Torin 5. It also works well for beginners. It comes in standard and wide sizes.

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By Spencer Parker

At 38, Spencer can be regarded as a veteran in running. Though he has never participated in athletic competitions, he does not shy away from racking up long miles. Spencer is also a shoe lover. He knows which shoe gets the job done and which one doesn’t.