Altra Timp 5 BOA Review

Altra’s Zero Drop and Roomy Toe Box have been an incredible combination since the brand’s inception. I’ve worn a variety of Altra’s over the years and it’s been a summer filled with running and hiking in the Timp 5 BOA throughout the Wasatch.

Altra Timp 5 BOA Features:

• Roomy Toe Box design
• Vibram Megagrip Outsole
• 29mm stack with Zero Drop
• BOA PerformFit Wrap Configuration
• Available in men’s and women’s in 3 colors
• Weight: 11.6 oz each (11.5, actual)
• MSRP: $175

Timp-ing in the Timp 5 BOA

I’ve been following along with Alta since their inception. In fact, I first met Golden Harper (Altra’s founder) when he was still working at a local running shoe store. He told me about his shoe project and a few years later, Altra was born. While other brands were going minimalist, Altra was instead going Zero Drop and showing off their wide and comfortable toebox. The combination of those two things resonated with a lot of people — including myself — and vaulted Altra into their leadership position in the trail running market.

While there are a handful of low-drop shoes out there, Altra’s wide, stubby toebox remains the top feature of their shoes. The redesigned Alta Timp 5 BOA is built for rugged trail use — running or hiking. I set out to beat them up on the foothills of Mt Timpanogos and a variety of other mountains surrounding Utah’s most beautiful mountain (I think) for which these shoes are named.

For starters, the 5th-generation of the Timp 5 is available with the BOA Fit System or laces. Depending on your preference, you can choose either model at relatively reasonable prices ($155 – $175). Both feature the same midsole, cushioning, stack, outsole and some of the uppers — until it comes to the lacing area.

BOA’s Fit System has been featured on so many test shoes over the years, I’ve lost count. Admittedly, not every brand has figured out how best to use the system. But, most of the latest models are excellent and feature a foot-cradling fit that highlights just what makes these so awesome. Arguably, the Timp 5 BOA is the best rendition I’ve tested so far.

As is standard with BOA-equipped shoes, these feature a bootie construction with lateral straps to create a burrito-style wrap around the mid foot. Those three straps move independently with each step and offer a cohesive fit without ever feeling clunky. I love how smooth they transition with each step — at both slow and fast paces, uphill and down. While it doesn’t allow the pinpoint fit adjustments on offer with laces, these are superior in ease-of-use and mid-run adjustment. And, I always felt locked-in both fore and aft and laterally.

From light hiking to trail running

Throughout my testing, I did use these for both hiking and trail running. It’s been a summer of injuries, so I’ve had to be opportunistic in my testing. One of my favorite hikes was from Silver Lake Flat to Silver Lake in American Fork Canyon on the 4th of July. With spotty thunderstorms in the area, a downpour came through just in time to scatter the crowds and leave our group with uncrowded trails and tacky conditions. Rain and wet brush along the trail saturated the uppers, but the comfort and fit remained excellent for this 5-mile hike with the family. A dry, rocky climb from the summit of the Snowbird tram also highlighted the stability and comfort of these for all types of trails.

My local trail running loops have been the usual testing grounds of the Timp 5 BOA’s. My very first use of these shoes reminded me that it does take a little getting used to Zero Drop shoes. Admittedly, it had been a few years since I’ve worn no-drop shoes and after that first run, my body reminded me of that. If you experience something similar on your initial uses, just ease into it and your body will adjust.

At a variety of running paces, the Altra EGO MAX compound delivers excellent cushioning and lateral support for my low arches. While other shoes feature more aggressive rebound, the EGO MAX compound simply feels consistent and smooth on the squish and rebound. Don’t expect to be propelled forward by the rebound like you might find with more racy shoes. No, these are built for smoothness and they absolutely deliver that while still maintaining a solid trail feel and rock protection. For long training runs or just for an all-duty trail shoe, there’s not much more I could ask for.

Each step is met with solid traction and toe-off power. No matter the conditions or terrain, I have always been confident in the Vibram Megagrip outsoles. As an added bonus, they are wearing quite well — in spite of a bit more road approach miles than usual. Unlike some trail runners, these do feel smooth enough for modest road use (walking or running).

As you can imagine, the bootie and strap construction inhibits breathability. I can confirm that these aren’t my favorite shoes for mid-summer trail running. Both the black color and thick uppers are working against moisture flow and my feet can get a little toastier than they do in the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon. Something else I’ve noticed is the cuff does rub against my ankle just slightly. It has been reduced over time, but it is noticeable under some conditions. The good news is it just touches my ankle and hasn’t caused any issues beyond that sensation (reading other reviews, this has been more problematic for some runners).

Durability has been excellent — both the uppers and outsole. I’ve had some encounters with Utah’s famous sharp granite scree and there’s little signs of wear. I can confidently dance through technical terrain with the utmost confidence and support.

Fit: I found these to run true-to-size as I’m wearing the size 11.5, which is my usual size.

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