Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Comfortable, grippy and easily adjustable, the men's Altra Timp 5 BOA trail-running shoes have roomy toe boxes, zero drop and just-right cushion to keep your feet comfortable for off-pavement miles.
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View the Altra Timp Product LineView all Altra Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 0 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 29 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 29 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Dial Lace |
Upper | Quick-dry air mesh |
Midsole | Altra EGO MAX |
Outsole | Vibram Megagrip |
Rock Plate | No |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 5.7 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
EU | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 | 12.2 | 12.6 | 13 | 13.4 |
Altra’s unique FootShape™ toe box and zero to low shoes are built to place your foot in a natural position, with a stable and confident foundation to run on. When fitting, be sure to allow a full thumb’s width in front of your toes. If your feet are used to cramped toe boxes, Altra shoes may feel a little big at first. Give your toes some time to get used to the newfound wiggle room.
Altra offers a range of FootShape fits:
Original Fit: The fit that started it all, Original is the roomiest of the 3 options from Altra.
Standard Fit: The most common fit from Altra is right in the middle of Original and Slim.
Slim Fit: The slimmest-fitting Altra option still allows room for your toes to spread out naturally.
IS THIS SHOE TRUE TO SIZE? The product Features above will provide a suggestion if Altra advises you to size up or down in this particular shoe. If no such note exists, please order your regular size.
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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.
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)
“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.
Wore for a trail race. Liked dialing in the BOA for downhills. Great at first. After 29mi felt like my right foot was being cut off at the ankle. Returned. Like the concept; hope for Timp 6 BOA.
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.
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.
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 wanted to freakin LOVE these shoes. I love the toe box, 0mm offset, and cushion feels great on the trail. But there is one glaring drawback; the BOA ratchet digs into my ankle. I thought i could break it in and have it feel better, but it looks like I'll be swapping these for the tried and true Timp 5.
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!
I bought this a few days ago go, the boa drew me to them but they dig in to the top of my ankle, I thought i could break them in but they are just to painful to wear, I will be trading these out