Running Shoes Buying Guide

Be ready for rain, snow, puddles or mud with these Altra road-running shoes. GORE-TEX Invisible Fit uppers offer dependable weather protection. The Vibram® outsoles provide good grip on the road.
Imported.
View the Altra Torin Product LineView all Altra Men's Road-Running Shoes| Best Use | Running |
|---|---|
| Running Shoe Support | Neutral |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 0 |
| Heel Stack Height (mm) | 28 |
| Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 28 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Upper | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit and stretch |
| Midsole | P35X™ |
| Outsole | Vibram® XS DURA |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lbs. 5.02 oz. |
| Gender | Men's |
| Type of Waterproofing | GORE-TEX |
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[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] It’s been super hot here in Kansas, but I’ve liked these shoes so much that I’ve continued wearing them even in the heat. The fit is comfortable and secure right out of the box, and the new midsole feels awesome underfoot, providing a smooth, cushioned, and responsive ride on every outing. The few runs I’ve gotten in wet conditions felt great. The GORE-TEX kept water completely out, while the Vibram outsole provided excellent traction on slick pavement. I’d recommend them to anyone looking for a dependable, comfortable all-weather shoe that holds up across messy conditions without feeling clunky. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Great shoe overall just not exactly my type. The shoe is super durable and waterproof feels very secure on foot and is quite roomy. What set me back is the 0 drop wasnt my cup of tea but other shoes from altra like the experience flow would definitely be a better fit if youre looking for a higher drop the flow being at 4mm. The cushion level on the torins is very nice and was the perfect level of plush so if you like a roomy shoe thats waterproof and 0 drop this might be the shoe for you.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Torin 9 GTX is a great option for someone who wants a show that offers everyday comfort but can hit the road and the trail. ALTRA shoes are always a great option and worn by so many outdoorsy people I spend time with. Not just the folks who run 2-3 times a week but find an excuse everyday to be outside and moving. This shoe offers the ability to run trails, sand, wet grass, gym sessions, or everyday wear. It’s comfortable and durable in an age where running shoes no longer hold up. For those that have never worn a wide toe box it might be worth trying your regular size on in person. The design makes the shoe feel almost half size or even full size bigger since you have more room in the toes. Account for the toe area when purchasing. I am happy with the Torin 9 GTX and they will be getting lots of use this winter. Snowy and rainy trails will be putting these things to the test!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I recently tested the Altra Torin 9 GTX and found them to be a versatile, reliable shoe for both everyday wear and running. This was my first pair of Altras, and the wide toe box immediately stood out with my feet having noticeably more room than in other running shoes I’ve tried. Overall the sizing was slightly big for my normal size 11 (I’d probably get a 10. 5 in future Altra models I order), but even being slightly big I still felt super secure and the fit was very comfortable. I used them for walking my dogs, wearing to work, and road running during marathon training, logging about 25 miles across two easy runs and one longer run. Comfort was solid from the very first wear and stayed consistent through all the activities I tested them out in. I only got one rainy outing during the testing period, but the Gore-Tex kept my feet dry and the traction on wet roads and sidewalks gave me real confidence for training in wet conditions. The upper and outsole feel durable enough to handle many more miles. I’d recommend these to anyone looking for a shoe that inspires confidence in wet conditions heading into the winter months, and overall a great option for both walking and running. During rainy day runs I think I’ll definitely turn to these shoes and it’s where I think this kind of shoe would be the most effective in a running rotation. I appreciate Altra and ExpertVoice sending me these shoes in exchange for my honest review!