One detail-perhaps less well known-in the history of the American brand Altra is that its roots lie in trailrunning. And it is precisely in this specialty that Altra is now making inroads, complementing its on-road offerings with off-road offerings.
In the past few days a new model, the
Timp 4
, which we were able to test in depth for a few weeks. The Timp 4 are, to the eye, classic Altra shoes, with the characteristic shape of the
toebox
wide that allows the toes to move laterally, with a view to performing the foot movement as naturally as possible, and with a zero differential between the front and rear, both 29 millimeters high.
The midsole was developed with the proprietary technology material
EGO™ MAX
, a lightweight yet firm foam that allows for the maximum possible cushioning. The upper is made of knit, now found on most running shoe models, a solution that gives something in terms of weight and allows the foot to be wrapped more snugly, but is not waterproof. On the side, in the forefoot area, the midsole has small holes on each side that allow for better water expulsion if running in rainy conditions or crossing puddles or small fords.
The laces are flat and stretchy (but not overly so) and help keep the shoe firmly attached to the foot, thanks in part to the padded tongue and wraparound heel.
The weight is about 310 grams, but the special structure of the shoe returns a lightweight feel under the foot that does not feel it, especially on runs of short duration or low level of technical difficulty.
ON WHAT TERRAIN THEY DO BEST
Timp 4s are shoes devoted to long (or very long) runs on any suburban terrain and adapt well to both plain dirt and single track trails, giving excellent sensations even on off-trail trails, always providing exceptional grip both in dry conditions and in very unfavorable conditions, such as terrain made slippery by rain and wet leaves and pine needles, thanks to the tread
MaxTrac™
, also the result of technology developed directly by Altra and which may soon become the real strength of the American brand. The tread structure and its design allow for safe and quick directional changes at all times, even on downhill curves with a fair amount of steepness.
To get a broader idea of the grip capabilities, I also tried them on a mixed asphalt/terrain course in light rain and was satisfied, although I am concerned that use on asphalt may ruin the rubber bottom much faster.
TO WHOM YOU CAN RECOMMEND
It would be easy to say, “To everyone who wants to start trail running!“, because, indeed, the Timp 4 are shoes that are easily adaptable to different types of runners, but it is also true that, like other models from the American company, their use requires a certain amount of awareness, particularly with regard to running technique and proprioception. Since they are 0-drop shoes, in fact, they require an adaptation period for those who have never used shoes with zero differential before, otherwise the risk is not being able to fully understand them and not enjoying the ride, or even worse, putting a foot down and falling off.
In addition, their weight (the 310 grams refers to the American size 9, the European 42.5) makes them the shoes voted for athletes with sturdy builds and who seek more cushioning, but who can handle leg fatigue over long distances, because lacking the differential altogether it is otherwise easier to feel fatigue.
So the answer is, “I recommend them to almost anyone who wants to start trail running,” as long as they don’t immediately try to win the
UTMB
, that is.
BONUS
Needing for work to spend a morning out and about in the woods and rough, snowy trails, I wore them for several hours in “
hiking
” and not “trail running“, and they performed excellently even in this situation. Their use even after serving as our running companions is therefore guaranteed.
The
Other Timp 4
are available on the manufacturer’s website at
this link
and in the best specialty stores, priced at 160 euros.