Our verdict
- Our top pick in best low drop running shoes
Pros
- Pleasantly lightweight
- Versatile enough for tempo session, long runs, or easy days
- Responsive and energetic midsole
- Good impact protection
- Flexible and comfortable ride
- Very breathable
- Feels stable underfoot
- Solid midfoot lockdown
- No lace bite
- Great traction over various surfaces
- Suitable for wide feet
- Can go sockless
Cons
- Not ideal for heel strikers
- Outsole lacks durability
- Upper feels snug despite being wide
Audience verdict
- Top 20% most popular running shoes
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
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Audience score | 82 Good! | 86 Good! | 83 Good! | 85 Good! | |
Price | $150 | $140 | $170 | $165 | |
Pace | Daily runningSpeed training | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | |
Arch-support | Neutral | Stability | Stability | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 9 oz / 255g 9.8 oz / 278g | 9.6 oz / 273g 10.2 oz / 289g | 9.3 oz / 264g 9.8 oz / 279g | 10.4 oz / 295g 10.5 oz / 297g | |
Drop lab Drop brand | -0.8 mm 0.0 mm | 0.2 mm 0.0 mm | 0.1 mm 0.0 mm | -0.2 mm 0.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | |
Midsole softness | Soft | Balanced | Soft | Soft | |
Difference in midsole softness in cold | Big | Normal | Big | Small | |
Toebox durability | Decent | Decent | Decent | Good | |
Heel padding durability | Decent | Decent | Decent | Good | |
Outsole durability | Decent | Good | Good | Good | |
Breathability | Breathable | Moderate | Breathable | Warm | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Wide | Medium | Medium | Wide | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Wide | Wide | Wide | Wide | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Big | Small | Big | Small | |
Torsional rigidity | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | |
Heel counter stiffness | Moderate | Flexible | Flexible | Moderate | |
Heel lab Heel brand | 27.6 mm 30.0 mm | 26.0 mm 28.0 mm | 27.6 mm 30.0 mm | 34.8 mm 33.0 mm | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 28.4 mm 30.0 mm | 25.8 mm 28.0 mm | 27.5 mm 30.0 mm | 35.0 mm 33.0 mm | |
Widths available | NormalWide | Normal | NormalWide | Normal | |
Orthotic-friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Season | SummerAll seasons | All seasons | SummerAll seasons | All seasons | |
Removable-insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #231 Bottom 13% | #169 Bottom 36% | #222 Bottom 16% | #192 Bottom 27% | |
Popularity | #51 Top 20% | #194 Bottom 27% | #117 Top 44% | #89 Top 34% |
Who should buy
We recommend the Altra Torin 7 as a great choice for:
- More experienced runners looking for a zero drop daily trainer
- Runners with broader feet who prefer shoes with a more natural, foot-shaped silhouette
- Forefoot strikers whole want a good balance between ground feel and protective cushioning
Who should NOT buy
Individuals with pre-existing calf or Achilles tendon injuries should steer clear of the Torin 7 and other zero-drop shoes. For those runners, we recommend a shoe with a stable base and a higher drop like the similarly versatile Brooks Ghost 15.
Pronating runners in need of a mild-stability shoe that also sports a zero drop should consider the Altra Provision 7 instead.
Breathability
We pumped the Torin 7 full of smoke to get an idea of how well heat vents from the shoe. As we can see from the video, smoke immediately escapes the shoe evenly through the upper and the tongue. This stellar performance earns the Torin 7 a perfect 5 out of 5 for breathability, making it a great choice for hot summer runs or runners based in warmer climates.
Compare that to how the much less breathable Adidas Runfalcon fared in the same test.
Shining a light through a cross section of the Torin 7’s upper, we can clearly see how easily it peeks through the many pores in the upper mesh.
Our closeup shots of the upper mesh show us how the more fluffy and dense weaves give way to more minimal, less compactly braided sections that form the shoe’s wavy pattern and allow heat to escape quickly and easily.
Torin 7 | 5 |
Average | 3.8 |
Durability
Toebox durability
To simulate extreme wear and tear on the Torin 7’s toebox, we subjected the shoe to our dremel’s grinding element at 5K RPM with a force of 3.2N. The tool seems to have trouble biting into the upper mesh at first, but eventually starts shredding away. Once the four second test was over, we were pleasantly surprised to find relatively minor damage in its wake. With only a small hole and no major snags or rips going beyond the contact area, we give the Torin 7 a toebox durability score of 3 out of 5.