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is the Altra Torin 9 GTX, Altra’s medium cushioned daily trainer with a zero drop platform, wide toe box, P35X dual density midsole, and road specific Vibram outsole. The biggest update is the Gore Tex waterproof upper, which makes this a great option for fall and winter. The fit is true to size and the toe box feels noticeably wider than previous Torins I have tried. It gives your feet plenty of room while still providing a good lockdown through the heel and midfoot. I poured a cup of water directly over the shoe to test the waterproofing, and not a drop made it through. My sock stayed completely dry. The only downside is that the Gore Tex upper can get a little warm, but that is a tradeoff for the amount of protection it provides. The new road specific Vibram outsole is another one of my favorite parts of the shoe. It has full rubber coverage and provides some of the best grip I have experienced on the road. I really hope Altra uses this outsole on more shoes in the future. The P35X midsole is where this shoe really stands out. It is firmer in the heel, while the forefoot feels soft and cushioned without feeling dead. There is still a good amount of energy return, making the shoe feel smooth and comfortable throughout a run. I also think this would make a great workout or gym shoe. The zero drop platform and stable feel make it easy to use for more than just running. If you like zero drop shoes or are looking to try one, I think the Torin 9 is a great option. If you want that same ride with extra protection for wet and cold conditions, the Torin 9 GTX is definitely worth looking at.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] As a long time Torin wearer, this amazing Torin 9 GTX just adds to the greatness. Wet grass morning pre run warm-up's are dialed now with these. The Vibram sole is so sticky. I am just truly a fan. Like all Torins, you will find ample cushioning for long runs, a wide toe box for spreading out your toes, and zero drop for that natural mid foot strike. My experience included road runs, walks, lifting sessions, and everyday casual wear. I tested them across multiple scenarios, from structured workouts to casual daily use, and they handled everything seamlessly. True to size. All my Torins have fit true to size and the 9 GTX was no different. The fit is consistent and reliable across the line. Zero break-in necessary. I ran a 5K straight out of the box with zero issues. From that first outing through multiple runs and walks, comfort remained consistent with no adjustments needed. Cushioning is plush with a 28mm stack height that provides excellent underfoot feel. As someone who's worn zero drop for 5+ years, the platform felt natural immediately. No adjustment period required. We didn't get a rain storm to test in, but I can confirm they didn't feel clammy even in humid Georgia weather. The Gore-Tex upper breathes well despite the waterproofing. The Vibram sole is lit. No sliding or slipping anywhere, whether on pavement, grass, or other surfaces. Tested during a grass warm-up session with high knees and other dynamic movements, the traction was solid throughout. With less than 30 miles on them, I'm 100% confident they will hold up well, especially with Vibram soles backing them. The construction feels solid throughout. These are a win for sure and will be my go-to shoe especially as the temps drop and the weather degrades this fall. I'd recommend these to literally anyone who wants their feet in the most natural comfortable position ever and occasionally gets out even when it's not a blue sky day. 10/10. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. I’ve been wearing the Altra Torin 9 GTX for about 2–3 weeks. I’ve put roughly 12–15 miles of running on them, mostly on the road, but I’ve also worn them to work every day. I live in Mobile, Alabama, so having a waterproof shoe is especially useful with how often we get rain. The waterproofing is probably my favorite part of these shoes. I ran in light rain and also wore them to work during some heavier rain, and my feet stayed completely dry. The tradeoff is that they run warmer and aren’t as breathable as a typical non-GTX running shoe, but that’s pretty much what I expected going in. The Torin 9 GTX has a very flat feel, which makes sense with the zero-drop design. I had never worn a zero-drop shoe before, so there was definitely an adjustment period. After wearing them more consistently, they started feeling better. I found them to be very stable and supportive, although they don’t have as much cushioning as some of the other running shoes I’ve worn. The toe box is excellent and gives my toes plenty of room. I went with my normal size 11, and the overall fit was good. My biggest fit issue was some heel slipping, which I noticed while running. It wasn’t enough to make the shoes unusable, but it’s something I’d want to see improved. The grip has been great, especially on wet pavement, and I’ve felt very stable walking and running in them. After only a few weeks, I can’t really speak to long-term durability, but they have held up well so far. I wouldn’t say these are my favorite running shoes, but I think they’re a very good option for someone who needs a supportive, waterproof shoe. For me, they’ve been especially good as an everyday work shoe because I can wear them all day and not worry about rain. I would potentially buy them myself depending on what I was looking for in a shoe. I wear a size 11 and work in outdoor retail, where I regularly use and evaluate outdoor footwear. This has given me the opportunity to compare these shoes with a variety of other models. Overall, I’d recommend the Torin 9 GTX to anyone who needs a supportive waterproof shoe for running, walking, work, or everyday outdoor use.