Are Timberland Boots Good for Hiking?

Table of Contents

Are Timberlands Good for Hiking (What YOU Need To Know)

Ready for your next hiking adventure? Timberlands were designed for harsh winters, but soon become fashionable enough to be worn on different occasions. But, are Timberlands good for hiking? The classic Timberland work boots are not good or made for hiking! However, Timberland does offer a variety of boots that are perfect for hikers. For your convenience, I’ve listed several below. Check them out and see which one best fits your needs. When they were first made, Timberlands were the first all-leather waterproof boots, and they quickly became loved by outdoor enthusiasts. These boots were introduced in 1973 and might have been the best option for active users. However, nowadays, technology has evolved a lot, so are the famous yellow leather boots suitable for hiking and other outdoor adventures? Keep on reading to find out.

By the way, as an Amazon Associate, I earn when buying qualified products through links on my site.

Timberland Hiking Boots

Timberlands – Are they Good for Hiking or Not?

Timberland currently offers various models of boots to appeal to many different people around the globe.

The Timberland Classic Boots

The Classic Timberlands are rather heavy. A single boot of a size 9 weighs 1 pound and 13 ounces. This will strain your feet when you’re hiking, affecting the overall distance traveled.
The high collar can be a bit restricting and might cause pain when you walk for long distances.
These boots are designed to keep your feet warm with 14 ounces of PrimaLoft® insulation for cold winters. However, if you’re planning to go hiking, these boots will make your feet too hot and sweaty, especially in the summer.

The Timberland Pro Boots

Although you can see them on the streets, the Pro boots are more suitable for the worksite. Professionals use these boots because they’re rugged. They are designed to protect your feet from several hazards if you’re working in the field of construction, piping, or any other similar profession where you need to keep your feet protected. At the same time, due to their timeless and elegant design, you can definitely join your friends for a drink or two after work, while you rock your amazing boots.

The Pro Boondock boots feature a composite safety toe to protect your toes from heavy objects. The composite safety toe is lighter than a steel one, and won’t weigh you down, especially if you’re walking or standing for long periods. The Goodyear welt/cement heel construction guarantees that your boots will last for a long time.

These boots are made of waterproof leather that will keep your feet dry till the end of the day. The dynamic anti-fatigue technology absorbs shock, while the rubber outsoles feature deep lugs to provide excellent traction on snow and soil.

Despite all their cool features, the Pro Boondock boots might not be the best to pick if you’re looking for functional hiking boots for the following reasons:

These boots are heavy compared to other hiking boots, one boot weighs 2.29 pounds. A heavyweight pair of hiking boots put a lot of strain on your back, knees, and hips. You might not feel how much your performance is affected until you’ve switched to lighter boots.
The composite safety toe protects your toes from heavyweight objects but prevents your toes from stretching. After a long day of continuous hiking, your toes need that extra space for added comfort.
These boots lack the cushioning that you need on a pair of good hiking boots. Your tendons and muscles get tired when you walk for long distances, and you need a supportive layer that provides better cushioning to decrease fatigue.

Does Timberland Offer Good Hiking Boots?

Unlike all the other models, hiking boots are made specifically for long walks and outdoor adventures. There are actually several models, and all are waterproof, so they’re suitable for all outdoor lovers.

Timberline Hiking Shoes and Boots

Timberland White Ledge Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots

You can find good hiking boots that are made of recycled plastic bottles. This makes the White Ledge Waterproof Mid Hiking boots quite efficient at protecting your feet from wet soil and rain, without adding much weight to your feet. These boots are padded around the ankles and don’t sit too high, allowing your feet to move comfortably and reducing the risk of annoying friction.

Because they’re designed for long hikes, these hiking boots feature an EVA foam layer to provide better cushioning. This will allow you to walk for long distances without feeling any discomfort.

These boots are waterproof to keep your feet dry in all weather conditions. They also feature a multi-directional lug design for better traction on all surfaces.

Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

The Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking boots are also very popular because they’re rugged and durable without adding extra weight that can affect movement. They feature a premium full-grain waterproof leather upper to protect your feet from the rain and wet soil, keeping your feet dry and comfortable till the end of the day. The TimberDry™ membrane protects your feet from water, without making them too hot or sweaty.

