The outsole of the shoe helps runners tackle any trail surface. Patented Trail Claw technology makes the Timp an excellent choice for athletes who tackle steep downhill descents and uphill climbs. Various structures and shapes of the lug system along the underfoot provide the most traction.

DuraTread rubber is designed to provide unbeatable grip, including on slippery surfaces. The rubber outsole material holds up against tough terrain. It provides an extended lifespan of the trail running shoe.

A myriad of smart technologies is used in the midsole. This is a zero drop, cushioned shoe. It is meant to improve the gait of the runner and strengthen the Achilles and lower leg calf muscles. The design of the shoe makes the heel and forefoot rest at the same ground distance that forces the foot to do the work rather than synthetic forward propulsion technology.

Ultra-light EVA foam is in the midsole. It is a full-length foam. Altra patented A-Bound technology is also featured in the midsole. The technology is located directly under the foot of the runner. It provides impact absorption.

Altra designed A-Bound technology to compress less and maintain its shape. It is meant to provide runners a durable ride. The midsole, while cushioned, flattened prematurely for a group of reviewers.

They felt the first run completely flattened the midsole. After 20 miles, everything started to hurt. It was particularly noticeable when running on flat stretches of trail, longer runs, and longer descents.

The reviewers were disappointed, but they may have tried to use the shoes for something they were not intended. The shoes are meant for rugged trails, not paved roads. Also, new muscles are strengthened when wearing zero drop shoes. The pain might be associated with muscle ache common to muscles that are newly challenged.

Altra used lightweight material to keep the weight as low as possible because a high level of cushioning and many technologies are used on the shoe. A combination of durable and breathable mesh is used in the upper.

Laser cut TPU overlays are designed to protect the feet against possible harmful elements on the trail. The overlays provide runner protection in the most vulnerable areas. Visibility in low light areas is supplied by 360-degree reflective material.

Altra utilizes patented Footshape technology in the design of the upper. The shoe protects those with a hammer toe, plantar fasciitis, and bunions. The tongue on the Timp is attached on both sides.

It keeps debris out of the shoe. Primarily the shoe is kept in one piece. When dealing with loose debris, sand, and dry dirt, the shoes do a great job of keeping debris out. The design of the tongue helps.

The high level of cushioning in the Timp makes the shoe more cumbersome than other running shoes. Weighing 10.7 ounces, Altra kept the weight as low as they could for a cushioned, rugged, durable trail shoe. Runners found the shoe to be light enough to speed up when necessary but heavy enough to protect them against trail elements.

The upper features a unique blend of breathability and protection. It is constructed of breathable mesh covered with laser cutouts of durable TPU. The lightweight mesh keeps the foot comfortable and cool during warm, long trail adventures. There are added ventilation points on the sides of the shoe. The added ventilation helps run longer because the feet are comfortable, cool, and blister free.

The Altra brand has a unique feature that provides a zero drop running experience for runners. Zero drop is best for form, and the shoe offers a cushioned, comfortable ride. Altra has a Fully-Cushioned Zero Drop design that provides a flat, plush ride for runners. The full-length midsole foam is a combination of patented A-Bound foam and lightweight EVA foam that reduces foot impact.

Altra utilizes patented Footshape design which allows the toes to splay naturally and spread out. The risk of painful and harmful afflictions such as bunions or hammertoe is reduced. Breathable uppers keep the feet dry and cool even in warm conditions.

The sizing feels right out of the box until the upper begins to stretch. The lacing starts to touch the upper. As the laces are used to tighten down the shoes, it loses some of its adjustability. It would seem that a stretched upper problem would be solved by ordering a size smaller.

The toes would rub along the front of the toe box. There is a hard stitched-in material. The upper cannot be sufficiently tightened, so the shoe does not fit everyone well. Sizing goes hand in hand with lacing.

The shoes have asymmetrical, off-center lacing that begins to come toward the medial side of the shoe. The laces can never be tightened in that area which limits all the ability to tighten across the forefoot. It makes it difficult to get a solid fit in the shoe.

The Altra Timp has a bulky look. Added cushioning prevents achieving a sleek look. The shoe is available in four styling and color options. There have been mixed reactions to the nearly camouflaged aesthetic.

The overall durability of the shoe receives raves from runners. Each section of the shoe has thoughtful durability features that keep the shoe running after the majority of the competition needs to be replaced.

The extra TPU layers featured in high abrasion areas ensure protection against the elements. Extensive use does not cause the shoes to wear down. The A-Bound material of the midsole is designed to compress two to three times less than traditional midsoles.

