Out of the beginning blocks on this Altra Timp 4 ($160) evaluate, I will probably be fully trustworthy with you.
Though I’m a earlier wearer of Altra’s Lone Peak lineage, and I’m not a stranger to the Altra world, this was my first expertise in an Altra Timp. I’ve realized over the evaluate interval that this shoe has been via a number of iterations. Path operating buddies and critical gear hounds have indicated that this model could also be higher constructed and extra of a stable path shoe than its predecessors.
The kinship is noticeable, however the Timp 4 is touted to be barely harder. It was relayed to me that the Altra Timp 4 might provide just a little extra sturdiness than the Altra Olympus line, just a little extra consolation than the Altra Lone Peak line, and whereas it might not be as tender and springy because the Altra Mont Blanc, it offers extra total underfoot safety.
The Altra Timp 4 has an precise weight of 10.7 ounces in a U.S. males’s dimension 9 and a 29-millimeter stack top, coupled with its notable zero-drop platform. The Timp 4 was designed with Altra’s normal FootShape match and is true to dimension. It’s maximally cushioned and accompanied by a relaxed slip-on really feel.
The general consolation sparks the urge to hit the paths instantly, whereas the cushioned platform permits the Timp 4 to be a most glorious pavement-to-trail transition shoe. There are a lot of features of this shoe to rave about, balanced with some features that may very well be barely adjusted or redesigned for the subsequent mannequin. The Timp 4 is a stable shoe, and I’m fortunate to have had nearly 200 miles in it, in all climate.
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The Altra Timp 4. All images: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Altra Timp 4 Higher
The Altra Timp 4 noticed a big redesign within the higher, each structurally and aesthetically. The higher is a mixture of tight-knit mesh with welded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) overlays. The toebox has added plastic above the massive toe and is additional fortified laterally, minimally on the medial facet. The most effective options of the Timp 4 is the whole heel design. There’s a tender lock-down match within the heel cup, which is accentuated by an additional cushioned collar. It feels so good.
Externally, there are important welded overlays with added padding on each side of the shoe. The heel is supportive on the underside and comfortable on the high. The heel design additionally incorporates a rad pull tab, which I take advantage of often when particles finds its method inside. Alas, it’s a fast shake and dump with a wise pull again onto the foot. On the base of the heel, there’s a Velcro tab for Altra’s proprietary gaiter and a corresponding plastic loop on the base of the tongue for the higher connection.
I didn’t put on the gaiters, but when I proceed to put on the Timps, it could be a essential funding. Though I’m very eager on the additional padding on the high of the tongue, I didn’t benefit from the seam on the very high that reduce into my ankle throughout lengthy runs. I put on low “no present” ankle socks. I do advise sporting quarter or crew socks whereas operating within the Timp 4 to keep away from this challenge. Moreover, the tongue is semi-gusseted, which shifted barely throughout runs and might be a contributing issue to the particles entering into the shoe, though minimally.
I’ve been operating within the shiny orange colorway. Initially, I used to be just a little apprehensive to run in such a flashy hue, however the panache has been rewarding. Together with the slip-on good really feel and the colour, this shoe begs me to run. The Timp 4 is available in 4 totally different colorways, appropriate for a lot of totally different character varieties.
A lateral view of the Altra Timp 4.
Altra Timp 4 Midsole
The Altra Timp 4’s midsole is engineered with the plush shock absorption of the Altra EGO Max foam. EGO Max is designed with coaching efficiency in thoughts. It heightens the path expertise by including spring to the stride and by rising total consolation and responsiveness. I benefit from the midsole’s capability to hit the bottom, disperse the contact drive, after which switch the touchdown power to a bounce launch. Don’t inform the model On Operating, however I really feel like I’m operating on clouds within the Timp 4.
The added consolation, nonetheless, didn’t come at a price to the underfoot safety afforded by the EGO Max midsole, which is holding up fairly properly in comparison with different Altras. The midsole is versatile and tender, whereas the heel foam is just a little stiffer, including barely extra stability on uneven terrain. Altra additionally designs their footwear with their proprietary Balanced Cushioning platform to make sure that a runner’s heel and forefoot are positioned at an equal distance from the bottom, giving the shoe a zero-drop and a degree alignment. In case you are used to a rocker, this platform takes a few runs to regulate to. Nonetheless, it did assist hone in a stable and robust midfoot touchdown on the buttery southern Oregon trails on which I run.
Apparently, the midsole has three drainage holes on either side of the footwear on the forefoot. They’re moreover coated by artificial mesh. I ran in a variety of snow and rain this spring whereas sporting the Timp 4s. I can’t say there was a big benefit of the holes with regard to water launch, as a result of my toes had been nonetheless moist, clammy, and chilly. Maybe the added holes contributed to the lightness of the midsole.
A medial view of the Altra Timp 4.
Altra Timp 4 Outsole
Elaborating upon the spring climate I ran in throughout our moist and chilly spring in Oregon, I used to be in a position to considerably check the Altra Timp 4’s MaxTrac outsole. For six weekends straight, the hills and mountains obtained rain and important snow, each within the native watershed and up on the Pacific Crest Path (PCT). I bounced on the alternative to place rubber to the weather.
General, the Timp 4 had subpar traction on technical path and within the snow. It appeared to carry up higher on the moist granitic soils, permitting for just a little extra seize and highly effective striding. The lugs are shallow with an alternating chevron form masking nearly all of the shoe’s underside. I’ve discovered that the outsole performs properly in drier situations and on trails unburdened by a variety of texture.
Since I’m used to a extra aggressive outsole within the different path footwear I’ve been testing and racing in through the years, I’ve assigned the Timp 4 to be an appropriate mid-distance — 10 to fifteen miles — coach for hybrid and dry path, sand, and slab situations. It merely wants just a little extra chunk in moist and slick situations.
The outsole of the Altra Timp 4.
Altra Timp 4 General Impressions
The Altra Timp 4 is right here to remain in my quiver — it’s typically the suitable arrow for the run on the calendar. Though it isn’t a racer, it’s a stable coach for reasonably paced and mid-distance runs. I actually benefit from the consolation and cushion supplied by the EGO Max midsole and considerate design of the heel. I respect the safety and sturdiness it has given my toes and decrease physique. I really feel sufficient floor to know what I’m touchdown on, however the softness and further spring give rebound and power financial savings.
It is usually an honest climber, and as I discussed a number of instances, the Timp 4 is a tremendous street to path and back-to-road shoe. I’m an enormous supporter of zero-drop and foot-shaped footwear of all types. I firmly imagine Altras assist strengthen toes and ankles, whereas additionally giving bio-feedback for larger stride effectivity.
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- You probably have run in earlier variations of the Altra Timp, what are your ideas on the updates within the Timp 4?
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A high view of the Altra Timp 4.
