Timp 6

Sadly the Timp is too narrow for me. The Topo Pursuit 2 is on the list and I will try it as soon as I get my hands on a pair. I tried several Altras (Timp 6, Olympus 6, Mont Blanc, Olympus 275), but none was a match.

I have trouble finding the right zero drop/wide toe box shoe. I am happy with my Altras on the road, like Paradigm 6 and Torin 8. I currently run on Lone Peak 9+, which fits perfectly fine, but I just wish it had more cushioning. I tried Timps, Mont Blancs, Olympus 6, Opympus 275…either issues with heels or too narrow.  Then again I wonder if I would be happy with more cushioning at all on technical trails. I just finished my first self sustained marathon (43km/1500m vert) and it didn‘t feel bad, there is just the little voice that tells me that I might be wrecking my joints too much in the long run (pun intended). 

I got my Nathan running vest in 2019 and have probably clocked around ~4000 miles in it and I love it. They don’t make that size anymore so not sure where I would turn, I’m petite too (5’2” and basically no boobs lol) but I would still think Nathan is the love for vest. Quality has been great. Got my Garmin FR955 in 2022 and it’s great, I charge it maybe once a week but I only use it for workouts. The rest of the time I’ve stuck with my old AW. I probably won’t upgrade that watch until its battery can’t last through a marathon or the screen breaks lol Shoes - they keep changing the style I liked at Brooks but bought the Altras Timp6 recently and they feel great. Unsure how long they’re going to last though lol

Love love my Altra Timp 4 - bought 2 pair before they completely ran out online. Timp 5 and 6 sadly VERY disappointing. Why change a good thing? Anyone have a very gently used womens 7.5 or 8 the want to get rid of?

I think you'll have better luck asking in r/AltraRunning There will be more people who actually know about these two models there, but also they don't mind answering q's about similar shoes in my experience. But to answer your original question, I've been trying on the GTX shoes from Altra trying to find a pair for winter. They used to waterproof their non gore tex models but they don't seem to anymore. I have really wet slushy conditions where I live. The snow clung to my LP7 and made my feet too cold. The GTX LPs are made on the same base/outsole, but the upper material itself isn't as flexible. Like someone else said, it's more snug. But also the upper seems to be slightly different. I tried on the Timp 6 GTX versus the Timp 6 and I was so disappointed that they moved the heel collar just enough so that it rubbed my ankle knots, whereas the non GTX version did not. I don't know if that's the case with LP, it's just a heads up. Also my experience with gore tex is that it's a more fragile fabric, so it's more prone to failure. It's not breathable, either, so if you get sweaty, you stay sweaty.

Also check out the Altra Olympus. I prefer them over the Timp for days I want cushion.

I use Altra trail runners for mixed use all the time. It’s not a problem.