REVIEWS
88 Reviews
colorado
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] If you like the fit of classic altras e.g. Lone Peak, don't buy these. If you're a narrow footed person these might be for you. Altras have amazing grip so could be worth you trying out. I am returning my Timps and keeping the Lone Peaks I purchased at the same time.
Bart
Use them as hiking and backpacking shoes, 3-4 days of light use to break them in, than a 3 day backpacking trip with substantial load, few days later a SAR trip, and a day hike. Great shoes. No hot spots, great room for my wide feet and toes and nice support. I usually wear boots with my heavy pack so was pleasantly surprised. Seem little tight first through the middle of my feet first, especially around the top, but went away after couple days of light wear. Only issue is the loop on the back. Could be slightly bigger to allow a finger to go through, would allow shoes to be put on a lot easier.
Sternsi
I bought these after a pair of Lone peak 8's. I don't know what happend with Altra but there shoes continue to dissapoint. As someone who has worn them from the start, they continue to go downhill.
Jeff
I'm really sad about this product. I really wanted to love it. I have loved multiple pairs of Timp 4's - an excellent shoe that suffered from poor durability (or maybe more extreme workout than it was designed to handle). I was really looking forward to the more durable Vibram sole on the Timp 5. Regrettably, I wasn't prepared for the other "upgrades" that turned out to be "downgrades". Yes, the sole is excellent, however: 1) I loved the heel loop on the Timp 4, that really invited my to slip my finger in, and slide the shoe on. That easy feeling of slipping on the shoe beckoned me to get on the trail. On the Timp 5's, it's a twisted plastic shoelace thingy. Unpleasant, difficult to unravel and manipulate. Maybe that's a lighter implementation, where some of the 4->5 weight savings came in, but it's really a step backward. 2) The upper fabric on the 5 is unforgiving. It seems to have two sides - the outer mesh, and then a strange inner backing. That inner backing halts any breathability that the 4 had. Perhaps that's the intent - to make a waterproof shoe, but I prefer one that doesn't get as hot. If I want a waterproof shoe, I would shop for something other than a trail shoe. 3) Along with #2, it seems the fabric just isn't forgiving, or maybe the shoe in the same size became narrower in version 5. I find the v5 irritates my little toe. When I first tried the v4's I was astounded how much toe room I had - incredible! These new v5's feel like they're trending toward Nike fashion/pointy shoes. That's the opposite of the comfort I was expecting from Altra. 4) The plastic perimeter on the cloth upper has changed. On the Timp 4's they matched the stiffness profile I would expect for my toes. On the Timp5, there is a different design. Not sure what it was meant to accomplish, but it now puts pressure on my toes. I'm so sad. I really wanted to continue with Altra, having loved their Timp 4 series. I can't figure out what the Timp 5's were trying to accomplish ... too much at once without customer feedback step-by-step? What if there were simply Timp 4 with a durable sole? I don't care if the shoes looks worn after they're worn! I just want shoes that perform. I'd buy them again and again.
Moontown
I wore the Timp 5 on the John Muir Trail and although the shoe came apart after 222 miles and 12 days of very demanding terrain, they did manage to get me home though. Im not completely dissapointed as 20 mile days can be hard on any shoe. I wanted a soft shoe that would flex under foot against the uneven terrain and provide stability and they did just that. They also carried the extra weight from my backpack well.
Matt
I love the fit/feel of the Lone Peak, but I was interested in the Timp for its more generous cushioning and Vibram outsole. Unfortunately, the Timp's toe box doesn't work for me. It's not specifically too narrow, but rather just too small in volume. The upper puts a bit of pressure on my little toes, which might be acceptable with a soft/stretchy upper, but not with the Timp's more structured design. I wish they would offer this shoe with the "original" footshape instead of the "standard" one.
Roscoe
All my other Altras (which I love) have been 12 but I now need a 13, which is out of stock with most of their products I want to give them money for. Pretty disappointing
Ryan
Great shoe but a bit narrow in the toe box for those with a wider foot. Grippy, comfortable, and stylish.
Rob
I thought my Lone Peak 7s were tight! These are super narrow and low volume Altras. Pinky tows crammed in the toe box. I tried them on for less than a minute. Five minutes after taking them off my feet still hurt and have deep marks on my bunions. This may be the last pair of Altras I attempt to buy as the designs just keep getting smaller and tighter compared to older designs. The sole and upper also have a weird alignment. I work at Softstar Shoes and make footwear every day. Occasionally we have an upper sewn on crooked like this but don't send it to customers. Not certain what direction Altra is headed but it seems to be a significant departure from their earlier, roomier and comfortable shoes. On a positive note, I like the colorway and the length felt true to size. If you have narrower feet these might be great for you.
David
I have been running for 56 years. I have seen the development of all shoes from all brands. For me, the Timp 5 is one of the best shoes I have ever used. It just feels like running. It feels like hitting the trails. I know other runners have had issues with the Timp series, but for me, this is just an excellent shoe.
David
I use them mainly for work but am on concrete and dirt both a lot. I have a couple of pairs of the Timp 4 and love them. I have custom orthotics that fit well. Part of the reason for this Altra model. I have almost blow out 1 pair of Timp 4s but will wear them until they are dead! Great shoes!!! Great cushion!!!
Slow-Poke
May be the most comfortable shoe I've owned. 3-8 mile daily hike/trail runs and the shoes are holding up well and are a pleasure to wear. I'm more of a diesel than a gasser and these shoes hold up to the 260lb thrashing I give them regularly here in the wilds of Montana. Bottom line quality, comfort, and Altra has great customer service.
Mack
I keep coming back to the Timp again and again. This version is fantastic! It feel light, the cushioning is sufficient to smooth out even on the gnarly stuff and the shoe is comfortable overall.
Robert
Have bought Altra for several years now because of the larger toe box which were great for my bunions. First couple of pairs were awesome. Last two pairs seem like the toe box has been shrinking.
Nick
Bought for two week trip to Yosemite and on the first trail the material came apart at toe box and was annoying til I got to hardware to get super glue to fix. Also Sole wasn't stiff enough for rocks
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