Hoka Torrent 3 Review (2023): The Best for Speed Trail Running?

Published on: 06/02/2023

The Consensus

Hoka Torrent 3 Complete Review Analysis

Introduction

And that’s 3! The Torrent is an atypical model in the Hoka trail running shoe series. With its standard stack height and firm, responsive cushioning, it has won over the hearts and feet of trail runners and found its place alongside max cushion models with thick soles and soft comfort.

The Torrent 2 already enjoyed an excellent reputation in the trail runners’ community. One can imagine Hoka’s dilemma with releasing this Torrent 3: why and how to change a model that works almost perfectly? That’s what we’ll find out in the rest of this article!

Grip

The updated outsole is barely noticeable, even if you look closely. Hoka has somewhat reformulated its rubber compound with the firm intention of giving its lightweight trail shoe a better grip on more technical terrain. According to our testers, the gamble paid off!

The 4 mm multidirectional lugs are extremely effective. Their grip ranges from very good on dry, hard terrain to excellent on loose ground. All trail runners agree, however, that traction on wet rocks is disappointing, despite the depth of the lugs. Slow down if you come across one, or you’re guaranteed to slip!

All the ingredients are in place for effective protection against large stones: good rubber coverage on a slightly thick sole.

Finally, the Torrent 3 promises good durability: it shows no signs of wear after 80 km of use.

Cushioning (midsole)

There’s nothing new under the sun in the midsole of the Torrent 3. Its trademark remains, with a relatively thin sole compared to the brand’s usual standards (23/18 mm for men, 21/16 mm for women). The 5 mm heel-to-toe drop of the midsole ensures a close-to-the-ground and authentic feel of the terrain.

Dual-density PROFLY foam continues to provide firm, responsive cushioning without skimping on comfort. Most trail runners appreciate this firmness for propulsive take-offs on trail surfaces. Others would welcome a little more softness, as the under-cushioning effect would prevent them from contemplating even their wildest dreams of long-distance runs.

Foot lockdown (upper)

The engineered mesh, refined into a single layer and ventilated with numerous vents, gives the Hoka Torrent 3 excellent breathability. The brand has taken on board trail runners’ comments on the previous model: no more overheated feet in summer when temperatures soar!

These changes do not detract from the foot lockdown. The shoe is reinforced by a gusseted tongue and a padded heel collar. The toe box is comfortable without being too big and ensures an impeccable fit. Reinforced overlays around the forefoot area offer reassuring protection on technical terrain.

Finally, trail runners appreciate having all these features combined in a lightweight shoe (8.7 oz / 248 g in the men’s version). A flawless upper!

The ride

The general consensus among trail runners is that the Hoka Torrent 3 is a soft, comfortable trail running shoe that responds well. The firm cushioning provides responsiveness and agility, allowing you to propel yourself along trails without tiring your legs unnecessarily.

Thanks to its moderate sole and the absence of a rock plate, the Torrent 3 excels above all on soft ground, guaranteeing stability, grip, and flexibility. This makes them ideal for runners who like to keep a natural ground feel underfoot. A little less so for those used to Hoka’s more traditional thick soles…

Everyone agrees with the versatility of this shoe. It enables trail runners to tackle mixed terrain. The only drawback noted by testers: the feel is not very pleasant on asphalt, wet rock, and technical trails.

In short, the Hoka Torrent 3 is an ideal shoe for fast, short runs, mountainous (but not slippery) terrain, and for daily training.

Conclusion

The Torrent 3 remains Hoka’s off-the-beaten-track shoe. With its “normal” sole, this shoe offers a good feel of the ground and responsive cushioning to get the job done on explosive runs, particularly in the mountains.

It’s aimed at trail runners looking for a versatile, agile, and sure-footed model that feels close to the ground with excellent, improved grip on loose terrain.

Facts

Technical Specs

Cushioning

Technologies

Use

Reference: Hoka's official site

Comparisons – Hoka Torrent 3 vs.:

Hoka Torrent 2

You have to be a specialist or a big fan of the Hoka Torrent to appreciate the few minor improvements made compared to the previous version.

The upper is lightened by a layer of mesh, making it more streamlined, airy, and breathable. This is a good thing for this shoe, as the T2 tended to overheat feet in summer. The weight, however, remains more or less the same. The outsole also benefits from a new rubber compound, offering an even better grip on uneven terrain. And that’s just about all the differences between the Torrent 2 and 3!

If you liked the Torrent 2, you’re bound to like the Torrent 3. But you may want to wait until your pair wears out before rushing to your favorite retailer to buy the latest model.

Hoka Speedgoat 5

The Speedgoat is more cushioned and better suited to longer distances. Moreover, it uses Vibram MegaGrip rubber, which is more durable and effective.