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.
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