Hoka Torrent 3 is a light, fast trail running shoe. But did Hoka make a misstep?
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- čas přidán 9. 06. 2024
- As a trail runner who loved the original Torrents I was excited to try version 3. Unfortunately, after months of testing, I was left feeling pretty disappointed. The changes that I’ve noticed have been subtle, but have made a big impact on how the shoe handled the terrain I run on. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad trail running shoe, it just means it hasn’t worked out for me.
If you prefer less cushioning in your shoes, or you don’t live in an area with a lot of rocks, these could be good shoes for you. But for me, the new PROFLY midsole felt unresponsive, I struggled with lock down, and the traction issues were something I couldn't ignore. I just can’t trust these shoes to do what I need them to do.
Well now I’m on the hunt for a new pair of trail runners, so if you have any suggestions let me know what they are.
ADDITIONAL INFO
To learn more about the Hoka Torrent 3 and their full lineup of products, check out their website:
www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail...
Wordpress: trail-sage.com/2023/03/23/hok...
Footage notes: Most shots were taken at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore PA, Hollow Woods in Gladwyne PA, and Monocacy Hill in Birdsboro PA. #Hoka #TrailRunning #RunningShoes #TrailRunningShoes #Torrent3 #Run #hokaoneone #RunningGear
If you have any feedback or questions leave them in the comments below. And if you liked the video and you want to see more content like this feel free to check out my other videos on Trail Sage. Thanks
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Table of Contents:
0:00 Intro
0:50 Product details
1:59 My likes
2:53 Dislikes
4:27 Traction Test
5:10 Pricing
5:30 Conclusion
6:28 Bloopers
Great video, Sage! I've always been interested in the Torrent but never owned a pair. Like you, grip is definitely important to me on the rockier trails I find myself on sometimes and enjoy scrambling over. Saucony Peregrine could be a good shout? I've heard they've made the most recent one a bit more forgiving in the midsole too. I've never owned a pair but I hear La Sportiva are great for technical trails, maybe the Jackal?
Looking forward to seeing what you eventually try out.
Thanks Mathew! A bunch of people have suggested Saucony and I definitely want to check those out. I just need to see if my local shop carries them because I want to try them on before buying them.
Man coming in hot with the innovative tests! Love the traction test, Sage! Interesting to hear your thoughts on the shoe for sure. Great review!
Thanks Steven. As you know, I'm not comfortable with the "take my word for it" or "trust me" approach, so coming up with tests like this helps me to validate my opinions. I appreciate the support and feedback brotha!
WOW !! Your simple, but effective and immediate traction test is worth your excellent review alone. I really appreciated !
That means the Torrent 3 will never get into my rotation ...
Glad you found it helpful Massimo. Had I known it would have terrible traction issues I would have skipped it too, lol.
So sad to hear these have gone south Sage! I wanted the Torrent v1 back in the day and was hoping V3 would be my first real trail shoe - not any more! Love the grip test! You rock! Keep pushing my friend!
Yeah, I was truly bummed too. On the plus side, I'm on the hunt for a new trail shoe so that's exciting, lol. Thanks for watching Paul.
Love the review, Sage! You always deliver great content and I appreciate your perspective and experienced breakdown of shoes and gear. Keep them coming!
Right on, thank you so much Nick! I appreciate the kind words and encouragement. Let's do this!
The traction test is brilliant! Great video bud
Thanks Dan. Now I just need to find a new pair of shoes... wamp wamp.
Awesome detailed review Sage- I’ve heard great things about Hoka running shoes- cool breathability test with the hair dryer! Look at you with the sandpaper test… ingenious!! You need good shoes for rocks and climbing for sure!!
Congrats on your new channel Sage!!💯💯
Hey Kirsten! Yeah, these shoes turned out to be a big disappointment for me but live and learn right?! Thanks for stopping by the new channel.
When I hear that intro song I know it's gonna be a good one! Great review Sage, great watching you run on all these logs and boulders like a wild man as well haha
I don't know how I haven't completely torn off my ankle at this point, lol. But I can't help it, I love to run on the same stuff I mountain bike on ;) Thanks for watching and commenting Zane!
