Quick answer
For your Men's Timp 5 BOA and wander, focus on rinsing after muddy runs, drying without heat, and periodically cleaning the BOA dial and laces to keep the GTX membrane and dial system working reliably.
Why the Timp 5 BOA needs different care than standard lace shoes
The BOA® PerformFit™ Wrap Configuration system uses a dial and lace that can trap mud and grit. If you treat it like a standard lace, you might force the dial or damage the lace. The GTX membrane also requires gentle drying to stay waterproof. The Vibram® Megagrip outsole is tough but needs debris cleared from the lugs to maintain traction on wet rock.
Trade-off: convenience vs. cleaning frequency
The BOA dial makes on-trail adjustments fast, but it also means you have to clean the mechanism more often than you would with traditional laces. If you skip cleaning, the dial can become stiff or fail to lock. The payoff is a precise, secure fit that you can micro-adjust mid-run.
Diagnosis and care steps for common issues
- Symptom: BOA dial feels gritty or hard to turn: Likely cause: Dirt or sand lodged in the dial mechanism. Corrective action: Rinse the dial with fresh water while turning it, then dry with a soft cloth. Do not use oil or lubricant. If the dial still sticks after rinsing, contact BOA customer service for a replacement.
- Symptom: GTX membrane leaks after a wet hike: Likely cause: Dirt or salt residue clogging the membrane, or heat damage from drying. Corrective action: Wash the shoe with a gentle cleaner (no bleach or fabric softener), rinse thoroughly, and air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. If leaking persists, the GTX layer may be physically damaged; consider a professional re-waterproofing treatment or replacement.
- Symptom: Outsole lugs are filled with mud or small stones: Likely cause: Trail debris packed into the Vibram® Megagrip outsole. Corrective action: Use a stiff brush or a wooden stick to remove debris after each run. Rinse with water and let dry. If the outsole shows uneven wear or chunks missing, the shoe may need to be retired for technical terrain.
- Symptom: BOA lace frays or snaps: Likely cause: Abrasion from rocks or repeated rubbing against the upper. Corrective action: Inspect the lace path for sharp edges. Replace the BOA lace kit (available from BOA or Altra). If the lace snaps on the trail, you can still use the shoe temporarily by tying the ends, but replace the lace as soon as possible.
Product facts
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Men's Timp 5 BOA and wander: We collaborated with and wander to develop a mountain-tested shoe with a sophisticated design. Dial the perfect fit and adjust it as much as you need to throughout your run with the BOA® PerformFit™ Wrap Configuration system. The BOA system lets you fine-tune fit on the trail, but it needs periodic cleaning to keep the dial and lace free of debris.
Men's Timp 5 BOA and wander