![Altra Torin 7 Toebox durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-toebox-durability-20483197-main.jpg)
For context, have a look at the aftermath of the same test on the ASICS GT 100 12's toebox which took much more damage.
Torin 7 | 3 |
Average | 2.5 |
Heel padding durability
Firing up our dremel to the same parameter as our previous test and set upon Torin 7’s heel counter for another four seconds. While it initially sent some shreds of material flying, by the end of the test we found that we had only torn through the lining and a couple millimetres of padding. This earns the Torin 7 a heel padding durability score of 3 out of 5. This means that going sockless shouldn’t result in too much friction wear on the Torin 7’s heel padding.
![Altra Torin 7 Heel padding durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-heel-padding-durability-20483199-main.jpg)
For an example of a not so durable heel counter, check out how the Altra VIA Olmypus held up against our dremel.
Torin 7 | 3 |
Average | 3.3 |
Outsole hardness
We used our durometer to measure the hardness of the Torin 7’s outsole and got a result of 74.5 HC which is softer than our current lab average. This level of hardness on the one hand means that the shoe is soft enough to really bite into surfaces and provide us with good traction while, on the other, sacrificing overall durability.
![Altra Torin 7 Outsole hardness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-outsole-hardness-20483200-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | 74.5 HC |
Average | 80.0 HC |
Outsole durability
We again turned to our trusty dremel to test the durability of the Torin 7’s outsole; firing it up to 10K RPM and applying it to the shoe with a force of 3.2N. While it doesn’t seem to have much effect at first, the shorn-off material soon begins piling up next to the tool’s relentless grinding element.
Once the twenty second test was over, we found that we had lopped off 1.14 mm of material from the outsole, making it less durable than our current lab average. Thus, while we still predict that the shoe should last 400 miles, we expect to see significant signs of wear at that point.
![Altra Torin 7 Outsole durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-outsole-durability-20483202-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | 1.1 mm |
Average | 1.0 mm |
Outsole thickness
Altra has a long tradition of producing shoes with a more foot-shaped silhouette as opposed to the less natural, narrow fit that squeezes the toes together that other brands tend to go with for the sake of aerodynamics. The Torin 7 is no exception with a toebox that measures 90.4 mm wide at the big toe. This is significantly wider than the average road shoe and means that our toes have plenty of room to splay out naturally during landings; thereby removing any risk of developing hotspots or blisters in that area, even at the tail end of longer runs when our feet have a tendency to swell up.
![Altra Torin 7 Outsole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-outsole-thickness-20483203-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | 3.1 mm |
Average | 3.2 mm |
Weight
Weighing in at 9 Oz (255g), the Torin 7 is only 0.04 Oz (1g) heavier than its previous iteration despite boasting a higher stack. This makes the Torin 7 lighter than the average road shoe means that it isn’t too burdensome for tempo sessions or long distance efforts.
![Altra Torin 7 Weight](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-weight-20483204-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | 8.99 oz (255g) |
Average | 9.35 oz (265g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
We measured the Torin 7’s heel stack to be 27.6 mm thick. While this is quite a bit shorter than our current lab average, it’s still enough to provide enough cushioning for well protected landings while providing us with a good amount of ground-feel during our runs.
![Altra Torin 7 Heel stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-heel-stack-20483205-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | 27.6 mm |
Average | 34.0 mm |
Forefoot stack
As a zero drop shoe we expected the Torin 7’s forefoot stack to match the heel, but curiously we measured it with our caliper to be 28.4 mm. This is thicker than the average shoe and 3.3 mm more foam underfoot than the shoe’s previous iteration.
![Altra Torin 7 Forefoot stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-forefoot-stack-20483206-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | 28.4 mm |
Average | 25.4 mm |
Drop
As mentioned in the previous section, while officially advertised as a zero drop shoe, the difference in our stack measurements leaves the Torin 7 with a negative heel drop of -0.8 mm. This difference is very small however, so only very attuned runners will notice as the Torin 7 does feel like a zero drop shoe for all intents and purposes.
