I’ve been asked numerous times if Timberlands are good for hiking, and as an experienced hiker, I and my team decided to make a full guide on this topic.
Timberlands are well-known for their tough and rugged construction and are commonly used for a variety of tasks from camping to construction work. As a result, there is an assortment of various Timberland hiking shoes and boots, each designed with its own strengths and weaknesses in certain outdoor activities.
Timberlands are insulated against harsh weather conditions, padded enough to protect the feet from trail debris, waterproof, and can even allow you to travel on terrain that might not be feasible with hiking shoes, hiking sandals, or trail runners.
So, are Timberland boots good for hiking? Let’s check below and find out, along with discussing some buyer favorites, and seeing where these boots excel and come up short at.
Can you Hike in Timberlands?
You can hike in Timberlands on moderately rugged terrain.
Timberland hiking boots are made to walk over rocks, and downed branches, and give you a sure footing on slippery surfaces.
Another feature that makes a pair of Timberlands good for casual hiking, is that the uppers are usually made with a very durable suede or full-grain leather.
Leather gives the boots a long lifespan and makes them scratch and tear-resistant materials, in addition to providing a waterproof coating.
However, these may not be the best hiking boots to wear in hotter weather. Since the uppers are so thick and Timberlands aren’t as ventilated as some other hiking boots, it’s easier for the feet to overheat.
There may also be other suitable hiking footwear that provides more comfort, utility, and ventilation with less weight, so it all comes down to what your hiking trail requires and personal preference.
That said, while you can hike in Timberlands, I believe they lack the features and build quality that makes traditional hiking boots so reliable.
What Are the Most Popular Timberlands for Hiking?
1. Timberland Mt. Maddsen
The Timberland Mt. Maddsens are a pair of leather hiking boots that are made with full-grain leather uppers.
Weighing 3lbs per pair, these boots are a bit on the bulkier side and could be classed as heavyweight hiking footwear.
However, they also sport anti-fatigue technology, which includes a compression-molded EVA midsole and internal TPU shanks.
Unlike classic yellow Timberland boots, these can be used off-trail, and the Green Rubber outsole has decently spaced lugs with solid traction.
Lastly, the inside of the boot is lined with an in-house TimberDry waterproof membrane. Despite being made with mostly recycled material, Mt. Maddsen is very durable and stands up well to most trail hazards.
2. Timberland White Ledge
The Timberland White Ledge hiking boots are lightweight footwear designed more so for urban settings, trade work, and general outdoor activities.
While the White Ledges aren’t waterproof like most hiking boots, with a membrane sewn in, the waterproof leather upper has seams that are completely sealed to keep moisture outside the boots.
The rubber outsoles are multi-directional and grippy, so it does well on varied terrain. In fact, it may even be comparable to a Vibram or Contagrip outsole. Fortunately, it’s also lighter than the Mt. Maddsen, weighing only 2lbs. 4 oz. per pair.
However, since these aren’t specifically made for hiking, they lack the necessary support and comfort features to make hikers manage longer treks.
3. Timberland Chocorua Trail
The Timberland’s Chocorua Trail is a great outdoors boot with a specialty for spring and fall hikes.
The uppers are made with leather and have mesh panels on the sides for ventilation, which helps to decrease the amount of heat stored by the TimberDry waterproof membranes.
The midsole is comfortable on the feet and the ReBOTL lining, which is made from recycled plastic and polyester, is very soft. Even though these boots are sturdy, they still manage to be flexible enough to move in without needing to be broken in too much.
Overall, these are quality hiking boots with great value for outdoor adventures.
Advantages of Using Timberland Boots for Hiking
Durability
The full-grain and suede leather that Timberlands are made with is strong enough to hold up in rough conditions. Since most Timberland boots won’t be exposed to harsh environments, they’ll have a much longer lifespan on moderately intense hikes over long distances.
The ruggedness also goes a long way in protecting your feet in ways that some other everyday hiking shoes and boots might not.
Ankle Support
While you don’t necessarily need ankle support when hiking, one of the signature design features of a Timberland boot is the padded collar around the ankle.
The collar not only creates a firm grip around the ankle, preventing any debris from getting into the boot, but it also provides cushioning and support.
