Altra Timp 4 Shoe Review
Updated: May 3, 2022
Plush Flexibility Smoothly Cruises Over the Trails
The Timp 4 sees a top-to-bottom update that makes it even more capable
Likes
- Soft cushioning
- Nimble feel
- Comfortable upper
- Secure heel fit
Dislikes
- Flexibility puts additional stress on the arch
- Not enough underfoot protection for technical trails
What's New
The Timp returns with new updates from the outsole all the way to the upper, and this improved trail shoe is primed to impress both long-time fans and first-timers alike. Above all, the new EGO MAX midsole is the most notable change in version four. Having graduated from the previous model's Quantic foam, the new midsole offers a soft underfoot experience that isn't sluggish when it's time to pick up the pace. Altra has also reconfigured the outsole, adding a new lug pattern that is more dependable on a variety of surfaces. Further improvements were made to the Timp's fit and heel collar design, offering upgraded comfort and security ideal for cruising through trails.
The Bottom Line
Altra has taken the Timp to the max with the introduction of EGO MAX foam in the midsole, which helps make this trail cruiser plusher than ever. Ideal for tackling any daily runs on the trails, the Timp 4 offers super soft landings and silky smooth transitions, all while maintaining a nimble feel that instills runners with confidence while tackling a wide variety of trail types. Even with the help of the new EGO MAX midsole, the Timp 4 is not recommended for race day or your fastest training runs, but this shoe will have you covered for nearly everything else. This is especially true for runners who enjoy transitioning seamlessly from the road to the trail.
The updated collar configuration further adds to the Timp 4's plush feel, providing ample padding that will deliver reliable comfort every time you lace up. In the same vein, these shoes offer Altra's signature spacious toe box with a lockdown that had our testers buzzing. The praise didn't end there, as the new outsole configuration was also applauded for its dynamic grip, which made navigating over trails a breeze. That said, the Timp 4 is not all sunshine and rainbows, and our testing team noted that they would have appreciated more underfoot protection for longer runs, as well as a bit more stability on technical trail adventures. But those small details should not deter anyone who's looking to get the Timp on their feet, as this shoe remains a highly rated trail option that is ideal for beginner trail runners and anyone looking to stay comfortable while racking up their weekly mileage.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Medium to Wide |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.7 (Size 9) Women's: 9.3 (Size 8) |
| Stack Height | 30mm (Heel), 30mm (Forefoot) 0mm Offset |
| Terrain | Trail |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Liz: "The Timp 4 has a plush feel that provides more cushioning than the previous model. It offered pillowy landings and enough protection so that I didn't have to worry about stone bruising from sharp rocks underfoot."
Kaleb: "Immediately when you step into the Altra Timp 4, you are greeted with a pleasantly soft underfoot feel. The EGO MAX midsole feels very absorptive and flirts with the illustrious 'plush' designation. l enjoyed the Timp 4 as a road-to-trail option, as the midsole was comfortable on both surfaces."
Ride/Energy Returni
Liz: "While this shoe has a very soft feel, it also has a nimble responsiveness that keeps it from feeling sluggish when I want to pick up the pace."
Kaleb: "The EGO MAX midsole didn't feel overly energetic in its return, but it did have a spongy bounce that added a lot of quality to the shoe's ride. Ultimately, the highlights were the naturally smooth transitions and the overall comfort offered by the midsole-topsole combination."
Underfoot Protectioni
Liz: "While I would personally want a bit more protection for all-day trail runs, I feel like the Timp 4 does a good job of absorbing the impact to keep my legs feeling fresh and my feet and knees happy."
Kaleb: "The EGO MAX is incredibly soft underfoot and feels comfortably protective on more well-groomed trails. In these conditions, I felt like I had enough protection to go for miles, but on more technical terrain, I could feel a lot of the trail underfoot, and I had to be very mindful to avoid rocks or potentially hazardous debris."
Flexibilityi
Liz: "While the new Timp 4 is less flexible than the previous version, it still has a smooth and nimble ride. I prefer a bit more rigidity through the midfoot because I have an old arch injury that needs stabilisation, but those who like a natural feeling ride will appreciate the Timp's level of flexibility."
Kaleb: "I found the Timp 4 to be fairly flexible, which made for really smooth heel-to-toe transitions and some joyful trail runs. The only time the flexibility was an issue was on technical terrain and steep hills, as it led to additional stress on my calves and arches. I haven't worn many Altra shoes yet, and my body isn't completely familiar with zero-drop shoes, so this may be the main cause of my soreness."
Upper Supporti
Liz: "I love the upper on this shoe. It was comfortable from the initial step in, but it also feels very secure despite the wider toe box. I've worn previous Altra models where I felt my forefoot shift around in the shoe, but that is not the case with the Timp 4. I feel like it allows for toe splay without any unwanted movement. I also LOVE the heel fit of this shoe. It feels locked in and highly secure."
Kaleb: "I thought the upper was the highlight of this shoe. The open mesh design with updated collar construction is very comfortable and highly secure. Once I laced up, I was confident that I was locked in and that my foot wouldn't be slipping around everywhere while running. I also found the toe box to be spacious, allowing my toes to splay comfortably, and I never had any hot spots or blistering in the Timp 4."
Men's Altra Timp Running Shoes
The Altra Timp is a trail running shoe which offers a high level of cushioning and traction to take on your rugged trail running needs.
Women's Altra Timp Running Shoes
The Altra Timp is a trail running shoe which offers a high level of cushioning and traction to take on your rugged trail running needs.
Individual Thoughts
LizOverall Score: 8.5/10
The Altra Timp 4 is a versatile trail running shoe that balances enough cushioning for all-day comfort with a nimble feel that makes it easy to pick up the pace. It has a pleasantly soft feel underfoot, along with a smooth and flexible ride. While I feel that the shoe lacks the stability I need for technical trails due to an old arch injury, I think that many people will find that this shoe works for anything from smooth fire roads to technical terrain. The fit of this model was amazing. The toe box was wide enough to accommodate my wider feet, but it was still secure enough to provide confidence on rough, off-camber terrain. Finally, this is the first Altra shoe where I haven't needed to use a lace-lock method to prevent my heel from slipping. It had a secure heel fit with a plush collar that felt structured without being stiff or restrictive. Overall, I am super impressed with the new Timp 4 and highly recommend it.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
KalebOverall Score: 8.5/10
I enjoyed the Timp 4 for anything from long, meandering hikes to short, speedy trail runs. The EGO MAX midsole was enjoyable, providing a good amount of protection and an ultra-smooth ride that also offered a spongy bounce from stride to stride. I also really like the upper on the Timp 4, as it felt very comfortable on foot and instilled a lot of confidence with its highly-secure design. I think the Timp 4 is best paired with shorter, less technical trail runs because of its level of protection. More experienced runners may have all they need to tackle longer, more difficult runs, but for a weekend trail warrior like myself, I prefer a little more protection for my longer efforts. I would like to quickly note how impressed I was with the Timp as a road-to-trail option, as the shoe seamlessly transitioned from pavement to dirt. Overall, I think the Timp 4 is a fantastic option for beginner trail runners (if they can handle a zero-drop shoe) or those looking for a comfortable shoe to tackle daily trail runs.
