Altra Timp 6 Trail Running Shoes Review
An in-depth review of zero-drop shoes for trail running, hiking, and backpacking
Wearing the Altra Timps on a trail run in Arizona.
February 3rd, 2026
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Our verdict
The Altra Timp 6 is one of our favorite zero-drop trail running shoes and builds on the success of the Timp 5. The Timp 6 is significantly different from the previous version, with a slightly wider fit than the Timp 5 and a redesigned, more flexible upper.
The newest version of the Timp features a redesigned upper, a new lacing system, and a modified outsole tread pattern for more forefoot grip. It still has a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole, about the same stack height as previous Timp models, and the same Altra EGO MAX midsole foam. If you’re looking for a zero-drop trail running shoe with more cushion than the Altra Lone Peak but less than the Altra Olympus, this is the shoe for you. And if you didn’t love the Timp 5 because it was too narrow or didn’t feel flexible enough through the upper, you’ll be pleased with the redesigned Timp 6.
The Timp is an all-around stellar zero-drop trail runner well-suited for long days on the trail, whether hiking, backpacking, or running. The wide toe box, which isn’t quite as wide as the Lone Peak or Olympus but still wider than most running shoes, allows your feet to move naturally, with plenty of room for your toes to spread out as you step.
The Timp 6 comes in men's and women's versions, as well as a GORE-TEX version and a GTX high-top hiker version. For this review, we tested the men's and women's versions of the running shoe. We used our Timps while trail running across the Colorado Front Range in wintertime, thru-hiking the Ouachita Trail in Arkansas and Oklahoma, and trail running and backpacking on rocky trails and canyons in Arizona.
The Altra Timp 6 is our pick for Best Zero-drop in our Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes guide, and is featured in our Best Women’s Trail Running Shoes guide. It’s an all-around great shoe for long-time zero-drop enthusiasts and newbies alike.
Altra Timp 6 Trail Running Shoes
men's
Women's
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Altra Timp 6 Specifications
Cushion: Maximum
Stability: Neutral
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm): 0 mm
Stack Height: 30 mm
Lugs: 3.5 mm
Upper: Engineered mesh with printed overlays
Midsole: Altra EGO MAX foam
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
Weight (pair): 1 lb 6.9 oz (men's), 1 lb 3 oz (women's)
Comparison table
| TRAIL RUNNING SHOE | WEIGHT MEN'S | WEIGHT WOMEN'S | CUSHION | HEEL DROP | STACK HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altra Timp 6 Men's Women's |
11.5 oz | 9.5 oz | Moderate | 0 mm | 30 mm |
| Altra Olympus 6 Men's Women's |
12.2 oz | 10.2 oz | Maximum | 0 mm | 33 mm |
| HOKA Speedgoat 6 Men's Women's |
9.8 oz | 8.2 oz | Maximum | 5 mm | 35 - 40 mm |
| Altra Lone Peak 9+ Men's Women's |
11.1 oz | 9.3 oz | Moderate | 0 mm | 25 mm |
| Altra Lone Peak 9 Men's Women's |
11.2 oz | 9.5 oz | Moderate | 0 mm | 25 mm |
Best for
Trail runners and long-distance hikers who prefer zero-drop shoes
Running on technical terrain in varied conditions
Trail runners who want a roomy toe box
What we liked
The women’s Altra Timp 6 on an overnight backpacking trip in Southern California.
Vibram Megagrip outsole has excellent grip on rock, dirt, and varied terrain in wet or dry conditions
Moderate cushion offers balance of ground feel and long-run comfort
Altra EGO MAX midsole feels springy and responsive
Stable zero-drop option
Roomy toe box
What could be better
The Timp 6 isn't the fastest shoe out there. It's designed for long and slower days, which is what we like. Nonetheless, this shoe could be faster. Then again, maybe it's us that could be faster.
Sizing inconsistency and not available in wide
Zero-drop isn’t for everyone
Performance in the field
Fit and Comfort
The Timp 6 fits like other Altras, though slightly narrower than the Lone Peak through the heel and midfoot. If you don't need the absolute widest shoes and have written off Altras as too wide for your feet, you should try the Timps.
The toe box is wider than the Timp 5, which many long-time Altra fans will appreciate. If you've worn the Timp 5, you'll find the newest model fits similarly through the heel and midfoot, but with more room up front.
If you're a fan of super-wide shoes, however, the Timp 6 may still be too narrow through the midfoot for you. The wider toe box compared to the Timp 5 should better accommodate most feet, but those who need a particularly wide shoe should go with the Altra Lone Peak or Olympus. The Timp 6 is not available in wide sizing, either, unlike the Lone Peak and Olympus.