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Firstly this review is at 23 miles as I rotate my shoes frequently during training blocks. Usually not super critical when it comes to shoes and I didn't find too much wrong with the Torin 9 GTX. First, the things that can't really be helped: my foot may just be too narrow for this particular shoe. Despite being described as the standard footshape fit the feel significantly wider than my Voyager and just as wide as my previous Torin 7. It caused a little puckering at the bottom of the lacing chain. I didn't really get the lacing right until the fifth run or so, before that my right foot would start getting numb about 3-4 miles in. The tongue may have also played a little role as I couldn't quite get it to feel right while using the runners loop. The final 5km run I did in them they actually felt good, so this nit picking could be nothing as it may have just been break in time or me finally getting the lacing right. Despite them feeling too wide I did not noticeably slide in the shoe even when doing hills. Other than the lacing the fit was great, heels were locked in and didn't have any slippage like I noticed in the Torin 7. The only other issue I had was the warmth inside the shoe. It was pretty warm and really humid in Morgantown, WV these last couple weeks so even at night I noticed the warmth inside the shoe even with swift wick aspire socks. Finally, while I didn't get a run in during the rain I was able to run after the rain and I primarily ran on the rail trail and a neighborhood behind downtown Morgantown. The actual waterproof testing wasn't really accurate, as I said before it was so humid and warm that my feet sweat so much inside the shoe that my socks were very moist by the time I got done. However, the Vibram grip was phenomenal wet or dry pavement and uphill these things stuck like glue. There are two wooden bridges on Caperton Rail Trail and WVU campus that are super slippery when wet and while these were much better than my others trainers it impossible to not notice some slipping on the wood. The durability seems pretty decent there is significant creasing in the midsole where I push off the toe but not a sign of upper separation from the midsole which I also experienced in the Torin 7. The Vibram seems to be wearing nicely as well. Sadly, I did not get action photos for this review but will try too for an instagram post later today. Final test will be strides.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Altra Torin 9 GTX Review The Altra Torin 9 GTX has a lot going for it, particularly if you’re looking for a running shoe that can handle less-than-ideal weather and terrain. After spending time in them, I don’t necessarily see these as an everyday running shoe for every condition. Instead, I think they’re at their best when the weather gives you a reason to take advantage of what the GTX version offers. One of my favorite features is the Vibram outsole. It’s a fantastic addition to the shoe and provides a great combination of traction, comfort, durability, and confidence against slipping when conditions get wet. Pair that with Altra’s traditional wide toe box, and the Torin 9 GTX provides a comfortable platform that gives your toes plenty of room. The waterproof construction is another major positive. When running in the rain, dealing with muddy terrain, or heading out in colder and lightly snowy conditions, having that additional protection can be highly valuable. There is a tradeoff, though. The waterproof upper keeps noticeably more heat inside the shoe. On hot, dry days, I wouldn’t choose these over a more breathable running shoe. That same characteristic that can be a disadvantage in the heat could actually be beneficial when temperatures drop. Sizing was probably my biggest surprise. I normally wear a size 9, but these feel closer to what I would expect from a size 10. I’ll sometimes want a little additional room for trail running, but I wasn’t expecting my normal size to already feel like it had been sized up. I would definitely recommend paying close attention to sizing and, if possible, trying them on before purchasing. The other thing I wasn’t crazy about was the solid-black