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One of the first things you notice about many trail running shoes is how heavy they feel. Altra set out to change that with the Altra Timp 5, crafting a lighter design that lets you pick up the pace and feel good from start to finish, no matter how challenging the trails get.
After putting the Altra Timp 5 GTX to the test with 40 miles of rocky, rugged desert terrain, Coach Laura has some notes for us all! She’s a long time Altra lover running a lot of miles in the Lone Peak and of course found she really liked the Olympus 6 after testing earlier this year!
Ready to find out if this shoe is the perfect match for your next trail adventure? Let’s dive in!
Who Is It Good For?
Who is the Altra Timp 5 a good fit for? If you’ll be heading out for a long hike or some technical trail runs, theses are going to help you feel secure in your footing.
- Wide Feet: With Altra’s signature FootShape and roomy toe box there’s plenty of space (Laura often prefers a wide in other brands and finds Altra just fine)
- Technical Trails: Ideal for serious trails where you need a lot of good grip
- Long Runs: Perfect for those longer days on the trails
- Front of the Pack: Lighter and faster this is definitely a shoe you could use for racing
Altra Timp 5 Specs
If you’re used to the unique design of Altra, you know that these trail shoes are a little different from the rest focusing on the zero drop, which means no change in the height of the shoe from the heel to the toe. That doesn’t mean no cushion!
There’s both the Timp 5 and the Timp 5 GTX, these are the basic specs:
- Heel toe drop: 0mm
- Weight: 8.6 oz women’s, 9.8 oz men’s
- Stack Height: 29mm
- Usage: Trail running and hiking
- Not available in wide
- Available in 6 colors for women and 5 colors for men
- Available on altrarunning.com for $155
Checkout those stellar deep lugs on that Vibram outsole. This shoe is often described as “sticky”, meaning that you’re going to feel really secure going downhill no matter the terrain.
Who Tried It
Coach Laura, as we refer to her from being part of the RTTF running coach team, has run more trail miles than most folks have run period! She recently completed a 48 hour run in fact, just because she wanted to test herself with something new! Many of her miles are done in the dessert, but she also spends a good chunk of time on trails throughout humid Hawaii.
Altra Timp 5 Review
A longtime fan of the Altra brand, Laura has logged countless miles on the trails in various Altra models over the years. From the moment she slipped on the Altra Timp 5, the fit and feel were spot on. After her first 10 mile run, she immediately noticed how much lighter these feel compared to earlier versions of the Timp.
Her first impression? It was love at first fit. The updated design has a lightweight feel, comfortable secure fit and a super grippy sole.
Altra will be pleased to hear this because they really put some time in to figuring out how to streamline the shoe.
The shoe’s extra midfoot loops enhance the fit, ensuring stability on those technical trails. The laces were also a favorite feature, they have a texture that helps them to stay tied even when wet or caked in mud.
The Altra Timp 5 is a nice upgrade to Altra’s extensive lineup of trail running shoes, offering an ideal blend of flexibility, cushioning and stability for tackling tough terrain. For Coach Laura, the Altra Timp 5 struck a perfect balance, reminding her of the cushion and comfort she loves in the Altra Lone Peak.
As she prepares for her next adventure running up Mt. Whitney, these shoes are what she is grabbing first. With unpredictable trail conditions ranging from dry dirt to slick, wet paths, the Altra Timp 5 GTX waterproof design and reliable grip make them a perfect choice for staying comfortable and safe on the mountain.
Cold, wet feet can ruin a trail run or hike, which is one of the reasons there’s a Goretex version of this very shoe! Not every shoe is going to get that treatment, but options that are light enough and serve a wide enough audience will get that upgrade.
If you want to learn more about other Altra trail running shoes, we’ve got you covered!
Check out Best Altra Running Shoes + What Makes Them Unique >>
The Good
The Altra Timp 5 brings comfort and performance to technical trails. The updated Altra EGO Max midsole adds just the right amount of bounce and durability, helping protect your feet from the pounding of rocky terrain without leaving them feel beat up after hours on the trial.
Despite the added foam, it’s not an overly cushioned shoe and avoids that bulky look like some heavily cushioned trail shoes.
To give you some perspective here is the Timp compared to the max cushioned Olympus.
Another thing we love, the color options! Whether you prefer to stand out with bold, vibrant tones or prefer darker shades that hide dirt and mud, there’s a colorway for everyone.
The Bad
There wasn’t too much to complain about with these shoes. I guess that’s a good thing, right?
Coach Laura spends a lot of time running in the desert, where temperatures often climb above 100°F. While the waterproof GORE-TEX kept her feet dry, it did make them feel a bit warmer in those extreme conditions.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or just starting to explore the trails, the Altra Timp 5 is a solid choice to dive in and full send on the trails.
It’s clear this shoe is a favorite of our reviewer and with it’s impressive performance, there are plenty more miles and adventures waiting to be enjoyed. We can’t wait to see what Altra comes up with next.
Hope this Altra Timp 5 review gave you some ideas about if this new wide toebox shoe will work in your rotation.
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