We put ten days straight of 12+ hour days wearing the Altra Timp 6 while thru-hiking the Ouachita Trail.
They are extremely comfortable to wear all day. We've put in countless 8+ hour days in these shoes, running, backpacking, hiking, and scrambling. They've remained comfortable throughout those long days. The soft, flexible mesh upper conforms to your foot, and doesn’t cause any hotspots or uncomfortable rubbing
There is also some inconsistency across Altra sizing. Generally, it seems like many who wear Altras buy Timps a half-size bigger than they would wear in the Lone Peaks. This is likely because the Timps are slightly narrower than the Lone Peaks through the heel, midfoot, and forefoot.
If you're trying the Timp 6 for the first time, you might have to play around with sizing. Our main tester, Sam, has an average-width foot, and he found the size he usually wears in Altras fits his foot with the Timps. Some of our other testers with wider feet had to get a half size larger in the Timps to fit their feet, though.
The Altra Timp 6s are comfortable enough for long days on your feet.
Fit in Toe Box
The toe box is roomier than most trail running shoes and wider than the Timp 5. Some Altra fans thought the toe box on the Timp 5 was too narrow, and the Timp 6 addresses this feedback nicely.
Fit in Heel Cup
The heel cup wraps securely around the back of your foot. It has a moderate amount of cushion around the top of the shoe, near your ankle, and less at the heel. This creates a cup for your heel and a solid, locked-in-place feeling. We often feel the need to use the extra heel-lock lacing eyelets on trail runners, but haven't felt the need to use them with the Timp 6.
Midsole and Cushioning
Close-up on the stack on the women’s Altra Timp 6.
The Timp 6 has 30 mm of stack and a plush, yet springy, midsole for a comfortable ride on long days and rocky trails.
Level of cushioning compared to other trail shoes/road shoes
Compared to other trail and road running shoes, the Timp 6 has slightly more cushion than average. They're not quite as cushioned as 30+ millimeter-high-stack shoes, such as the HOKA Speedgoat (40-35 mm stack) or Altra Olympus (33 mm). But the Timp 6 has more cushion than low-stack trail shoes, such as the Altra Lone Peak (25 mm), Merrell Long Sky 2 (23.5-19.5 mm), or the La Sportiva Bushido (25-19 mm).
Impact absorption and energy return
The Timp 6 features Altra's EGO MAX midsole technology, which absorbs impact while providing a snappy return. These shoes feel faster than we would have expected from a shoe with this much cushion.
Adjustment to Zero Drop
If you've never worn zero-drop shoes before, you'll probably need an adjustment period to the Timp, or any other zero-drop shoe. This will give your Achilles tendon, which runs along the back of your ankle, time to stretch out since it's likely tight from years of wearing shoes that position your heel higher than your forefoot.
Start by wearing these shoes for short trips, and then gradually increase the time and distance you cover in them. Wearing them around in your daily life would also be helpful when getting used to zero-drop shoes.
Stability
These shoes feel surprisingly stable. We've taken them on some gnarly runs in unrunnable conditions—scrambling through canyons and gulleys full of loose rock, sand, and scree—and they feel stable even when the ground beneath you isn't.
Support
The Timp 6 is a neutral support shoe. That is, it isn't the most supportive shoe, but that's not what it sets out to do. In the running shoe world, “support” means arch support. So a motion-controlled or stability shoe will prevent your arch from collapsing as you stride.
But the Timps aren't motion-control or stability shoes, and don’t try to be. They allow your foot to move more naturally than many other shoes do, especially motion-controlled shoes that support your arch.
Arch Support
The zero-drop, natural-foot-shaped design of these shoes provides almost no additional arch support. There is a slight upward curve in the arch, but it's not nearly as extreme as that of most running shoes. If you have flat feet/low arches and overpronate (i.e., your feet roll inward when you step), and are looking for arch support, we recommend Superfeet insoles for running or hiking.
Lateral Support
The Timp 6 has good lateral support. The mesh upper and heel cup keep your foot firmly in position as you push off to either side. Some shoes feel ready to tip over when making sharp lateral movements, but the Timp 6s don't feel like ankle rollers in this way.
The Timp 5 (top) and the Timp 6 (bottom) feel similar, but the Timp 6 is slightly wider and more flexible.
Ride
These trail shoes have a soft and stable ride overall. They don't stand out as too cushiony or too supportive. This makes them feel barely noticeable in the best way as you move down the trail.
Outsole, Grip, and Traction
The Timp 6 has a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole. This outsole is great for gripping rock, dirt, and varied terrain in wet or dry conditions.
