Runner\'s World USA - 09.2019 - 10.2019

(Joyce) #1
ALTRA TORIN 4 PLUSH
PRICE: $140 | TYPE: Road
WEIGHT: 10.1 oz (M), 8.2 oz (W)
DROP: 0 mm

The Torin 3.5 received
special treatment last year—
Altra made it available in
two new uppers: a stylized
mesh and a soft, stretchy
knit. This year, the Torin
again comes in two f lavors,
but with distinctly differ-
ent underfoot experiences.
The standard model is a
racier shoe, stripped of its
strobel layer, resulting in
less cushioning, height, and
weight. The Torin 4 Plush,
on the other hand, is extra
soft. Our testers who have
previously run in the Torin,
Paradigm, and even Hoka
One One shoes, praised this
model for its cushioning and
toe room, saying it’s a com-
bination of the best features
in both brands. “The cush-
ioning reduces foot fatigue
and allows me to run longer
more frequently,” said one.
“I wore the regular Torin a
couple of years ago, and the
addition of more cushion-
ing is very noticeable but at
the expense of f lexibility
in the forefoot.” To dial up
the cush, Altra added a thin
layer of Boost-like material
under the sockliner—much
like what Saucony does with
many of its Everun shoes.
The Plush has Altra’s sig-
nature roomy forefoot fit,
making it an ideal option for
wide-foot runners.—A.F.

“QUANTIC” FOAM ADDS
BOUNCE TO YOUR STEP.

Look under the sockliner in your own shoe and
you’ll see a standard strobel layer, a thin piece
of fabric or foam that binds the upper to the
midsole. Altra replaced it with this thin, bouncy
layer of TPU foam for an extra plush feel.


THE
CUT-
UP

STROBEL LAYER

RUNNERSWORLD.COM 51
Free download pdf