I've got wide feet and struggle to find good running shoes but these Altra shoes with unique lacing system are a supremely comfortable all rounder

Date:
Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:58:48 +0000

Description:
Altra's Timp 5 Boa trail running shoe feature a unique lacing system for easy micro adjustments, and a supremely comfortable fit with wide toe box

FULL STORY ======================================================================Altra Timp 5 Boa: Two-minute review Get Fit for '26 This article is part of our Get Fit for '26 series, in which our writers talk about the wellness and fitness challenges and experiences they've taken on, and the ones set to shape the year ahead. You can read all the articles in the series here.

It's safe to say that the Altra Timp 5 Boa trail running shoes stand out from all the other pairs I've used over the years, including from the likes of Nike, Asics and Inov-8 among others.

The Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2's are typically a sweet spot for me as someone
who lives in the countryside with trails on my doorstep who wants a lightweight but durable, mostly off-road shoe. So how do the Timp 5 Boa trail shoes compare, and could they be one of the best running shoes for my broad feet?

Well, they certainly are an altogether different shoe from those Inov-8's. Altra's hallmarks are a particularly wide toe box and zero drop two features I appreciate and drew my attention to the brand in the first place.

However, it's the unique lacing system of the 'Boa' version of the Timp 5's that peaked my curiosity. Swapping out traditional laces, there's a dial
which tightens and loosens the lace, enabling quick and precise adjustments. Kind of like ski boots.

I was concerned how effective this system would be, expecting the lace to regularly work its way loose, but those worries were unfounded following multiple 5 mile trails runs over several weeks, tackling hills and all manner of terrain. Push in the dial, rotate, and the lace tightens. Pull out the
dial and the whole lace loosens. The unique lacing system is super easy. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

Quick and micro adjustments are a doddle with this lacing system, which was a godsend given that I broke two fingers during the review period (unrelated, I promise I stacked it in a skate park when rolling back the years on my daughter's scooter), and had limited use of one hand.

I've consequently lived in the Timp 5 Boa's because traditional laces were particularly tricky, but this lacing dial is manageable with one hand. I
found the Altra Timp 5 Boa's a little slow for running, but they are
supremely comfortable for long days on your feet. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

I like the look of the Timp 5 Boas too, even if the upper mesh is hard to clean after muddy trail runs to smarten them up for use afterwards as a day shoe.

And at 10oz / 286g, they are heavier than the average running shoe I found them slow going for running (compared to those light Inov-8 shoes), so my
pace was a little slower than I would like.

I'm used to zero drop shoes, but I did get a small strain on my achilles
after totting up the miles in those Altra shoes. You might not be affected in the same way. Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

The stretch 'sock' fabric cut into the outside of my ankle on occasion, too, if I had the tightening set incorrectly to my feet. Again, that might not be an issue for you.

I don't think I've find my new fast trail shoes, sadly, but the Timp 5 Boa's have otherwise been supremely comfortable and are clearly durable. These are my new top pick for long days on my feet, and I will definitely get a lot of use from them.

The Altra Timp 5 Boa's cost $185 / 155 on the Altra website, but you can also find discounted prices at other leading retailers I've seen as much as 40% off even at the time of writing, which feels more reasonable. Altra Timp 5 Boa: Specifications

Component

Altra Timp 5 Boa

Weight:

10oz / 286g

Upper:

Quick-dry air mesh

Midsole

Altra EGO MAX

Outsole

Vibram Megagrip

Heel-to-toe drop

0mm Altra Timp 5 Boa: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

No discount at the time of writing at Altra, and relatively pricey

4/5

Design

Wide toebox gives room for feet to breathe, zero heel drop might not suit all

4.5/5

Features

Unique lacing system works a charm for micro adjustments and snug support, Vibram midsole adds durability

4.5/5

Performance

Supremely comfortable, but not the quickest running shoe

4/5 (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Altra Timp 5 Boa: Should I buy? Buy it if...

You have wide feet

The wide toe box is designed for people with wide feet and is certainly spacious.

You want a comfortable every day shoe

Slighly heavy for running, the cushioned Timp 5 Boa's are arguably a better pick for long days on your feet. Don't buy it if...

You want a high speed running shoe

At 10oz / 286g, these are heavier than average shoes, not PB-assisting ones.

You want a smart-looking running shoe

I love the lacing system and overall like the look, but the hard-to-clean
mesh isn't ideal for a trail shoe. Also consider

Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2

If you want a faster trail running shoe, I recommend the Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 instead it's lighter, extremely durable and likewise has a zero drop.

Read my full Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 review (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Altra Timp 5 Boa: how I tested Used as my primary everyday shoe and running shoe for 1 month My typical running distance was around 25km per week I ran
on mixed terrain; technical trails, footpaths and roads, flat and hilly, and used these as day to day shoes

I pretty much lived in the Altra Timp 5 Boa's for a month, using them as my every day shoe for walking, hiking and commuting. I also completed numerous trail runs about three per week for a month, with a typical weekly distance of around 25kms.

I live in the hilly countryside and most of the running I do covers mixed terrain and run in all kinds of weather. I've run on trails, footpaths and roads; wet and dry; flat and hilly. Just about any scenario you can imagine.

First reviewed: December 2025



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/ive-got-wide-feet-and-struggle-to-fin d-good-running-shoes-but-these-altra-shoes-with-unique-lacing-system-are-a-sup remely-comfortable-all-rounder


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