Performance on various terrains
The Timp 6 has 3.5mm lugs, which are deep enough to bite in hard-packed dirt, moderate amounts of mud, slick rock, and other adventures on varied terrain. They do well in easy scrambling and grip onto rock faces better than most Altra models. Though the Altra Olympus also has a Vibram Megagrip outsole, the extra stack height of those shoes makes them worse for smearing on slab than the Timp. The Altra Lone Peak 9+ also has a Megagrip outsole and a lower stack height than the Timp and Olympus.
If the lugs were deeper, they'd perform better in mud and loose dirt on steep terrain. These lugs don't grip dirt as well on extremely steep descents, where you're almost using your hands and feet. But in those scenarios, you shouldn't expect anything to grip that well.
The Altra Timp 6 has a grippy Vibram tread that sticks well in most trail conditions.
Wet and dry conditions
The Megagrip outsole, which works well in wet and dry conditions, is one of the main reasons why we love these shoes. The Megagrip rubber outsole grips wet rocks during stream crossings and in rainy conditions.
When backpacking through a canyon with flowing water, we did plenty of hopping from one wet rock to another, and the Megagrip outsole never slipped. Our feet stayed dry through an entire day of following that creek through a narrow canyon.
On wet, slippery, rocky trails in Arkansas and Oklahoma on the Ouachita Trail, these were decent at keeping us upright. No trail shoe can really handle these kinds of rocks that well but we were thankful to have the Timp's Vibram Megagrip compared to the Lone Peak's proprietary MaxTrac outsole.
Wearing the Altra Timp 6s while scrambling on steep slick rock in Utah.
Versatility
The Timp 6 is a very versatile trail shoe. We've hiked, run, and backpacked in Timps, and they've performed very well in all of these applications. They have short enough lugs that you can run out your front door on pavement and then take them all the way to the top of a mountain trail.
There is also a Timp 6 Hiker high-top model coming soon, which provides more ankle support and has thicker TPU overlays on the toe for added durability. We've hiked a lot in the Timp 6 trail running shoe, but if you will primarily be hiking in them and want the added ankle support of the high-top, the Timp 6 hikers, which will be available soon, are a great option.
The Altra Timp 6s are versatile enough to run on dirt and gravel roads along with singletrack trails.
Responsiveness
The Altra EGO MAX compound in the midsole feels bouncy and responsive when pushing off the ground. This shoe doesn't feel mushy when you step, yet it still gives ample cushion underfoot when you land.
Warmth
The Timp 6 features a very breathable mesh upper that isn't very warm. If you're looking to use these shoes in cold conditions, there is a waterproof version of the Timp 6. These will be significantly warmer than the mesh version.
Break-In Time
We pulled these shoes out of the box, put them on to check the fit, and then immediately went on a 6-mile trail run. They are very comfortable right out of the box, and we had no issues on that first run, or any subsequent runs, hikes, and scrambles.
As we mentioned above, if you've never worn zero-drop shoes before, you'll likely need to break in your body to zero drop. The mechanics of zero-drop shoes are different from those of most footwear, and many people experience some pain when they start wearing zero-drop models.
Upper and Breathability
The upper is soft rolled mesh with redesigned printed overlays for enhanced durability. These TPU rubber overlays are near the toes and along the bottom of the midfoot. The mesh breathes very well while the printed overlays provide additional structure and protection without sacrificing breathability.
They breathe very well in hot conditions. We've never felt like our feet were overheating in these shoes, even during midday runs in the hot Arizona desert.
Stopping to enjoy the view in a Utah canyon during a hike.
Durability and Longevity
So far, we've put over 200 miles of running on the men's pair of Timp 6s and 250 miles of hiking and backpacking on the women's pair. They are holding up about as well as other trail running shoes. We expect to get at least 400 miles out of these shoes, which is about average.
They have a TPU rubber-reinforced toe and redesigned printed overlays that add durability to high-wear areas. The outsole doesn't seem to be wearing faster than average, and the toe cap area still looks good, even though we're constantly dragging our tired feet across rocky surfaces.
Midsole Durability
The midsole feels just as cushioned and springy as it did when new. Some midsole materials compress quickly, but these shoes don't seem to be among them. There are small patches of exposed midsole material on the tread, but none are large enough to be worrisome.
Wear and tear in upper materials
After countless runs and over 200 miles of backpacking on rough terrain, the upper materials on both our pairs still look great. The redesigned printed overlays appear to be holding up well and providing good protection to the mesh upper.
