Review: Altra Timp 4

Written by

Denny Krahe

Running Coach and Podcast Host.

This expert review is written by

Denny Krahe

Running Coach and Podcast Host.
Denny Krahe is a running coach and a podcast host living in Central Florida.

He is working on running a marathon in every state in the US; 5 down, 45 to go!

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
8/10

Quick overview

Best for
Terrain
Best for
Grip
The Timp 4 does not always provide appropriate traction on wet and slippery surfaces
Lack Traction
Average Traction
Provide Traction
Cushioning
The Timp 4 is maximally cushioned
Little cushioning
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Weight

10.70

 oz
303 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 Cushion
  • Good Grip
  • Drys Quickly
  • Narrow Forefoot (for Altras)

Our verdict

The Altra Timp 4.0s really are great trail shoes! Across various surfaces and different conditions, I’ve been nothing but impressed with how the Timp 4.0s have performed.

Introduction Altra Timp 4

The Altra Timp 4.0 is a comfortable and versatile trail shoe that works well in virtually any trail condition. The Timp 4.0 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).

picture of Altra Timp 4 - copyright Running Shoes Guru

picture of Altra Timp 4

This is the newest iteration of the Timp line, which debuted originally debuted in 2018. The Timp 4.0 is much sleeker and a bit lighter than the original, but very similar in size and feel of the second and third models of this shoe.

Cushioning Type
The Timp 4 is a perfect mix of responsive and... Read more plush: good shock absorption plus energy
Responsive
Plush
Cushioning Amount
The Timp 4 is maximally cushioned
Little cushioning
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
The Timp 4 has a good mix between flexibility... Read more and structure
Rigid
Flexible
Stability
The Timp 4 has some inherent stability and... Read more support
Not particularly stable
Very stable

Impressions Altra Timp 4

picture of Altra Timp 4 - copyright Running Shoes Guru

picture of Altra Timp 4

Straight out of the box, I knew I was looking at the Altra Timp 4.0. It looked and felt very similar to the last two versions of this shoe. The Timp 4.0 is relatively light compared to the ample amount of cushion and protection it provides, which is something I definitely appreciate.

Of course, how the shoe performs is much more important than how it looks. And I have no major complaints, though maybe one minor issue, with the performance of the Timp 4.0s.

My first run in the shoe was on a grassy trail, still wet and a bit slippery thanks to the morning dew. This particular trail is the kind of area where trail shoes aren’t often necessary, but given the wet conditions, it was nice having the confidence that I wasn’t going to be slipping and sliding thanks to the bite of the tread of the Timps. Up and down small hills and turning tight corners, I never once had any issues with my footing.

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 4.0 provides. Whether you’re running/racing on clean trails or doing a lot of scrambling/climbing on more technical terrain, the Altra Timp 4.0 just works!

The only issue I have with this shoe, and it’s pretty much the same issue I’ve had with the last two iterations of the Timps, is that it’s a bit narrower in the forefoot/toe box than I would expect from an Altra. While I like the look of these shoes, the more spacious toe box of the OG Timp is one “improvement” I keep hoping Altra will undo when they roll out new versions of the Timps.

To be clear, I wouldn’t call the Timp 4.0 narrow in general, but compared to the original Timp and other Altra models, it’s definitely a tighter feet than I would prefer.

Protection Altra Timp 4

picture of Altra Timp 4 - copyright Running Shoes Guru

picture of Altra Timp 4

The Altra Timps 4.0 will definitely keep your feet safe and happy no matter what the trail throws at you.

The MaxTrac outsole of the Timp 4.0 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 EGO max cushioning material which provides both comfort and protection to the soles of your feet.

Additionally, the Timp 4.0 features a reinforced toe cap to protect the foot from any debris that you might encounter during a run.

Rockplate
The Timp 4 does not have a rock plate.
Not present
Solid protection
Lugs
The Timp 4 does not always provide... Read more appropriate traction on wet and slippery
Lack Traction
Provide Traction
Water resistance
The Timp 4 performs badly in wet weather... Read more conditions, getting wet rapidly and taking
Poor
Water Resistant

Durability Altra Timp 4

picture of Altra Timp 4 - copyright Running Shoes Guru

picture of Altra Timp 4

I have zero concerns about the Altra Timp 4.0. I’ve worn the Timp 4.0s in a variety of conditions, and the shoe’s are showing zero signs of wear at all.

If you want a trail shoe that will hold up to some serious wear and tear, the Timp 4.0 ticks that box for sure.

Responsiveness & Speed Altra Timp 4

picture of Altra Timp 4 - copyright Running Shoes Guru

picture of Altra Timp 4

The Altra Timp 4.0 is definitely a trail shoe that you can race fast with. Though top speed on relatively runnable trails isn’t exactly what the Timps are known for, you can absolutely wear them in a trail race of any distance without worrying that these shoes would negatively impact your performance.

The makeup of the sole provides a smooth ride on every surface, and the grip that it provides will give you the 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 (10.9 oz) to really race hard in.

Comfort and Fit Altra Timp 4

picture of Altra Timp 4 - copyright Running Shoes Guru

picture of Altra Timp 4

The Altra Timp 4.0 has a snug fit, from the heel cup through the mid-foot. As I mentioned earlier in the review, the toe box/forefoot of the Timp 4.0 feels a bit narrow based on the foot-shaped toe box standards Altra has long-maintained.

While the Timp 4.0 feels a bit snugger to me than I would prefer, they are still comfortable to wear/run in. I’ve not experienced any issues with the fit of these shoes at all.

The upper of the Timp 4.0 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.

Sizing
The Timp 4 has average sizing: buy the usual... Read more size
Buy size smaller
Buy size bigger

Conclusion Altra Timp 4

picture of Altra Timp 4 - copyright Running Shoes Guru

picture of Altra Timp 4

Without question, this Altra Timp 4.0 is one of my favorite trail shoes!

While there is no such a thing as a perfect shoe, but the Timp 4.0 comes pretty darn close to ticking all the boxes for me.

The Timp 4.0 feels just as comfortable, and performs just as well, when running on a grassy trail as when running on concrete sidewalks and any surface in between.

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

It’s just a good shoe, no matter how you look at it.

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Reviews Read what other runners say

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Tudor Macovei

I run over 40km per week, I use them primarily for racing
Hi there. I have to contradict you a bit. I live in Iceland right now and I took a Timp4 on yellow last month. They are great shoes, of course,first time you put... Read more your foot in ,you never ever want to change them... So far so good. They're fast on versatile terrains,wet,dry, doesn't matter they are one of the best shoes I ever

Patsy

I run 20 - 40km per week, I use them primarily for running
Absolutely love the shoe. Less roomy than the Lonepeak but still roomy enough. However, I'm super disappointed with the longevity of the outsole and the lugs are not... Read more aggressive enough for me. I have 4 pairs of Altra trail shoes retired way too early(300km) because of the lack of durbility of the lugs. I can't really afford to be

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