Review: Altra Timp 2.0

Written by

Sameera

Running Expert

This expert review is written by

Weight

We usually consider 10 ounces a "medium" weight for a running shoe: less than 10 and we are entering the lightweight category and above 10 the shoes start to be heavy.

Heel-to-toe drop

Heel drop is the measurement in mm of the difference between the height of the heel and the toe of the sole.

A lower drop (0mm - 5mm) promotes running on mid-foot and fore-foot, while higher drops (8mm - 12mm) are more traditional and meant to support a heel-striking gait.
Expert score
10/10

Quick overview

Best for
Regular training, long, slow training runs, speedwork on flat surfaces, short trail races (up to half marathons), marathon and 50k trail races, ultra distances, 50 miles and greater
Terrain
Best for moderate trails, technical trails, rocky areas, muddy areas, through creeks and streams, through snowy or icy sections
Grip
The Timp 2.0 provides excellent grip and traction on all kind of terrains and surfaces
Lack Traction
Average Traction
Provide Traction
Cushioning
The Timp 2.0 is maximally cushioned
Little cushioning
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Weight

10

 oz
283 g
Heel to toe drop
Drop

0

 mm

Pros and cons according to our running expert

Pros and cons according to our running expert

  • Ample Cushioning
  • Great Traction/Grip
  • Smooth Ride on Any Surface
  • Slightly Narrow Forefoot Feel (for an Altra)

Our verdict

The Altra Timp 2.0s may be the best trail shoes I’ve ever used! Across various surfaces and different conditions, I’ve been nothing but impressed with how the Timp 2.0s have responded.

Introduction Altra Timp 2.0

The Altra Timp 2.0 is a comfortable and versatile trail shoe that works well in virtually any trail condition.

The Timp 2.0 is a highly cushioned trail shoe (29 mm stack), which slots nicely into Altra’s line up between the Lone Peak (moderate cushion) and Olympus (maximal cushion).

This is the newest iteration of the Timp line, which debuted in 2018. The Timp 2.0 is much sleeker and more than an ounce lighter than the original.

Cushioning Type
The Timp 2.0 is a perfect mix of responsive... Read more and plush: good shock absorption plus energy
Responsive
Plush
Cushioning Amount
The Timp 2.0 is maximally cushioned
Little cushioning
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
The Timp 2.0 is quite rigid and does not flex... Read more easily
Rigid
Flexible
Stability
The Timp 2.0 is not stable: not indicated for... Read more runners that need support
Not particularly stable
Very stable

Impressions Altra Timp 2.0

Altra Timp 2.0 - Pair

Altra Timp 2.0 – Pair

Straight out of the box, I was impressed by the Altra Timp 2.0.

I definitely liked the OG Timp, but I was pleasantly surprised at some of the aesthetic changes that Altra has made to this shoe over the past couple of years.

The Timp 2.0 is less bulky/boxy than the original model, and I just liked the look of this version more than the original.

Of course, how the shoe performs is much more important than how it looks. And I have no complaints with the performance of the Timp 2.0s.

My first run in the shoe was a trail half marathon in some rainy conditions, and I’m so glad I was wearing these shoes for that race!

Most of the trail is grass covered, and trail shoes are typically not “required” for running this particular race.

But due to the rain and some sections of the trail that were more clay than grass, many runners really struggled with slipping and sliding on the trail.

I was a bit hesitant at first, but it didn’t take me long to realize that the grip of the Timp 2.0s was more than enough to let me confidently run through the sections of the trail where many other runners were walking quite carefully.

In subsequent runs, on a variety of different trails, I’ve continued to be impressed by the combination of protection, comfort, and traction that the Timp 2.0 provides.

Whether you’re running/racing on clean trails or doing a lot of scrambling/climbing on more technical terrain, the Altra Timp 2.0 just works!

Protection Altra Timp 2.0

Altra Timp 2.0 - Sole

Altra Timp 2.0 – Sole

The Altra Timps 2.0 will definitely keep your feet safe and happy no matter what the trail throws at you.

The MaxTrac outsole of the Timp 2.0 is a durable, hard-rubber layer that offers protection from any gnarly tree roots or sharp rocks that are present on the trail.

The midsole is comprised of Altra’s Quantic cushioning material.

