Altra Torin Plush 4.5 Shoe Review

I recently reviewed the Altra Torin 4.0 Plush but actually didn’t realize the update was coming out so soon. That’s my fault, I guess, for not putting more research into it!

Altra Torin Plush 4.5 Quick Facts:

Weight: 7.5 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 0 mm

What is new with the Altra Torin Plush 4.5?

Engineered knit upper
An entire ounce lighter

I’ve always wondered why Altra would update shoes with .5 or full numbers. What does that even mean? The half numbers are used for updates to the upper only, where the midsole and outsole of the stays the same.

Also new is the Altra Torin Plush 4.5 is the only Altra Torin 4.5. The “Regular” Altra Torin 4.5 doesn’t exist and Altra choose to keep the Altra Torin 4.0 around for 2 years. I think this is extremely confusing because, in the last few years, there have been the Altra Torin and the Altra Torin Plush. Now there is just the Altra Torin Plush 4.5 and Altra Torin 4.0.

Altra Torin Plush 4.5 Fit:

As mentioned, the only part updated to the Altra Torin Plush 4.5 is the upper. The new knit upper is now softer, more breathable and has more give.

The tongue is a lot less plush and, while not paper-thin, you don’t feel as though it’s taking up half of the shoe.

Altra has removed a few seams, including the overlay around the toebox. Many people found the footshape toe box of the previous model of the Altra Torin Plush to crease and that’s been removed. With the newfound give, the Altra Torin Plush 4.5 also more spacious than the previous models. Altra is known for its “foot-shaped toe boxes.” Altra has specifically designed shoes to meet the shape of someone’s foot.

While Altra’s shoes have more space, there are plenty of wider brands. Say it with me now, Altra is not the “widest brand out there,” and in fact, they aren’t wide at all.

That being said, the shape of the Altra Torin Plush 4.5 is great. I typically wear a women’s size 10-11 wide and I’ve found the size 10.5 to fit well. My bones and tendons have plenty of space to spread out.

Altra Torin Plush 4.5 Ride:

If you like the ride of the Altra Torin Plus 4, you’ll like the Altra Torin Plush 4.5. Why? It’s the same. As mentioned, the .5 update means only the upper has been updated and the midsole and outsole stay the same.

If you’ve never used the Altra Torin Plush here is what you can expect:

Both the Altra Torin Plush 4 and the Altra Torin Plush 4.5 use the Quantic midsole and their FootPod outsole. According to Altra, the Quantic midsole pairs with an all-new Perf-X insole to give the premium combinations of softness and spring.

What does that mean, exactly?

Altra did a complete overhaul to the sole unit of the Altra Torin 4 Plush and it’s now made up of “Quantic Cushioning.” It’s less soft and more responsive. Is it bad? No. Will it feel different than previous models? Yes. The Footpod outsole allows the shoe to bend naturally.

Together, the FootPod Technology and Altra Quantic Midsole Cushioning provide a fast but smooth ride in the Altra Torin Plush 4.5.

The difference between the Altra Torin Plush 4.5 and the Altra Escalante is the 26mm stack height. This means there is more cushion underneath your foot in the Altra Torin Plush 4.5. You’ll still feel the ground, but your feet will be more protected.

The Altra Torin Plush 4.5 is better for someone who needs or wants more cushion in their running (like me). In terms of cushioning, you have the Altra Escalante with less cushioning, followed by the Altra Torin Plush 4.5.

Throughout the years, Altra has done a great job with the outsole of the Altra Torin. There is plenty of traction for rainy and inclement weather.

Finally, if you’ve never run in a 0 mm drop and have no idea what that is, it takes time to get used too. The Altra Torin Plush 4.5, or any 0 mm drop shoe, isn’t the type of shoe you can purchase and then all of a sudden run 10 miles in. Go for shorter runs first.

Altra Torin 4.5 Plush Conclusion:

The updates to the Altra Torin 4.5 Plush are minor but positive. If you liked the Altra Torin 4.0 Plush, then you should be delighted with the Altra Torin 4.5 Plush. If you are looking to get started in Altra, the Altra Torin 4.5 Plush is an excellent shoe because there is plenty of cushion but you still get the 0 mm heel to toe drop.