It can also act as a stabilizer when climbing over uneven surfaces.
Waterproofing
Timberlands are made with an in-house TimberDry waterproof membrane, which prevents the inside of the boot from getting wet in rain, mud, and stream crossings.
The shoe uppers are also sometimes coated with a water-resistant layer to prevent the leather from becoming soaked. This keeps your feet dry all throughout your hiking trip.
Versatility
Timberlands are functional in both urban and outdoor settings. While these types of boots are best suited for camping, they’re also made with a style that makes them appropriate for casual everyday use.
They make great all-purpose or work boots, reducing the footwear you need for different activities if you’re only hiking casually.
Disadvantages of Using Timberland Boots for Hiking
Weight
In my experience, Timberland hiking boots can be a little more on the heavier side, which can slow you down on trails and cause unnecessary strain.
While a bulkier boot can provide more protection and some comfort, Timberlands aren’t made with hiking specifically in mind, so they don’t have the same benefits as something like a Merrell or Keen boot.
Breathability
The TimberDry waterproof membrane does a good job of sealing out moisture. However, this also means that ventilation is sacrificed to keep the inside of the boot dry.
For long hikes on summer days, this could result in sweating and overheating, even with the mesh panels some Timberlands are designed with.
Break-In Period
While some pairs of Timberlands find a comfortable balance between firmness and flexibility, notably in the midsole, some others need to be worn for a while before your feet adjust.
Due to how rigid and protective leather is, it takes a little more effort for it to contour to the shape of your foot.
See our guide on how to break in a pair of hiking boots to ensure they fit you perfectly.
Price
Since the classic Timberlands were primarily designed as fashion-centric footwear, they tend to be just as expensive as regular hiking boots, but without the benefits.
It would probably be better to look into a boot specifically made for hiking, at least that way you’d be able to get maximum utility out of your footwear for a reasonable price.
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Do We Recommend Timberlands for Hiking?
So, are Timberlands good for hiking? In conclusion, both my two colleagues and I recommend Timberlands for casual and brief hiking expeditions.
The weatherproofing provides solid protection against the elements, the outsoles have a decent amount of adhesiveness, and the leather uppers can take being dragged across stones and branches without tearing apart.
However, remember that Timberlands tend to be weighty and stiff. While they may seem like they’d be reliable on serious hiking trips, you’re better off with a boot from a brand that specializes in hiking.
Timberlands come in many different designs, and while the classic Timberland boots aren’t what we would recommend, there are many styles of boots that are made to tackle trails of varying climates and difficulties with more efficiency.
This is why, we recommend checking our guide where we compare and review top hiking boots in 2023.
FAQs
You can wear Timberlands on a hike if the trail you’re visiting doesn’t have high difficulty. Otherwise, it may be better to wear traditional hiking boots for anything more involved than a casual day hike.
Timberlands are good for camping, construction work, gardening, day hiking, and other urban or light outdoor activities. These boots are versatile for many activities due to the blend between ruggedness and fashion.
Timberland Classics are not good for hiking. The classic boots are designed more so for style and lack the appropriate features to manage most hikes. Timberland Classics would be best worn for ultralight activities such as camping.
What makes Timberlands so special is that they’re a familiar brand and frequently worn by many people for their applications in various activities. They’re all-purpose footwear that blends in well for most occasions due to their many colors and design styles.
Timberland boots are strong. The full-grain leather that lines most Timberland products is a premium material that doesn’t damage easily, even when exposed to moisture.
Timberland boots last for up to 5+ years with proper care. The fully sealed seams limit the points of failure where the uppers could detach or the metal lace hooks could start to wear down. This construction gives the boots a long shelf life.
Timberland boots are comfortable enough to be worn for most activities without causing discomfort. While not as padded as regular hiking boots, Timberlands support the arches and heels of the feet just enough to prevent discomfort.
Additionally, you can make hiking boots more comfortable by using custom insoles or orthotic inserts for better support and cushioning.
Timberlands are good for your feet. They provide enough support and comfort for a casual outdoorsman, and even accommodate varying foot volumes to ensure a proper fit.
