HOKA Torrent 4 Trail Runner Review

Bottom Line

When it comes to a great value, the HOKA Torrent 4 is a no-brainer. Its low price tag earns a Budget Buy award on our best trail running shoes for men guide, but it also shines as a lightweight, comfy, and fast ride. Editor Ian Krammer loves the Torrent 4 for long miles on hot summer days, testing them over 250 miles of trail in the Colorado Rockies. 

Whether you’re new to trail running, an ultralight hiker, or on the hunt for a bargain, the Torrents checks all the boxes – they’re as easy on your wallet as they are on your feet. The 4s offer great arch support and out-of-the box comfort. The design feels nimble, light, and breathable, perfect for hot days. A grippy outsole makes it feel fun and fast on roots, rocks, and rolling singletrack and the familiar profile is easy to love.

The biggest downside of this model is its lack of durability. We love the refreshed outsole and lug pattern, but it only took 250 miles before the tread blew out. Also, this ride may be a bit uncomfortable for some due to the rocker geometry, narrower fit, and reduced amount of foam compared to other models.

If you don’t mind their shorter life, though, we highly recommend the Torrent 4. These trail runners deliver fast, cruiser miles on a spry and lightweight chassis, making them a great bang for your buck.

Comfort

Right out of the box, the Torrent 4 were comfortable. We experienced almost no break-in period, and we were pounding out long miles in dirt within days. Our tester found there was plenty of arch support and just enough cushioning throughout. The gusseted tongue creates a smooth, irritation-free step-in, and a newly added heel loop makes them easier to pull on than the prior iteration. The Torrent’s laces cinch down evenly for a secure and comfy fit, and the 4’s were upgraded with double eyelets at the ankle for a more customizable fit. 

The most significant change in this version? Their midsole compound gets an upgrade with a slightly firmer midsole. We found them more supportive and comfy than ever.

The downside of the Torrents is their narrower fit, including through the toe box. If you have wide feet, these may not work for you as there isn’t a wider version. Also, the rocker geometry feels propulsive, but it can take some getting used to and can feel awkward for runners who prefer a more natural, foot-shaped shoe.

Traction

Ian pushed the limits of the Torrent 4 on trails in the high Rockies full of sand, packed trails, and sharp rocks. The verdict? HOKA has a winner with the Torrent 4. From crawling up steep trails to running on packed dirt to speed runs on hot asphalt, the Torrent 4 gives excellent control and security on most moderate terrain.

HOKA upgraded the traction pattern. The lugs are more evenly distributed for better ground contact compared to the 3. This shoe also gets new, blocky chevron lugs and a winged swallowtail at the rear. On steep descents, this redesign delivers a more responsive feel with consistent braking performance.

That said, its rubber blend falls short on wet, muddy terrain. The lug pattern is fine on drier ground, but we fell multiple times on slippery rocks, and they felt precarious on wet log bridges.

Weight

The Torrent 4 is one of the lighter shoes on our list. It’s only 1 pound, 3.6 ounces for the pair, or 9.8 ounces per shoe – and we felt the difference compared to heavier models.

Ian reaches for the Torrents for fast runs on mixed trails that include dirt, rocks, and asphalt. The 4’s offer a breezy, barely-there feel that’s incredible for training runs, race days, and ultralight hiking.

But, such low weight comes at the cost of durability. The Torrent 4 will need replacing sooner than later.

Durability

Some elements of the Torrent 4 are long-lasting. Reinforced rubber overlays on the uppers help prevent premature wear in rocky and sharp terrain. We also appreciate that elements like the laces, stitching, and heel cuff continue to perform with no noticeable damage.

But, these shoes score fairly low for durability. Ian’s were in rough shape at 250 miles, with the mesh blowing out at the toes and the overlays beginning to lift. 

Our testing finds outsoles are the most damage-prone area, though. On Ian’s shoes, the rear heel tread separated in one large uniform piece of rubber. This isn’t unusual for ultralight footwear, though it may be a dealbreaker for folks who want longer-lasting shoes.

Breathability

Nothing kills a long hike faster than hot, sweaty feet. Luckily, that’s not an issue with the Torrent 4. Its mesh offers some of the best breathability of any shoe on our list, and earns top marks as a result.

Ian keeps the Torrent 4 in his rotation specifically for hot summer days. They keep the air flowing when he’s hiking in Colorado or navigating slots and open deserts in Utah. 

This shoe is also incredibly fast drying. When paired with thin socks, they dry most of the way within 45 minutes on a warm day.

Responsiveness

If you want a shoe with a lively ride, we highly recommend the Torrent 4. Thanks to their updated midsole, these feel fast and springy. The rockered profile adds a propulsive toe-off and smooth heel strike. Ian ran a half marathon in these shoes, and they were an excellent choice for fast miles. They offer a nice blend of ground feel and protection to keep momentum.

You’ll trade responsiveness for cushion, though – these have a stiffer ride than others on our list. If you’re looking for a more plush ride, check out foam-forward models like the HOKA Speedgoat 6 or the North Face Vectiv Enduris 4.

However, the balance between cushion and spryness is why we love this shoe. Its smooth transition across trail, road, and packed dirt makes it an easy favorite for big runs, small runs, and everything in between to keep a springy, energetic step.

Should You Buy the HOKA Torrent 4?

The HOKA Torrent 4 is a great fit for trail runners, hikers, and mixed-trail adventurers who want that elusive blend of low weight and low price. Combining breathable mesh and lightweight foam, these are fun and agile shoes for covering long distances quickly on hot days. Anyone who wants a blend of ground feel and cushioning will appreciate the responsive midsole, and details like double ankle eyelets, a heel loop, and good arch support make them comfortable and conveninet. Plus, they’re more affordable than most of the competition.

But the Torrent 4s underwhelm when it comes to durability, cushioning, and a roomy ride. Testing finds their lifespan isn’t reliable beyond 300 miles. The midsole is firm rather than pillowy, which might not work for everyone. The fit is narrow, so those with wider feet may want to look elsewhere.

Still, if you’re looking for budget friendly, lightweight trail shoes for summer days, the Torrent 4s are a great choice. From race-day performance to daily grinds, the Torrent 4 are a lot of shoe for the money – just don’t expect them to last forever.

What Other Trail Running Shoes For Men Should You Consider?

Check out our guide to the best trail running shoes for men to find out how the HOKA Torrent 4 holds up against the competition. Check out these other top-performing trail runners: 

HOKA Speedgoat 6 Review: The HOKA Speedgoat 6 is similar in weight, breathability, and traction to the Torrent 4. However, it offers more cushioning for a softer ride and slightly better durability.

Brooks Catamount 4 Review: The Brooks Catamount 4 shares specs with the Torrent 4 when it comes to a snug fit, good traction, and low weight. It stands out with superior durability and responsiveness, though it’s more expensive.

Saucony Peregrine 15 Review: The Saucony Peregrine 15 hits the same high mark for traction and durability. It’s more comfy, responsive, and breathable, although it costs a bit more.