Altra Timp 5 Review | Worth It In 2025?
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Altra Timp 5 review for those who are wondering whether they are still WORTH IT in 2025.
As a seasoned trail runner with over 12 years of experience testing trail running shoes, I recommend these for runners seeking a zero-drop experience with good cushioning and natural foot positioning.
For this review, I have put in over 100+ miles into testing my own personal pair of the Timp 5 throughout 2023 into 2025.
I’m very familiar with how they feel and perform on the trails. I’ll go over comfort/fit, traction, stability & support, weight, overall protection, and durability. I’ll be giving a score of each category based on OBJECTIVE testing standards and an overall score with recommendations at the end.
Released in 2023, the Timp 5 impressed trail runners due to its lightweight construction at just 9.5 oz and versatile performance. Compared to the Timp 4, the upgrades consisted of the updated EGO MAX midsole, Vibram Megagrip outsole, and reduced weight from 11.15 oz to a nimble 9.8 oz (men’s).
I’ll be directly comparing the Timp 5 to the Altra Olypus 6, Altra Lone Peak 9+, and the Brooks Cascadia 19.
Timp 5 Pros and Cons
- Excellent 29mm zero-drop cushioning with responsive EGO MAX midsole
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Spacious toe box
- Lightweight 9.8 oz
- Performs well on roads to technical trails
- Runs a half size small
- No wide size availible
- Zero drop takes some time to get used to for native runners
Compare To Similiar Products
Should you buy the Altra Timp 5?
Buy if
- You want a CUSHIONED zero-drop trail runner with 29mm of plush protection
- You need a versatile shoe that transitions well from trail to occasional road running
- You want a roomy toe box for natural foot splay and toe movement
- You prefer neutral shoes with no artificial support structures
DON’T Buy if
- You’re not ready to transition to zero drop shoes (consider Hoka Speedgoat 5 instead)
- You want a minimalist trail shoe with maximum ground feel
- You need aggressive lugs for extremely muddy conditions
- You have very wide feet requiring extra width options
Altra Timp 5 Price
Right now, the Timp 5 retails for $155, but I found some awesome deals on REI.com for as low as $116.
Get The BEST deal on the Altra Timp 5 at the LOWEST Price Available! (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Altra Timp 5 Comfort & Fit
When I first tried on the Timp 5, I was immediately impressed by the balanced cushioning of the EGO MAX midsole. My foot settled naturally into the shoe, however I couldn’t help but be bothered by the compressive upper on my right foot. Now to be transparent, my arch is higher in my right foot therefore that could easily point to the issue.
Nonetheless, the midsole provided a perfect balance of cushioning without feeling unstable or squishy, comparable to other premium trail runners but with Altra’s distinctive zero drop design. The outsole was not as squishy at the Altra Olympus 6.
I was able to run 10 miles right out of the box with absolutely no break in period required. Despite the zero drop design, which can sometimes cause calf soreness for newcomers, the 29mm of cushioning made the transition remarkably comfortable.
As a fair warning, be careful transitioning quickly from a high heel-to-toe drop with maximum cushioning to something like the Timp 5 with zero drop and less cushioning, this can easily cause injury. I had just come off testing the Hoka Mafate X(massive stack height, high drop), and had to slowly transition to the Timp 5.
The roomy toe box I measured at 3.35 inches, allowing my toes to spread naturally and create a stable platform. This is slightly narrower than Altra’s footshape fit found in models like the Lone Peak 9+, but still much roomier than conventional trail shoes.
The engineered mesh upper with its gusseted tongue design effectively kept out debris while maintaining excellent breathability. The heel lockdown was secure without requiring any special lacing techniques.
I wore a size 10.5 men’s, however if you have a very voluminous foot I would recommend moving up a half size because of the compressive upper.
Thanks to the EGO MAX midsole, the shock absorption is outstanding. While traditional zero drop shoes can put stress on your knees and ankles, the Timp 5 distributes impact forces evenly while maintaining a natural foot position.
The heel collar is nice and well padded for distance runs.
