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Altra Timp 5 Boa: Two-minute review
Get Fit for ’26
This article is part of our Get Fit for ’26 series, in which our writers talk about the wellness and fitness challenges and experiences they’ve taken on, and the ones set to shape the year ahead. You can read all the articles in the series here.
Well, they certainly are an altogether different shoe from those Inov-8’s. Altra’s hallmarks are a particularly wide toe box and zero drop – two features I appreciate and drew my attention to the brand in the first place.
However, it’s the unique lacing system of the ‘Boa’ version of the Timp 5’s that peaked my curiosity. Swapping out traditional laces, there’s a dial which tightens and loosens the lace, enabling quick and precise adjustments. Kind of like ski boots.
I was concerned how effective this system would be, expecting the lace to regularly work its way loose, but those worries were unfounded following multiple 5 mile trails runs over several weeks, tackling hills and all manner of terrain.
Quick and micro adjustments are a doddle with this lacing system, which was a godsend given that I broke two fingers during the review period (unrelated, I promise – I stacked it in a skate park when rolling back the years on my daughter’s scooter), and had limited use of one hand.
I’ve consequently lived in the Timp 5 Boa’s because traditional laces were particularly tricky, but this lacing dial is manageable with one hand.
I like the look of the Timp 5 Boas too, even if the upper mesh is hard to clean after muddy trail runs to smarten them up for use afterwards as a day shoe.
And at 10oz / 286g, they are heavier than the average running shoe – I found them slow going for running (compared to those light Inov-8 shoes), so my pace was a little slower than I would like.
I’m used to zero drop shoes, but I did get a small strain on my achilles after totting up the miles in those Altra shoes. You might not be affected in the same way.
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The stretch ‘sock’ fabric cut into the outside of my ankle on occasion, too, if I had the tightening set incorrectly to my feet. Again, that might not be an issue for you.
I don’t think I’ve find my new fast trail shoes, sadly, but the Timp 5 Boa’s have otherwise been supremely comfortable and are clearly durable. These are my new top pick for long days on my feet, and I will definitely get a lot of use from them.
The Altra Timp 5 Boa’s cost $185 / £155 on the Altra website, but you can also find discounted prices at other leading retailers – I’ve seen as much as 40% off even at the time of writing, which feels more reasonable.
Altra Timp 5 Boa: Specifications
|
Component |
Altra Timp 5 Boa |
|
Weight: |
10oz / 286g |
|
Upper: |
Quick-dry air mesh |
|
Midsole |
Altra EGO™ MAX |
|
Outsole |
Vibram® Megagrip |
|
Heel-to-toe drop |
0mm |
Altra Timp 5 Boa: Scorecard
|
Category |
Comment |
Score |
|
Value |
No discount at the time of writing at Altra, and relatively pricey |
4/5 |
|
Design |
Wide toebox gives room for feet to breathe, zero heel drop might not suit all |
4.5/5 |
|
Features |
Unique lacing system works a charm for micro adjustments and snug support, Vibram midsole adds durability |
4.5/5 |
|
Performance |
Supremely comfortable, but not the quickest running shoe |
4/5 |
Altra Timp 5 Boa: Should I buy?
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider
Altra Timp 5 Boa: how I tested
- Used as my primary everyday shoe and running shoe for 1 month
- My typical running distance was around 25km per week
- I ran on mixed terrain; technical trails, footpaths and roads, flat and hilly, and used these as day to day shoes
I pretty much lived in the Altra Timp 5 Boa’s for a month, using them as my every day shoe for walking, hiking and commuting. I also completed numerous trail runs – about three per week for a month, with a typical weekly distance of around 25kms.
I live in the hilly countryside and most of the running I do covers mixed terrain and run in all kinds of weather. I’ve run on trails, footpaths and roads; wet and dry; flat and hilly. Just about any scenario you can imagine.
First reviewed: December 2025
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