Another update Hoka One One fans were highly anticipating. I might not run as many trails as i used to do, but i do cherish my Torrent model that i had on rotation. I was intrigued when the news broke out that an update is about to happen. If you want to ping point one of the central updates, it has to be the upper. Hoka came up with a completely new engineered mesh upper, that is made out of recycled polyester fiber, that fits was better than the initial one.
So what makes the Torrent so special in general? It is a pretty supportive, well-cushioned, and lightweight shoe made to run fast on unpaved footways. While the Hoka’s Speedgoat is probably the most known and liked trail shoe in the assortment, the Torrent is the slimmer and less bulky brother.
The weight difference between the first Torrent model and the 2nd version is not really there on paper. But what is really obvious is that the new version feels lighter. Several weeks of running in the shoe, i have no idea what it is. I weighted both models and they are nearly identical in weight with 268 grams in US 13.
If you ask me, there is no faster trail shoe in the Hoka One One assortment than the Torrent 2. I used it for several SwimRun sessions, off-road training sessions and a full trail marathon through a varied terrain in the north of Sweden. Im completely sold on the 2nd version of this shoe.
A low-profile cushion construction makes sure that the foot is close to the ground. A pretty essential feature for technical trails. Despite the proper cushion is the material firmer to provide a more efficient kick from the ground thanks to the Profile midsole.
The upper feels thick but comfortable and even though the material is a bit thicker, it is pretty breathable and created no issues for me. Plus it does not scratch off opens up during rougher runs. After a few weeks of rough use, the upper are still fine.
A close up of the new upper and the toe box that is slightly tighter then the previous model.
The new overlays wrap nicely across the forefoot and toe boxes for proper support and protection during challenging trail runs. They not only look good, they work amazingly fine.
Detail – The forefoot section of the Torrent 2.
To praise proper cushioning in a Hoka shoe is an understatement. The Torrent has plenty of cushioning in the midsole area and provides an amazing energy return. But it is by far the trail shoe with the least cushioning in the Hoka range. This makes it the absolute go-to trail racing shoe for me.
A core element in a trail shoe is the outsole. The lugs of the Torrent are not overly deep but well placed. Mud and deep trails are not a massive problem but wet stones are not the best friend of the Torrent. Overall i liked the comfort and the reliability that the sole provides.
An updated sole design make the Torrent 2 more comfortable than its predecessor. With a Lug depth of 4mm and a better placing of the lugs, Hoka did a great job. The marbled sticky rubber outsoles with its multidirectional lugs provide a grip that can face a lot of challenges.
Besides all the technical features, the Torrent is a pretty good looking shoe i must say.
The new Torrent in its natural habitat. Mud and dirt is what this shoe likes and where it feels home. A proper update the Torrent line that i cherished now during the last few weeks. A shoe that moves fast and gives a great feel for the trail combined with cushioning that saves the legs. A delicate combination on technical trails well executed.
Tune of the day: Logic – Soul Food II X Kelly Lee Owens – Inner Song