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Torin 9
Zero-drop daily trainer with a Vibram outsole and more stability than the Torin 8.
Today's tracked prices
- 01GreavesLIVE£135.00
- 02Direct RunningLIVE£137.05
Prices and sizes can change, so always check the latest availability at the retailer. Some links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Price history
Our verdict
Altra made the Torin lower and cheaper for version 9. It stands 25.8mm at the heel and 25.5mm at the forefoot, down from 30mm flat on the Torin 8, it weighs 264g against 278g, and the RRP has come down from £150 to £135. The result is a flatter, more planted zero-drop daily training shoe than the soft Torin that many Altra fans are used to. Reviewers agree the Vibram outsole grips very well on wet roads and that the shoe is steadier than before. How it feels underfoot splits them. Canadian Running found it soft and bouncy, while Run To The Finish called it much firmer than the Torin 8 and short on life, and lab testing measured very little energy return. We rate it a good road running shoe for easy miles if you're already used to zero drop. Try it on before you buy, though, because the toe box doesn't suit every Altra foot this time.
Key features
- Vibram outsoleGives you strong grip on wet pavement, and early wear testing suggests it will last well
- Level, near zero-drop platformKeeps your heel and forefoot at the same height, so your calves and Achilles do more of the work than in a conventional trainer
- Lower stack than the Torin 8Puts you closer to the road, which reviewers found makes it feel more planted and stable
- Softer core, firmer rim midsoleStops the foam collapsing under you, though you give up some of the old Torin's plushness
- More flexible forefootLets your foot bend naturally through toe-off instead of being levered forward
Who it suits
Who should buy it
- Runners already adapted to zero drop who want a stable shoe for easy daily miles
- Midfoot and forefoot strikers who like to feel the road under them
- Anyone running on wet UK pavements who wants dependable grip
- Torin 8 owners who found that shoe too soft or wobbly
Who should not buy it
- You're new to zero drop, because your calves and Achilles need time to adapt
- You want a soft, bouncy shoe for long runs or marathon training
- You have a wide or deep forefoot and can't try it on first, as reviewers split on toe room
- You land heavily on your heels and want plenty of foam there
- You need a stability shoe to control overpronation
Best uses
Extra information
Fit & sizing
Most sources had it true to size. One lab review measured it about half a size short and suggests going up, so if you're between sizes, take the larger one. Width is the harder call. Lab measurements put the forefoot among the wider ones around, but two reviewers disagree. One found it narrow and low in volume, with a pronounced outer sidewall, and had real pain at the little-toe joint. Another called the toe box narrow, much like the Torin 8's. That isn't what most people buy an Altra for, so if toe room is the reason you've worn Torins before, check it in person. Toe height is modest either way, and high-volume feet may feel pressure over the top. The heel is better news. Reviewers found the hold secure, there's an extra eyelet if you want a lock lace, and one said the laces finally stay tied on long runs.
Performance breakdown
Ride & feel
Reviewers don't agree on this. One found it soft and lively. Most found it firm, planted and rather flat, and lab testing put its energy return well below average. One tester said the first few runs felt harsh and that it eased as the outsole broke in. The platform is level and low with a fairly flexible forefoot, so it suits a midfoot or forefoot landing and steady easy running more than pace changes. If you land hard on your heels, there's less between you and the road than in most daily trainers.
Cushioning
There's less foam than before and you'll notice it. Reviewers describe a softer core inside a firmer rim, which stops the shoe bottoming out but takes away some plushness. One lab review rated the cushioning low for the category and marked it down for half and full marathon distances. Another reviewer was happy taking it long and thought it protective enough for heavier runners. If softness was the reason you ran in the Torin 8, expect a different shoe.
Stability
This is where the Torin 9 has improved most. Lab testing scored it highly for stability, crediting the firm, low platform and broad forefoot, and two reviews found it steadier than the Torin 8. It's still a neutral shoe with a flexible heel counter, so it keeps you centred without trying to correct your stride. Runners who need proper overpronation support should look at a stability shoe, but on tired legs at the end of a run this one stays put.
Upper & comfort
The upper is softer and tidier than last time, with a lower heel collar and a padded tongue. Breathability divides opinion: one reviewer liked the thinner, airier upper, while another found it warm and kept it for cool mornings. The tongue isn't gusseted, and one tester had it slide to the outside of the foot, a problem they'd also had with earlier Torins.
Reviews
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FAQ
Specifications
| Category | Daily |
| Surface | Road |
| Drop | 0.3mm |
| Heel Stack | 25.8mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 25.5mm |
| Weight | 264g |
| Carbon Plated | No |
| Stability | No |