Altra Timp 5 review

After extensive testing on the trails and in the lab, we're convinced that the Timp 5 stands out for:

• Low-drop fans seeking a trail shoe that promises stability and minimal weight while adeptly handling diverse terrains.
• Forefoot strikers with wider feet in need of a versatile trail shoe that can accommodate all their running adventures.
• Runners keen on transitioning to zero-drop shoes and beginning their journey with trail running as their starting point.
• Those eyeing the Timp series but holding back due to the absence of a Vibram outsole.

If you're a fan of the Timp 5's features but you usually run in medium or high drop shoes, we suggest a gradual shift to avoid injury—starting with the Hoka Speedgoat 5. It's a middle ground in terms of drop that retains much of what we admire in the Timp 5, like the lightweight design and Vibram outsole. 

For those seeking a minimalist feel, we also think the Timp 5 isn't the best pick. Despite its zero drop, we found it quite rigid and too stacked. Instead, we recommend the Altra Lone Peak 8, which in our tests provided a more flexible and ground-connected experience.

The Timp 5 makes the most of its zero-drop geometry, delivering noticeably more forefoot cushioning than most trail shoes with a solid 112 SA. The heel, however, sits at an average 115 SA.

The Timp 5 falls short on energy return, and there’s no way around it. With just 51.8% in our lab test, we believe Altra really needs to step up and upgrade the midsole once and for all.

Concerns about a reduced midsole stack due to the lighter weight might arise, but rest assured, that's not the scenario here.

Our measurements show the heel stack remains consistent at 28.6 mm. This moderate stack height provides ample cushioning, ensuring comfort and support even for long runs, especially for lightweight runners.

Shifting our focus to the forefoot, we anticipated a measurement mirroring the heel due to the shoe's zero-drop design.

Our callipers confirmed this, revealing a thickness of 28.7 mm—almost identical to the heel.

Designed as a true zero-drop shoe, our meticulous measurements confirmed a negligible difference of -0.1 mm, well within manufacturing tolerances and measurement variations.

The Timp 5 earns our seal of approval as a true zero-drop trail shoe!

Altra's EGO MAX foam, blending EVA with TPU, strikes a nice balance between responsive spring and cushioning. While it may not offer the same energy return as Pebax-based midsoles found in trail shoes like the Nike Ultrafly, it does a good job.

In terms of softness, our measurement yielded a 24.5 HA score, positioning it in the realm of a well-balanced ride. It's not designed for a plush, walking-on-pillows experience at all.

The Timp 5 showcases Altra's Standard Footshape, nestled between their Original and Slim designs, offering a balanced fit in the brand lineup.

In our test, the shoe measured 98.9 mm across its widest point. While it stands out as broad when compared to most trail shoes, it presents a slightly narrower silhouette when compared to other Altras.

We found the same in the toebox—definitely spacious compared to a regular trail shoe, where it feels like a mansion. However, at 79.6 mm, it feels normal for an Altra, maybe even slightly snug!

In terms of height, we measured 26.8 mm—a solid result for a trail shoe, providing a well-balanced mix of comfort and secure footing on downhills.

We really liked how the Timp 5 works like an everyday trail shoe, thanks to its 3.0-mm lugs. These lugs are great for light trails and can even handle some road running. It might not be the best for very muddy or snowy places all the time, but it can deal with them once in a while. The Vibram rubber on the bottom gives it a lot of grip.

Instead of the usual chevron-shaped lugs on many trail shoes, the Timp 5 has a different approach to help keep you steady on flat and sloped ground. We really tested this out and it works well.

The Altra Timp 5 features a partial outsole made of Vibram Megagrip rubber in a bold dual-tone design: bright orange rubber over a lime green midsole. The rubber zones are arranged in anatomical segments to mimic natural foot splay and motion. Large cutouts expose foam underneath, reducing weight and adding a degree of flexibility across the platform.

A series of wide, longitudinal grooves separate the rubber pods, especially around the forefoot area. This design creates a decoupled feel while preserving structural stability.

Having previously noted the Timp 5's rigidity, we delved into testing its longitudinal flexibility, crucial for those uphill trail stretches where walking trumps running.

This Altra achieved a 17.1N score in our standardised 30-degree flex test, largely due to strategic outsole cutouts. These flex grooves ensured the shoe maintained just the right balance of stiffness, enhancing its suitability for a diverse range of trail adventures.

Mirroring our approach to midsole softness, we were eager to see how stiffness fared under winter temps.

The shoe demonstrated remarkable resilience again, stiffening by a mere 19.7%—a testament to its solid performance even in the coldest conditions!

In our previous discussions, we noted the outsole's strategic coverage aimed at minimising weight. This approach proved effective, as evidenced by the Timp 5's weight of just 9.5 oz (269g) in our lab—a superb achievement for a trail shoe.

The most notable improvement, however, is observed when comparing it to the Timp 4, which registered a stone-heavy 11.15 oz (316g) on our scales. That's what we call a massive improvement!

