Here at Prevention, we make a point to regularly test a wide range of sneakers to help bring you the best walking shoes for every type of foot and foot ailment—so whether you are dealing with a recurring bout of plantar fasciitis, need extra cushion to help out your aching joints, or have wobbly ankles that need top-notch support, we have the ideal recommendation for you. So when everyone from my marathon-training brother-in-law to busiest soccer mom friend starts boasting about a new shoe, I tend to take note.
If you are not familiar with Altra, the brand was formed from an independent shoes store that recognized that there was a spot in the market for shoes that help walkers and runners alike avoid injuries by promoting a natural feel and stride. For our first pair of Altra sneakers, we tested one of the brand’s most versatile shoe, the Altra Torin, an ultra-lightweight walking shoe that surprised us by being perfect for walkers with wide feet.
| Sizes | 5.5-12 |
| Widths | Medium, Wide |
| Colors | 7 options |
| Weight | 8.05 oz |
| Heel-to-toe Drop | 0 mm |
How we tested
Three testers—ages 33, 58, and 59—wore the Altra Torin for daily walks, easy runs, and casual wear for a total of 50 miles each, over the course of a month.
Fit
All of our testers found that the shoe runs generally true to size, but all of them were incredibly impressed by the wide toe box. Not only did it allow toes to spread without feeling cramped in the slightest (even after swelling), but also by using Altra’s Signature Footshape insole, its roomy fit lent itself to accommodating wider foot shapes and was particularly comfortable for those with bunions. Although one of them noted that while they were true to size, she likes to put in her own insole and would probably have gone a half-size up to keep the initial roomy feel of the shoe.
At only 8 oz, these shoes feel incredibly lightweight, making them a great fit for those on brisk walks or easy runs. “I liked how lightweight the shoe felt and roomy,” said one of our testers, who put these on for a quick three-mile run straight out of the box. “It allows your foot to breathe but not move around too much in the shoe. I didn’t feel any pains when wearing them either, which was great!”
The only thing all of them also agreed on? The wide toe box, while extremely comfortable, gave the shoe a slightly off-putting aesthetic. Upon first glance, though the wide toe is prominent, I found them super comparable to other top-tier models from brands that run wide like Hoka and New Balance.
Feel
With a firm but flexible underfoot, the Altra Torins feel natural to walk in. Two testers really enjoyed the feeling of their foot feeling so grounded and were surprised at how comfortable they felt. This is likely due to the dual-density midfoam sole, which delivers a cushioned underfoot feel without being too buoyant or bouncy. It is also because of the zero-drop platform, which promotes a natural rocking motion during movement, which can result in smooth and comfortable strides. However, one tester felt that the zero-drop was not for her, claiming it felt too flat and weirdly made walking up hills feel more challenging. This can be true, especially if you are used to a heavily cushioned sole (I found out the tester is a big fan of Hoka’s most cushioned model, the Bondi), which can feel jarringly different to your gait. This is because the zero-drop shoe is intended to build long-term foot strength by engaging your foot and leg’s intrinsic muscles. So, while it felt uncomfortable during this first month of testing, the longer you wear a zero-drop shoe (in theory), the stronger your foot will become. After all, there’s a reason this pair boasts as APMA Seal of Approval from podiatrists.
That’s not to say that its cushion isn’t comfortable or effective, though. “I liked that this shoe was comfortable right out of the gate!” said one tester. “I didn’t give it much of a break-in period, as I wore it straight away for a 3-mile run. But it didn’t give me any blisters or major issues.”
Performance
We tested the Torins in both runs and walks, and all of our testers agreed that the lightweight build and super-wide toe box are the premium features, as well as the high cushion, which made them comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
For running, our testers noted that because of the zero drop, it lacked the kind of support they were used to and it might be better suited to walkers for that reason. For walking, the shoe’s construction promoted a natural rocking motion that resulted in a smooth and comfortable stride that everyone really enjoyed.
The final verdict
If you are looking for a lightweight and roomy walking shoe, the Torins are a great fit. But more than that, if you are someone who deals with bunions, hammertoes, or experiences swelling that widens your feet during activity, these shoes are not to be missed.
Shop Altra Torin
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