Overall, the comfort and fit of the Timp 5 is good for a zero drop shoe, especially considering the no break in required experience and balanced cushioning that doesn’t sacrifice foot position.
Comfort & Fit Score: 7/10 (30%)
Traction
The Altra Timp 5 comes equipped with Vibram Megagrip rubber, one of the premium outsole materials available for trail runners. In my objective testing on several differing terrains it provided very good grip.
The 3.5mm multidirectional lugs are well-spaced and strategically placed for maximum effectiveness. The traction performs exceptionally well across a variety of terrain types, especially on hardpacked dirt, technical rocky sections, and even occasional road stretches.
While testing the Timp 5 on wet surfaces, I was particularly impressed. The Vibram Megagrip maintained excellent traction on wet rocks and roots where many competitor shoes would slip. However, in deep mud the moderate lug depth does show some limitations compared to more specialized mud-terrain shoes.
Transitioning between different surfaces is where the Timp 5 really shines. The outsole pattern and rubber compound strike an ideal balance between trail grip and road compatibility. I was able to comfortably run mixed routes without that awkward feeling that many aggressive trail shoes give on pavement. I felt it was one of the better road to trail shoes, but not as squishy as the Hoka Challenger 8.
Technical descents are handled with confidence and control. The combination of the zero drop platform and Vibram rubber gave me exceptional downhill stability, allowing me to push the pace without fear of slipping.
The new Vibram Megagrip outsole is significantly more durable than standard rubber compounds such as the durabrasion or Contagrip. After 100+ miles of testing, I’ve noticed minimal wear, suggesting excellent longevity for the investment.
On slick rocks and uneven terrain, the Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole provided confidence-inspiring grip that allowed me to maintain pace even on technical terrain. The soft rubber compound adapts well to rock surfaces while maintaining durability.
Overall, the Timp 5’s traction is truly excellent for all-around trail running. It strikes that perfect balance between specialization and versatility, making it ideal for runners who tackle varied terrain rather than extreme specialists.
Traction Score: 8/10 (20%)
Stability & Support
The zero drop platform of the Timp 5 creates a naturally stable foundation, promoting proper alignment from the ground up. This inherent stability is a significant advantage on technical terrain.
My testing revealed impressive torsional rigidity rated at 4/5, providing excellent stability without the need for rigid plates or excessive structural elements. This translates to confident footing across uneven surfaces while maintaining necessary flexibility.
I noticed the forefoot stability is particularly impressive when traversing rocky, technical sections. The 114 mm forefoot width(measured by my caliper) creates a stable platform that resists rolling even on challenging terrain. The balanced cushioning compresses just enough to adapt to the ground without bottoming out.
The heel counter offers moderate support, striking the right balance between structure and comfort. It holds the heel securely without creating pressure points or unwanted rigidity.
One area I wish Altra would have added, is a heel shank to really bring in more robust heel counter stiffness. I tend to overpronate (as many runners do), and a heel shank really would’ve acted as a buttress preventing my overpronation.
The zero drop design naturally encourages a midfoot or forefoot landing pattern, which I found enhances stability on technical descents by keeping your center of gravity properly aligned. This becomes particularly valuable on steep terrain where foot placement precision matters. I really noticed this during descents on boulders where I was able to keep my foot properly aligned without many slips.
The shoe fits securely through the midfoot without feeling restrictive, and the arch support is minimal by design, allowing your foot’s natural arch to function properly. This approach works well for runners adapted to minimal shoes or those seeking a more natural running experience.
The Timp 5 offers stability that comes from thoughtful design rather than artificial control features. The shoe works with your foot’s natural mechanics rather than attempting to correct them, which results in a more intuitive connection with the trail.
Stability & Support Score: 8.5/10 (20%)
Weight
The Altra Timp 5 is impressively lightweight for its cushioning level. I weighed my men’s 10.5 at just 9.8 ounces, which is remarkable considering the 29mm stack height and Vibram outsole.
This represents a significant weight reduction from the previous version, the Timp 4, which I had measured at 11.15 ounces in the same size. Altra has clearly made weight reduction a priority without sacrificing performance.
