Light trail versatility with more cushioning than before
Quick Answer: HOKA Torrent 5 Review: The HOKA Torrent 5 is a light, uncomplicated trail shoe for everyday off-road running, mixed terrain and day hikes. It has more cushioning than the previous version, but it still feels nimbler and less bulky than HOKA’s Speedgoat or Mafate. That makes it a good choice if you want enough protection for regular trail use without losing much ground feel. It is less suited to runners looking for maximum cushioning or a shoe built around very long, rough outings. Check latest price.
The HOKA Torrent 5 is the lighter, simpler trail option in HOKA’s lineup. It sits below the Speedgoat and Mafate in cushioning and protection, making it a good match for everyday trail running, shorter technical outings and runners who still want some ground feel.
The big change this time is cushioning. HOKA added 5 mm of foam through the shoe, which makes the Torrent 5 more comfortable for longer outings while keeping the low-bulk feel that separates it from heavier trail models.
HOKA also added a protective rand around the lower upper and retained the 5 mm lug pattern. The result is still recognizably a Torrent: lightweight, agile and trail-focused, but less minimal underfoot than the previous version.
At a glance
The useful details at a glance:
| Best for | Everyday trail running, mixed terrain, day hikes and trail walking |
| Ride | Light, controlled and moderately cushioned |
| Terrain | Dirt, gravel, roots and normal technical trails |
| Walking | Good for trail walks and day hikes without much bulk |
| Support | Neutral |
| Best reason to choose it | You want a lighter HOKA trail shoe for regular use |
| Skip it if | You want max cushioning for long, rough trail days |
Pros
- 5 mm more cushioning than the previous version
- 5 mm lugs provide useful traction on loose and uneven trails
- Protective rand adds durability around the lower upper
- Light, uncomplicated feel compared with HOKA’s bigger trail shoes
- Works for both trail running and trail walking
Cons
- Less protective than HOKA’s Speedgoat and Mafate models
- Responsive EVA is more straightforward than premium trail foams
- Deep lugs make it less suitable for regular pavement use
- Runners wanting maximum cushioning may outgrow it on very long outings
What is new versus the Hoka Torrent 4
HOKA added 5 mm of cushioning through the Torrent 5 compared with the previous version. That is the most important update because it makes the shoe more comfortable for everyday mileage and longer trail outings without changing its basic lightweight role.
The upper also gains a protective rand around the lower edge. That extra material helps shield the mesh where trail shoes often take scrapes from rock, roots and debris.
The Torrent 5 still uses a 5 mm drop and 5 mm lugs, so its basic trail personality remains familiar. The newer version simply gives you more underfoot protection and a more durable upper package.
Who should buy the Hoka Torrent 5
Buy the Torrent 5 if you want a straightforward trail shoe for regular off-road running without the bulk of a max-cushion model. It is particularly useful for local trail loops, mixed dirt and rock, and outings where agility matters as much as cushioning.
It also makes sense if you liked the lighter feel of earlier Torrents but wanted a little more comfort underfoot. The added cushioning broadens the shoe’s range without turning it into a completely different model.
Trail walkers and day hikers should consider it too. The 5 mm lugs and relatively light build make it more athletic than a traditional hiking shoe while still providing useful grip and protection.
Who should probably skip it
Skip the Torrent 5 if your priority is maximum cushioning for very long, rocky outings. HOKA’s Speedgoat or Mafate families provide more protection and a more substantial platform. It is also not the right choice if most of your use is on pavement, where the 5 mm lugs are unnecessary.
Not sure which trail shoe suits your feet and terrain? Find your ideal shoe with our free Shoe Finder.
These three suit those runners better:
- Altra Olympus 7: a genuinely foot-shaped toe box with deep cushioning, which is the clearest answer for broad feet (check price | read review)
- Brooks Caldera 8: deep cushioning on a wide, planted base for people spending many hours off road (check price | read review)
- ASICS Trabuco Max 5: a tall, rockered shoe that rolls you along and protects tired legs on smoother trails (check price | read review)
How does the Hoka Torrent 5 fit?
The Torrent 5 has a secure trail fit designed to hold the foot steady on uneven terrain. Rather than assuming it runs narrow for everyone, start with your normal HOKA size and pay attention to forefoot room, heel hold and how the shoe feels on descents.
Fit and sizing
Start with your normal HOKA running-shoe size. If you regularly need wide footwear or your feet swell significantly on long outings, trying the shoe on is the safer approach rather than automatically sizing up. For cross-brand sizing, use our shoe size converter.
Upper and step-in comfort
The engineered mesh upper is light and breathable, while the protective rand adds structure around the lower edge. The result is more trail-ready than a road upper without feeling heavily reinforced.
