Altra Torin ST vs HOKA Arahi 9
Torin ST or Arahi 9? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want stable, zero-drop support for easy miles and walking? Get the Torin ST.
Want stable support that doesn’t feel rigid? Get the Arahi 9.
Get the Torin ST if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You need a roomier fit
- You want a zero-drop shoe
Get the Arahi 9 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want more foam underfoot (11mm more at the heel)
- You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
- You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 0mm)
On the run
Torin ST: Firm, stable zero-drop support. Stable and consistent, with firmer EGO MAX foam and a stiffer ride from extra outsole rubber. Not bouncy or mushy.
Arahi 9: Stable, steady and built to last. Stable without feeling rigid. The broad base and HOKA’s H-Frame keep you steady, and the heel-to-toe roll is smooth. Soft enough for easy miles, but there’s little bounce.
The Torin ST hasn’t been lab tested by RunRepeat yet, so its feel ratings are estimated from the Paradigm 8 lab test (same midsole) and Doctors of Running’s review.
Specs side by side
| Torin ST | Arahi 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160 | $155 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 28 / 28mm | 39 / 31mm* |
| Drop | 0mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 10.4 oz | 10 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 8.55 oz | 8.2 oz |
| Support | Stability | Stability |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Walking & all-day wear, Long runs | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 450–550 miles | 450–550 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Torin ST. True to size with Altra’s standard fit: closer than old wide Altras, with a square toebox and room. Wide available.
Arahi 9. True to size with a secure fit on a wide platform. The toebox is a little narrower than the Arahi 8’s, and the heel collar is kind to sensitive heels. Wide and extra-wide available.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Torin ST · Shop the Arahi 9 · Compare other running shoes