Test of the Altra Timp 5 BOA – Versatile zero-drop trail shoes

Test video summary

My summary

How do I use the Altra Timp 5 BOA?

The Altra Timp are the most versatile trail shoes in the Altra range: theOlympus has more cushioning, the Lone Peak is a little weaker and the Mont-Blanc is more performance-oriented. The Timp is a shoe that can be worn in all circumstances, and this is all the more true of this version 5 thanks to the sole, which has been significantly improved in my opinion. You could compare it to Asics’ Trabuco, Hoka’s Speedgoat or Brooks’ Cascadia.

Beware of the drop: with their zero drop, the Altra Timp 5s are aimed at runners already used to zero drop, or who want to start using them (but beware in this case of the transition, which must be extremely gradual).

The Timp is available in both BOA and classic lace-up versions. The BOA version is more suited to runners looking for precision in lacing adjustment, but it does change quite a few things on the top of the foot: so it’s a matter of testing and choosing according to your own morphology.

Features

• Drop: 0mm
• Stack to heel: approx. 30mm (as measured by us)
• Weight: 270g in size 40.5 (according to our scale)
• Stud thickness: 3-4 mm (as measured by us)
• Carbon plate: no
• Price: €180

Our full test of the Altra Timp 5 BOA (Women’s)

Look

Let’s start with the shoe design, which in my opinion is not the BOA version’s strong point (but it’s not the most important point in a trail shoe, we agree!).

Altra shoes are usually a bit massive because of their roomy toe box, but the Altra Timp 5 BOA are definitely more massive because of the three big tabs on the top of the foot (where the laces go) and the BOA knob on the side of the foot. And as I’ve also got an all-black version, there’s a real “mastoc” aspect to them that I’m not a fan of.

That said, the whole upper seems resistant, with a mesh that seems qualitative and durable, and reinforcements in several places. There’s also a system for attaching gaiters (a hook on the top of the foot, a Velcro fastening on the back).

Comfort

When you put them on, you’ll find the generosity of the Altra forefoot. The “FootShape” toebox lets the foot and toes “squish” naturally when walking and running, which I always find very pleasant. The inner padding is also soft and pleasant to the foot.

On this BOA version, we’re not on a classic upper with a tongue, as on the lace-up version, but on a real liner that covers the foot. This is comfortable overall, and also prevents dirt from slipping inside.

However, the liner rides high on the top of the foot and comes right up to the beginning of the ankle. In my case, this even creates a tiny crease on my ankle. When I put them on, I must say I was worried about chafing, but in the end they didn’t bother me while I was running. This remains a point of vigilance, depending on each person’s morphology and the distance envisaged, in my opinion!

Weight

The weight according to our scale is 270g in size 40.5, which is well within the norm for this type of shoe. The weight is well distributed over the whole foot, and I didn’t feel any particular heaviness or lightness when running in them.

Amortized and dynamic

The EGO Max foam in the midsole of the Altra Timp 5 does its job: it absorbs shock effectively, even on hard or rocky terrain.

The Timp 5 BOA may not be a beast of a runner, but in my opinion it has a good level of responsiveness for such a cushioned shoe (a little more than the previous version, in fact). I’m not a fast runner anyway, but I found it easy to relaunch on the flat or rolling sections. The cushioning is comfortable without being soft, a good compromise for a versatile shoe like the Timp 5.

In terms of rolling off the foot, I found it very pleasant, easier than some Altra models I’ve had in the past (like the Escalante), where you really felt you had to make the effort to push off your foot. That’s not the case here, it happens naturally, probably thanks to the more curved shape of the front.

Stability

Altra shoes are sometimes criticized for their lack of stability, notably due to their generous fit, but this is not the case here. I don’t know whether this is due to the width of the platform or to the very even support provided by the BOA system, but I found the fit to be really good, even on very uneven terrain. However, I didn’t test them on very rocky terrain.

Hook

Compared to the Timp 4s I already had, here’s the big improvement in the Timp 5s in my opinion: the Vibram Megagrip outsole that equips them has a much better grip than anything else! This was the point that sometimes blocked me with the version 4, but with this one I found myself going downhill on slippery ground with real peace of mind: it really catches!

I was also pleasantly surprised by the mud evacuation. Near where I live, the soil is clayey and it’s not unusual for me to come home with a thick layer of mud under the soles of my trail shoes (and the impression of having 1kg more under each shoe!), but the Timp 5s quickly evacuated it after the muddy passage. An excellent point!

Protection

A stone guard is placed on the front of the foot. Always appreciated, especially for me and my short stride 😉

Conclusion

The Altra Timp 5 is a great trail shoe for runners looking for a versatile, zero-drop model with good grip. The BOA system is a real plus in terms of fit, although it may not be suitable for all body types, so laces may be more suitable for some.