REASONS TO BUY
Protective upper and midsole
Great energy return
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Stiff on advanced technical terrain
Lacks sensitivity
HOKA Torrent 3 Review
If you are looking for Hoka that has a more instantaneous response, this is our favorite for long runs on moderate to buffed terrain
A more moderate traction design on the Torrent 3 makes it smoother on a blend of mixed surfaces, from road to moderate trail.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Our Verdict
More recently, Hoka has begun offering denser cushioning to appeal to more experienced athletes looking for long-run cushioning without sacrificing leg engagement and confidence in all but the most technical terrain. The Torrent 3 has quickly become a favorite of ours, given it is lively but still forgiving on long hard days. This model is for those looking for a blend of performance between various surfaces. While it doesn't particularly excel at one specific type, it does everything surprisingly well. If you like long runs on moderate terrain, this is a great shoe for you. Compare it to top competitors in our review of the best trail running shoes.
Editor's Note: This review was added on March 31, 2023, after testing this latest version in the Torrent series, which includes increased breathability and updated traction.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
HOKA Torrent 3 | |||||
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| Awards |  | |  | ||
| Price | $130 List $77.97 at Backcountry | $51.51 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $48.98 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $44.06 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $100 List $74.95 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | With great responsiveness without feeling harsh, this model is our favorite for long runs that are focused and fast | If you've stayed away from La Sportiva running shoes in the past, this model offers an alternative fit to their narrower, low-volume models | Unrivaled traction makes this a one-stop shop for mountain athletes and off-trail runners | If you're tackling technical terrain, we recommend checking out this model, especially if you are planning on carrying weight | Some more advanced runners may find this shoe overbuilt with stiffness and support, but we love the protection and comfort |
| Rating Categories | HOKA Torrent 3 | La Sportiva Karacal | Salomon Speedcross 6 | La Sportiva Wildcat | Brooks Divide 4 |
| Foot Protection (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Sensitivity (15%) | |||||
| Stability (15%) | |||||
| Comfort and Fit (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Specs | HOKA Torrent 3 | La Sportiva Karacal | Salomon Speedcross 6 | La Sportiva Wildcat | Brooks Divide 4 |
| Sizes Available | 7 - 15 US regular |
6 - 13.5 US regular |
7 - 14 US regular and wide |
6 - 13.5 US regular |
7 - 15 US regular |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 28 mm | 32 mm | 33 mm | 39 mm | 32 mm |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6 mm | 9 mm | 12 mm | 15 mm | 9 mm |
| Rock Plate | No | Dual-Density EVA | No | No | No |
| Measured Lug Depth | 4 mm | 4 mm | 5.5 mm | 4.76 mm | 2.5 mm |
| Measured Weight | 9.60 oz | 10.58 oz | 11.08 oz | 12.96 oz. | 10.82 oz |
| Upper | Mesh | Mesh | Synthetic, textile | AirMesh / Trail Cage / TPU film / Transkinetic heel stabilizer / UreTech | Mesh |
| Midsole | EVA | Compression-molded EVA | Salomon EnergyCell+ EVA | MEMIex / Nylon molded FLEX transfer shank / 2.4mm LaSpEVA | DNA LOFT |
| Outsole | Rubber | La Sportiva FriXion AT 2.0 | Salomon Mud Contagrip | FriXion® AT with Impact Brake System™ and X-Axis™ | TrailTack Rubber |
| Heel Tab Type | None | None | None | None | None |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Torrent 3 is a fast shoe, and it requires driving it to make it feel comfortable and lively. With an updated upper and new lug outsole, we found ourselves picking this model when we had plans for a long day on moderate terrain. The stiff outsole rubber is great for dry trails but lacks confidence on wetter surfaces. The claimed 5mm drop (we measured it at 6mm) is comfortable for more repetitive flat running, and the cushioning is dense and stable. So stable that sometimes on the most technical terrain, the shoe feels overly stiff. Overall, the Torrent 3 is for those that do it all: a blend of road, gravel, and trail.
Performance Comparison
The Torrent 3 is the most aggressive Hoka model we've tested that doesn't have carbon fiber. Light and built to be run hard.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Foot Protection
The PROFLY midsole construction found on this model has roughly the same cushioning as the Hoka Mach 5 road shoe. This blend provides ample cushioning while maintaining stability and quick, snappy energy transfer. Due to this stiffness, there is great foot protection from various debris on the trail. A firm toe cap also protects from contact with the front of the shoe. While there is no rock plate, the midsole and outsole provide excellent rock protection.
The upper on the Torrent 3 is more porous than other designs, which increases the likelihood that sand and scree will enter the shoe — but it is more breathable. The low cut and stack offer less protection than some of the other models we tested but increase the overall stability. This also makes the shoe more confident-inspiring in technical terrain, which can decrease the likelihood you will need added protection.