Featuring anti-fatigue comfort, these boots are designed to accommodate your bones, muscles, and tendons after a long hike. They won’t feel limiting or restricted because they’re designed to reduce pressure and discomfort. At the same time, these boots feature an internal TPU shank, which adds more rigidity were needed to protect your legs from accidents.

Hiking in these shoes feels exceptionally comfortable because they feature EVA midsoles that provide better cushioning and shock absorption. One boot weighs 1 pound and 1 ounce, so it’s lighter than the Classic ones.

Timberland Field Trekker Mid Hiking Boots

These hiking boots will keep your feet comfortable till the end of the day, thanks to the OrthoLite® footbeds. They feature EVA midsoles that absorb shock to protect your muscles and tendons from pain. They also reduce fatigue that you normally feel at the end of the day, so you can relax comfortably.

The Field Trekker Mid Hiking boots won’t strain your feet as they’re made of a blend of high-quality leather and ReBOTL™ fabric. The waterproof lining is made of recycled plastic bottles, so these boots are also suitable for environmentalists. This lining protects your feet from water without making them too hot. Thanks to the Defender Repellent Systems® treatment, these shoes will always look as good as new as they’re resistant to stains.

Timberland Garrison Trail Hiking Sneakers

Timberland offers another type of hiking shoes that are mainly made of synthetic leather and ReBOTL™ fabric. The Garrison Trail Hiking Sneakers are very lightweight as they’re mostly made of plastic bottles that protect your feet from the water. They feature EVA midsoles to relieve pain and provide decent cushioning when you walk for long distances.

These are suitable for people who prefer sneakers that sit low, decreasing the risk of chafing and discomfort that you’re likely to experience when your boots sit too high. Compared to other hiking boots, these are very comfortable as the fabric doesn’t restrict your feet, allowing them to stretch comfortably after a long walk. The TimberGrip™ technology provides excellent traction on multiple surfaces to protect you from painful slips and falls.

Why Should You Choose Timberland Hiking Boots?

Timberland has always been known to make shoes that fit great and last long. There are several models and types that appeal to every user, and hikers can always find functional hiking boots that they can depend on. Here are some reasons why you should buy Timberland hiking boots:

Timberland is famous for making true-to-size shoes. Unlike other brands that might run too large or too small, your feet will always feel comfortable when you’re wearing Timberlands.
All the shoes, sneakers, and boots are made using high-quality materials and the latest production technologies. The company keeps adding new models that are more rugged and durable, so the shoes are excellent value for money.
Timberland is currently more eco-friendly, using recycled rubber and plastic bottles for manufacturing its high-quality shoes. These models are exceptionally comfortable and provide decent traction on all surfaces for maximum safety.
The hiking boots feature EVA midsoles to absorb shock and provide better cushioning. They reduce the fatigue that you’re likely to feel at the end of a long hike, so you can stay active all day long.
Timberland hiking boots are durable yet lightweight. These boots are exceptionally rugged and sturdy, so they’re durable enough for hiking and other outdoor adventures. However, they won’t weigh your feet down. They’re comfortable and light, so you can keep on hiking.

Conclusion

Timberland offers lots of models for men and women. The classic Timberlands are suitable for everyday use, especially in winter. There are also great work boots that you can wear on the job site. However, these models aren’t suitable for hiking because they can be too heavy.

Luckily, there are lots of boots and sneakers that are specifically designed for hiking. These boots are lightweight, yet durable enough to withstand the challenging conditions you will experience when you’re going on a long hike.

Peter is a software developer who loves to take every opportunity to go outside that he can get. Peter grew up going on long backpacking excursions with his family every Summer and now enjoys staying at the beautiful Texas State Parks and swimming in the amazing Texas Rivers.

About Us

We love camping, adventure, and being outside. We also love the little things that nobody else notices. We made this site to help others get outside and enjoy the planet!

Contact

539 W. Commerce St.
STE 3288
Dallas, TX 75208

About

About Decide Outside
About Us
Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy
Sitemap

Legal

This site is owned and operated by MindBuilders. DecideOutside.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Are Timberland Boots Good for Hiking?