The Timp 5 is even lighter than many comparable trail runners with similar cushioning. For instance, it’s noticeably lighter than the Hoka Speedgoat 6 while offering similar levels of protection and cushioning.
I felt the weight difference immediately on longer runs, where fatigue typically sets in. The lightweight design helped maintain my running form even after 15+ miles when form typically deteriorates with heavier shoes.
The weight savings become particularly noticeable during running uphill, where every ounce matters for efficiency and fatigue management over long distances.
Weight Score: 9/10 (15%)
How’s The Overall Protection Of The Altra Timp 5?
I have to say Altra takes an interesting approach to protection with the Timp 5. Unlike many trail runners in this category, it doesn’t incorporate a rock plate, instead relying on the substantial 29mm of EGO MAX cushioning to absorb impacts.
In my testing, this approach worked surprisingly well. The cushioning effectively absorbed impacts from rocks and roots without the added weight and stiffness of a dedicated plate. However, on extremely sharp rocks or pointed rocks, you do feel more pressure than you would with a rock-plated shoe.
There is a well-designed toe cap that effectively shields against accidental toe strikes on rocks and roots. I tested this repeatedly on technical descents where toe stubbing is common, and it provided excellent protection.
The toe bumper extends well beyond the big toe area, providing comprehensive toe protection during aggressive descents or when navigating through rocky sections. This protection has proven reliable across a few runs on particularly technical terrain.
The sides of the shoe offer moderate protection through TPU overlays, providing more shield against trail hazards than many lightweight trail shoes. This gives you confidence to push through rocky or brushy sections without excessive concern.
For water protection, the Timp 5 I tested was the standard (non-waterproof) version. The 29mm stack height provides some inherent splash protection for small puddles and stream crossings, but for serious wet conditions, I’d recommend considering the waterproof version instead.
The upper material resists tears and punctures well, though it’s not as robust as some burlier trail shoes designed for extremely rough terrain. For most trail conditions, the protection level is more than adequate.
Altra Timp 5 Overall Protection 7.5/10 (10%)
Durability
I have been pleasantly surprised by the durability of the Altra Timp 5. After 100+ miles of testing on varied and often challenging terrain, the shoes show minimal signs of wear, particularly impressive for a lightweight trail runner.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole has proven exceptionally durable, I haven’t noted any rubber wear-down. This suggests the outsole will maintain its performance characteristics well beyond the 400-mile mark that I typically expect from trail runners.
The midsole durability has been excellent, with the EGO MAX foam showing minimal compression or packing out. The foam maintains its responsive feel even after significant mileage, which is crucial for long-term performance.
The engineered mesh upper with its TPU overlays has maintained its structure and protection without developing tears or excessive wear points. I’d rate the upper durability at 4/5 based on my testing experience.
The EGO MAX midsole has retained approximately 90% of its original cushioning properties after 100 miles, indicating excellent durability for the foam compound. This is particularly impressive given that midsole compression is typically the first failure point for many trail runners.
The heel cup and heel collar have shown no signs of breakdown or excessive wear, maintaining their supportive properties throughout testing. The lacing system has also proven durable with no fraying or hardware issues.
Overall, my durability projections suggest the Timp 5 should easily reach 400+ miles of effective life for most runners, representing excellent value for the investment. We will update this category with continued testing and any more durability results.
Durability Score: 8/10 (10%)
Is the Altra Timp 5 worth it?
If you’re looking for a versatile zero drop trail runner with very good cushioning and performance, the Altra Timp 5 definitely exceeds expectations.
As a high-performance trail shoe, the Timp 5 offers the perfect balance between cushioning, weight, and natural foot movement. It excels on most trail conditions while providing unexpected versatility for occasional road sections.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better zero drop trail runner for under $155.
The strengths of this shoe are the comfort, versatile traction, zero drop benefits, and overall value!
The drawbacks to consider would be that zero drop requires an adaptation period for runners new to this design, and those needing extremely specialized performance for mud or technical racing might want something more focused. Also, runners requiring wide sizing should consider the Lone Peak 8, or even the Hoka Stinson 7.