Outsole longevity
The Vibram Megagrip outsole is a relatively soft rubber, so it will wear out faster than some outsole materials. However, this is a common trade-off with trail shoes: the longer-lasting the outsole, the less grippy it will be. That being said, the outsole on our Timp 6s is holding up well. After countless trail runs in rocky conditions, there's still plenty of tread left.
Starting a backpacking trip along the Arizona Trail in the Altra Timp 6s.
Price and Value
At $165 per pair, the Timp 6 is about average in price and value. There are definitely less expensive trail running shoes available, but for a Vibram Megagrip-equipped shoe, you're not going to find many options that cost less.
For reference, the HOKA Speedgoat 6, which has a Vibram Megagrip outsole, costs $155 but is soon to be replaced by the Speedgoat 7, which will cost more. The Vibram Megagrip-equipped Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx costs $160 per pair. The Altra Lone Peak 9+, which also has a Vibram Megagrap outsole, costs $160.
Sustainability/Ethical Company
The Timp 6 uses an upper made of 85% recycled materials. As a company, Altra is rated “good” by Goodonyou.com. Good is essentially 4 out of 5 stars, so they’re a relatively ethical company.
Altra has many diversity partner organizations. They are a member of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, which works to increase diversity in the all-too-white running industry. They work with For All Mothers+, an organization founded by Altra athlete Alysia Montaño to break down barriers that prevent women from thriving in their careers and motherhood. Altra also partnered with the Trail Sisters for over 2,000 hours of trail cleanup in 2023. And, they partner with Still I Run, which advocates for mental health awareness through running.
Features
Running across smooth sandstone in the Altra Timp 6s.
Volume
The Timp 6 is a slightly higher-than-average volume shoe. If you have a particularly wide foot or are used to the sizing of other Altras, you may need to get a half-size larger. But compared to many narrower trail shoes, the Timp 6 is a higher volume option.
Weight
The Timp 6 weighs 11.5 ounces per shoe in size 9 men's, and 9.5 ounces in size 7 women's.
Stack Height
The Timp 6 has a 30mm stack height in the heel and forefoot.
Zero Drop
Yes, that's right; the Timp 6 has zero drop between the heel and forefoot. This is mostly unique in the running shoe world to Altra, though a few other brands also make zero-drop running shoes, like Topo Athletic and Notace. Most running shoes have between 4 and 10 mm of drop from the heel to the forefoot.
Midsole Technology
The Timp 6 has Altra EGO MAX midsole technology. This well-cushioned yet responsive midsole bounces back after absorbing impact from your footfall.
Outsole and Lug Pattern
The outsole features a multidirectional lug pattern pointed forward in the forefoot to grip on the uphill and backward for downhill braking. The lugs are 3.5 millimeters deep, and there are many of them, which is best for hard-packed dirt and rocky surfaces.
The outsole lug design of the Timp 6 (top) is slightly improved from the Timp 5 (bottom).
Reflective Material
There is a small amount of reflective material on the heel of the shoe. But there is no other reflective material on these shoes. If you're running in the dark, we recommend adding a few reflective items to your running kit. See our Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark gear list for options we like.
Style and design
The Timp 6 comes in a variety of colors, from muted earth tones to loud and bright neons. Overall, we think they look pretty good for a running shoe with a giant toebox.
Altra Timp 6 vs. previous models
Timp 6 vs. Timp 5
The Timp 6 is a thoughtful evolution of the Timp 5. The 6 has an extra millimeter of stack height (30 mm vs 29 mm), a wider toe box, and a redesigned upper with more flexibility and enhanced durability. The lacing system is also different to reflect the difference in width. These changes make an already excellent shoe even better. The Altra Timp 5 has been our pick for best zero-drop shoe in our Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes guide, and the Timp 6 secures the spot.
Comparing the lacing pattern of the Timp 6 (left) and Timp 5 (right).
Timp 6 vs. Timp 4
The Timp 6 is a massive improvement over the Timp 4. The 6 has a grippier outsole, a better lacing system, an improved midsole, greater stack height, and a more durable upper than the 4.
Timp 6 vs. Timp 2
If you gave up on the Timp line after the Timp 2, we think you should try the Timp 6. The Timp 6 carries forward the spirit of the Timp 2, which hardcore Altra fans are still scouring eBay for.
But the Timp 6 is even better than the 2. It has a grippier outsole, better midsole, more stack height, an improved lacing system, and a more durable upper than the Timp 2.
Who should buy the Altra Timp 6?
Buy if you're looking for a trail shoe for hiking, backpacking, and trail running that's zero drop and has great stability and traction. It's comfortable all day, and grips well in all conditions.