The Timp series is known for being Altra's all-rounder for trail running, so we expect at least decent breathability.

In our first test with smoke, the shoe got a fair score of 3 out of 5 for airflow. It's pretty good, but there's still some room for improvement here.

Then, in our light test, we noted that the upper was rather thick in the middle part of the shoe, which is different from a lot of other trail shoes. This means the arch of your foot can breathe easier and won't rub as much, which is great news if you have flat feet.

Looking closer with a microscope, we saw that the Timp 5 doesn't have holes for air to get through, which might mean it'll do really well in our durability test to see how tough the mesh is.

When we checked out the upper by hand, we could tell it feels better than the previous version.

It stretches a bit and has just the right amount of padding to make it fit well and feel comfortable.

Right from our first run, the Timp 5 felt like a trail-running version of a road daily trainer—smooth and reliable. It offers an impressively supportive ride for neutral runners, striking a perfect balance between stability and comfort.

Even those with mild pronation might find this shoe suitable, thanks to its well-balanced midsole and zero-drop design, which work together to stabilise the foot effectively.

Upon removing the Timp 5 from our feet and examining its rigidity, the exceptional stability became clear to us. We rated this model a solid 4 out of 5—its rigidity impressed us, especially since it achieves this without the aid of any plates.

Yet, barefoot purists might find this rigidity off-putting, favouring greater flexibility instead. For those chasing the pinnacle of minimalist trail adventures, the Merrell Trail Glove 7 stands unrivalled.

The heel counter's design mirrors what you'd typically find in everyday running shoes, striking a balance between support and comfort at 3/5. In our opinion, this is an optimal approach for a shoe like the Timp 5.

Upon initial inspection, the shoe didn't seem particularly wide. Yet, when measured with our digital callipers, the forefoot spanned up to 113.2 mm—a figure we consider standard.

This average dimension is particularly crucial for a zero-drop shoe, as it supports a forefoot landing and promotes a natural running form. Opting for a narrower design would have been detrimental in this context.

The shoe's design narrows at the heel, measuring a slender 82.7 mm, which might not cater well to heel strikers seeking a broader base for impact.

Despite this, we recognise the intent behind this shape—it contributes to the shoe's overall lightness and nimbleness, presenting a favourable balance overall for most zero-drop enthusiasts, as they tend to be midfoot or forefoot strikers.

Let's see the Dremel in action! We put the upper to the test and were thrilled with the results, scoring a solid 4/5.

The TPU overlay wrapping the toe cap proved its toughness, standing up remarkably well to the challenge. It was a superior performance that also showcased the engineered mesh resilience.

In our lab, we evaluate the heel padding at the standard spot we use for all shoes to ensure consistent, fair results.

The outcome was a just-average score of 3/5. It's unlikely to be an issue unless you are wearing socks made from sandpaper, which we don't think it's going to happen...

Finally! After being stuck with Altra's MaxTrac rubber, the Timp series has finally embraced Vibram in its fifth version. We're now treated to the Megagrip rubber, widely regarded as the pinnacle for trail running outsoles. This alone makes upgrading from the previous model a no-brainer.

Diving into our tests, we measured the hardness of the Vibram Megagrip outsole and recorded a robust 90.3 HC.

The grip is exceptional, as expected from Vibram's Megagrip. Durability, however, was a question we needed to address, so we brought out the Dremel once more here in the lab.

We were satisfied with the results! A wear of only 0.9 mm from our test suggests that the durability won't be a concern at all.

Using our vernier calliper, we accurately checked the outsole's thickness—excluding the lugs—and recorded a 2.2-mm measurement.

This result is ideal for this shoe, especially since it lacks a rock plate. More than 2 mm of rubber ensures a certain level of protection against sharp rocks.

At a thickness of 4.9 mm, the insole sits comfortably within the standard range—nothing out of the ordinary. Throughout our test runs, it provided a seamless comfort.

Designed as a versatile trail shoe, the Timp 5 needs to handle winter conditions. To assess its cold-weather performance, we chilled it near our ice cream stash for 20 minutes and then re-tested its flexibility.

The shoe only became 20.9% firmer—a good result, indicating it maintains its performance even in the chill.

The insole slips out effortlessly, yet given Altra's unique last shape, third-party insoles might not match up perfectly here.

Yeees! We're fans of trail shoes that feature reflective details, and Altra has incorporated some into the Timp 5. However, we'd be thrilled to see an increase, like a reflective Altra logo for extra visibility...

The tongue boasts a comfortable 4.8 mm of padding.

That's just enough for comfort without adding unnecessary weight to the shoe.

We discovered that the tongue is seamlessly gusseted, keeping debris away from the toebox while guaranteeing a snug, secure lockdown—ideal for all distances.

At the heel, you'll find a handy finger-loop tab that not only makes slipping into the shoe a breeze but also looks awesome.

We also loved the gaiter attachment point located just below it—a clever Velcro strap that secures gaiters firmly to the shoe.