There is no waterproof membrane, which keeps the standard Torrent 5 more breathable for warm-weather use and mixed conditions.
How does the Hoka Torrent 5 perform?
The Torrent 5 is an everyday trail shoe first. It combines enough cushioning for regular mileage with enough grip and flexibility to handle varied terrain without feeling bulky.
Cushioning and ride
The responsive EVA midsole now has 5 mm more cushioning than the previous version. That makes the shoe more forgiving underfoot while keeping a direct, controlled trail feel rather than the deep softness of a max-cushion shoe.
The Torrent 5 still sits on the firmer, simpler side of HOKA’s trail lineup, which can be a strength if you prefer a stable platform and clearer connection to the ground.
Ride and running performance
The 5 mm drop and MetaRocker geometry give the shoe a smooth transition without making the rocker feel exaggerated. The relatively light build helps it change direction easily on winding trails.
Compared with the older Torrent, the extra cushioning slightly softens the ground feel. That is the trade-off for making the shoe more comfortable over longer distances.
Stability and support
The Torrent 5 is a neutral trail shoe. Stability comes from the platform shape, secure upper and the way the outsole stays connected to uneven ground rather than from a dedicated guidance system.
For runners who know they need structured support, choose a trail shoe designed around that need rather than assuming a neutral model will correct gait.
Outsole, grip and durability
The 5 mm lugs are a key reason to choose the Torrent 5. They are designed for dirt, loose ground and technical trail surfaces where a shallow road-to-trail outsole may not provide enough bite.
The high-abrasion rubber and protective rand are built for trail wear, but durability will still depend on terrain and frequency. Replace the shoe when the lugs lose useful traction, the midsole feels noticeably flatter or the upper no longer holds the foot securely.
Is the Hoka Torrent 5 good for walking?
Yes. The Torrent 5 is a good trail-walking and day-hiking shoe because it is lighter than most hiking footwear while still offering 5 mm lugs and more cushioning than the previous Torrent. It works well on dirt, gravel, roots and uneven park trails.
For city walking or standing all day, choose a road-focused walking shoe instead. The Torrent’s outsole is designed for off-road traction, and regular pavement use will wear those lugs unnecessarily. See our best trail walking shoes for more options.
Torrent 5 versus the Hoka Torrent 4
Choose the Torrent 5 if you want more underfoot comfort and the updated protective upper. The Torrent 4 may still appeal to runners who specifically prefer a lower, more connected trail feel and can find it at a worthwhile discount.
Hoka Torrent 5 alternatives
The Torrent 5 is light, grippy and newly more cushioned. These alternatives each shift the balance toward more protection, more room or more technical capability.
- Hoka Speedgoat 7: the same brand with more foam, a bouncier midsole and Vibram Megagrip, for runners who want the Torrent idea without the compromises (check price | read review)
- Saucony Peregrine 16: similar grip and a similar price with a full Vibram sole, which is the better pick if wet rock is a regular part of your route (check price | read review)
- Brooks Cascadia 20: roomier through the forefoot and more planted underfoot, so it solves the one thing the Torrent cannot (check price | read review)
- Hoka Zinal 3: much lower and lighter with a springier foam, for anyone who misses how connected the old Torrent felt (check price)
Final verdict
Best for: everyday trail running, mixed terrain, day hikes and trail walking where light weight and grip matter.
Avoid if: you want maximum cushioning for very long technical outings or plan to use the shoe mainly on pavement.
Fit: start with your usual HOKA size and check forefoot room and heel hold before committing.
Verdict: The HOKA Torrent 5 is a practical, lightweight trail shoe with enough added cushioning to make it more versatile than the previous version. It is strongest for everyday off-road use rather than extreme distances.
Check the latest price on the Hoka Torrent 5
Frequently Asked Questions for Hoka Torrent 5
Yes. HOKA positions it as a lightweight trail shoe with added cushioning, 5 mm lugs and responsive EVA, making it a practical option for regular trail mileage and mixed terrain.
HOKA added 5 mm of cushioning through the shoe, added a protective rand to the upper and kept the 5 mm lug pattern for trail traction.
HOKA lists a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop.
Yes, especially for trail walking and day hikes. The added cushioning and 5 mm lugs make it more comfortable and capable off road than a standard walking shoe.
Short road connections are fine, but the shoe is designed for trails. Regular pavement use will wear the lugs faster and will not make the best use of the outsole.
The Torrent 5 is lighter, simpler and less expensive, while the Speedgoat offers more cushioning and a more premium outsole for longer or rougher trail use.
It is best for runners and walkers who want a lighter everyday trail shoe with useful grip and enough cushioning for regular off-road use.
