Altra Timp 4 Review | Running Shoes Guru

The Altra Timp 4.0 is a comfortable and versatile trail shoe that works well in virtually any trail condition. The Timp 4.0 is a highly cushioned trail shoe (29 mm stack), which slots nicely into Altra’s line up between the Lone Peak (moderate cushion) and Olympus (maximal cushion).

This is the newest iteration of the Timp line, which debuted originally debuted in 2018. The Timp 4.0 is much sleeker and a bit lighter than the original, but very similar in size and feel of the second and third models of this shoe.

Straight out of the box, I knew I was looking at the Altra Timp 4.0. It looked and felt very similar to the last two versions of this shoe. The Timp 4.0 is relatively light compared to the ample amount of cushion and protection it provides, which is something I definitely appreciate.

Of course, how the shoe performs is much more important than how it looks. And I have no major complaints, though maybe one minor issue, with the performance of the Timp 4.0s.

My first run in the shoe was on a grassy trail, still wet and a bit slippery thanks to the morning dew. This particular trail is the kind of area where trail shoes aren’t often necessary, but given the wet conditions, it was nice having the confidence that I wasn’t going to be slipping and sliding thanks to the bite of the tread of the Timps. Up and down small hills and turning tight corners, I never once had any issues with my footing.

In subsequent runs, on a variety of different trails, I’ve continued to be impressed by the combination of protection, comfort, and traction that the Timp 4.0 provides. Whether you’re running/racing on clean trails or doing a lot of scrambling/climbing on more technical terrain, the Altra Timp 4.0 just works!

The only issue I have with this shoe, and it’s pretty much the same issue I’ve had with the last two iterations of the Timps, is that it’s a bit narrower in the forefoot/toe box than I would expect from an Altra. While I like the look of these shoes, the more spacious toe box of the OG Timp is one “improvement” I keep hoping Altra will undo when they roll out new versions of the Timps.

To be clear, I wouldn’t call the Timp 4.0 narrow in general, but compared to the original Timp and other Altra models, it’s definitely a tighter feet than I would prefer.

The Altra Timps 4.0 will definitely keep your feet safe and happy no matter what the trail throws at you.

The MaxTrac outsole of the Timp 4.0 is a durable hard rubber layer that offers protection from any gnarly tree roots or sharp rocks that are present on the trail. The midsole is comprised of Altra’s EGO max cushioning material which provides both comfort and protection to the soles of your feet.

Additionally, the Timp 4.0 features a reinforced toe cap to protect the foot from any debris that you might encounter during a run.

I have zero concerns about the Altra Timp 4.0. I’ve worn the Timp 4.0s in a variety of conditions, and the shoe’s are showing zero signs of wear at all.

If you want a trail shoe that will hold up to some serious wear and tear, the Timp 4.0 ticks that box for sure.

The Altra Timp 4.0 is definitely a trail shoe that you can race fast with. Though top speed on relatively runnable trails isn’t exactly what the Timps are known for, you can absolutely wear them in a trail race of any distance without worrying that these shoes would negatively impact your performance.

The makeup of the sole provides a smooth ride on every surface, and the grip that it provides will give you the confidence to really hammer it when the conditions are a bit slick/unstable. And for a shoe that provides as much cushion/protection as this one does, it is not too heavy (10.9 oz) to really race hard in.

The Altra Timp 4.0 has a snug fit, from the heel cup through the mid-foot. As I mentioned earlier in the review, the toe box/forefoot of the Timp 4.0 feels a bit narrow based on the foot-shaped toe box standards Altra has long-maintained.

While the Timp 4.0 feels a bit snugger to me than I would prefer, they are still comfortable to wear/run in. I’ve not experienced any issues with the fit of these shoes at all.

The upper of the Timp 4.0 is made of a cushioned mesh that allows the shoes to breathe well, and it provides a snug, but comfortable, fit that surrounds the entire foot.

Without question, this Altra Timp 4.0 is one of my favorite trail shoes!

While there is no such a thing as a perfect shoe, but the Timp 4.0 comes pretty darn close to ticking all the boxes for me.

The Timp 4.0 feels just as comfortable, and performs just as well, when running on a grassy trail as when running on concrete sidewalks and any surface in between.

It’s comfortable. It’s fast. It fits true to size.

It’s just a good shoe, no matter how you look at it.