Great review, you look like you would be so much fun to go running with!! Run fast when you can and just enjoy having fun on the trails!! Just subscribed!!
Right on Richard, thanks for the kind words. I like to train hard on the road so that I can enjoy my time on the trails. I appreciate the support.
The Torrent 2 was my favorite HOKA. Better foam, more durable upper material, and better colors. I bought 6 six pairs. I hope version 4 redesign is better
Yes!!! I hope Hoka corrects their mistakes and version 4 returns to what made this shoe so great in the past. Thank you for watching and commenting.
I also enjoyed my Torrent 3 for some years, still use them for time to time, but now I'm enjoying more my Speedgoat 5. Great review Sage! 👏 Keep up the great content! PS: always enjoying your bloopers, dear friend!
Thanks Mihai. I wanted to try the new Speedgoats but I do not like the heel tab design.
For some years? The shoe hasn’t been out for that long…. 🤔
@@rschreck876 yah, you're right, I was confused, I have Torrent 2
Great review
Thanks Max
Perfect share, the shoe looks super cool 💯
Thank you, I wish it worked out better for me.
Haha, great review Sage! I love the test you performed for slipping. Grip and comfort are so important, especially on the trails! I’m on the hunt to try another good shoe too. My Salmon Pulsar’s are ok but not ideal when there is only snow. They will do for spring but might be hot in the summer. The Altra Lone Peak 6 is one I'm eyeing but we will see...
Oh interesting. I will be curious to hear what you have to say about the Lone Peak if you get them. Thanks for watching Gill.
Great review. The Penn trails are very brutal so a very good test. I heard one podcast which says the hardest part of AT is Penn and Maine sections. It is amazing how some shoe companies fix stuff not broken. Sometimes they do the right things. I didn't like speedgoat 1-4 but version 5 is nice. Altra messed up the Timps which was my favorite for many years. Have a good weekend
Thanks Richard. It's called Rocksylvania for a reason right?! lol. And I totally agree. IDK why companies feel like they have to change a good thing all the time. Oh well, I'm off to find another trail shoe now.
That sandpaper test is ingenious. Nicely done, Sage. I love the Torrent 2. This review gives me some great info on the next iteration. Thanks 👍🏻🙂
Thanks Mark. I really wanted to illustrate the rubber compound issue and I think that did the trick. I appreciate you watching.
@@trailsagerunning the test really is a great idea! However i would suggest using a lot more weight, maybe the outdome would be different, as the friction greatly increases.
You could also use a non-sticking surface and tilt it until the shoe slips...
@@leonda4817 Thank you for the feedback Leon. I'm not sure how much more weight could fit inside the shoe, but I will look into it. Also I tried the tilt idea first but the shoes fell off the board before they began slipping so it did not work.
@@trailsagerunning Maybe with a block inside the shoe, and laying a stack of weight plates on top? It could be just stable enough for the experiment. A wet wooden board would be an interesting surface as well
Glad I came across this review, I was thinking about upgrading from my atr 6 to the torrent 3 for my next 50k race but I think I will go bigger with the tecton x 2 :)
Right on. Good luck with your 50k Ludovic. Thanks for watching and commenting.
The video is great. Beautiful video. The Trail is also good. Thank you sharing wonderful video. Have a nice day
Thank you for watching Mr 9
I got the innovate call Mel trail fly G2 70s they’re great they got the graph find drip and they are zero drop plenty cushioning feels good. The insole sac height is only 12 mm but then it’s got a 6 mm insole and it was a luxury everything comes in like 22 like the shoes breathable not ridiculous white but not ridiculously late so it to me I love it.
That's awesome Todd. I've never tried a zero drop shoe. Maybe I'll give these a shot when it time for new shoes. Thanks for the feedback.
Shame to hear you didn't get along with the new torrents Sage. You probably already know that I love the new speedgoats. Odd that hoka didn't put vibram on the outsoles of the torrent. Great outtakes too! Hilarious train! 😂👌
I totally agree Ben! I love Vibram and I have no idea why they didn't use it on this shoe. Thank you so much for watching and commenting brotha!
