Since moving out to California, I’ve gotten more into trail running, which is why I went with the Hoka Torrent 2. It isn’t because suddenly I love trails but because the trails are close by and I can run trails whenever I want. In New Jersey, I had to drive anywhere between 1-2 hours to get a long run on trails. Now I can drive 10 minutes or even run from my house.
With that, I needed a trail shoe. I’ve heard the Hoka Torrent 2 is a good option, so I decided to try that out. It’s a lot more firm than many trails shoes. Many people have suggested the best use of the Hoka Torrent 2 is for racing.
I appreciated the Hoka Torrent 2 is lighter weight, responsive, and has plenty of cushions.
Hoka One One Torrent 2 Quick Facts
Weight: 7.6 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 5mm drop
Hoka One One Torrent 2 Fit:
The Hoka Torrent 2 has a generous fit. There is plenty of space in the toebox, but it doesn’t feel like you are swimming either. While I didn’t run in the original Hoka Torrent, one of the major updates is the upper. The upper of the Hoka Torrent 2 is now much softer.
The upper of the Torrent 2 is designed with recycled fibers and post-consumer plastics. The engineered mesh with recycled polyester fibers might make this the coolest running shoe ever. Hoka is leading the way on shoes made from recycled materials, which makes me want to purchase more from them.
The Torrent 2 also has reinforced overlays to protect against trail debris. So the material is thicker as well. One thing to note, and it doesn’t sway my opinion, but the Hoka Torrent 2 does get slightly hotter than many running shoes. My feet were able to breathe, but it’s not the airiest running shoe out there.
The Torrent 2 also has a toe bumper and integrated 360-degree rand. What does that do? Both add to the stability and protection and keep dust and dirt out.
Hoka One One Torrent 2 Ride:
While running, trail shoes grip the ground more. If there is inclement weather or the trails are sloppy, you are less likely to slide or fall. Plus, if you’re climbing hills, it’s easier.
The Hoka Torrent 2 uses ProFly midsole. ProFly midsole is firmer and allows you to feel the ground more. According to Hoka, the ProFly Midsole construction delivers a cushioned landing and propulsive toe-off. That means the forefoot is firm while the heel is much softer. It allows a lot of protection, especially when running downhill. The Hoka Carbon X also used ProFly technology.
Compared to the orginal Torrent, the Torrent 2 has now has a marbled, sticky rubber outsole and updated multi-directional lugs to deliver grip on uneven terrain. So whatever direction you’re going, it will help grab the trails.
One thing the Hoka Torrent 2 lacks is a rock plate. So if you are climbing technical and rocky trails like the Appalachian or East Coast, you might look for something that has a rock plate. There is plenty of protection, and the lack of a rock plate hasn’t been an issue for me at all.
So far, I’ve used it on smooth and easy trails as well as grueling climbs and had no issues with it. My feet feel comfortable from start to finish.
Hoka One One Torrent 2 Conclusion:
I’ve run just over 50 miles in the Hoka Torrent 2, and I like them a lot. They have been great for each type of trail run I’ve done. They are firmer than what I’m used too but not in a bad way. I can’t get over; they are partially made from recycled fibers, which makes me feel good about wearing them. If I run another trail race, these will probably be my first choice. The Hoka Torrent 2 is light and firm but has plenty of cushioning and traction. While I don’t have a lot of experience in the trail shoe world (yet!), these are a good option.
Current Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Glycerin 18, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Asics Cumulus 21
Speed Work: Saucony Endorphin Speed, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro
Long Runs: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe Review, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Hoka Cavu 2
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 10, Hoka Torrent 2, New Balance Hierro v5
Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, Brooks Hyperion Tempo, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
If you’re interested in learning more about running shoes, I wrote an ebook and you can read here.
Questions for you:
Do you have a favorite trail shoe?
Are you running more mileage on roads or trails? Or track or treadmill?
I do have a favorite trail shoe…..Torrent. I’ve yet to get into the Torrent 2, but if they are better than the original then my response will change to the Torrent 2.
That’s awesome. I tried the orginal Torrent but never ran in them. The previous version was slightly too bulky for what I was looking for. Anyway, I think you’d like the Torrent 2 when the time is right!