Who should buy the Altra Torin 6
The Torin 6 from Altra is a killer choice for runners looking for:
- a max-cushioned running shoe that will mute out the ground feel
- a daily trainer that will keep you stable and your foot locked in position
- a zero-drop platform for a more natural foot position
Who should NOT buy it
For hot summer days, you might want to go for its earlier version—the Altra Torin 5. Not only is it more breathable, but it's also going to be more pocket-friendly.
If you want extra room for your wide feet, the Altra Provision 7 is a much more spacious shoe than the Torin.
Altra Torin 6 vs. 5
"Super happy with this updated version," as one expert reviewer says, summarizing what most runners think about the update. And this is because:
- The tongue is much softer.
- The heel cup has been made more form-fitting to prevent heel slips.
- It has a new set of laces that are longer.
- It's more durable because of its revamped upper.
Fairly breathable
Despite some concerns about the tighter weave mesh of the Torin 6, it performs well in the breathability department.
See how easily the light passes through the mesh material all over the forefoot.
The Torin 6 is a tried-and-true mile eater
"Wow, would I pay for another at full price and above," exclaims a runner. A lot of reviewers are delighted with the shoe's generous cushioning. You don't have to worry about the harshness underfoot. There's literally none of that. Overall, the shoe gives "a bit more substance for longer runs," adds another critic.
Based on our stack measurements, the Torin 6 is not among the most max-cushioned daily trainers. This Altra has 25.1 mm of foam in the heel and the same amount in the forefoot. For comparison, the average for running shoes is 32.5 mm in the heel and 24.3 mm in the forefoot.
The Torin 6 stays true to Altra's claim of a zero-drop platform. Measuring the foam thickness, we made sure that it is equal in the heel and the forefoot.
Disclaimer: We always measure stack height with the insole included. In the Altra Torin 6, the footbed is 4.1 mm thick. Only 0.4 mm less than the average.
It comes to life on the run
With its plush and cushy ride, the Altra Torin 6 is a surefire slow-day miler. But don't worry, it doesn't have a bland ride. Its responsiveness adds a little bit of flavor. It makes you "have a little bit coming out of your stride," commends one video reviewer.
The rest of the critics who commented on the shoe's performance for long miles also find their test runs very enjoyable because of this.
Having applied a durometer measurement to the shoe's midsole foam, we can confirm that the Torin 6's cushioning is softer than average. To be specific, it is 13% plusher.
Disclaimer: We repeat the durometer measurement 5 times before claiming the final result. That is to minimize any potential errors.
Keeps you supported
"These shoes will support me if I decide to push my limits," mentions one long-distance runner. The midsole is not a sink-in kind of soft; it still has a touch of firmness to keep the foot supported, especially for the long haul.
Another important factor in the overall experience of stability is the shoe's wide footprint. A wider base helps to prevent the foot from rolling over that easily.
The Altra Torin 6 is 112.2 mm in the forefoot which is 0.4 mm wider than average. However, in the heel, it is noticeably narrower by 8.6 mm (80.2 mm)
The Altra Torin 6 is comfortable all day, every day
The midsole's softness makes the Torin 6 "extremely comfortable," states one tester. And because of this, another critic even adds: "I think I found my perfect shoe." Meanwhile, another one says that because of the shoe's comfort, they "didn't think twice about the shoes."
Nice and flexible ride
This Altra shoe bends effortlessly where your foot needs it. There have been no complaints from runners regarding the shoe being stiff.
The Torin 6 has average flexibility compared to other running shoes. It is actually 4% bendier than the average.
Our manual test also confirms that the shoe is on the flexible side. On a scale from 1 to 5 where 1 is the most flexible, we gave the Torin 2 on longitudinal flexibility and 3 on the torsional one.
Snug and secure fit
And the Altra Torin 6 does it "without overdoing it," commends one running shoe reviewer. It's snug, but it doesn't choke the foot. It just holds it in place, especially when running sharp corners.
However, this becomes a problem for runners with large feet. Although it's an Altra, it has a standard fit. Meaning, they are not as wide as they usually are.
One wide-footed runner even complains that "[their] pinky toes now rub the outside and are getting sore." Another one adds, "My foot in the toe box was bulging over the side."
The Torin 6 is by no means a narrow shoe. We measured its toebox at 98.5 mm which is even a little wider than average (98.1 mm). Those who were disappointed in the shoe must have expected the same toebox width as most other Altra shoes have, which ranges from 100 to 105 mm.
Lockdown that won't let you down
"Seriously very good." This is a statement from a runner who highly lauds the heel's slip-free lockdown. The heel cup is much more contoured, holding the foot better.
The heel counter on this Altra shoe is not very stiff. We assessed it as 2 out of 5 on our scale where 5 is the stiffest.
Torin 6 nails it with upper comfort!
Because of the new, softer tongue, the shoe's upper is extra comfortable. One of the common complaints from the past among runners was the "very sharp tongue" as one of them would describe it. But with the recent changes, a road runner confirms that the tongue won't bug you.
Indeed, the tongue on the Torin 6 is rather well-padded. We measured it at 5.4 mm, while the average for running shoes is 5.8 mm.
Altra Torin 6 is a looker too
And this is especially true for the white/gray version of the Altra Torin 6. A runner loves it so much; he says it looks "sick and is [his] summer go-to." Another even adds that it's "better-looking in person than in the pictures."
Complete lab-specs overview
| Altra Torin 6 | Average | |
| Whole shoe |
||
| Weight (g) | 239 | 269 |
| Drop (mm) | 0.0 | 8.3 |
| Overall Internal Length | 257 (men's US 8) | - |
| Flexibility of the shoe (N) | 29.7 | 30.9 |
| Flexibility of the shoe (Freezer 20 min) (N) | 60.6 | 44.1 |
| Flexibility of the shoe (% of change) | 104.5 | 46.0 |
| Longitudinal flexibility (1-5 scale, 5 being the stiffest) | 2 | 3.1 |
| Torsional flexibility (1-5 scale, 5 being the stiffest) | 3 | 3.2 |
| Upper |
||
| Breathability - smoke test (1-5 scale, 5 being the most breathable) | 5 | 3.6 |
| Thickness - Tongue (mm) | 5.4 | 5.8 |
| Width Upper - Forefoot (mm) | 98.5 | 98.1 |
| Width Upper - Heel (mm) | 66.5 | 75.0 |
| Flexibility of the heel counter (1-5 scale, 5 being the stiffest) | 2 | 2.7 |
| Tongue: gusset type | none | - |
| Heel: pull tab | none | - |
| Midsole |
||
| Width Midsole - Forefoot (mm) | 112.2 | 111.8 |
| Width Midsole - Heel (mm) | 80.2 | 88.8 |
| Stack - Forefoot with insole (mm) | 25.1 | 24.3 |
| Stack - Heel with insole (mm) | 25.1 | 32.5 |
| Durometer Midsole Heel (Room temperature) (HA) | 23.6 | 27.2 |
| Durometer Midsole - Heel (Freezer 20 minutes) | 29.0 | 34.5 |
| Durometer Midsole - Heel (% of change) (TEST) | 22.8 | 26.1 |
| Outsole |
||
| Outsole thickness (Heel) (mm) | 2.9 | 3.5 |
| Durometer Outsole Heel (Room temperature) (HC) | 79.4 | 80.8 |
| Insole | ||
| Insole Heel Thickness (mm) | 4.1 | 4.5 |
| Insole: removable | yes | - |
