At The Running Event, an annual convention that’s held in Austin, Texas, at the end of every year, Altra co-founder Brian Beckstead told RW that the Timp 5 underwent a major makeover, setting it apart from all previous Timps: It’s runnable.
Well, more runnable. According to Beckstead, runners tended to favor past Timps for hiking over running—the macho exterior was a turnoff for some. The Timp was already metamorphosing with iterations 3 and 4, and our testers noticed the significant shifts from 4 to 5.
Pros
- Plush cushioning
- Protective toe bumper
- Grippy outsole tread
Cons
- Initially stiff
- Rubbing on pinky toes despite roomy toebox
Key Specs
| Type | Trail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.6 oz (M), 8.2 oz (W) |
| Drop | 0 mm |
| Stack Height | 29 mm |
| Lug Height | 4 mm |
- Who It’s For: New and veteran trail runners alike who want plush cushioning with a grippy outsole for wet, rugged terrain
- Preceded By: Timp 4
- For Runners Who Like: Hoka Challenger 7, Brooks Caldera 7
- Midsole Foam: Altra Ego Max (compression-molded EVA)
- Key Tech: Vibram Megagrip rubber, gaiter attachment points, wide foot-shaped toebox
“I think the changes from the Timp 2 to the Timp 3 were pretty significant, while the changes between the 3 and 4 were more incremental,” said tester Dave Sabol, who described the Timp 4 as “a solid all-trail performance” shoe. Like the shoe’s third version, this year’s Timp 5 marks another big update.
“This is my new favorite shoe,” said tester Jason Karpinski, who ran the Black Canyons 100K wearing the Timp 5. “Plenty of toe room, but my foot was not sliding all around. Good temperature regulation combined with fast drainage allowed for all-day comfort.”
This version is more than an ounce lighter than the Timp 4 (10.7 oz), due to its streamlined upper with lower exterior sidewalls. Altra added stickier Vibram Megagrip rubber to the outsole and more responsive Ego Max midsole foam. At its lightest and most rugged yet, the Timp 5 still doesn’t skimp on energy return.
What Testers Liked
- Comfy fit with ample room in the toebox
- Toe bumper offers protection on the trail
- Outsole provides reliable traction on uneven surfaces
Tester: Hubert H.
Weekly Mileage: 30 | Average Training Pace: 9:30
Arch Height: Flat | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Forefoot
“Besides comfort, the first thing I noticed about the Altra Timp 5 was the protection it gave my feet as I ran. Inevitably, my mind would wander or I would fail to pick up my tired legs enough to avoid rocks or roots. The toe bumper was thick enough that I hardly ever felt stubbing my toes in the shoe. Likewise, the Vibram outsole was sturdy enough that speedy descents over rocks and roots were not a problem all. I could worry less about where my foot was landing during my trail runs.”
Tester: Jenny S.
Weekly Mileage: 25 | Average Training Pace: 8:00
Arch Height: Medium | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Forefoot
“I LOVED the traction on these shoes. Earlier this winter, I was running in the morning when a snowstorm hit. The road went from wet and rainy to icy and snow-covered over the course of 20 minutes. In the Timp, I felt confident with every step. I didn’t worry about falling once. The outsole is incredibly durable with very little signs of wear from my testing.
“I am always worried about trail shoes being clunky. Yes, these were heavier than my road shoes, but overall I didn’t feel weighed down. I ran through puddles and didn’t notice any wetness seeping through. Most of my runs were outside in the cold, early morning hours and my feet stayed comfortable. However, I suspect these may be too warm for the summer months.
“These shoes have the wide toebox I’ve come to love from Altra. The midfoot and collar offered the perfect balance of structure and comfort. My foot didn’t slip from side to side and my ankles felt supported.”
What Testers Disliked
- Stiff feel; requires a short break-in period
- Toebox may need softer padding (can irritate pinky toes, despite ample space)
Tester: Tamra F.
Weekly Mileage: 27 | Average Training Pace: 8:45
Arch Height: Medium | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot
“I did not like how firm and inflexible these shoes were. I found they were not as comfortable while running as other shoes I’ve worn. It felt like my foot could not move or flex as naturally as I would have liked.”
Tester: Jeff K.
Weekly Mileage: 50 | Average Training Pace: 7:30
Arch Height: Medium | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Forefoot
“This particular issue really surprised me. After almost every run in these shoes, I would feel rubbing on the outside of my pinky toes—and it was not because of a too-small toebox. Even though this shoe has a wide toebox, the outermost toes on both my feet would still become sore. While I did not get any blisters, I would feel discomfort in that area. I thought that possibly the shoes just needed to be broken in, but it still happened after 60 miles of running.”
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