colorway. This is completely subjective, but something about this particular shoe in all black looks a little cartoonish to me. I can’t really pinpoint why—it simply wouldn’t be my first color choice. Overall, I’d recommend the Altra Torin 9 GTX for the right runner and the right conditions. The Vibram outsole, waterproof protection, comfortable wide toe box, and overall durability make a strong combination. Just be cautious with sizing, choose the colorway you like, and don’t necessarily expect these to become your go-to shoe for every run. For wet roads, muddy trails, rain, colder temperatures, or even light snow, however, these are exactly the types of conditions where I’d want the Torin 9 GTX in my rotation. Thanks to ExpertVoice and Altra for providing these shoes for free for my honest feedback.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] When I was given the opportunity to review the Altra Torin GTX 9 shoes, I was beyond excited. As context, for the past 16+ years, I have juggled two of my favorite athletic ventures - rock climbing and running. While in many ways the two sports can compliment each other, I personally struggled to find a pair of shoes that met all of my needs. While I could find a pair of shoes that was durable, it may have been lacking in comfort. Similarly, that pair of shoes that felt great in the store would quickly feel heavy or clunky when I attempted to run in them. But beyond all of those criteria, the one thing I struggled to find most in a pair of quality running shoes was something so seemingly basic… a wide toe box. It seems that all of those years of climbing and cranking my feet and toes into exceptionally small shoes has left me with bunions and painful arches. And the last thing that those feet want to do is to be crammed into a pair of narrow toes, overly cushioned trainers for a long road run. After receiving and logging close to 60 miles in the Altra Torin GTX 9’s, I can honestly say that I would have a hard time reverting back to the fit of a “modern” running shoe. When I first received and opened the box to these shoes I was immediately struck by the Altra Fit toe box. While it's certainly wide, it never struck me as excessively wide or sloppy feeling. The all and works well with just about any outfit you wear. I typically wear a size 10. 5 to 11 in USM, and these shoes felt just as I would have expected in a size 11. Diving deeper into the fit and feel, these shoes have a roomy toebox that never felt sloppy to me, thanks to the secure midfoot lacing pattern. With my foot, I was able to lace up either all of the sets of eyelets or I could leave the last set of eyelets open. Either way, the laces never felt too long or too short, which I thought was a really nice touch and felt like a uniquely intentional attention to detail. During my runs, I primarily used these shoes on roads, but also took them with me onto multiuse trails that consisted or asphalt, dirt, wooden paths, grassy paths, and gravel. No matter what I threw at these shoes and no matter the conditions I put them through (including mud and rain), they performed exceptionally well and kept me dry. Before these shoes, I would typically wear waterproof trail shoes during wet road runs, but the tread patterns never felt quite right. The tread pattern on the bottom of the Torin GTX 9’s felt like the perfect pattern for a road shoe that could also double as an all arounder. While this is in no way a criticism of the shoe itself, it's worth reinforcing that these shoes utilize a Zero Drop platform. For anyone unfamiliar or for those who haven't logged miles in these types of shoes before, I feel that it's extremely important to start slow. While that may be true whenever switching to a new pair of running shoes, it's particularly true when you are effectively eliminating the heel-toe drop and thereby changing the stresses and strains throughout the foot and beyond. I certainly noticed that Zero Drop platform during my first run in these shoes, but after several subsequent runs and walks, I became more comfortable and well-adjusted to the change. In the several weeks in which I've owned and tested these shoes, they have proven to do everything I could have asked of them and more. They are comfortable, roomy, and thoughtfully designed and built. They are both breathable and resistant to the elements at the same time. And while the Zero Drop platform has taken a bit of getting used to, I'm certain that my feet will be stronger and happier as a result. If you're in the market for a new pair of waterproof road running shoes and are looking for something that doesn't leave your toes feeling claustrophobic, I would more than happily recommend that you give these shoes a try. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.


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