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Altra Timp 3
Designed to meet the needs of the versatile runner, Altra's Timp 3 performs well on trails and the roads you take to get to them. With the MaxTac outsole, the shoe provides a strong grip both climbing and descending hills. Think of the outsole as a mountain bike fat tire – but for your feet!
The shoe's high cushioned Quantic midsole provides comfort and support for long runs. Altra increased the volume and width in the Timp 3 to allow for a more generous fit. While the shoe does not have a separate rock plate, the firm cushioning provides protection from rocks and sticks.
Altra's Timp 3 is fills the gap between Altra's Lone Peak and Olympus, perfect for the runner who wants a cushioned shoe that can make a seamless transition from road to trail.
Running Lab Ambassador & Team Running Lab Coach, Shelly, got a chance to do some winter trail training in hers. Here's her perspective on the new Timp update from Altra.
SUPPORT: Neutral
HEEL TO TOE OFFSET: 0mm
WEIGHT: 8.9oz/253g women's; 11oz/311g men's
USE: Trail Running, High Mileage trail days
SURFACE: Trail
FIT
The Altra Timp 3 is a comfortable trail shoe. It features the Quantic high-cushion midsole that allows the wearer to stay out on the trail for long days out. Shelly feels it is a familiar Altra fit and the toe box feels the same as my other Altra I own. I feel like it gives me extra traction with the way my toes are able to spread out. It is true to size. It is a nice fitting, comfortable shoe.
STABILITY
I feel stable in this shoe. I have worn it multiple times now in different snowy conditions and have not had any slipping. Have felt secure when going through uneven areas. The MaxTac outsole is a big player in why this shoe has that secure ground feel that Shelly experienced. Nice and grippy for dirt and snow and whatever else Mother Nature throws at you out there on the trail.
SPEED
Shelly was able to wear this shoe over varying distances with the longest run being 8.5. Shelly felt they held up nicely for that distance. This shoe is designed for long days on your feet. Due to the Quantic cushioning, the wearer will feel a lot of propulsion with lift off. She says I prefer the cushion comfort of a road shoe for longer distance, but I liked this shoe better than wearing traction over road. This demonstrates the Timp's versatility allowing it to cross over from trail to road.
COMPARISON
I have a pair of Altra Dyani that are my favorite casual shoe. The build of the shoe is similar and makes the fit feel familiar. My other trail shoe is ON Cloudventure. The fit is very different so I like that it gives me a different option for different terrain. Altra's trail shoes from low to high cushion are the Superior, Lone Peak, Timp, and then Olympus. The Timp 3 is on the high end of Altra's cushioning lineup.
PREVIOUS VERSIONS
This is Shelly's first time wearing this model. The Timp 3 is Altra's third release of the Timp shoe. The fit of the Timp 3 is more akin to the true-to-size fit of the original Timp. The Timp 3 weighs in at about a half ounce heavier than Timp 2, likely due to some overlays in the lateral side of the upper. This overlay allows for a greater feel of stability though - so a good tradeoff for the slight increase in weight.
WHAT WE THINK
Altra is not new to the trail. The brand started in the back room of a specialty running store in the Wasatch mountains. As with all Altra trail shoes, the Timp 3 features GaiterTrap for incorporating a gaiter into your sandy or loose dirt trail run as well as StoneGuard rock protection underfoot. Timp 3 will come in 3 men's and 3 women's colors. Shelly says she would recommend this shoe. It has good traction (even in snowy conditions) but not huge lugs. This shoe is for someone who's looking for a balanced, natural feel on the trail and prefers more cushioning than the Lone Peak by Altra.
MEET YOUR REVIEWER
Shelly
50 year old
Wears women's size 8.5
Shelly is a Running Lab Ambassador & Coach for Team Running Lab. Shelly says: I’ve been running consistently for the past 5 years, 10 years total. Increased my mileage over the past year to complete my first marathon and 50k. I like short and long distance and have different goals with each. My favorite thing about running is it refreshes my mind and simply makes me feel good.
I really don' t know how i would ever survive my hikes w/o the Timp 2(and have recently ordered the Timp 3 (both in mens 8) Due to a long dance(and teaching) career, my feet are quite "beaten up" & I had extensive foot surgery in 2013. No other shoe(I have the Provision as well) on the market(believe me, I have tried them all) can compare to the wide forefoot, midfoot cushioning, "room for hammertoes/bunions" , support and high quality construction of Altra shoes. I actually feel they were made for my problem feet! No other shoe can compare. I do 1-2 hour hilly hikes on unstable ground 4-5 days a week & I can honestly say I am totally pain free! I recommend Altra to all of my friends/colleagues and I certainly hope the company will continue to produce what I honestly believe is the best running/trail shoe on the market. I forgot to mention that I do wear custom orthotics and they fit in each model beautifully. I am a very active 70 year old who passes for 50-and my philosophy for everyone is don't ever stop moving-this is the key to quality longevity!
Still feels more narrow in forefoot compared to the 1.5 , also the heel depth feels shallow like my heel does not nestle down in the shoe