HOKA Torrent 4 Path Runner Overview


Backside Line

On the subject of a terrific worth, the HOKA Torrent 4 is a no brainer. Its low price ticket earns a Price range Purchase award on our finest path trainers for males information, nevertheless it additionally shines as a light-weight, comfortable, and quick trip. Editor Ian Krammer loves the Torrent 4 for lengthy miles on sizzling 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 cut price, the Torrents checks all of the packing containers – they’re as straightforward in your pockets as they’re in your toes. The 4s provide nice arch assist and out-of-the field consolation. The design feels nimble, mild, and breathable, excellent for decent 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 most important draw back of this mannequin is its lack of sturdiness. We love the refreshed outsole and lug sample, nevertheless it 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 lowered quantity of froth in comparison with different fashions.

In the event 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 a terrific bang to your buck.

Fast Specs

HOKA Torrent 4

Greatest Price range Path Runners


CleverHiker Ranking:

4.4/5.0


Worth:

$130


Weight (Pair):

1 lb. 1.4 oz.


Heel-to-Toe Drop:

5 mm


Cushioning:

Reasonable


Greatest For:

Path

Execs

  • Inexpensive
  • Ultralight
  • Breathable higher
  • Good traction on dry terrain
  • Supportive arch
  • Responsive & springy
  • Sturdy midsole
  • Newly added heel loop & additional eyelet

Cons

  • Sturdiness is questionable
  • Firmer midsole
  • Slender toe field
  • Rocker geomtery is not for everybody

The CleverHiker Budget Buy Badge Logo with a running shoe picture in the middle

Image from the waist down of a person running uphill in leggings and trail running shoes on a rocky trail.
The Torrent 4s really feel quick and lightweight on lengthy, rugged path miles. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Consolation

Proper out of the field, the Torrent 4 had been comfy. We skilled nearly no break-in interval, and we had been pounding out lengthy miles in filth inside days. Our tester discovered there was loads of arch assist and simply sufficient cushioning all through. The gusseted tongue creates a clean, 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 had been upgraded with double eyelets on the ankle for a extra customizable match. 

Essentially 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. You probably have huge 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 will possibly take some getting used to and may really feel awkward for runners preferring a extra pure, foot-shaped shoe.

Close up image of the bottom of a pair of trail running shoes, showing the lug pattern.
The lug sample excels from flats to average technicality. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Traction

Ian pushed the bounds 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 filth to hurry runs on sizzling asphalt, the Torrent 4 offers wonderful 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 stated, its rubber mix falls brief on moist, muddy terrain. The lug sample is okay on drier floor, however we fell a number of instances on slippery rocks, and so they felt precarious on moist log bridges.

Top-down image of a pair of trail running shoes.
The Torrent 4 are light-weight path runners. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Weight

The Torrent 4 is likely one of the lighter footwear on our checklist. 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 embody filth, rocks, and asphalt. The 4’s provide a breezy, barely-there really feel that’s unbelievable for coaching runs, race days, and ultralight climbing.

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

Close up image of the heels and heel loops on a pair of trail running shoes.
heel loops make it straightforward to tug these footwear on. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Sturdiness

Some parts 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 recognize that parts just like the laces, stitching, and heel cuff proceed to carry out with no noticeable harm.

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

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

Close up from the knees down of a person in leggings and trail running sheos crossing a stream.
Breathable mesh Uppers Take water on shortly, however they dry very quickly additionally. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Breathability

Nothing kills an extended hike quicker than sizzling, sweaty toes. Fortunately, that’s not a difficulty with the Torrent 4. Its mesh affords a few of the finest breathability of any shoe on our checklist, and earns high marks because of this.

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

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

A person running uphill in leggings and trail running shoes on a rocky trail.
This shoe’s spry really feel performs properly on rugged trails and average angles. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Responsiveness

If you would like a shoe with a full of life 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 clean heel strike. Ian ran a half marathon in these footwear, and so they had 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 checklist. In the event you’re in search of a extra plush trip, take a look at foam-forward fashions just like the HOKA Speedgoat 6 or the North Face Vectiv Enduris 4.

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

A man sits on a rock in a wooded landscape tying his shoes and looking off in the distance.
The HOKA Torrent 4 affords out-of-the-box consolation in a basic design. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

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 worth. Combining breathable mesh and light-weight foam, these are enjoyable and agile footwear for overlaying lengthy distances shortly on sizzling days. Anybody who desires a mix of floor really feel and cushioning will recognize the responsive midsole, and particulars like double ankle eyelets, a heel loop, and good arch assist make them comfy and conveninet. Plus, they’re extra reasonably priced than many 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 quite than pillowy, which could not work for everybody. The match is slim, so these with wider toes could wish to look elsewhere.

Nonetheless, for those who’re in search of finances pleasant, light-weight path footwear for summer time days, the Torrent 4s are a terrific alternative. From race-day efficiency to every day grinds, the Torrent 4 are loads of shoe for the cash – simply don’t anticipate them to final without end.

Close up of some shoes posed on a rocky surface.
The HOKA Torrent 4 are constructed for quick and lightweight motion on and off path. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

What Different Path Working Footwear For Males Ought to You Think about?

Try our information to the very best path trainers for males to learn the way the HOKA Torrent 4 holds up in opposition to the competitors. Try these different top-performing path runners: 

HOKA Speedgoat 6 Overview: The HOKA Speedgoat 6 is comparable in weight, breathability, and traction to the Torrent 4. Nevertheless, it affords extra cushioning for a softer trip and barely higher sturdiness.

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

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

Related Stories

Discover

Youngsters Fly Free to Guam on Night time Flights

Guam Guests Bureau Launches “Youngsters Fly Free” Night time...

The proper vegan trip in Langkawi

Langkawi is the Malaysian vacation island that continues to name us again. We’ve...

25 Greatest Bars & Lounges at Disney World in...

This record of the perfect bars & lounges at Walt Disney World ranks...

Travelling with your loved ones to the Maldives? Listed...

Understanding which resorts are greatest fitted to households isn’t at all times a...

How Hanam in Korea is Operating its Metropolis with...

Beginning with Empathy and resulting in Belief is what Mayor Lee Hyeon-jae desires...

Crystal Cruises’ Baltic, Stockholm to Copenhagen: Days 1 to...

As we board in Stockholm, the 740 passenger Serenity, from Crystal Cruises, undoubtedly...

Popular Categories

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here