View source for Hoka Tor Speed 2

{{DISPLAYTITLE: Hoka Tor Speed 2 Review}}
The Hoka Tor Speed 2 is a hiking boot from a company made famous by its massively cushioned running shoes. The biggest problem I found is the shape of the toe box, which is even worse than the [[Hoka Tor Ultra]], which is my favorite hiking boot. With running shoes, I'll typically cut open the toe box to solve this problem, but that obviously doesn't work with a waterproof boot! Other than that, I found the Tor Speed to be a lovely hiking boot. It's extremely light, this outstanding grip on a variety of surfaces, is nicely cushioned, and it's waterproof. To keep your feet dry, you'll need to wear waterproof trousers in the rain, or the water will simply run down your legs and fills the boot. If you're not going to wear waterproof trousers in the rain, then I'd recommend going for a non-waterproof shoe that will dry quickly, such as the [[Hoka Mafate]]. 
<gallery widths=300px heights=300px class="center">
File:Hoka Tor Speed 2-top.jpg|Hoka Tor Speed 2 top
File:Hoka Tor Speed 2-outside.jpg|Hoka Tor Speed 2 outside
File:Hoka Tor Speed 2-bottom.jpg|Hoka Tor Speed 2 bottom
File:Hoka Tor Speed 2-inside.jpg|Hoka Tor Speed 2 inside
</gallery>
=Characteristics=
* {{H:cushioning}}.  The Tor Speed2 is well cushioned for a hiking boot, but it's firmer than most Hoka running shoes are. This is partly due to Hoka using their [[RMAT]] foam, which is heavier and firmer than traditional EVA foam. While this makes the Tor Speed 2 heavier than I'd like, it's still relatively light for a hiking boot, and not outrageous for a running shoe.
* {{H:drop}}. The Tor Speed has only 4mm of drop, which is a huge improvement over most hiking boots that have high heels. I tried a wide array of hiking boots when I was looking for alternatives to my Tor Ultra boots, and many of the alternatives have remarkably high heels that make walking and naturally quite tricky.
* {{H:structure}}. The Tor uses both [[RMAT]] and EVA foam, but I didn't notice any interference with my walking stride.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Tor has a little more flexibility than most hiking boots, which is not saying much. However, the thick foam midsole has some give that allows the foot to bend reasonably naturally. 
* {{H:outsole}}. The Tor Speed2 has both [[RMAT]] and Vibram Megagrip on the outsole. Both materials provide remarkably good traction on a wide variety of services. I found remarkable levels of grip even on wet rocks. Rather like the [[Hoka Mafate]], the Tor Speed 2 inspires more confidence in the available attraction than any other footwear I've tried.
* {{H:shape}}. Sadly, the Tor Speed 2 is just as bad as many Hoka running shoes, and it's clearly not designed to fit the human foot. This is a particular pain in a waterproof hiking boot, as you don't want to cut it open for fit. I found the shape to be a deal breaker, but if you have toe deformities through years of wearing shoes with cramped toe boxes you may find you can get away with this boot.
* {{H:upper}}. The upper of the Tor Speed 2 is far more what you'd expect from a running shoe than a hiking boot. It's nicely flexible, and reasonably comfortable, but it doesn't offer the protection you might expect from the typical scrapes and scratches you get when hiking. For waterproofing, Hoka are using the eVent waterproof membrane, which like any other waterproof membrane on the market, is completely waterproof until the membrane tears, which seems to be a problem with all hiking boots. And while the membrane is breathable, it's not breathable enough to keep up with your sweat rate in warmer conditions. Just like an old school leather shoe, the best option is to swap your socks periodically. To keep your feet dry when it rains, your need to wear waterproof trousers to prevent the rain simply running down your leg and into the boot. If you're not going to wear waterproof trousers in the rain, I'd recommend going for a Trail running shoe that's not waterproof, but will dry quickly.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Tor Speed is a tongueless, booty style upper for most of its length, dividing out into a traditional tongue just above the crook of the ankle. This means it's waterproof to around 5 inches. 
* {{H:lacing}}. The laces are rounded, and are less than ideal, so you have to pay a little more attention when tying them to prevent them coming loose. Unlike a traditional hiking boot, the lace holes go all the way up, rather than having at the top if you replaced by hooks. The lacing hooks make it vastly easier to get in and out of the boot, and the use of eyeholes really annoyed me.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. As is typical for a hiking boot, the heel area has a rather firm [[Heel Counter]], but I have not had any problems with it.
{{FastBlr|Hoka /Tor -iv-1331|1331|Hoka Tor Speed 2}}
=A Comparison with the Hoka Tor Ultra=
The Tor Speed 2 is one of two waterproof boots Hoka makes, the other being my favorite boot, the [[Hoka Tor Ultra]]. 
* The biggest problem with the Tor Speed 2 is that the toe box is even tighter than the Ultra.
* Compared with the Tor Ultra, the Tor Speed 2 is 4.4oz/125g lighter. This is a huge weight difference, and you can feel the difference on your feet. If it weren't for the toe box problems, I would probably prefer the Tor Speed 2 just for the weight difference.
* The Speed 2 doesn't come as far up your leg, which allows for much more natural ankle movement. While I wouldn't want to run far in the Tor Speed2, it would be a little easier than it would in the Tor Ultra.
* The lack of eye hooks at the top of the lacing on the Tor Speed2 really annoyed me, and made it much harder to get in and out of the boot.
* The Tor Ultra comes up higher, which makes it less likely that water will come over the top of the boot, more run down your leg if your waterproof trousers ride up. However, the difference is much less than you might expect that only around 0.5"/1cm. 
* both boots have remarkably similar midsole and cushioning. There roughly the same thickness and cushioning, with the Tor Speed being slightly more rounded at the heel.
While I found a lot to like in the Tor Speed 2, the toe box problems were the deal breaker.
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}