Altra Timp First Look

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“Timp” is the nickname Utah locals use for Mount Timpanogos, the second highest mountain in the Wasatch Range, with an iconic trail climbing to the 11,752 foot summit. Altra founder Golden Harper calls this the “long day” shoe, and it’s definitely made with long distance mountain running in mind. A prototype was tested by Jeff Browning at last year’s Hardrock 100, and the Timp was available this summer just in time for us to test at the 2017 Hardrock. Rest assured, we didn’t run in it like Browning does … but about 45 hours later, we concluded that this is one remarkable shoe.

Features:

• Stack Height: 29 mm in heel and forefoot
• Drop: 0mm
• Weight: 10.7 oz. / 303 g (men’s), 8.9 oz / 252g (women’s)
• FootShape toe box
• Asymmetrical lacing system
• Midsole: Ultralight EVA with A-Bound
• Outsole: DuraTread Rubber with 4mm TrailClaw lugs
• Insole: 6 mm Contour Footbed
• 360° Reflective Upper
• 4-point Gaiter Trap attachments
• MSRP: $130

Admittedly, we took a bit of a gamble on this shoe, giving it only one test run in early July before lacing them up for the grand tour of Colorado’s San Juans. However, we had good reason to be optimistic, as Altra’s Superior and Lone Peak models have carried us through many ultras over the years. The Timp fills a gap in the company’s trail running line, with a stack height that is a little less than the 36mm Olympus, but higher than the 25mm Lone Peak. It is built on the same performance last as the popular Superior 3.0, with a snug fit in the heel and midfoot, and a roomy toe-shaped footbox that allows your toes plenty of room to spread out and even swell up during the course of a long day and night (and then another day and night, as the case may be).

The Timp features an aggressive new MaxTrac outsole that provides excellent grip in all manner of technical or wet terrain. Its InnerFlex midsole with firm A-Bound material and softer EVA is cushy enough to absorb impact, but durable enough to not break down over the course of 100 miles. We were very impressed with how the Timp prevented aches, soreness or hot spots on the bottom of our feet, even without a rock plate, for nearly two continuous days on super rocky and rugged trails. The Timp is also relatively lightweight for the amount of cushioning and protection it offers.

We were additionally won over by the uppers of the Timp, which have 360-degree reflectivity and come in cool camo patterns … but they also manage moisture super effectively through drainage holes and highly breathable mesh. At Hardrock, your feet are constantly wet, and we used one pair of Timps (along with Drymax Max Protection socks) throughout the entire race, and came away without any blisters.

The Altra Timp is available this month from www.altrarunning.com, and it carries our highest recommendation for long days, race days, or other high mileage excursions through the mountains.