Altra  Timp 5 BOA Trail-Running Shoes - Men's

“Definitely try these on before buying. I usually love Altras—they’re perfect for my wide, Flintstone feet and built to last—but this new version with the adjustment dial was a miss for me. The side dial felt more like a medieval torture device than a fit feature. They look cool and high-tech, but comfort matters most—so make sure they work for your feet before snagging a pair online.

I wanted to like these for the convenience of the boa system. However as soon as I put the shoe on and tightened the lace I could feel the cam buckle pressing into my right ankle. Took the shoe off, put it back on to ensure nothing was out of place and the issue persisted. I walked up and down the stairs in the house several times and could tell this would be an ongoing issue so I decided pretty quickly to return these and go with the standard lace up version. I really liked the enclosed ‘sock’ feature of the shoe, felt like you could almost run without tightening the lace. Due to this feature the shoe does feel a bit more narrow than other Altra models.

I'm cautiously optimistic that I'll like these even more than the lace-up version, which I like a lot. I bought these primarily for winter running so that I can adjust the laces without taking my gloves off. The boa dials should be great for this, however the version Altra used tightens only; in order to loosen, you need to pop the dial out to loosen the laces, then re-tighten. This is a big miss, in my opinion, as two-way dials are commonly used in bike and ski footwear. Also, one of the dials on my first pair detached from the shoe while I was trying them on. Not exactly confidence inspiring! Aside from that, they feel great. While I found the lace-up version to run half a size small, these fit as-expected (no sizing up necessary). I like the new integrated tongue design, but they tend to fold under at the top. No issues with the boa dial rubbing my ankle.

This is the most comfortable shoe ever. Roomy toe box makes it feel like I am wearing flip flops. Very thick sole totally insulates the rockiest trail away. The BOA system is flawless, no pressure points anywhere. I tightened them all the way to run down a hill and they felt just as comfortable as running on flat ground.

I really wanted to like these as I'm a fan of the Timp 5 (reg); and I'll give it props for a better, more comfortable textile upper, the "idea" of using a BOA dial, and the slightly softer midsole foam on this version of the Timp. BUT - and it's a huge but - I immediately felt the BOA dial on my ankle applying pressure just standing and walking around. It was a quick "no" for my foot so make sure you try this on before purchasing. (Tried mid-Feb at local REI store)

I was extremely excited for this purchase, mainly for the secure feel that BOA provides. As a cyclist I used these closures for years. The way the closure pulls flatly across the top of the foot tends to pronate my feet inward. During the walks/hikes I've taken, I've tried every setting, between loose and tight without solving the issue. The tightest setting provides a more balanced motion, but foot and ankle swelling is the result. I will be returning these this weekend.

As a sandal runner, I was excited about these for winter (gaiter compatible, glove-adjustable, and I just can't stand having to adjust laces in general). Comfort was immediately solid, and the BOA system is well executed. Many companies just reinforce the lace eyelets and install the BOA, but this is built around BOA from the ground up, with an elastic sleeve instead of a tongue and stiffened BOA mount area. On-trail adjustment is super easy, and I found the single BOA to tighten easily and be sufficient for heel-lock without the rest of the foot being at the wrong tension. Unfortunately, the ankle area where the BOA mounts is too stiff and too high, and digs into the ankle bone. I tried to break these in, but it isn't gonna happen, and they are unwearable because of it. Maybe your ankle bone sits higher than mine and it'll work, but if you try them on and have any inkling of discomfort there, it probably won't work. Finally, the 30mm stack height is excessive and I had a few ankle-roll close calls on the very first run. I'm a sandal runner so of course my expectations are different, but I don't see this much ever being necessary. ALTRA: please try this BOA concept again with a 20mm stack height and super low collar. All of us 3-starrers will buy them and love them!!!

I thought these shoes were going to be a replacement for my Olympus 5. Turns out that wasn’t the case I’ll be taking them out again for a short 4 mile trail run, my first run with them was a 7 miler. Overall the shoe felt ok, traction was awesome my foot felt steady. The cushion on these were ok the trail I took them out on is a heavy mix of rock, boulders, and dirt. On the down hill part of my run I say is where these felt the most uncomfortable. I do wish the heel was a little larger and maybe because I’m use to the Olympus 5.

Comfortable shoe; bad BOA. The BOA laces are weak and wimpy. If you sit cross-legged outside, as you might do while taking a break on a hike, you are likely rubbing the BOA laces against the ground. This can cause them to fray and ultimately break. No big deal, BOA has a warranty (took them three tries to correctly input my return shipping address even though it was confirmed in multiple emails). Once the warranty laces arrive, you dig in to start replacement. Guess what… the laces frayed when they broke and got wrapped around the lacing mechanism internal to the BOA system. And now they’re impossible to remove. So there is no replacing them. Bought the shoes in May 2025 and didn’t even make it through that summer before the laces broke on my right shoe. Absolutely pathetic for a $140 (on sale) shoe that are now obsolete because the BOA mechanism is jammed up.

Love the fit and ride of the new Timp BOA. The cushion and stack height is perfect, great grip, and the level of fit from the BOA system is insane and really locks you in for technical trails. Looking forward to many more trail miles in these!