Altra x ROA Decode the Mountains for the Streets

Italian Timpani

It just makes sense when two brands with similar energy join forces to create something new that feels true to their ethos.  On one hand, you’ve got ROA, an Italian brand that keeps one foot in technical mountain performance and the other in design-forward style. On the other hand, Altra is a favorite known for its FootShape™ toebox, zero-drop platform, and overall mission to help you move more naturally. 

Together, they put a shoe built for the trail, but that doesn’t feel out of place if you decide to roll up to the coffee shop after a run. The result is an exciting breath of fresh mountain air in the form of a Timp 5 GTX.

Stripping Away The Noise

In a market saturated with technical drops, the ROA x Altra Timp 5 GTX takes a different path, keeping it straightforward – merging performance engineering with understated design.

The ROA x Altra Timp 5 GTX boasts a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane for foul-weather protection without the crinkly stiffness. Throw in a Vibram Megagrip outsole for serious traction and Altra’s EGO™ MAX cushioning for comfort, and you’ve got a shoe that’s ready for slick roots, rocky climbs, and anything else mother nature tosses your way. Best of all, the muted brown shades and layered construction skip the “look at me” vibe and go straight for a grounded style.

All Function, No Fluff

While some brands rely on flash, this collab steps back and asks, “What do trail runners actually want?” According to Altra’s President, Jennifer McLaren, this isn’t about making a statement piece for hypebeasts. It’s about hitting that sweet spot of technical detail and genuine design sense. ROA’s Creative Director, Patrick Stangbye, draws on real alpine colors—those neutral, earthy tones you notice when you’re out there, face-to-face with the elements.

And that’s kind of the point. The ROA x Altra Timp 5 GTX feels like it was made for runners who don’t need their shoes shouting at them. It’s for people who want something that works without the cheesy extras, a shoe that says: “We know what you’re doing out here, and we’re right there with you.”

Where to Get It

Dropping December 12 for  $195, the Timp 5 GTX will be available through ROA and Altra channels, plus a curated set of global retailers like SSENSE, Browns, and Luisaviaroma. That means you’ll find it where you usually grab your running gear and in spots that take design seriously.