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The Altra Timp Running Shoe is designed to give heavy cushioning on trails. This shoe has been dogged with design issues and build quality since it was launched and I was hugely disappointed with the first version and equally unimpressed with this latest version. If you are looking for a wide fitting comfortable trail shoe with good grip opt for the Altra Lone Peak, If you want a ‘spare pair’ of shoes you never really use then buy the Timp.

For a wider range of trail running shoes options take a look at my 2020 Trail Shoe Guide here.

In Depth Review

I’m going to save you some time. This shoe is not that good. If you are after a decent trail shoe with good cushioning and wide toe box with great grip then buy the Lone Peak or Topo Ultraventure and thank me later.

Fabric

The version 1.0 of the Timp had a weird double fabric that literally fell apart after 50 miles. This version has upgraded fabric upper that’s breathable and stronger but forums and reviews from other users and people around me in my State report the same build quality issues.

Fit

Altra are known for their wide tow box and foot shaped shoes, and yet this shoe doesnt fit like any Altra Ive owned. Its tight and narrow compared to the same size in Lone Peak or King MT. Its also got less room above the foot making it very uncomfortable across the top of your foot as well.

Laces

Years ago Brooks used to make a Cascadia that had a curved lacing strip to reflect the real shape of your foot. It was a gimmick and it died somewhere round the version 10. If this curve is so important I don’t understand why it only appears on this Altra model and no other. By being offset this shoe also now scores an own goal by having the clip for the gaiter offset so now the shoe isn’t properly compatible with a gaiter. This is spectacularly stupid.

This Frankenshoe hybrid of the Olympus, Lone Peak and King MT needs to be put out of its misery for good.

Cushioning

The Altra Timp is aimed to have a lot of cushioning for long distance trail running or hiking. The generous 29mm stack height is more than enough to keep feet from getting tired. The problem is that the tongue is somehow tight and uncomfortable and the shoe as a whole fits in a weird way. This means that over long distances or time on your feet this shoe is likely to cause you pain or blisters in weird places.

Grip

The Maxtrac grip on the Timp is perfectly adequate and probably the best thing on the shoe. The vibram grip they have on the King MTs is better though on all terrains. The lack of any decent rock or stone guard means you’ll also find this shoe challenging on rocky terrain.

Gripes

Normally I list a few grumbles I have with things I review but in the case of this shoe its almost everything. This Frankenshoe hybrid of the Olympus, Lone Peak and King MT needs to be put out of its misery for good. Its just not needed in the range Altra already have.

Closest Competitor

For similar money you are better off opting for the Altra Lone Peak or Topo Athletic Ultraventure.

Verdict

Avoid this shoe. Get the Altra Lone Peak or Topo Ultraventure instead.

Specs

• Weight: 9.9 oz / 281 g
• Insole: 5 mm Contour Footbed
• Midsole: Quantic™ with InnerFlex™
• Outsole: MaxTrac™ with TrailClaw™

• Cushion: High
• Stack Height: 29 mm
• Upper: Multi-Directional Mesh

About Altra

Altra Running, commonly known as Altra, is an American company engaged in the design, development, marketing, and sales of road running, trail running, and general footwear. Altra has been ranked in the top 10 brands in “run specialty” and number 4 for trail running.

In 2016, the company started to manufacture running and hiking apparel with a line of jackets, shorts, shirts, and socks. Altra developed a backless windbreaker that can be easily slipped on over a backpack or hydration pack during long distance running