How to Lace Women's Timp 5 BOA for a Custom Trail Fit

How to Lace Women's Timp 5 BOA for a Custom Trail Fit

By Running Shoes with FootShape™ Comfort | Altra Running US | Published: 2026-10-30

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to adjust the BOA PerformFit Wrap system on the Women's Timp 5 BOA for a secure, comfortable trail fit. Step-by-step guide with common mistakes to avoid.

Quick answer

To get a custom trail fit on the Women's Timp 5 BOA, start by loosening the BOA dial fully, then tighten in stages while flexing your foot, and finish with a micro-adjustment for even pressure across the midfoot.

Why the BOA system changes lacing

The Women's Timp 5 BOA uses a BOA PerformFit Wrap Configuration instead of traditional laces. This system wraps the midfoot with a single dial, letting you adjust tension evenly across the tongue. The key difference is that you can micro-adjust during a run without stopping to retie knots.

One tradeoff: the BOA system applies pressure across a wider area, so if you have a very narrow or very high-volume foot, you may need to experiment with the dial tension to avoid hotspots. The system works best for runners who want quick, consistent fit adjustments on the trail.

Steps to lace the Women's Timp 5 BOA for a custom trail fit

  1. 1. Release the dial completely: Pull the BOA dial outward to disengage it. Then turn it counterclockwise to fully loosen the lace wires. This ensures no residual tension remains before you start. Common mistake: starting with the dial partially tight can cause uneven pressure from the start.
  2. 2. Insert your foot and position the tongue: Slide your foot into the shoe while holding the tongue centered. Make sure your heel is seated fully back in the heel cup. The tongue should lie flat without bunching. If the tongue shifts during tightening, stop and reposition it before continuing.
  3. 3. Initial snug tightening: Press the dial down to engage it. Turn the dial clockwise until you feel light contact across the midfoot. Stop at the first sign of resistance—do not overtighten yet. Checkpoint: your foot should feel cradled, not compressed.
  4. 4. Flex and adjust: Stand up and flex your foot forward (simulate a running stride). Then turn the dial an additional 1–2 clicks to take up the slack created by foot movement. This step prevents the fit from loosening mid-run. Common mistake: skipping this flex step leads to a fit that feels fine standing but loosens while running.
  5. 5. Micro-adjust for comfort: While standing, turn the dial clockwise in half-click increments until the midfoot feels secure but not painful. You should be able to slide one finger under the lace wire at the top of the tongue. If you feel a pressure point over the instep, loosen one full click and re-tighten slowly.
  6. 6. Lock the dial and test: Press the dial firmly inward until it clicks into the locked position. Take a few walking or jogging steps on level ground. If the fit feels right, you're ready for the trail. Final check: if your heel lifts or your toes jam the front, release and restart from step 2.

Product fact

  • Women's Timp 5 BOA and wander: The BOA PerformFit Wrap Configuration lets you dial the perfect fit and adjust it as much as you need during your run. This means you can tighten or loosen the fit on the fly without stopping to retie laces, which is especially useful on long trail runs where foot swelling or terrain changes affect comfort.
    Women's Timp 5 BOA and wander
    Women's Timp 5 BOA and wander

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