Altra’s new Timp 6s are grippy and downright delightful! When Altra categorizes the ride experience as “float,” they;’e 100% accurate.
The Altra Timp 6 is the newest member of Altra’s Timp Family, which includes the Timp 5, Timp 5 BOA, Timp 5 GTX, Timp Hiker, and Timp Hiker GTX. All of the shoes feature Vibram® outsoles, Altra EGO™ MAX midsole foam, and additional elements ideal for the trail-obsessed.
What’s new and notable in the Timp 6? Runners can enjoy the outsole that Altra revamped to provide better traction, along with a number of improvements to the fit and comfort.
For me, when a shoe is right, it fades into the background of my consciousness, and I just enjoy the run. In the Altra Timp 6, I had to work extra hard to wrangle my mind from wandering on the trails and intentionally focus on evaluating the experience of the shoes. I call that a win!
Who is it Good For?
- Wide Feet: Altra shoes are a go-to for people with wide feet, but the Timp does run more narrow than other models.
- Heavier Runners: Plenty of cushion, grip and durability.
- Long Runs: Designed for all-day running, they’re a moderate cushion that will hold up.
- Front of the Pack: Not a race shoe, but absolutely able to pick up the pace.
The Altra Timp 6 is soft enough to feel indulgent and strong enough to carry zero-drop lovers on their greatest trail adventures. It’s a middle ground of cushion between the Altra Lone Peak and the Olympus running shoes.
Altra Timp 6 Overview
Before I dive into the Timp 6 specifics, I need to provide some context.
I absolutely love running on trails in my Altra Lone Peak 9s. If I have any minor aches and pains from road running, they seem to melt into the ground and disappear as my feet navigate rocks and roots.
I feel so agile and connected to the Earth. It’s rejuvenating to such an incredible degree that I was initially skeptical of the high-cushion trail shoe experience.
When I tested the Topo Pursuit 3, I appreciated the structure and design of the shoe, but didn’t exactly have the same gleeful experience. Although quite similar to the Topo Pursuit 3s on paper, the Altra Timp 6 offers much more spring and flexibility. What they lack in ground-feel (a plus for many), they make up for in comfort and responsiveness.
In the Altra Timp 6, my feet can fully articulate through the complete range of motion (something I could not do so well in the Topo Pursuit 3).
I can smoothly transition between dirt trails, gravel, and pavement without much of a change in experience, leading me to opt for these over the Lone Peaks when the terrain varies. The tread design allows me to feel confident running on slushy, snowy, icy, and muddy ground.
In fact, where the 5 could transition to road if needed, we really think the updated outsole makes this a trail only shoe (and we like that for the Timp).
The Altra EGO™ MAX midsole foam feels light and bouncy, and is thankfully not tempered by the Vibram® Megagrip outsole, which is super sticky, flexible, and performs well on all types of surfaces. If I am going to deviate from my beloved Lone Peaks, these are the shoes!
Altra Timp 6 Specs
- Weight: 11.45 oz Men’s, 9.5 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 30mm
- Heel Drop: 0 mm
- Available in 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available on Altra.com for $165
Quick Take
Pros
- Great for terrain versatility
- Responsive cushion
- Breathable upper
Cons
- More narrow fit than other Altra’s
- Lack of ground feel
The Altra Timp 6 colorways offer a little something for everyone. Neutrals, blacks, blues, and bold pinks are available. The women’s tan style is my favorite. I love the pop of salmon on the sole and laces, as well as the subtly contrasting warm and cool creams of the foam and fabric. While I’m enjoying the mint version, I can imagine the tan looking the best covered in dirt.
Altra Timp 6 Fit
The Altra Timp 6 fit true-to-size for me; however, I see a note on the men’s product page that the fit runs slightly small.
I believe this is because the Timp is known to be a bit more narrow than other Altra trail running shoes. From the toebox to the heel cup it’s just more streamlined, which is part of making it a more agile shoe. That being said, they have made some changes based on this feedback, which you can see in their handy little marketing tag.
The redesigned upper provides more room for the foot, improving overall comfort. The midfoot and arch feel comfortable and consistent with the brand.
AND they made changes in the toebox area to get you more of that Altra signature FootShape™ fit. It feels the same as all my other Altras, the one exception being the Lone Peaks, which are quite wide.
One major difference is the heel fit. Without lace locking, my heel jostles around and slides in and out of the shoe. Thankfully, heel lock lacing fixes that issue. Speaking of laces, the Timp 6 comes with nicely woven flat laces that stay tied throughout my runs.
The tongue is moderately padded. I do have to purposefully pull it up and into position before tying my shoes (something that I don’t commonly have to do with shoes), but this does not translate to any other fit issues.
The Timp 6s are stable with lots of cushion, but they are certainly not stiff. The shoe bends as my foot pushes off the ground and rebounds enthusiastically.
Altra Timp 6 Feel
The upper Soft Rolled Mesh 85% RPET fabric is nice and breezy. It is on the thinner side, but it feels durable. On a recent run, wet, snowy water came into my shoe (a moment of panic), and then went out (some relief and intrigue).
Thanks to the excellent drainage, my feet were not cold and soggy. If you do a lot of cold wet running, great news there is a GTX version which means you’ll stay nice and dry! Just remember those waterproof options are also warmer, so less ideal in the summer months where the drainage is a better option.
Additionally, the Altra Timp 6s feature the GaiterTrap™ to easily attach a gaiter to the shoe to keep out trail debris.
I felt just the right amount of stability in these shoes. My feet and ankles have the flexibility they desire and also found great pleasure in the plush cushioning.
Altra Timp 6 Vs Olympus 6
One of the great things about our team testing so many shoes from each brand is we can better help differentiate between the models which often start to feel really similar. The Altra Olympus 7 will release in Aug 2026, so here’s our review of the current Altra Olympus 6.
A simple way to think of it would be the Timp is great for your faster moving days and the Olympus for that max cushion long day on your feet shoe.
- Olympus 33mm stack to Timp 30mm
- Olympus is going to feel more cushioned (softer)
- Timp will be the lighter shoe for picking up the pace
- Many report the Timp feels a bit more narrow through midfoot and heel cup
- Timp can feel like a more do it all shoe
- Both have fantastic grip
- Lone Peak would be the option if you want even less cushion that both
Similar Shoes to the Altra Timp 6
We’ve tested a few that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
- Hoka Speedgoat 6 – Similar cushion and traction, but 5mm drop
- Altra Experience Wild 2 – Same foot-shaped toe box, similar high cushion, but a 4mm drop, an EVA foam, and a MaxTrac™ outsole.
- Merrell Agility Peak (fabulous traction, similar cushion)
Our Verdict
The Altra Timp 6 is ideal for adventurers who like the zero-drop style and appreciate the benefits of spreading their toes out fully. They perform well for me on a variety of terrain and in many different conditions, and with the GTX version I’ll even be set on cold wet days.
What to Read Next?
- Trail Shoe Lugs Explained
- Best Wool Running Apparel
- Outopia Trail Gear Review (Wide leg winter running pants)
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