The Altra Timp 6. All photographs: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Though the previous few iterations of this shoe every acquired fairly vital upgrades, the Different Time 6 ($165) handed on the key redesigns in favor of constructing the elements work even higher. The result’s a zero-drop path working shoe that feels agile and versatile, equally comfy on lengthy days and on brief, quick runs.
The Timp 6 sits squarely in the midst of the Altra cushioned lineup, with a 30-millimeter stack peak that works properly as a nimble door-to-trail choice. It carries much less bulk than the One other Olympus 6 (overview)with its 33-millimeter stack peak underneath the heel, however gives extra cushion and stability than the decrease, faster-feeling Altra Lone Peak 9 (overview)which has a 25-millimeter stack underneath the heel. With the Different Time 5the model moved from its MaxTrac outsole rubber to Vibram Megagrip, and the Timp 6 continues with the Vibram materials, however with a special tread sample. The midsole materials stays the identical, as does the broad toebox that the model is thought for.
Having by no means worn footwear from Altra earlier than, I’ve loved all 120 miles logged on this pair, particularly since they’re my first path miles postpartum. With out the shoe tipping me ahead like conventional trainers, I naturally settled right into a secure midfoot strike that inspired environment friendly biomechanics on my favourite path runs. I discovered the cushioning balanced, and the footwear a superb selection for runs of 10 miles or much less, however comfy sufficient for longer days out.
The footwear have a claimed weight of 11.4 ounces (324 grams) for a U.S. males’s 10.5, which is 1.4 ounces greater than the Timp 5 and fairly heavy for a path shoe. I discovered the sizing to be according to path footwear from different manufacturers.
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Different Time 6 Higher
A lateral view of the Altra Timp 6.
The Different Time 6 higher makes use of a delicate, rolled mesh higher materials across the broad toebox and midfoot. The design is refreshingly easy, with no pointless overlays, colours, or stitching. The dearth of seams close to the laces and toe crease ought to attraction to runners liable to irritation on the highest of the foot. Over time, a gentle crease developed within the cloth on the flex level over the toes, doubtless associated to the elevated quantity of the higher, however it didn’t have an effect on match or consolation.
A welded TPU toe cap reinforces the massive toe and extends flippantly alongside the lateral facet. In contrast with earlier variations, Altra up to date the overlays to enhance flexibility and safety on rocky, technical terrain.
The higher gives beneficiant quantity, permitting loads of toe motion and unfold — a signature Altra function. Whereas some runners worth this design for its potential biomechanical advantages, as somebody with a wider forefoot, my appreciation was easier: the match felt pure and cozy. Runners with slender ft might discover the shoe too roomy.
A pull tab on the heel makes the shoe simple to slide on, and a padded heel collar permits fast exits. Total, the heel cup feels safe with out inflexible plastic, locking the heel principally in place whereas remaining comfy. I did have a tiny little bit of heel slippage on my left foot, which is a tiny bit smaller than my proper, however that was simply mounted by adjusting the laces. The ankle collar dips barely on either side to accommodate the ankle bones, with increased padding on the rear for comfy heel seating. A rear gaiter attachment integrates with Altra’s proprietary gaiters.
The tongue has average padding and feels sturdy, avoiding the skinny, flimsy development present in some light-weight path footwear. I skilled no rubbing or strain factors. The lacing system offers a safe midfoot lockdown with out limiting pure motion. The laces run lengthy, however the flat woven design feels basic and holds knots properly.
Altra Timp 6 Midsole
A medial view of the Altra Timp 6.
The Different Time 6 midsole is made from the proprietary Altra EGO MAX foam, with 30 millimeters of cushioning underneath each the heel and forefoot. The froth feels springy and responsive however nonetheless managed, and the shoe has sufficient cushioning to deal with brief street stretches on the best way to the trailhead. I discovered the trip snappy but versatile with out feeling stiff or inflexible.
For those who’re accustomed to footwear with increased drops, the balanced cushion and zero-drop platform might take some getting used to, and the dearth of drop may very well be a problem for some runners, particularly these with present Achilles points or tight calves. That mentioned, the adjustment feels worthwhile, because the design can encourage extra energy and engagement within the ft and decrease legs over time. Actually, as a beginner to Altra zero-drop, who spends most of her runs going uphill and has had Achilles points prior to now, I didn’t discover any further calf soreness or Achilles consciousness with these footwear.
The arch profile is refined, and the midfoot match feels safe with out being restrictive. Runners with very excessive arches or slender ft might need to look elsewhere, however these with common to decrease arches ought to discover the match comfy and secure.
Altra Timp 6 Outsole
The outsole of the Altra Timp 6.
The Different Time 6 continues with the Vibram Megagrip outsole of the Timp 5. It appears a typical selection within the path shoe business on the whole as of late. The general outsole form is just like that of the Timp 5, and the design maintains related outsole cutouts to save lots of weight and enhance the shoe’s flexibility. The situation and measurement of a few of these cutouts have modified barely, however their total protection stays practically the identical.
The lugs have additionally been modified in form, however their sample, which spans throughout the forefoot in a form that mirrors the toes and metatarsals, is fairly related. I discovered the lugs plentiful and useful, with a strong grip on our decomposed granite trails. On rocky, technical routes, in addition they carried out properly with no slipping or sliding. I by no means discovered little rocks or sticks caught within the lugs or cutouts. As I examined the shoe on moist, leaf-covered trails scattered with pine needles and frost-dusted rock, the traction impressed on each steep climbs and descents.
Altra Timp 6 Total Impressions
A prime view of the Altra Timp 6.
The Different Time 6 is a extremely succesful and cushioned path shoe that may stand as much as many path situations. Whereas it didn’t get any main updates, a number of small ones enhance the general consolation. Sadly, the updates additionally got here with a non-negligible enhance in weight.
After 120 miles, the shoe has solely grown extra comfy. As a shoe traditionalist prior to now, I as soon as hesitated to strive zero-drop footwear, worrying about Achilles pressure. In hindsight, it appears to me that selection — throughout footwear, distances, and terrain — helps longevity within the sport as problem drives adaptation. That mentioned, it’s necessary to emphasise that zero drop isn’t for everybody, and it’s necessary to steadily transition into zero-drop footwear by rotating them with footwear that you just’re extra used to working in to scale back the possibility of damage.
For me, these footwear made returning to working after an extended break even higher and extra rewarding than it could have been by itself. I fastidiously bided my time postpartum and am slowly and cautiously constructing again one run at a time with lofty objectives in thoughts. The Altra Timp 6 could have a fond place in my coronary heart as the primary pair of footwear I labored by way of on my postpartum comeback tour.
For runners open to one thing completely different, a zero-drop shoe just like the Altra Timp 6 could also be properly value exploring.
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Name for Feedback
- Have you ever tried out the Altra Timp 6? What are your ideas on it?
- For those who additionally wore the Altra Timp 5, how did they examine?
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