Altra Timp 5: Quick Take Review

[@ericperramond3463]

Agreed - the toebox is a bit more snug, partially because of the plasticky-mesh that is much tighter and with less give than the original (too easily torn) upper on the Timp 4. So, the real downside here is that it is far less comfortable than the 4, but looks, feels, more durable. Biggest upside is the new VIBRAM outsole (not quite sure it's Megagrip, just says VIBRAM right?). The lugs are better, better laid out, and with the label, I have more faith that the lugs will last longer than the Timp 4 lugs (some of which disappeared in like... 10 miles, no kidding!). So it feels "cheaper" on the foot, even with the weight shavings on this version. But do NOT expect the slipper-like feel of the Timp 4 or Lone Peaks (5, 6). Great hot take here.

[@MikeP-RTR]

The Timp 4 upper did feel more pliable, but also thicker and surely heavier. Definitely a slipper-like fit in that one - no way I would be able to take those sections of trail in the video like that in V4. I'll surely take the "cheaper" (in a sense) feel, for the big weight drop. The Altra website lists "Vibram Megagrip" in the details. I'm not sure if I've seen the "Megagrip" tag on the outsole - usually they put a small sticker on the outsole.

[@ericperramond3463]

@MikeP-RTR nice! Hadn't seen the tech specs for the outsole. It's definitely a more.capable amd stable trail shoe now. I appreciate your review and the response.

[@brewlovinrunner]

I’d love to see a Timp 5 vs MTN Racer 3 review

[@MikeP-RTR]

@@brewlovinrunner That's the closest comp straightaway.... Timp 4 was no match for MTN Racer 3 but now it could be a close call. I need some more test miles to see. I will say that MTN Racer 3 does feel more flexible. It's also 5mm drop which affects the ride.

[@FDNRunningandMotivation-ws1hd]

I still don't believe in the "improved " upper in the Timp 5, it looks very similar to the one in the Timp 4, which, in my last pair lasted only ONE month, I kid you not, and it became completely torn and destroyed, I had to trash them, so sad, since it was the most comfortable Altra shoe and the one I broke all my PRs with, in spite of its weight, to me they didn't feel heavy at all, and I use a size 11 US. So, I preferred to get another pair of Mont Blancs and will wait for the price of the Mont Blanc Carbon to drop even more and will get those instead of the Timp 5.

[@Nomad-XA]

So the toe box is no good😮? I need wide toe box. Will getting a half size bigger help with the toe box?

[@runnerscorner2994]

Mr. Mike P! Love your perspective!

[@mitchalmaines1104]

Just got mine and they are the shit

[@movemorenowjames]

Tried to love the T4 , great grip , cool midsole but too narrow, tight and rigid = blisters… my update video coming soon . Thanks - and as you said, for a slim ish foot they should work

[@MikeP-RTR]

Timp 4 or 5? I found Timp 4 more spacious and the upper more compliant than V5

[@Manuel-901]

Like from 🇪🇸. A nice friday for everyone.

[@LofotenDoc]

Compared with the 4’s, Timp 5 is rigid probably due to the Vibram outsole but also unforgiving in the upper. It’s very firm because the insole is thin and perforated due to weight savings, which imo is the wrong way to cut weight. It certainly looks the money but compared to the huge improvements in Torin 7, Timp still needs at least 1 or two upgrades before they nail it. A tip is to change the insole with the Torin 7 insole and it’s a different beast. It’s not as comfy as the Timp 4 at all. For some that may be a good thing.

[@MikeP-RTR]

The insole is not a big factor in weight. I weigh all my insoles for comparison and usually Ortholites in my size range from 20-25g. Regular EVA foams are in the range of 15g, maybe less if they're very thin. The Ortholite does have a big impact on feel though - giving any shoe a "feeling" of softness since the Ortholite is right up against your foot. I typically swap them out because they feel to mushy for me, and I never race in them since they suck up water like a sponge.

[@LightSpell28]

Do they run small? I remember Timp 2 did.

[@MikeP-RTR]

They are true to size. I wear my regular US 9.5

[@DevelopingNL]

How deep is it compared to the 4?

[@MikeP-RTR]

Stack height is unchanged at 29mm. V5 feels firmer to me though, I'm not sure if it's the foam itself, but V4 did use an Ortholite insole and V5 has a standard EVA one. Ortholite does give an extra "soft" feel up against the foot

[@DevelopingNL]

@@MikeP-RTR yes but does the foot sit deeper in this shoe?

[@RoadTrailRun]

No, I wouldn't say so. The ankle/heel collar seems a little lower and I find wraps around the heel better. So I get better heel hold, but not by actually sitting deeper in the shoe - more from the shape and design of the heel cup itself.

[@z0uLess]

Not that impressed with its drying abilities. I tried hiking 3x40 km in them this weekend in the woods and swamps. After dirt gets into the fabric, it barely lets out water since there is no drainage holes and it acts as a cup that picls up water in river crossings with all the reinforcements on the outside of the shoe around the sole. They would dry fine enough in the sun when I took them off though, and the inner sole is made with a bunch of holes so the shoe itself can carry a bunch of water it seems. This insole is quite thin and since I had to take it out every day to dry out the shoe, it started to twist on the third day and wouldnt stay in place properly

[@MrKnifeart]

Why don't they make an original fit? That's the way they started so great! For now I just stick to my torin seven wide,, I mean I want to get the waterproof timp 5 boot but not if it's lacking with for my toe space.

[@MikeP-RTR]

You'll probably have to look at the Lone Peak on the trail side. MTN Racer 3 or Ultraventure are good, wider options also, if you don't mind a slight drop

[@MrKnifeart]

@@MikeP-RTR most important is the room across the toes and the pinky to stretch out. Comfort. I love the Torin 7 wide, but also need a waterproof.

[@MikeP-RTR]

@@MrKnifeart I had the Torin 4 Plush - and that was REALLY wide - no comparison to this Timp. I'm not sure about the newer Torins though. I would imagine as road shoes that they have more flexible upper materials which helps with comfort. The Torin 4 Plush knit upper was like a slipper. No way something like that would work on trails.

[@MrKnifeart]

@@MikeP-RTR yeah I love the torin seven and the softness across the top all the way around the toe like escalante. If it was made in a rain show I would just make sure that it's wide enough so my toe is not slamming against that part where the soft tissue makes up for it. So are you saying the new temp five is wide?

[@MikeP-RTR]

@@MrKnifeart It's hard to say objectively since everyone's foot shape and volume is different. But I can say that Timp V5 not as wide as Timp V4, and likely not as wide as the Torin, especially when you factor in the Torin's much more compliant upper. If you're on the edge of comfort on the pinky side, the Timp 5's rigid upper might not work well for you. You'd really have to try them on though because it's a great shoe if the fit does work.

[@MrKnifeart]

It's definitely a downgrade if it's tighter fit. They need to make an original size!! Wider for the toes! Especially in the boot and for rainproof.

[@jimjurek7911]

The standard fit is actually wider across the forefoot than the original fit... just lower volume and snugger in midfoot and heel. TIMP has always used the same performance last.

[@MrKnifeart]

@@jimjurek7911 yeah I saw another review saying it had room and then I saw another one saying it was too tight compared to the last version. And the new lone peak 8 wide version.... Is way wider than any version plus the entire shoes bigger like for a fat foot as well. (Completely different than other wide versions) I'm just looking for that pinky toe room.

[@MikeP-RTR]

@@jimjurek7911 V5 is definitely less volume than V4. Also the material is more rigid making it feel more snug.