Zero drop shoes do feel more natural as they mimic the motion of our bare feet, however they can lead to calf or Achilles tendon injuries for those unused to them while many of the purported benefits are purely anecdotal. We don’t recommend that beginner runners or heel strikers used to running in high drop shoes jump straight into the deep end with a zero drop shoe, but rather transition down gradually from shoes with lower heel drops. This helpful guide goes through the pros and cons of different drop heights.
Torin 7 | -0.8 mm |
Average | 8.6 mm |
Insole thickness
At 4.7 mm thick according to our caliper, the Torin 7’s Ortholite sockliner is right around the average range for road shoes. What’s more, below the insole is a lasting board made of TPE foam which acts as a soft transition between the midsole and the insole. Both these features serve to complement the shoe’s midsole cushioning and further contribute to the shoe’s soft and protective cushioning.
![Altra Torin 7 Insole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-insole-thickness-20483208-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | 4.7 mm |
Average | 4.5 mm |
Midsole softness
We pressed our durometer against the Torin 7’s midsole to measure how soft it is and got a reading of 16.8 HA. This is significantly softer than our current lab average and means that the shoe’s cushioning is plush and comfortable underfoot. While many proponents of zero drop shoes enjoy a more barefoot running sensation, we found the Torin 7’s midsole to be a good balance between cushioning and ground feel during our test runs.
In spite of the softness of its midsole, we found the Torin 7’s EGO Max foam to have a lively bounce that is comparable to other supercritical foams like Saucony’s PWRRUN. This meant that whether we pushed the pace during tempo sessions or buckled down for long distance efforts, the Torin 7 had our back with a ride that is protective as well as responsive.
Torin 7 | 16.8 HA |
Average | 20.9 HA |
Difference in midsole softness in cold
To see how the shoe’s midsole reacts to cold conditions, we let the Torin 7 chill in the freezer for twenty minutes. We then re-applied our durometer to the shoe’s foam and got a reading of 24.9 HA. This is softer than the average shoe under similar conditions and means that the Torin 7 won’t freeze into ice blocks and should still provide a balanced level of cushioning even during the most frigid winter runs.
With the shoe’s midsole becoming 48.5% firmer in the cold, the Torin 7 is less consistent than the average shoe depending on the surrounding temperature. While this means that the shoe will certainly feel different between warm and cold days, it’s important to note that the shoe’s post-freezer durometer reading is on par with the average shoe’s level of softness at room temperature!
![Altra Torin 7 Midsole softness in cold](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-midsole-softness-in-cold-20483212-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | 48.5% |
Average | 25.4% |
Stability
Lateral stability test
When shifting our weight from side to side in the Torin 7, we found the shoe to feel quite well planted on the ground despite its relatively high (forefoot) stack and plush midsole foam.
Torsional rigidity
The Torin 7 put up a mild level of resistance as we bent and twisted it in our hands, leading us to give it a score of 3 out of 5 on our subjective scale for torsional rigidity. This level of rigidity effectively offsets any tippiness associated with plush midsoles while still having enough give to allow the foot to bend and contrast naturally within the shoe.
Torin 7 | 3 |
Average | 3.3 |
Heel counter stiffness
The Torin 7’s heel counter is also moderately stiff based on squeezing and pushing at it with our hands, thus also earning a score of 3 out of 5 on our subjective scale. This level of stiffness in the heel collar means that we were able to achieve a good rearfoot lockdown that is both comfortable while also mitigating much side to side movement of our foot; further contributing to the shoe’s stable underfoot sensation.
Torin 7 | 3 |
Average | 2.8 |
Midsole width in the forefoot
Like previous iterations of the shoe, the Torin 7 sports a broader than average midsole at the forefoot measuring 116.0 mm wide. This ensures stable and well-cushioned landings and toe-offs for forefoot striking runners. It does come at the expense of smooth cornering as the wide base up front makes the shoe feel a little blocky at high speeds.
![Altra Torin 7 Midsole width in the forefoot](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-midsole-width-in-the-forefoot-20483216-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | 116.0 mm |
Average | 114.0 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
Measuring 103.3 mm at its widest point, the Torin 7’s updated toebox is 4.8 mm wider than the previous model and more accommodating than the average road shoe; making it a more suitable fit for runners with broad feet. Runners with narrow feet, on the other hand, will likely find the combination of the shoe’s wide base and roomy toebox a little too spacious. We suggest sizing down as we found the shoe to run a little long for its size, or, failing that, checking out the Brooks Ghost 15 with its more snug toebox instead.