For runners with wide feet or wider feet, the Timp 5 may feel restrictive compared to other Altra shoes. However, for most foot shapes, the FootShape toe box provides excellent accommodation.
The smooth ride quality makes it suitable for everything from local trails to long distances, and the comfortable ride extends well beyond what you’d expect from a trail running shoe in this weight class.
As an all-around trail performer for everything from weekend adventures to serious ultramarathons, the Timp 5 is exceptionally difficult to beat. It compares favorably to other trail shoes in its category while offering the unique benefits of zero drop design.
Value: 4.5/5 (5%)
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort & Fit (20%): 7/10
Traction (20%): 8/10
Stability & Support (20%): 8.5/10
Weight (15%): 9/10
Overall Protection (10%): 7.5/10
Durability (10%): 8/10
Value (5%): 4.5/5
1.40 + 1.60 + 1.70 + 1.35 + 0.75 + 0.80 + 0.45 = 8.05 / 10
Our Rating: 8.0 / 10
At the time of this writing, the Timp 5 retails for $155, but I found some awesome deals on REI.com for as low as $116.
Get The BEST deal on the Altra Timp 5 at the LOWEST Price Available! (Do NOT pay retail):
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Altra Timp 5 different from other trail runners?
The Altra Timp 5 features a zero drop platform with 29mm cushioning that promotes natural foot positioning while providing substantial protection. The combination of zero drop design with good cushioning makes it unique among trail runners.
Can you wear the Altra Timp 5 on roads?
Yes! You can absolutely wear the Altra Timp 5 on roads. Despite having Vibram Megagrip and trail-oriented lugs, the pattern and compound work surprisingly well on pavement, making it a great option for mixed-terrain runs. The smoother ride translates well from trail to road surfaces.
Does the Altra Timp 5 run true to size?
No, based on my testing and user feedback from 66 runners, the Timp 5 runs about a half-size small. I recommend going up a half-size from your standard running shoe size for the best fit.
Is the Timp 5 good for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, many runners with plantar fasciitis report good experiences with the Timp 5. The zero drop platform promotes natural foot mechanics while the substantial cushioning reduces impact stress. The roomy toe box also allows the foot to function naturally, which can help alleviate symptoms.
How does the Timp 5 compare to the Lone Peaks?
The Timp 5 offers more cushioning with its 29mm stack height compared to the lower-profile Lone Peak models. The Lone Peaks have a smaller toe box in their Original fit and are better for those wanting maximum ground feel, while the Timp 5 provides more protection for longer distances.
Does the Timp 5 work for thru hiking?
Yes, the Timp 5 works well for thru hiking thanks to its excellent comfort, durability, and cushioning. The zero drop platform can help reduce fatigue over very long distances, and the versatile traction handles varied trail conditions well.
What’s the difference between the regular Timp 5 and Timp BOA?
The Timp BOA features a BOA lacing system with dual dials instead of traditional laces, allowing for micro-adjustments and faster on/off. The BOA system can provide more even pressure distribution but weighs slightly more than the standard version.
How does the Vibram Megagrip compare to other outsoles?
The Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole on the Timp 5 offers superior traction and durability compared to standard rubber compounds. It provides excellent grip on wet surfaces and rocky terrain while maintaining good performance on roads, making it one of the best all-around outsole options.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Altra Timp 5 over several months since their release in 2023 with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
Over the past 15+ years, I’ve logged thousands of trail miles across everything from smooth single-track paths to steep, technical routes. This includes long-distance runs in the Rockies, muddy East Coast climbs, loose desert terrain, and fast descents through alpine switchbacks.
This kind of hands-on experience helps me evaluate how a trail running shoe truly performs—whether it’s truly stable, grips well on varied surfaces, and holds up over time under real mileage.
We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.
Our Founder Tyler has over 15+ years of experience in the outdoors, including Hiking, Trekking, Mountaineering, Survival Skills, and much more. Tyler also serves as a Mountain Guide.
