Torin 8 vs Clifton Pro 1

The Altra Torin 8 is a cushioned zero-drop daily training shoe built for runners who want a soft, roomy ride with their heel and forefoot sitting level at 0mm drop. This is Altra's classic everyday road runner, and the eighth version keeps the recipe honest: a natural foot-flat platform, a wide anatomical toe box and enough foam to soak up easy miles. At 278g it is not the lightest daily trainer around, and the zero-drop geometry asks more of your calves and achilles than a raised-heel shoe does, so it rewards runners who are already comfortable running flat. If you like the feel of the ground under a level foot but still want proper cushioning, this is one of the most complete zero-drop options on the market. Newer to Altra? The lighter Escalante 4 is a gentler place to start.

The Clifton Pro is Hoka taking its most famous daily training shoe upmarket. Where the standard Clifton is the safe, do-everything running shoe, the Pro swaps in a supercritical ProGlide+ midsole to chase more bounce and energy return from the same easy-day brief. With a tall 42mm heel, a moderate 8mm drop and a max-cushion feel underfoot, it is built for soaking up easy miles, long runs and recovery days rather than chasing pace. In our view it sits in the premium daily training shoe bracket, priced accordingly at £155. At 298g it is not light, so this is not a shoe you buy for speed. What you get instead is a plush, protective ride that stays comfortable deep into a long run. If you already love the Clifton 11 and want a bouncier, more energetic version of the same idea, this is the one to try.