Torin 7 | 81.6 mm |
Average | 90.7 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
We secured the Torin 7 to our workbench and measured how much force is required to torque the shoe to 90 degrees. With a result of 20.4N, the Torin 7 is much more flexible than the average road shoe. This contributes to the shoe’s comfy ride as the Torin 7 easily bends with the movement of our feet during our stride without forcing it into unnatural positions and shapes.
Torin 7 | 20.4N |
Average | 28.7N |
Difference in stiffness in cold
We repeated the stiffness test after leaving the Torin in the freezer for twenty minutes and got a result of 29.3N of force needed to bend the shoe 90 degrees. This is much more flexible than the average shoe is under similar conditions, and means that the
Stiffening up by 43.7% means that the Torin 7 is more consistent than the average shoe, with its flexibility not being as affected by cold weather as the shoe’s midsole. This means that the Torin 7 should deliver a comfortable and flexible ride all year round.
Torin 7 | 43.7% |
Average | 34.4% |
Grip / Traction
Despite its lacklustre result in our durability test, the Torin 7’s outsole is one of the unexpected highlights of the shoe. From the way it’s patterned, contributing to the shoe’s overall flexibility, to its grippy nature that bit into and gave us great traction over various surfaces during our test runs. If it was made of more hardy material, we would even say that it’s fit for mild trails.
Size and fit
Toebox width at the widest part
Measuring 103.3 mm at its widest point, the Torin 7’s updated toebox is 4.8 mm wider than the previous model and more accommodating than the average road shoe; making it a more suitable fit for runners with broad feet. Runners with narrow feet, on the other hand, will likely find the combination of the shoe’s wide base and roomy toebox a little too spacious. We suggest sizing down as we found the shoe to run a little long for its size, or, failing that, checking out the Brooks Ghost 15 with its more snug toebox instead.
![Altra Torin 7 Toebox width at the widest part](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-toebox-width-at-the-widest-part-20483220-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | 103.3 mm |
Average | 98.4 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
Altra has a long tradition of producing shoes with a more foot-shaped silhouette as opposed to the less natural, narrow fit that squeezes the toes together that other brands tend to go with for the sake of aerodynamics. The Torin 7 is no exception with a toebox that measures 90.4 mm wide at the big toe. This is significantly wider than the average road shoe and means that our toes have plenty of room to splay out naturally during landings; thereby removing any risk of developing hotspots or blisters in that area, even at the tail end of longer runs when our feet have a tendency to swell up.
![Altra Torin 7 Toebox width at the big toe](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-toebox-width-at-the-big-toe-20483221-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | 90.4 mm |
Average | 78.3 mm |
Toebox feel
While roomy, the Torin 7’s toebox feels a little snug. Not on the sides however, but rather the top of the unstructured mesh upper feels a tad low. This can be mitigated by swapping out the insole for one that’s a little less thick.
![Altra Torin 7 Toebox feel](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-toebox-feel-20483222-main.jpg)
Tongue: gusset type
The Torin 7’s tongue is non-gusseted but features a lace loop that helps to prevent it from slipping from side to side.
![Altra Torin 7 Tongue: gusset type](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-tongue-gusset-type-20483223-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | None |
Comfort
Tongue padding
The Torin 7’s tongue is a little more padded than the average road shoe, measuring 6.3 mm thick according to our caliper. This helped us achieve a good midfoot lockdown while providing good comfort around the instep and avoiding lace bite.
![Altra Torin 7 Tongue padding](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39962/altra-torin-7-tongue-padding-20483224-main.jpg)
Torin 7 | 6.3 mm |
Average | 5.7 mm |
Removable insole
The Torin 7’s midsole is removable, making it compatible with custom orthotics where necessary.
Torin 7 | Yes |
Misc
Reflective elements
The Torin 7 features reflective elements at the rear and rear/lateral side of the shoe. While this means that we are technically visible at night, we recommend sticking to well lit routes when going for nocturnal runs in this shoe.
Torin 7 | Yes |