Hoka Torrent 4 Review

The Torrent 4 from Hoka continues the series' legacy of lightweight support and a low stack, now featuring softer foam and a revised lug design. Designed for long distances, this iteration enhances agility and nimbleness, making it ideal for moderate terrain. Its balance of comfort and support makes it a solid choice for less technical, less vertical trails, offering an alternative to the more technical, more expensive Hoka Speedgoat. With its versatility across a range of distances, the Torrent 4 is particularly well-suited for runs under 50 miles.

Performance Comparison

Foot Protection

As with the previous version of the Torrent 4, the platform of this shoe is stiff and rigid compared to most other shoes. That said, Hoka has softened it up ever so slightly with this version of the Torrent. Doing so does not reduce foot protection or stability but provides a slightly more lively model to run in. As such, the stack has increased slightly to 31 mm under the heel. After thorough testing, our lead tester feels that the Torrent 4 is a less-rugged Hoka Speedgoat, which is actually better than the Speedgoat for long runs on easy to moderate terrain.

There are no added foot protection inserts, but the ample foam and outsole do a good job of providing all-day comfort. The model comes out of the box feeling fairly stiff, but after a short break-in period, it became extremely comfortable. The mesh upper does a good job of preventing trail debris from entering, allowing for good use in sandy and rocky conditions.

Traction

GearLab-measured 4.3 mm deep lugs offer great traction in a wide variety of conditions and terrain types. We measured the outsoles with a hardness value of 76, meaning they're designed to be durable. Directional lugs aid in descending performance, and their surface area creates a good ground feel on even surfaces like roads or gravel.

The lugs are largely uniform, which means the overall traction feels consistent. The spacing is tighter which aids in the more rigid platform feeling. Due to this tighter spacing, the model didn't shed mud quite as well during our tests.

The Torrent 4 provides solid versatility to the user, but it's at home most on moderate terrain in dryer conditions. If you plan on spending a lot of time in wet conditions, you may want to opt for an outsole that is softer, and provides better grip when wet.

Sensitivity

The Torrent 4 has a lower-than-average stack height, which we measured at 31 mm in the heel and 26 mm in the forefoot. This makes the model feel fairly lively and agile even though there is a good amount of stiffness through its midsole. Throughout our testing period, the midsole softened up quite a bit. Foot placements feel precise and confident but footstrikes lean towards supportive more than sensitive.

This supportive sensation aids when fatigue sets in and makes running more uniform surfaces pleasant. While the model has a lower stack, its relative stiffness feels a bit restrictive in the most technical terrain. The lateral movement makes your ankles less sensitive in more off-camber scenarios. You may opt for a slightly softer model if you plan on being in this type of terrain. But for fairly easy, rolling, smoother terrain, longer runs, and sub 50Ks, we solidly recommend the Torrent 4.

Stability

The Torrent 4 has an overall feel of agility with stiffness, and there isn't an obvious plushness to the foam — though it softens after a break-in period. The model is laterally stiff, which benefits the user and keeps runs feeling consistent. This also aids ankle, knee, and hip support, especially when fatigue sets in. We like supportive models when the distance gets long, as your form will naturally degrade as the effort wears on.

This lateral stiffness makes uniform terrain feel best, and we'd recommend it most for buffed trails and moderate terrain. This could also be a great option if your long run traverses many terrain types like roads and gravel paths. Off-camber or technical terrain will feel less freeing as this lateral stiffness locks in more rigidity through the heel, allowing your lower leg structure to accommodate less of the terrain angle. For beginners in the trail running realm, this is a great option — and it's still a great option for any experience level.

Comfort and Fit

Hoka shoes tend to fit our testing team's feet very well, and the Torrent 4 was no exception. The lace lockdown was comfortable, and we had no issues with the mesh upper creating hotspots or blisters. With a 5 mm drop (measured by our lab team, using World Athletic standards), the Torrent has good ascending and descending comfort while making flat runs feel natural. The shoe has a narrower “performance fit” compared to many others, though, and no wide option available.

The comfortable upper and supportive cushioning make this a great option for long runs, but the foam may be a bit harsh for anything longer than 50k. Its security makes it a great option for running fast or descending quickly. If you're looking for a sensation of plushness or substantial give within the midsole, you may want to opt for a different model. The Torrent 4 is one of our favorite shoes for running quickly and pumping out long runs on buffed single tracks around town.

Weight

Measured at 9.40 ounces per shoe in US size men's 10.5, the Torrent 4 has been overhauled from the previous version. The upper is improved and more comfortable, there is a better midsole, and the traction has been increased — all while cutting 0.2 ounces off of each shoe. These upgrades in such a reasonably-weighted package create an easy recommendation from our team. The model feels great through strides, and its stability provides a good launch platform for running fast.

The model does feel more “built” than the previous generation, and the Torrent 4 has more of the signature “Hoka look” with a larger midsole and silhouette. We'd recommend the Torrent most for those who want a surefooted feel and don't mind having noticeable lateral stiffness that locks down the heel with every footstrike.

Should You Buy the Hoka Torrent 4?

The Torrent 4 is an excellent and affordable option for distances on dry, moderately technical trails. The shoe is quite versatile, and we recommend it most for sub-50 mile runs. Its surefootedness means it can offer confidence on a wide variety of trails — though we prefer less lateral rigidity on technical terrain. For this price, the Torrent is a great shoe that will work for a lot of trail runners.

What Other Men's Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?

For heavy vert days, we'd recommend the Nnormal Tomir 2.0 with one of our favorite midsoles. If you know Hokas work well for your feet, check out the Hoka Speedgoat 6, which is more comfortable over technical terrain than the Torrent 4 — especially when ascending and descending.