I think we are all familiar with the classic yellow Timberland brand boots. In fact, they are one of the most popular boots of all time. However, you may see them being worn more often at the local shopping mall than out on the trails. Or maybe you already own a pair and want to take them on a hike. Let’s dive in and take a deeper look at these boots and discuss their pros and cons.

So, are Timberland boots good for hiking? The classic yellow Timberland boots are not recommended for serious hiking. They do not have the level of comfort, support and traction that you can expect from a true hiking boot. Timberland does produce some higher end boots more specific to hiking but your best bet is to go another route. When it comes to quality hiking boots, the axiom “you get what you pay for” definitely holds true.

If you’re still set on using your Timberland boots for your next hike or want to check out some alternatives, keep reading…

Timberland Boots for Hiking – The Cons

Made for fashion – The problem with Timberland is they veered more towards looks instead of function. Many deem them as fashion boots , making them questionable to wear on an actual hike. While a pair of Timberland hiking boots are good for a time, their flaws quickly surface on longer treks.

Leather creases can cause blisters – The material can crease once it saturates in mud and water, which can be problematic. These creases in the leather protrude into your foot and can cause blisters.

Leather can become waterlogged – The saturation of the leather also results in the user being forced to carry that extra weight of water.

Weight and flexibility – Many modern hiking shoes are durable but much lighter. They are now more akin to sneakers instead of the traditional leather boots, and they now prioritize mobility before looks and fulfill different needs too.

Outdated materials – Traditional hiking boots now use superior materials like GORE-TEX and Vibram, which improve the entire user experience.

Almost no design changes or improvements have happened between their first decade in business and today. Their boots are still iconic because of the nostalgia and the innovation it provided back then. If you like hiking, you’ll know that going light and mobile is the way to go. Today’s hiking shoes are flexible and are easy on the feet too.

Timberland is trying to branch beyond their leather hiking boots with their new day hiking shoes. Even then, their innovations are too little too late. There are far more superior boots than what they have in their line. Most of the current boots from Timberland do not work beyond being casual boots. These hiking boots don’t meet the current needs of modern hikers.

Timberland Boots for Hiking – The Pros

With all these said, Timberland hiking boots are not all bad. Many of their boots are still viable for hiking, but more on selected trips instead of every hike.

Easy and short hikes – Much of the hikes where you’ll find a Timberland boot helps, is in easy day hikes. You would want to wear Timberland boots in a situation where you need to traverse both city and rugged paths. The shoe remains in its best form without crinkling or crumpling.

The primary issue with Timberland boots is that when you use them as daily hiking boots, they will fall apart in time. Don’t get me wrong — a pair of Timberlands are durable for hiking purposes, but serious hikers do not care for them. The seams will start to melt and once you put some mileage on them, they become a problem.

Casual wear – People who are traveling around and can only bring a pair can rely on Timberland hiking boots. They’re used for many different activities that don’t need serious mobility or movement. If you’re distance hiking, however, viable Timberland boots are too far and few.

Timberlands will experience wear and tear like no other, and you don’t want that. If you need the protection of a good, durable leather hiking boot for a short time, they’ll make it. If you’re going up on a record run or multi-day hike, these are not the boots you want.

Price – Timberland is also good if you’re a bit low on budget. For the longest time, people thought of it as an expensive brand. Apart from a few signature lines, Timberland hiking shoes go for below $100. If you look around tighter, you can even find them for even less on sale.

If your only option is Timberland’s more expensive classics line, it’s better to buy other brands.

The Different Timberland Boot Models

If you’re a serious hiker and you’re dead set on using a Timberland boot, we have a small list for you. There’s a handful of Timberland boots that will make do. They are:

Original Yellow Boot Style 1006

The Timberland 1978’s Style 1006 Yellow Boots are another great choice for day hikes. They’re beautiful and rich, with a premium look from the outside. They’re quite comfortable to wear and can last for a while outside of very serious hiking.

These boots are great city-use hiking boots, with easy break-in for a solid out of the box experience. The Style 1006 Yellow Boots are great for everything other than serious hikers.

