Timberlands are perhaps one of the most iconic boots of all time. The most notable classic “yellow” boot was first introduced in 1973 and still remains a fashion statement. The shoe was originally designed to cope with the rugged terrain and variable weather conditions of New Hampshire. So, it should be a no-brainer that timberlands are good for hiking.
At the time, waterproof boots were unheard of. Thanks to the company’s innovation in injection molding technology, they carved out a niche in the market and achieved groundbreaking success.
History of the Timberland Boots
Are timberlands good for hiking? Back in the day, classic timberland boots were made for outdoor life. With their sturdy build, all-leather upper, and waterproofing, these boots were all the rage in their heyday.
As time went on, timberlands became more of a fashion statement than an outdoor shoe. This shift was accelerated by the boots’ rapid acceptance into pop culture.
Since the inception of the timberlands, hiking boot technology has developed exponentially. While the classic timberlands are still a quality boot, they may not be the most ideal for hiking.
However, the brand does produce a line of dedicated hiking shoes that offer better hiking boot options from the brand.
Before we make any conclusions about the hiking capabilities of timberlands, we ought to know what makes a good hiking shoe.
Before you purchase your next pair of hiking shoes, there are a few factors to consider: weight, durability, and breathability.
Anatomy of a Hiking Boot
Hiking boots are a fundamental piece of equipment for any outdoor hiker or backpacker. We must consider if there are timberlands that are suitable for hiking before we can make an informed purchase.
Hiking boots come in a wide range of materials and builds, and knowing some of the essential parts is crucial in buying a new boot.
The outsole is the bottom of the shoe that comes in contact with the ground. It is mostly made of rubber. However, some brands incorporate other materials like carbon to boost the hardness and durability of the boot. These variants are developed for use in various terrain. Between the outsole and midsole is the shank, which provides rigidity and internal support.
The midsole is located between the outsole and the insole of the shoe. It serves to provide cushioning and absorb impact from the trail. Midsoles are commonly made from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate). It is soft, light, and flexible or polyurethane that is stiffer and more durable.
Midsoles determine the stiffness of the shoe, which should be considered for every terrain. For backpacking and mountaineering through rocky terrain, polyurethane is the preferred material, while EVA should do day hikes on flat terrain.
The “upper” part refers to anything above the sole. It is made from various materials, such as full-grain leather, split-grain leather, or synthetic materials. Most hiking boots use full-grain leather because of their durability and water resistance.
On the other hand, shoes made from synthetic materials such as Gore-Tex and E-vent make for waterproof and breathable boots. However, they may not be as durable as those made from full-grain leather.
So, that leads us to our main question.
Are Timberlands Good for Hiking?
Firstly, the classic boot is an excellent choice with many outstanding features. They aren’t the ideal hiking footwear, but some timberland designs are good for hiking.
The boots are much heavier and can be highly punishing once you start going the distance. Not to mention, they could also get waterlogged, adding more weight to an already heavy boot.
Secondly, the leather upper on the classic boot makes for good waterproofing at the expense of breathability. True to its origin, the classic comes with adequate insulation to keep your feet warm in colder temperatures.
Extended multi-day hikes while sporting the classics will wear the shoe down. It may develop creases if saturated in water or mud, which might cause some problems. These creases cause inward protrusion of the leather onto the foot that may result in severe blistering.
While the classic is still a great boot, it’s sadly less than ideal on a serious hike. Their style makes them unfavorable against modern options.
Notable Timberland Hiking Boots
True to their love for the great outdoors, the company also makes hiking boots. These timberlands are designed to minimize the impact on the environment, which has been a huge selling point.
The company is known for making perfectly fitting shoes of excellent quality. Timberland outsoles are made partly from recycled rubber and deliver excellent traction and support. And their hiking boots come with EVA midsoles for enhanced flexibility, support, and cushioning – all essential for a great hiking boot.
Some of the brands more renowned hiking boots include:
Timberland Chocorua Trail
The timberland Chocorua trail is an excellent option from the brand. The boot comes with a combination of high-quality leather as well as a Gore-Tex upper. Combined with a removable, dual-density perforated EVA midsole, this makes for a very breathable shoe. Breathability helps regulate temperatures inside the shoe which could come in handy on a hot day.
In terms of style, the Chocorua Trail has a classic look and is available in different colors. The boot is completely waterproof, with plenty of traction, quite comfy, and with better stability. The Chocorua trail boot is ideal for you if you go on long day hikes and multi-day hikes.
Timberland Mt. Maddsen
The Timberland Mt. Maddsen hiking boot is a rugged boot made of full-grain leather. It comes with the TimberDry eco-conscious waterproof membrane that’s guaranteed to keep your feet dry. However, the full-grain leather upper means it isn’t as breathable as other options.
A pair of Mt. Maddsen’s are great for hiking. Their rugged style ensures that you can traverse the trails and still look fashionable in a casual outfit. It also comes equipped with TPU shanks that enhance the overall rigidity of the boot, further protecting your feet from uneven terrain.
The Timberland Mt. Maddsen is an excellent choice on long hikes as it features anti-fatigue technology that ensures your feet stay snug all through your walk.
Timberland White Ledge
This is perhaps one of the brand’s more popular hiking boots The timberland White Ledge boot is made from 100% premium full-grain leather with an oil finish. Not only does this ensure durability, but it also keeps your feet dry throughout the trip.
Its waterproofing abilities are enhanced because the boot is seam-sealed to keep even the tiniest drop of water out.
The White Ledge boots are incredibly comfortable thanks to their ability to wrap themselves around your foot.
The shoes’ outsole’s lugs are specifically designed to give extra traction and foot support, which are crucial in a hiking boot. If you’re looking for an outdoor boot that will go the mile, then the White Ledge confirms that some timberlands are good for hiking.
Final Thoughts
The classic timberland boots were a good hiking boot back when they first came out. However, are timberlands still a good choice for hiking?
A lot has changed, and hiking boot technology has evolved. The modern timbs have lagged behind. If you are looking for a boot you could happily wear around the city or on short hikes, the classic boot should do just fine. However, if you’re a serious hiker, then we wouldn’t recommend the classic timberlands.
That being said, Timberland does have quite the selection of specialized hiking boots that would perform much better on the trails. Since the brand has become synonymous with fashion, their hiking boots are pretty stylish and can be worn on and off-trail.
The most important thing to consider is your needs as an individual. If timberlands suirt your tastes and hiking goals, then they are a good choice. However, always consider the level of safety and comfort that a specific product provides.
FAQ
1. Are timberlands comfortable for walking?
Timberland boots are robust and have a roomy interior. They are quite comfortable for shorter distances. If you are only planning a short hike, then Timberland is a perfect choice.
2. What boots are good for hiking?
Hiking boots must be robust and flexible. The natural world is not paved, and you will encounter variable terrain that your boot should be able to handle. Also, they have to bear a degree of waterproofing to withstand the elements.
3. What are timberlands good for?
The classic timberland boot is no longer famed for its outdoor prowess. They are pretty stiff and will not last if you plan on going the distance. However, it is still an attractive shoe that is popular among fashion
lovers. If even you don’t wear them on the trail, they will still make a worthy addition to your wardrobe.
