The Torrent 4 is half the price of most Hoka shoes, so what’s the catch?

With a major overhaul, Hoka’s Torrent 4 trail running shoe is promising a lot of bang for its reasonably priced buck.

The selling point is the Torrent 4 is now softer than ever, without compromising on speed. The redesign has focused on cushioning with an upgraded midsole compound for a supposedly lighter, bouncier ride along with an increased stack height.

Underneath, the lugs have been reworked to give a “more aggressive bite” and the high-abrasion rubber now wraps up the outside of the shoe for added protection.

To add to the comfort the sockliner has additional padding whilst retaining its breathability. Despite being slightly heavier than the Torrent 3 the latest model claims to retain its nimbleness thanks to the midsole upgrades.

I’m a big fan of the springy Hoka Tecton X2 for shorter sessions but find the narrow-fit causes blisters in the long run. So, I was keen to find out how the Torrent 4 compared, particularly given its lower price point. While it’s not a carbon plated shoe it felt responsive straight out of the box, so I put it to the test on some middle-distance runs.

Upper

Sliding into the Torrent 4 creates a sense of familiarity. Most of the changes have been made to the midsole and the upper retains its effective single-layer mesh which is breathable and flexible. The heel collar is moderately cushioned locking the foot in place and the gusseted tongue is comfortable without being excessively padded (unlike Inov8 Trailfly’s stupidly fat tongue).

One key difference is the mesh is reinforced with rubber in several places, cleverly designed in a prehistoric-style pattern so it doesn’t appear intrusive.

With Hoka I always have to opt for a full size up, but this can be a bit of a lottery. For the Tecton X2 the fit feels small but the Rocket X2 is just right. By comparison the Torrent 4 felt a little on the large side meaning I had to keep adjusting the laces to prevent my feet from sliding. While the toe box felt wider than the X2 I was concerned that for ultras I might get blisters from my foot sliding forward.

Midsole

This is where the real meat of the shoe has been improved. The compressed EVA foam is softer and more dynamic than its predecessor. I immediately loved the feel of the shoe underfoot which felt lightweight and bouncy. For me, it managed to reach the Goldilocks of cushioning. Not too plush and not too responsive (AKA hard). It was just right.

Although the stack height has been slightly raised it remains relatively low, giving a stable grounded feel, making it easier to navigate technical terrain. The midfoot rocker is more subtle than The Northface Summit Vectiv Pro II which for me was a bonus. The geometry of the Torrent 4 early stage metarocker was far more comfortable when slogging through wet fields. And for a non-carbon shoe the Torrent 4 felt pretty rapid thanks to its great energy return.

Outsole

With slightly larger 5mm lugs I was expecting a decent amount of grip on loose and slippery surfaces. But in all honesty, I actually felt less stable than in the Scarpa Spin Planet (4.5mm lugs) or Inov8 Trailfly (4mm). Whilst they handled wet, muddy conditions fairly confidently, the rearranged lug shape and orientation on the Torrent 4 struggled to maintain traction on gravel, wet pavements and scree. A Vibram outsole might have been a better option.

The durability was also disappointing with the lateral, inside outsole worn away within a couple of runs on soft terrain.

Features

The heel of the outsole now features a forked tail which is designed to improve traction and make the shoe lighter. And while it looks kind of cool, in reality it is nothing but a mud magnet. Removing this superfluous design feature would be no great loss.

Sustainability

Whilst Hoka is blazing ahead as an ethical company that treats its workers fairly, two thirds of its footwear materials are still made from synthetic materials. While it is using more recycled polyesters it is unclear how it is addressing the larger problem of over consumption and footwear end of life. Its parent company Deckers provides a detailed breakdown of its environmental impact, but it is unclear how this translates specifically to Hoka products. The Torrent 4 features a mesh upper made with 35 per cent recycled polyester which is far lower than some competitors.

How we tested

As the days have become wetter the Torrent 4 were put to the test on runs through boggy fields and muddy tracks. This included speedy canicross runs with my uber powerful dog Zippy where balance and traction were particularly important. After a summer of ultras, I have more recently switched to interval sessions in the lead up to a trail half marathon. These shoes have accompanied me on speedwork along an old railway line (which often floods) and on hill reps across farmland.

Verdict

Overall, this is great light trail shoe that provides reliable pep and comfort for both speed sessions and long easy runs. Depending on the fit, this could be a good option for ultra runners looking for an affordable option. The upgrades have significantly improved the shoe particularly when it comes to cushioning. While the traction is not brilliant it is effective enough for light to medium trails and less technical terrain.

About the author

Lily Canter is a freelance journalist and running coach (among a myriad of other jobs, including competitive ultra running) who contributes to LFTO with expert coaching advice and granularly detailed gear reviews. She also founded women’s running club Great Bowden Runners. As a qualified England Athletics running coach, Lily loves nothing more than seeing women achieving their running goals.

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