Altra’s Refreshed Road Shoe Debuts a New Material No Rival Can Claim

The all-new Torin 9 showcases an innovative Vibram outsole that’s grippier than ever … and Altra has the exclusive on it for six months.

Black and orange athletic shoe with cushioned orange sole and padded orange collar against blue background.

Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

By Hayley Helms

Published 1 hour ago

·

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Altra is one of the most sought-after brands in trail running, and the outfit known for its game-changing wide toe box has made inroads into road running, as well.

It only fits, then, that the brand relied upon for tackling tough trail hazards would come out with a road shoe designed to overcome uneven city streets, thanks to an exclusive new Vibram outsole that can’t be found on any other shoe.

White and yellow Altra running shoe worn with black ankle sock on concrete steps. — The Torin 9 prioritizes natural movement and foot flexibility while gripping better than any of its predecessors do.

Grip it and rip it

The Torin 9 builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Torin 8, by introducing substantive upgrades throughout the shoe … not the least of which is the exclusive new Vibram outsole.

The all-new exclusive Vibram XS DURA outsole unit has 8.5 percent more grip than the version on the Torin 8, offering an unparalleled level of road traction.

Off-white Altra running shoe with mesh upper and cushioned sole shown from the side. — The Turtle Dove/ Desert colorway shows off the Torin 9’s neutral profile and dual-density foam midsole.

Vibram’s Altra-exclusive compound was tested on the streets of Mexico City, with plenty of terrain shift to put it through its paces.

Altra has the exclusive on the new XS Dura compound for the next six months, which means you won’t find this grip on any other road shoe, but that’s not all the Torin 9 has to offer.

Black and orange Altra running shoe with mesh upper and cushioned sole. — A secure midfoot, zero drop and plenty of space for your toes to splay make for one comfortable ride.

Black shoe soles with orange and neon yellow accents and textured grip pattern. — The all-new durable Vibram XS DURA rubber outsole is an Altra exclusive for the next 6 months. It is designed to grip a variety of road running surfaces, from slippery sidewalks to uneven pavement.

The shoe’s heel has been reshaped, the tongue has been redesigned and the mesh upper is more breathable than ever. To top it all off, a proprietary P35X dual-density foam forms the new midsole.

Altra designed the reformatted midsole with a firm exterior and soft interior, which is intended to provide a comfortable, stable ride over long and short runs.

Pair of white running shoes with black laces, neon yellow midsoles, and orange outsoles viewed from above. — The Torin 9 promises an energetic, cushioned ride that won’t weigh you down or get in your way.

With Altra’s classic zero heel-to-toe drop and a 9.8-ounce weight, the revamped mid-cushion, neutral road shoe brings a refreshingly responsive new meaning to what defines a reliable runner shoe.

Availability and pricing

The Torin 9 is available in men’s and women’s sizing now on Altra’s website, retailing for $160.

Altra

Altra Torin 9

$160 at Altra

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.