Wow you are so thorough with your shoes review. Thank you for being honest. What of the rocks are wet and slippy, how it gets over here? I've not come across any shoes any which wouldn't slip on wet rocks or wet wood. (P.S. oh the bloopers are funny. I didn't realise you would have them, the finish job looks so natural and smooth. The singing at the end is cool too!)
Thanks Olga. Unfortunately you are right, nothing will completely work on wet rocks or wood but I find Vibram soles to be the best. As for the bloopers, I try to include them at the end of every video. Glad you enjoyed it.
thanks & greets from berlin/germany🙋♂️
Thanks Michael
Nice & light! I've not run in the Torrents before but the stats sound ideal. Have you tried the runner's knot to help with lockdown? I might just have a shorts video on that particular subject for you 😉 Loving the bloopers Sage 😂
Unfortunately the traction is the bigger issue for me at this point Martin. I'm off to find another shoe. Thanks for watching brotha!
Woohoo!!! Im here im here!!!
Thx Simon
Shame the ride feels so harsh… loved the T1. Great review - shame about the dislikes (loved the grip - sandpaper experiment)
Hey James. Yeah, I was pretty bummed about the shoe as well. Thanks for watching brotha!
The saucony peregrine 12 and the craft adv Nordic speed 2 are nice trail shoes
Thank you Michael. Saucony is def on the short list for me.
Very interesting traction test. Clever! As for shoe recommendations, honestly, I LOVE my adidas TERREX Speed Ultra trail shoes. The grip is outstanding and the shoe features a snug fit with good ground feel. If you're looking for a lightweight and nimble shoe, the Speed Ultra could be good. Other have said that it may not be good for ultra long distances, but I've used them on a few technical 50k races with no issues at all. I'll be using a new pair for my 50k, 50 mile, and 100k trail races this year. Cheers!
Right on Chad, thanks for the tips. I think I saw Ultra Dad Dan talk about the Adidas too. I'll put them on the list.
I fully agree Chad and I believe I have watched your video of that shoe as well. It makes for a great road-to-trail shoe as well. If you want more lugs and have narrow feet, the Salomon SLAB Pulsar SG are insanely light and worth a try. The dark grey ones.
Bought the Torrent 3 after the Torrent 2 and the traction issue is super noticeable. I nearly slipped on my own driveway the other day after a bit of rain 🤯
I know right?!?! Hoka really dropped the ball on this one. I hope they correct it on future models.
Some great workouts are here. Big like for your content. You got my full support. Stay connected. 💙💜🔔
Thanks for watching Azi
Great review. Which is worse for you lockdown or lack of grip. I like my Saucony Peregrine for rocky trails here but they're also two versions ago so who knows if the newest version is as grippy.
Great question Dan. The grip is a much greater concern since my trails are so technical. I will look into the Peregrine, thank you for the suggestion!
I agree about the Peregrine. V13 has received a bit more cushion, but it's a great nimble racer. 👍
@@yalokim5264 Right on, thanks!
I have the Torrent 2 and like it a lot, but if you want more cushion, try out the Brooks Caldera 5.
Thanks for the feedback Tammy. I have heard good things about the Caldera
I've been using the Torrent 2 and I really like the shoe. I haven't had any problems with the grip or the cushion. Oh well, no shoe is perfect for everyone.
I did not have the 2 but I really enjoyed the 1. So bummed they changed the compound for version 3. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Have you decided on a new shoe? I've been looking at VJ Maxx & Scott Supertrac RC 2 (the Maxx is $125 now for BF). The Maxx looks a bit firm, dull and heavy, but with superb grip & protection. I have so many shoes now though I think I'll sit out it and wait for next year
Right on Roger. I am currently testing out the Salomon Pulsar Trail. So far it's been pretty good.
I just watched the video and suscribed to your channel. I love your positive/constructive vibe, without being « over the top » like some other Shoetubers. As an alternative to the Torrent I would highly recommend the Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra. Don’t be fooled by its shallow lugs, their rubber is great. The lockdown is very good, almost as good as the VJ Spark, my other favorite short distance trail shoe.
Fantastic advice Karl, I will put that on my short list. Thanks for the comment and support!
