Altra Timp 5 Introduction
The Altra Timp 5.0 is a versatile trail shoe that you can count on to do the job in any trail condition.
The Timp 5.0 is a highly cushioned trail shoe (29 mm stack) that is surprisingly light given the amount of cushioning in this shoe.
This new version of the Timp model compares very favorably with previous iterations of the shoe, with the possible exception of the width of the toe box.
The Timp 5.0s aren’t narrow shoes compared to many other brands of shoes, but they certainly are much tighter in the toes than what Altra has traditionally been known for.
Altra Timp 5 Impressions
The Altra Timp 5.0s have been a good option for me, from the first time I put them on and hit the trails. Whether on fairly flat and runnable trails or on hillier terrain that is a bit more technical, I’ve never once had an issue with traction or slipping while running in these shoes.
I’ve also been impressed with the level of cushion that the Timp 5s provide, and how protected my feet have felt in these shoes. On sections of the trail where rocks and roots are unavoidable, I haven’t had any issues with the soles of my feet due to debris on the trail.
The only issue I have with this shoe, and it’s pretty much the same issue I’ve had with the last few iterations of the Timps, is that it’s a bit narrower in the forefoot/toe box than I would expect from an Altra. While I like the look of these shoes, the more spacious toe box of the OG Timp is one “improvement” I keep hoping Altra will undo when they roll out new versions of the Timps. I never had any issues with blisters on my toes while wearing the Timp 5.0s, but I could feel them rubbing just about every run due to the lack of space in the toe box.
While I definitely would not call the Timp 5.0 narrow in general, when compared to the original Timp and other Altra models these shoes are definitely tighter in the toe box than I would prefer.
Altra Timp 5 Protection
The Altra Timps 5.0 will keep your feet safe and happy no matter what the trail throws at you.
The MaxTrac outsole of the Timp 5.0 is a durable hard rubber layer that can easily handle any gnarly tree roots or sharp rocks that are present on the trail. The midsole is made up of Altra’s EGO max cushioning material which provides both comfort and protection to the soles of your feet without any additional weight.
Additionally, the Timp 5.0 features a reinforced toe cap that saved my toes and toenails on more than one occasion!
Altra Timp 5 Durability
I have had zero issues with the durability of the Altra Timp 5.0. I’ve worn the Timp 5.0s in a variety of conditions, including while running some paved roads connecting two sections of trail, and the shoes are not showing any signs of wear so far.
Altra Timp 5 Responsiveness & speed
The Altra Timp 5.0 is definitely a trail shoe that you can use for a race. Racing fast on a relatively runnable trail isn’t what the Timp 5s do best though, but you can absolutely wear them in a trail race of any distance without worrying that these shoes will negatively impact your performance.
The outsole/midsole combo of the Timp 5 provides a smooth ride on every surface, and the grip that it provides will give you the confidence you need to really hammer it when the conditions are a bit slick/unstable. And with a weight of only 9.8 oz, you won’t have to worry about burning extra energy picking your feet up with every stride.
Altra Timp 5 Comfort and fit
The Altra Timp 5.0 is snug but comfortable from the heel cup through the mid-foot. As I’ve mentioned in this review already, the toe box/forefoot of the Timp 5.0 is noticeably narrow based on the foot-shaped toe box standard that Altra has long maintained.
The upper of the Timp 5.0 is made of a cushioned mesh that allows the shoes to breathe fairly well, and it provides a snug, but comfortable, fit that surrounds the entire foot.
Altra Timp 5 Conclusions
The Altra Timp 5.0 is a good, though not great, shoe in my opinion.
For me, the two most important factors for trail shoes are the amount of grip provided and how protected my feet feel when covering rocks, roots, and other on-trail debris. In both of those areas, the Timp 5.0s are as good as any trail shoe I’ve ever worn.
While the narrow (for Altra) toe box may not be an issue for everyone, it is a big enough issue to prevent me from really loving this shoe. My toes just feel cramped when I’m running in the Timps, and I can definitely feel some rubbing on the outsides of my pinky toes and big toes while in these shoes.
Even though I haven’t had any blisters from wearing them, I also haven’t gone for really long runs in these shoes. I have very little confidence that my toes would still be a non-issue in the Timp 5s at the marathon distance, or beyond.
As such, I like these shoes but I just can’t love them.