It maintains its effectiveness and shape mile after mile. Patented DuraTread rubber material is used in the outsole. Along the forefoot, there is a durable outsole rubber ridge. Some reviewers complained that the ridge falls under the point where the midsole starts to flatten. The result was a ridge of discomfort on all surfaces, primarily flat, hard surfaces, compact dirt, and rocks. The shoes are not meant for flat surfaces.

This shoe has some different protection elements. The upper has a 360-degree reflective material design. Runners are kept visible in areas with low light. They fully cushioned zero drop is designed to keep runners injury and pain-free.

It helps strengthen essential feet and leg muscles that have become weak over time when wearing traditional running shoes. Areas of weakness include calf muscles and the Achilles. The design also helps improve a runner’s gait. Trail Claw features on the outsole ensure runners stay upright and safe during trail adventures.

The zero drop helps provide high-level responsiveness to the runner. It is a helpful feature that enables quick and efficient changes in pace, terrain, and direction. The feature is useful on the ground that continually changes and requires an efficient response by the runner.

The design of the upper provides some support. It is constructed of the breathable mesh but is covered with laser cut overlays made of TPU. The overlays aid in support and keep the foot stable during activity. Featured in the midsole is the PFS system designed to provide support and stability for the runner.

Trails of all kinds can be run with the dynamic lugged system of the outsole. Trail Claw technology makes the shoe an excellent option for steep downhill descents and uphill climbs. The aggressive lug system, located underfoot, keeps the shoe from being a road running companion. It is a shoe meant strictly for trails and natural surfaces.

Similar to other trail running shoes, it is affordable but not the least expensive available. The shoe is not recommended for those on a tight budget. The high-level durability of the shoe makes it a smart investment because it outlasts some of its competitors.

Traction is a standout feature of the shoe. It can grip virtually any trail. Two distinct elements create added grip and traction. DuraTread rubber on the outsole is the first. It is a patented material designed to be durable and tightly grip the surface below it.

The Trail Claw design is the second. It is an aggressive lug system distributing different size and shape lugs along parts of the shoe that create the most durable grip achievable. The outsole material permits running in slippery conditions.

Flexibility is not a strong feature of the shoe. It was designed to be a stabilizing, supportive shoe to keep the foot close to the ground and stable for off-road running adventures.

The shoe does not provide stability in the traditional sense. It is designed to provide a zero drop, fully cushioned experience when running. Providing stabilizing technology was not the goal when developing the shoe. It is fully cushioned and designed to keep runners safe on treacherous races and runs. Elements are included to keep the feet secure and straight during activity.

The zero drop, fully-cushioned design is the defining characteristic of the Altra Timp. It is a unique combination offered to runners. The zero drop strengthens vital muscles in the leg and foot, especially lower calf muscles and the Achilles. Altra claims runners are protected against pain and injury and over time, their gait will improve. The zero drop helps runners feel connected to the surface below in a manner higher heel drops can’t.

* 360-degree reflection
* A-Bound midsole
* Breathable mesh upper
* DuraTread rubber
* Footshape design
* Gaiter trap keeps debris out
* Recycled materials
* TPU overlays
* Trail Claw outsole
* Zero drop, fully cushioned

Altra Timp is a brand new shoe from Altra which may have been named after Mount Timpanogos. It was designed to fit in the trail running shoe between the Lone Peak and Olympus. Olympus is a bigger shoe.

Reviewers were interested in a shoe that was bigger than the Lone Peak and smaller than the Olympus. It is a high purpose shoe with a wide forefoot, foot-shaped, durable cushioned and a grippy running shoe that is meant to go the distance.

A group of reviewer felt the Timp was a bit of a miss. After researching multiple reviews, it is hypothesized the group was not aware of the purpose of the shoe. Complaints included the first run being more frustrating than freeing. Every run after that became progressively more painful.

The reviewers did not describe the terrain for which the shoes were used. They are not meant for road wear. The shoes are specifically designed for natural surfaces and trails. Could it be this group was not used to zero drop shoes and were experiencing pain that accompanies using muscles not used previously?

The group did feel Altra nailed durability. Other trail and road shoes they reviewed did not hold up as well. The upper material is as damage protecting as expected. The idea of the Timp is also something the reviewers liked - a more cushioned load peak, a grippy outsole. A more performance oriented fit in the upper with less volume, a new interesting lacing system, and a lighter more agile version of the Olympus are all design ideas runners can get behind.