HOKA Torrent 5 vs Merrell Antora 4
Torrent 5 or Antora 4? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want a nimble, grippy trail shoe for everyday runs? Get the Torrent 5.
Want a comfortable women’s trail shoe for moderate terrain? Get the Antora 4.
Get the Torrent 5 if
- You want more foam underfoot (6mm more at the heel)
- Long runs are your thing
- You prefer a lower drop (5mm vs 8mm)
- You’d rather spend $20 less
Get the Antora 4 if
- You’re on your feet all day or walk a lot
- You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 5mm)
On the run
Torrent 5: The nimble, everyday trail shoe. Nimble and grippy, with more cushion than earlier Torrents for a more protective ride. 5mm high-abrasion lugs.
Antora 4: The women’s everyday trail shoe. An everyday women’s trail shoe for light to moderate terrain, with FloatPro foam and a Quantum Grip outsole. Good for runs up to about a 50K.
The Torrent 5 hasn’t been lab tested by RunRepeat yet, so its feel ratings are estimated from the Torrent 3 lab test (RunRepeat) and Running Warehouse’s description of the 5.
The Antora 4 hasn’t been lab tested by RunRepeat yet, so its feel ratings are estimated from the Antora 3 lab test (RunRepeat) and Believe in the Run’s review of the 4.
Specs side by side
| Torrent 5 | Antora 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $150 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 35 / 30mm* | 29 / 21mm |
| Drop | 5mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.7 oz | Not listed by Merrell |
| Weight, women’s | 8.1 oz | 7.6 oz* |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard | Standard |
| Built for | Trails, Easy days, Long runs | Trails, Easy days, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 350–450 miles | 350–450 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
Torrent 5. True to size, with a more durable, protective upper.
Antora 4. Women’s sizes only, with a wide toebox.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Torrent 5 · Shop the Antora 4 · Compare other running shoes