White Ledge Ankle Boot

Timberland’s Men’s White Ledge Ankle Boot is among the more comfortable pairs out there. They can keep your feet dry even in inclement weather while going the distance. You can wear them and forget them without much problem.

The general issue with them is durability. Once the boots start crumpling, you can expect the shoes to start deteriorating. Extreme weather can also overcome the advantages the shoe provides.

Chocorua Trail

Timberland Chocorua Trail is the only one of these options that perform for the modern hiker. If you do multi-day hikes or go on a lot of day hikes, these are the best hiking boots if you insist on buying a Timberland shoe. If you, however, go for ultra-long distance hikes, go with something else.

The Chocorua Trail is 100% waterproof, has a lot of traction, more stability, and quite comfy. They’re a bit on the heavy side, but still give you the mobility that you need. Sure, the quality and durability are a bit questionable, but they’re still better than the rest.

1978 Waterproof Hiking Boots

The Men’s 1978 Waterproof Hiking Boots are some of Timberland’s better hiking shoes. They’re good for day trips and are beautiful for city use. The Vibram outsoles are the highlight of the boots, making them more durable than normal. The classic clay pot color makes them stand out a lot.

The only issue we find with these shoes is their comfort. Some buyers complain about their general construction, especially the seams. The synthetic liners don’t scream quality, but they work for some people.

Breaking In and Sizing

Breaking in – When you first wear your Timberland boots, you can expect them to be uncomfortable. Like any leather boot, you need to break them in. Doing a break-in with Timberlands is not as complicated as it sounds.

To break-in your Timberland boots, wear them at home and move around in them. Do a variety of chores, walk in them and treat them like you’re moving up a mountain on a hike. The trick is doing the same routine with them every day.

Wear the same socks. Tie them the same way. Move about as you intend to use them for a long time. The way you break in your boots will dictate how they’re shaped for a long time.

Sizing – As for sizing, it’s one of the few brands who are accurate within the inch. They also ask for width on some of their styles, which is better than most brands too. When buying your Timberland boots, go for the exact size that you need for your feet.

As for the width, you can pick between medium or wide. If you’re on the burly side or know you have wide feet, it’s best to go for wide. Going wide is easy to resolve with thicker socks, but narrow shoes are hard to solve.

The History of Timberland Boots

Timberland boots are a solid pick, but they’ve become obsolete over the past decades. Many modern hikers are looking to move faster and lighter, something Timberland has not kept pace with. They stopped innovating and got left behind in a time when sturdiness was the only feature users cared about.

The brand innovated in two areas of the hiking boot industry. First, is the use of thick leather imbued with silicone, allowing for true waterproofing. By using stitched seams on the backside, it allows for very durable shoes that can take on any weather. Their other innovation is the injection molding of their shoes to leather uppers.

Back in the day, this happened through stitching, but stitches can compromise the waterproofing. By using injection molding they innovated in 1968, they can get a complete seal on the shoe. During this process, the polymer they used to glue the uppers to the soles works as a midsole cushion. It creates a solid seal around the seams, creating a lighter shoe than other hiking shoes at the time.

With this level of technology, Timberland hiking shoes were great during their heyday. They are fantastic and comfortable in comparison to their contemporaries. The issue is that Timberland stopped being inventive with their shoes.

Closing Thoughts

Timberland hiking boots are not the best picks if you’re looking for hiking boots. They are not flexible enough or durable enough for modern hikers to wear. While you can wear them on short day hikes, expect your Timberlands to fail you once you start distance hiking.

Are you looking for the right hiking boots for you? It’s best to look somewhere else. Timberlands are great daily use city boots, and nothing more. They’re beautiful and look premium, but it stops there.

Up Next In Hiking Boots:

Erick is a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast. Growing up in Nairobi Kenya and now calling Glasgow, United Kingdom home. Sipping on homemade spiced swahili tea and enjoying a good book is his idea of bliss.

Posted on Last updated: February 3, 2020

Author

classworkgam

Samantha has a background in computer science and has been writing about emerging technologies for more than a decade. Her focus is on innovations in automotive software, connected cars, and AI-powered navigation systems.

Are Timberland Boots Good for Hiking?

Are Timberlands Good for Hiking (What YOU Need To Know)