The Torrent 3 excels at fast terrain, perfect for gravel roads and buffed-out trails.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Traction
The Torrent 3 outsole closely mimics the lugs on the Hoka Challenger 7, both being between 3.5 and 4mm. From our testing, we've determined that the best traction is formed from a blend of sensitivity and dense outsole rubber. While much depends on the surface you are running on, the softness of the sensitivity lets your foot conform to the terrain allowing the rubber to do the work. A stiff platform suffers on more technical terrain due to a lack of surface contact.
Throughout our testing, we were impressed with the aggressive feeling of the Torrent 3 without feeling like it couldn't handle an easy day. We found good traction to be dependent on our focus and ability to keep up with the shoe. This slimmer design is not going to tackle the terrain for you, and you must remain engaged to prevent slipping and missteps. We find this traction to be best in moderate terrain, but it can easily handle road to advanced terrain with the right mindset and patience.
Even with a more nimble feel, the lugs on the Torrent provide ample grip without making it feel clunky.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Sensitivity
Lacking in sensitivity due to the stiff platform, the Torrent 3 doesn't allow you to have much ground feel. This can be difficult on technical terrain but does reduce fatigue while running flatter surfaces like gravel roads and two track. However, this lack of sensitivity does pay off with energy transfer, making this one of the most lively shoes we tested. The minimal compression when pushing off left us feeling energized until our legs were fatigued.
Midsole stiffness makes this shoe a great option for speed work and tempo runs. We also like using the Torrent on long focused runs because its cushioning gives just enough to take the initial landing impact off. While the cushioning is denser, creating less sensitivity, the lower stack provides more confidence with traction to a certain point. Because of this stiffness, off-camber terrain is not ideal.
A dense midsole compound makes this model less sensitive than other Hoka models, although the lower stack does create a more precise footstrike.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Stability
It's no surprise that, given its stiffness, the Torrent 3 has great stability. It provided comfort on extended long runs, especially when the motion became repetitive — like on gravel roads or buffed track. This stability provides ample support for the ankles, knees, and hips and also assists with form when you start to fatigue. That said, it sometimes felt like overkill, especially when fresh or on technical terrain. The shoe has less adaptation to the terrain and would sometimes increase the torque in certain technical scenarios.
This largely is not a problem on most terrain, but it did give us some pause on wet or uneven ground. Luckily the low stack gives great control and helps mitigate the stiffness, although it's still noticeable. This shoe thrives when energy is applied to the sole with effort, and it loves to go fast. As we've said previously, this is our go-to for focused long-run efforts where the goal is steady power. The shoe doesn't run for you; you must maintain energy, or it can feel a bit flat.
Given the overall stiffness, this shoe provides great stability. In more technical terrain, this stability can make the shoe feel slightly over-rigid.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Comfort and Fit
The flatter platform and lower stack make the Torrent 3 feel neutral and comfortable. There is little need to adjust your natural position, and the comfort is instantly felt when slipping on for the first time. Our feet felt well-positioned for all styles of running. The toe box is snug but not constricting, and the upper creates a performance fit without creating long-term discomfort. The mesh upper is durable and protective, providing ample breathability for various conditions.
We are super happy with this shoe's blend of cushioning, as it makes hard running enjoyable. While not as cushioned as some other Hoka models, this is another step in the right direction for the Hoka spectrum. We've continued to be impressed with the overall comfort and performance of the Torrent lineup, in particular, creating a great option for stiffness that is comfortable for many miles.
We try our hardest to test in a variety of conditions year round. Sometimes mud season thwarts your plans and its nice to have a flatter trainer on hand.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Weight
Being one of the lighter models we tested at 9.6 ounces per shoe for a US size 10.5, the Torrent 3 is an excellent all-around responsive model that shines on easy to moderate trails thanks to its great blend of firm cushioning. Turnover is easy and fluid, and we were never left feeling like the shoe sacrificed performance to reduce the weight.
Even being light, the Torrent 3 has a generous outsole that provides substantial traction. The comfortable upper is also plenty durable for all trail conditions that you will encounter. We think that Hoka did a great job of providing a lightweight platform without taking away the durability that we've come to expect.
A cross-section view of the Torrent 3, one of the lightest shoes we've tested. This lends itself to a snappy agile feeling that's great for tempo runs or fast long efforts.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the HOKA Torrent 3?
We are impressed with the blend of dense comfort found in this shoe. This model is ideal for those looking to run far on moderate terrain. This is one of the stiffest Hoka's we've tried, and while there is no carbon plate it's still quick and light. The Torrent 3 is for those that want the comfort they know and love from Hoka with a bit of pep and takeoff. If you are looking for plush comfort or advanced sensitivity, then we suggest checking out another model.
If you are in the market for a more responsive trainer that doesn't come across as harsh, then seriously consider the Torrent 3.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?
For even more stability, we'd suggest the Brooks Divide 4. For a similar level of performance with more cushioning, the Hoka Tecton X 2 is a great option. And if you want to focus on performance on the most technical trails, we'd recommend the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3. The Altra Lone Peak 8 is another option to check out, giving more sensitivity and stability and comparable comfort and fit.
—
Matthew Richardson
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