Altra doesn’t exactly provide any details about what the Quantic material actually is, other than to say that it is “resilient, flexible” and that it “cushions every step and floats over any surface.”

Not sure how to quantify any of those statements, but between the outsole and the midsole the Timp 2.0 keeps your foot well-protected from the ground up.

Additionally, the Timp 2.0 features a reinforced toe cap to protect the foot from any debris that you might encounter during a run.

Rockplate
The Timp 2.0 does not have a rock plate.
Not present
Solid protection
Lugs
The Timp 2.0 provides excellent grip and... Read more traction on all kind of terrains and surfaces
Lack Traction
Provide Traction
Water resistance
The Timp 2.0 provides a decent protection... Read more from splashes and puddles
Poor
Water Resistant

Durability Altra Timp 2.0

Altra Timp 2.0 - Lateral Side

Altra Timp 2.0 – Lateral Side

On the durability front, I have zero concerns about the Altra Timp 2.0.

I’ve worn the Timp 2.0s in a variety of conditions and surfaces (wet, dry, non-technical trails, gravel, concrete, asphalt, wood bridges, etc.), and the shoes are showing zero signs of wear at all.

If you want a trail shoe that will hold up to some serious wear and tear, this is your shoe.

Responsiveness & Speed Altra Timp 2.0

Altra Timp 2.0 - Heel

Altra Timp 2.0 – Heel

The Altra Timp 2.0 is definitely a trail shoe that you can race fast with!

The make up of the sole provides a smooth ride on every surface, and the grip that it provides will give you confidence to really hammer it when the conditions are a bit slick/unstable.

And for a shoe that provides as much cushion/protection as this one does, it is not too heavy (9.9 oz) to really race hard/fast in.

Comfort and Fit Altra Timp 2.0

Altra Timp 2.0 - Top

Altra Timp 2.0 – Top

The Altra Timp 2.0 has a snug fit, from the heel cup through the mid-foot. As for the forefoot, the Timp 2.0 feels a bit narrow based on the foot-shaped toe box standard that Altra has long-maintained.

I wouldn’t call the Timp 2.0 tight in the toe box in general, but it’s definitely not as roomy as the original Timp (or many other Altra models).

While the Timp 2.0 feels a bit snug to me, they are still comfortable to wear/run in. I’ve not experienced any issues with the fit of these shoes at all.

In fact, once the shoe is on my foot, I don’t even notice it being any tighter than any shoes with a similar style of upper.

The upper of the Timp 2.0 is made of a cushioned mesh that allows the shoes to breathe well, and it provides a snug, but comfortable, fit that surrounds the entire foot without any noticeable rubbing/hot spots.

Sizing
The Timp 2.0 has average sizing: buy the... Read more usual size
Buy size smaller
Buy size bigger

Conclusion Altra Timp 2.0

Altra Timp 2.0 - Toe

Altra Timp 2.0 – Toe

Without question, this is my new favorite trail shoe!

I’m not sure that there is such a thing as a perfect shoe, but this is as close to a perfect trail shoe as I’ve ever run in.

The Timp 2.0 feels just as comfortable, and performs just as well, when running on a grassy trail as when running on concrete sidewalks.

It’s comfortable. It’s fast. It fits true to size.

It’s just a good shoe, period.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Write a review

About the Altra Timp 2.0
You help others with their choice by sharing your experience. Additionally, you have a montlhy chance to win $50
Required, never published on the site
Help others and have chance to win $50 Privacy policy

Your review was successfully posted.

Every month we pick one published review at random.
If your review wins, you will get a notification by email.

Winner will receive Amazon gift card of $50 or equivalent in other currency.

Reviews Read what other runners say

Write a review
Help others and have a chance to win $50

Micha plafkin

I run km per week, I use them primarily for
Got them at rei. took them to london for 2 weeks of just walking in the city. one day had some water on a very short path of cobble stone. went slipping and... Read more sliding, had zero grip on smooth cobble stone, i said no way would i take this shoe on a real trail, very disappointed. they were comfortable, but could not depend

Ask a question

About the Altra Timp 2.0
Once your question is answered, it will be posted on the site and you will get a notification by email.
Required, never published on the site

Your question was successfully sent.

Once your question is answered, it will be posted on the site and you will get a notification by email.

Questions & Answers

Ask a question

Similar shoes to Altra Timp 2.0