@@trailsagerunning The outsole rubber on the VJ Spark is just insane in terms of grip, and the eyelet chain is long (many eyelets) for an amazing lockdown. The Terrex Speed Ultra makes for a great road-to-trail option while the VJ Spark is a trail beast but less good on road.
@@kgenest100 I'll check to see if my local running shop has those shoes. Thanks again Karl
Nice video but really you cant expect grip with no Vibram sole and i changed the insoles for some orthopedic ones instead
Nailed it! I couldn't agree with you more. For me, I relegated these for hiking and bought the Pulsar Trail to do my trail running. Thanks for watching and commenting.
The original torrent is hard to beat. I found them to be essentially perfect. I ran through countless pairs and I’m down to my last. Hopefully the torrent 4 is better
Agreed Greg. I hope they get it right in the next version. Thanks for commenting and watching!
Hi,
many thanks for this video. Without it, I would be biased by common excitement one could observe in comments to the other Torrent 3 reviews on YT.
Grip for me should not be an issue since I do not have any rocks around but lack of cushioning ? Is it really lack of it or it is rather semi-cushioned shoe ? I'm asking since I do not like bouncy and super cushioned bubbles on my feet :-) ... but some level of cushioning is simply needed to protect the body and joints.
As a simple-minded person, I'm a bit lost following two groups of folks with contradictory opinions.
Now I guess some of you may have more experience in running in Torrents 3.
Could you please UPDATE on the performance of the shoe ? Many thanks.
Second thing, I;m kind of beginner with the aim to arrive to 20 km at some point in maybe next 2-3 years. I'm 44 years old and never run trials before. On asphalt I;m using semi-cushioned shoes and regularly do 10 km. The trails around are a mix of everything but without sharp rocks like in Alps for instance. Lot of gravel, roots and stones smaller than an egg, almost no grass. Is Torrent 3 a shoe that I should start with ? What would be your recommendation ? My feet is rather a bit wider than standard. I had Torrents 3 measured: I had 1.5 cm gap between my last finger and the shoe end but they were kind of narrow. Number up in the size should bring 2 mm in the shoe width.
All the best and many thanks in advance for any replay :-)
Thanks for the kind words. As for your question, the Torrent continues to be a disappointment for me, and I have since moved on to a different shoe. However if grip is not an issue and you like minimal cushioning, you may find the Torrent to be adequate.
If you are asking for my recommendation, I would probably opt for the Speedgoat. They offer a little more cushioning and come in a wide side. If I were you, I would try and get to a local running shop and try on a few different brands before making your decision.
Hope that helps and good luck.
Normal Kjerag would probably be perfect for you. Fast, nimble, great traction, very durable. Just make sure to size down.
Wow, I just looked those up. They do look awesome! Unfortunately, they are way over my price range, but thank you so much for the suggestion.
What is your size on other shoes? Also 8.5us?
Yes. I'm 8.5 in all my running shoes.
After 20km of gravel some rear lugs are broken? Is it normal?
I would not think that is normal Josip. I would contact Hoka, or who ever you bought them from, and see if they can help. As you know from my video, I am not a fan of these Torrent 3s, and have since moved on to a different trail shoe.
@@trailsagerunning Do they often agree these returns?
@@josipjurcic3685 I don't know Josip. I have never had to return a pair of shoes
@@trailsagerunning Really bad luck for me... Tomorrow is Monday, I wish I get normal pair of hokas
buy or not?
Hey Yury, I would not. I think there are better options out there.
Nice dynamic video even though these were not the shoes on my radar. Well, now even less.
In the Hoka range the Mafate Speed⁴ is my choice.
For grip and medium cushion, I'd try the new Asics Trabuco¹¹ or Fuji Speed
Others? Saucony Xodus Ultra²
Fantastic suggestions. I will certainly look into those. Thanks for the feedback and kind words.
@@trailsagerunning just a note, there are so many good shoes arriving recently I mentioned just those I trusted recently. For the grip alone I'd add Salomon shoes.
Anyway, good luck with your choice. Can't have them all 😄
Can be surprised by some 😏
@@yalokim5264 Good to know. Thank you again.