Skip if you don't want zero drop shoes or you prefer more groundfeel. Skip is you want a faster shoe, though these aren't the slowest we've tested. Skip if you need a wide shoe.
Where to buy the Altra Timp 6
The Altra Timp 6 trail running shoes are popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Zappos
Pros: 365-day free shipping on returns, fast delivery with free VIP program
How we tested
Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas backpacked in Southern California and thru-hiked in Oklahoma and Arkansas using the Altra Timp 6.
We tested the Timp 6 while trail running, backpacking, hiking, and scrambling in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Arkansas and Oklahoma during fall and winter. We ran on high-elevation trails in Leadville, Buena Vista, and Salida, Colorado. We used them for hiking and trail running in Moab, putting the grippy outsole to the test on large expanses of angled slick rock. We also used them on backpacking trips in Arkansas on the Ouachita Trail, and in Arizona on the Arizona Trail and Grand Enchantment Trail.
We also tested these shoes alongside other trail running shoes, including older Timp models, to directly compare how they feel and perform.
Similar Trail Running Shoes
Altra Lone Peak 9+
Sizes available: 7-16 (men's), 5.5 - 12 (women's)
Widths available: Regular, wide
Drop: 0 mm
Stack height: 25 mm
Weight: 1 lb. 7.1 oz (men's), 1 lb 2.6 oz (women's)
Cushioning: Moderate
The Lone Peak 9+ has less cushion than the Timp 6, but has a Vibram Megagrip outsole like the Timp. However, the Lone Peak also comes in wide. If you have particularly wide feet or want a more minimal shoe for better ground feel, the Lone Peak 9+ is worth checking out. Learn more in our in-depth review of the Altra Lone Peak 9+.
Altra Lone Peak 9+
men's
Women's
Altra Olympus 6
Sizes available: 7-15 (men's), 5.5 - 12 (women's)
Widths available: Regular
Drop: 0 mm
Stack height: 33 mm
Weight: 1 lb. 14 oz (men's), 1 lb 5.9 oz (women's)
Cushioning: Maximum
The Altra Olympus 6 has more cushion than the Timp 6. If you want a more comfortable ride, albeit with less trail feel and more weight, then you might want to try the Olympus. The Olympus is also slightly wider fitting through the heel and the forefoot. Also, the Olympus comes in wide sizing. So if you have particularly wide feet and want maximum cushion, check out the Altra Olympus 6.
Altra Olympus 6
men's
Women's
Altra Superior 7
Sizes available: 7-15 (men's), 5.5 - 12 (women's)
Widths available: Regular
Drop: 0 mm
Stack height: 21 mm
Weight: 1 lb. 4.6 oz (men's), 15.4 oz (women's)
Cushioning: Minimal
The Altra Superior 7 has less cushion than the Altra Timp and the Altra Lone Peaks, but it has the same zero-drop natural foot platform. If you want the most lightweight zero-drop shoe possible and tons of trail feel, try the Superior. It’s also significantly less expensive than the Lone Peaks and Timps.
Altra Superior 7
men's
Women's
HOKA Speedgoat 6
Sizes available: 7-15 (men's), 5-12 (women's)
Widths available: Regular, wide
Drop: 4 mm
Stack height: 33 mm (heel) / 29 mm (toe)
Weight: 1 lb 3.6 oz (men's), 1 lb. 0.4 oz (women's)
Cushioning: Maximum
The HOKA Speedgoat 6 is another very popular shoe for trail runners and thru-hikers. It has 4 mm of heel-to-toe drop, which is less than many trail running shoes, but not a zero-drop design like the Altra models listed here. The Speedgoat 5 has more cushion than the Timps, weighs about the same, and also has a Vibram Megagrip outsole. It also comes in wide sizing, unlike the Timp 6 (but like the Altra Lone Peak 9).
The HOKA Speedgoat 6 is the overall winner in our Best Women’s Trail Running Shoes guide and winner of Best Cushioned in our Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes guide. Learn more in our in-depth review of the HOKA Speedgoat 6.
HOKA Speedgoat 6
men's
Women's
Why You Should Trust Us / About The Author
Sam Schild is a thru-hiker, trail runner, cyclist, and mountain athlete based in Colorado. He's been a runner since he was a child, when he ran five days a week as cardiovascular training for soccer. As he grew older, he stopped playing team sports and focused on running and cycling.
After moving to Colorado a decade ago, he started trail running on the local trails. Since then, he has completed countless ultra-distance self-supported trail runs across Colorado and the American Southwest. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (in the Altra Timp 2), Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, Arizona Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice, always in trail runners.
You can read more about Sam on his author page, website, or Instagram.
