Altra Timp 5 Women's Shoes

Product detailed description

The Altra Timp 5 women's shoes are a great choice, especially for longer hikes and for those of you who need a little extra comfort for tired feet when racking up the miles! The Timp 5 also features a different "fit" (last shape), so it might be just the shoe for you if Altra's standard fit doesn't work for you. The Timp has undergone a major transformation in its fourth generation, so we were eager to see what the fifth generation would look like. Now we can say with a clear conscience that, despite a number of changes, the Timp 5 is still heading in the right direction.

The Timp is defined by these key features:

Width

The fundamental characteristics that define Altra remain the same—the Timp 5 has a wide toe box (plenty of room for your toes eliminates blisters) and a zero drop (the difference in cushioning height between the heel and toe)—features essential for the natural function of the feet and legs in general. Learn more directly on the Altra website. Compared to the Lone Peaks, however, the Timp 5 is slightly narrower.

Lightweight upper

The shoe is narrower around the Achilles tendon and ankle than Lone Peak. However, the previous “neoprene” padding is a thing of the past, and the Timp now features a classic version that feels significantly more breathable. You’ll especially appreciate the highly breathable upper material on long runs—it’s truly mesh—and the shoe’s increased cushioning (29 mm total), which compresses more slowly than in previous Altras. This year, Altra has significantly redesigned the upper again, and it’s immediately apparent upon first touch that they’ve taken a path that will increase the upper’s durability. At first glance, it looks like the mesh won’t hold up in the field, but the opposite is true. The durability of the upper on the fourth generation was a pleasant surprise for us on the Hayduke Trail. Another welcome change is the more padded and therefore more comfortable tongue, which has lost the side “wings” that used to be a bit of a nuisance.

Great traction

The biggest change in the new generation of Timp shoes is the outsole. Altra now uses Vibram Megagrip™, which has only appeared sporadically in Altra shoes until now. Despite its low weight, Megagrip offers excellent traction and durability, and is becoming increasingly common across the running world. The Vibram Megagrip™ sole features lugs arranged in multiple directions for better traction on tougher terrain. The sole is designed for versatile terrain, but it handles rocky terrain far better. A welcome change from the previous generation is the elimination of drainage holes in the midsole. These had their weaknesses. Now the midsole feels more compact, and this will certainly increase its durability.

Zero drop

Although the shoe looks bulky, the Timpy 5 is actually even lighter than the fourth generation. Even though the shoe has a zero drop, it rolls forward very easily. You’ll appreciate this especially on longer hikes with a backpack, as it puts less strain on your Achilles tendons. Finally, we’d like to mention a few things regarding the aforementioned zero drop. If you’re planning to try Altra shoes, it’s a good idea to gradually get used to this type of zero-drop footwear. If you’ve been wearing stiff, heavy hiking boots up until now, your muscles and tendons are most likely quite weak, and a quick transition to a zero-drop shoe could lead to injury. Everyone has a different body anatomy, and what works for one person may not work for another. Under no circumstances do we recommend picking up a pair of Altra shoes and immediately setting off on a multi-month trek without prior experience. We’ve written an article about using running shoes on long treks here. For fans of ankle-high membrane shoes, we offer the Altra Timp 5 Hiker GTX model. 

Choosing the Right Size 

When choosing running shoes, we recommend selecting a size at least one size larger than your usual shoe size. This will help you avoid blisters, pressure sores, and other discomforts. If you’re looking for shoes primarily for long-distance treks, a larger size is an absolute must—we often recommend choosing shoes up to a size and a half larger. Prolonged exertion in challenging terrain puts significant strain on your feet, causing them to swell quickly. What feels comfortable during a short training session or a weekend hike is often insufficient for a multi-day trek.

When choosing a larger size, however, it is absolutely essential that your heel stays secure in the shoe. If your heel “slips around,” tightening the laces usually won’t solve the problem—in that case, we recommend choosing a different type or model of shoe. A properly fitting shoe is the foundation of comfort and the prevention of pressure points and blisters.

Altra Timp 5 :

• Weight: 266 g (size EU 42, one shoe).
• Altra EGO™ MAX midsole (29 mm).
• Zero drop (height difference between heel and toe).
• Wide FootShape™ toe box.
• GaiterTrap™ technology for attaching gaiters.
• Vibram Megagrip™ outsole.
• Highly breathable, quick-drying upper.