Altra Timp 6 – Women's Shoes

Product detailed description

The Altra Timp 6, along with another iconic model in our lineup, Altra Lone Peak 9+, among the most popular long-distance trail shoes in the entire universe. It’s no wonder that experienced hikers from all corners of the world choose them for the biggest challenges such as PCT or  CDT.

Compared to the Altra Lone Peak 9+, the Timpy offers more cushioning and a slightly narrower last. They could be a perfect fit for adventurers who find the Lone Peaks a bit too wide. But what has always united them is the increasingly popular zero drop and wide toe box. In short, all-around comfort.

Anyone who has ever gone on a longer trek will surely agree that the foot simply "flattens out" under prolonged strain. And with the wrong shoe and a stroke of bad luck, this can lead to pressure sores, blisters, and toenails coming off...In short, nothing you want to deal with on the trail.

In this vein, we’d also advise beginners with zero drop (the difference in cushioning height between the heel and toe) to start slowly, but more on that later. Now let’s take a look at what the folks at Altra have in store for us with the new generation of Timp shoes.

Altra Timp 6

The new generation features the "roomier fit" innovation, meaning more space in the toe box and, in our opinion, across the instep as well. The already wide shoe is now even roomier. However, they still aren’t as wide in the toe box as the aforementioned Lone Peaky. Overall, the Timp now feels more comfortable to us.

The lightweight and extra-breathable upper has been redesigned; it is now softer and more flexible, as is the toe cap lamination. It still provides sufficient protection for the toes but is noticeably more flexible.

We’re very curious about the upper’s durability, because when the chief was halfway through  Hayduke Trail (to his full satisfaction) switched to the Timpy 5, we were very pleasantly surprised by its durability.

And subsequently, we added them to our product lineup ;-)

Cutting-edge technologies

The sole has been given an improved geometry Vibram® Megagrip.& nbsp;This is a special rubber compound with unbeatable traction both on and off the trail. Currently, it’s essentially the best a trail shoe sole can offer. To our satisfaction, the midsole remains the proven Altra EGO™ MAX. The total cushioning height has increased by 1 mm to 30 mm.

We haven’t run or walked enough in the new model yet to make a definitive judgment, but combined with improved flexibility, the Timp 6 feels more comfortable to us.

The Altra Timp 6 has confirmed its reputation as an exceptionally comfortable, lightweight trail shoe, and we can confidently recommend it for long-distance trails and runs of all kinds.  

Zero drop

Finally, we’d like to mention a few things about zero drop. It supports the natural function of the feet and legs in general. The problem, however, is that if you haven’t worn zero-drop shoes before, your feet have naturally become unaccustomed to them. If you’re planning to try Altra shoes, you need to realize that you have to gradually get used to this type of footwear. If you’ve been wearing heavy leather hiking boots up until now, your muscles and tendons are most likely quite weak, and such a drastic transition to a minimalist shoe could lead to injury quickly.

We are all unique; we all have different body anatomies, 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. For the transition from heavier shoes, we recommend first choosing a shoe with at least a slight positive drop, such as models from brands like  Inov-8, Topo Athletic or, more recently, Brooks.

Only after some time can you embark on a path closer to zero drop and minimalist movement in nature overall. We’ve written an article about using running shoes on long hikes here.

Choosing the Right Size

When choosing running shoes, we recommend selecting a size at least one size largerthan 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.

Long-term 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 in place inside the shoe. If your heel "slides 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 6:

• Altra ZeroDrop™ with a patented toe box shape.
• Wide FootShape™ toe box.
• GaiterTrap™ technology for attaching gaiters.
• Highly breathable, quick-drying upper.
• Asymmetrical lacing.

Technical Specifications:

• Weight: 252 grams in size 39.
• Sole Height: 30 mm.

Materials:

• Upper: Soft rolled mesh, 85% RPET (Recycled PET).
• Midsole: Altra EGO™ MAX.
• Outsole: Vibram® Megagrip.