The Altra Timp is a versatile trail shoe that will hold up over a variety of distances and in virtually any trail conditions.

The Timp slots into Altra’s trail shoe line between the popular Lone Peaks and the max cushioned Olympus models. If you want a trail shoe that can do a little bit of everything, the Timp is a good choice for any trail runner.

Altra Timp General Info

The Altra Timp is a newer addition to the Altra line of trail shoes. As a highly cushioned shoe, the Timp (29 mm stack) provides a nice option for those that want a little more cushioning than the Lone Peaks (25 mm stack) but not quite as much bulk as the Olympus (36 mm stack).

Coming out of the box, I was very impressed with the how comfortable the Timps were. No question in my mind that a brand new pair of Timps could be taken out of the box and worn in a race of any distance without issue.

The Timps feature an asymmetric lacing pattern which is said to improve the fit of the show while reducing the chance of lace related pressure points.

Altra Timp – Toe

I didn’t notice any differences, positive or negative, with this design, but it did strike me as unique when I first saw the shoes.

Altra Timp Sole Unit

The sole of the Altra Timp is made up of a TrailClaw outsole and an EVA A-Bound foam midsole.

The TrailClaw outsole positions the biggest/stronger of the shoes lugs directly under the forefoot of the wearer to provide maximal traction under any conditions.

The Timps also feature uphill and downhill treads that are angled in a way to help reduce the risk accidentally tripping due to inclines on the trail.

Altra Timp – Sole

I really appreciate this feature, as I’m still learning to pick up my feet a bit more on the trail than is required for running on the roads.

The combination of materials used in the outsole and the midsole really work well to provide a comfortable and smooth ride while wearing the Timps.

Unlike some of the lesser cushioned trail shoes I’ve worn from Altra, specifically the Superiors, the Timps easily transition from road to trail without issue due to the ample cushioning in the sole of this shoe.

And if there is any debris on the trail that you happen to step on, your foot will be safe from pointy rocks or sticks that a 29 mm stack provides.

Altra Timp Upper Info

The upper of the Timp is a multi-layer mesh material that is fortified on the toe cap and heel to help protect against additional wear and tear while out on the trail.

The upper of the Timp is quite comfortable, and I didn’t experience any issues with rubbing nor any hot spots while running in this shoe.

The area around the heel has a moderate amount of cushioning which provides a comfortable yet snug fit, especially when tying the shoe tightly. My feet did not slide around in this shoe at all!

The upper of the Timp does allow for some air flow through the shoe, but this is not the most breathable shoe that I’ve ever worn.

The mesh upper is solid, however, so what it lacks in breathability it makes up for with its durability. And if you wear the Timp threw some wet grass, there is a pretty good chance your feet will stay dry when you come out the other side.

One of the things I like about Altra trail shoes is the hook on the front and the velcro on the heel to securely attach a gaiter to. It’s not a make or break feature by any stretch, but it’s a nice addition that I appreciate.

Altra Timp Conclusions

All in all, I may have a new favorite pair of trail shoes.

While I want to like the Superiors or the Lone Peaks, the extra cushioning that the Timps have come in handy for longer trail races on technical terrain.

On a non-technical trail, the Timps may be more shoe than you need. But the ride is smooth enough that on a flat smooth trail, I didn’t feel like I gave up any performance when comparing this shoe to my Lone Peaks and my Superiors.

If the Timps were a touch lighter they’d be perfect. They weigh in at 11.1 oz, so they aren’t too heavy, though I couldn’t consider them lightweight at all.

Considering how comfortable they are and how much protection they provide, however, I’m more than willing to carry a couple of extra ounces to keep my feet happy during a day on the trails.

We purchased a pair of Altra Timp from runningwarehouse using our own money. This did not influence the outcome of this review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.