Are Timberland Boots Good for Hiking?

Timberland. One of the most iconic footwear brands of our time, their brand of boots has been known for their style and performance over the years. In fact, in 1973, the brand created the original waterproof boots appropriately dubbed the Timberland.

Since that time, they’ve been near the top of the world of working footwear for decades. In this article, we will discuss if Timberland boots are good for hiking. We will discuss both the traditional Timberland boots as well as Timberland’s new products and boots that are made specifically for hiking (these ones are definitely good for hiking).

 

Are Timberlands Good For Hiking?

The short answer is yes! But our answer is a bit more nuanced. Some Timberland boots are suited perfectly for hiking while others we would recommend against using on hiking trips. We break this down in further detail below.

 

Timberland Designs Specific Footwear For Hiking

Timberland’s boots designed specifically for hiking have some fantastic features. With different styles for different outdoor adventures, they have a boot or trail runner that suits the average hiker.

Here’s a breakdown of the three main styles of hiking footwear that the brand advertises to design and sell.

Hiking-inspired style: This level of footwear is designed for versatility. Designed to look good in social situations, but capable of a day out in the city, to a small local hike or trail. These shoes aren’t designed for maximum performance, but are designed for versatility that suits a wide range of individuals. This section of footwear is more for daily wearing, and less for trips into the mountains.

Day hiking shoes and boots: As Timberland states it, their day hiking footwear is “perfect for spending a few hours out in the woods, getting your nature on.” This style of footwear is designed to provide traction, a full range of motion, and comfort for your shorter day hikes. Again, though, there’s a reason these are called day hiking shoes and boots, as they still won’t be the best hiking boots for longer and more challenging treks such as the Thorsborne Trail, a Colorado 14er, or a NH 4,000 footer. This is a good middle ground area for a boot or shoe that you want to feel comfortable wearing in social situations, but still have the versatility to go on a nearby day hike.

Waterproof hiking boots and shoes: If you want the best hiking boot that you can possibly get from Timberland, you’re going to want to stick to their waterproof hiking line of footwear. When the brand says waterproof, they mean it. This line of hiking footwear is designed with waterproof membranes (sometimes Gore-Tex). Additionally, the outsoles are equipped to handle traction in the wilderness. These are tough and the option if you want a pair of Timberlands on a more substantial day hike or even backpacking trip.

 

Are Timberland Classics Good For Hiking?

Timberland’s classic style of boot is waterproof, extremely durable, generally a bit heavy, and quite comfortable for working all day. Traditionally, these boots are designed as a “work boot”, and therefore they often don’t have key features for hiking boots, and specifications that don’t make them ideal for hiking.

Weight: Classic Timberland boots are heavier than most hiking boots, making them energy draining for longer adventures.

Insulation: Classic Timberland boots are often designed for colder temperatures, which can actually be great for winter hiking, but can cause some sweaty feet issues during summer months.

Flexibility: Often, work boots are pretty stiff compared to hiking boots, which makes them good for certain difficult hiking situations, but less ideal for longer days on the trail.

Traction: The outsole of classic Timberland’s is often meant for working scenarios, and not for gripping dirt, mud, snow, and rocks. This makes for less traction than normal hiking boots in certain situations.

While classic Timberland boots may not be ideal for hiking, you may be pleasantly surprised at their capabilities. We would recommend investing in a hiking specific boot from Timberland or another brand instead of hiking in your classics. That being said, if it is all you got, it’s going to work!

 

Where To Buy Timberland Hiking Boots

You can purchase Timberland’s hiking selection at the following:

On Timberland Site: Men’s Hiking Boots | Women’s Hiking Boots

On REI: Men’s Hiking Boots | Women’s Hiking Boots

On Amazon: Men’s Hiking Boots | Women’s Hiking Boots

*Disclaimer – the above are affiliate links. So if you purchase through those links, our site will get a small commission at no cost to you.

 

Features that can help when it comes to hiking

Timberland touts some of the features in their hiking line of footwear that makes them ideal for the activity. Outside of some of the technology and features that were just alluded to such as waterproof membranes and ideal traction, there are a plethora of other elements, so to speak, that come into play with Timberland hiking boots and shoes.

Anti-fatigue technology: Timberland notes that their hikers feature their anti-fatigue technology, which basically just works to return the energy to your feet with every stride that you take. This advanced shock-absorbing power is nice to have out in the wilderness. Many hiking boot brands market a similar technology.

Various other features: We figured we’d just combine all these features as Timberland claims that these are sort of extras to make their brand of hiking footwear better. Features such as mixed-media uppers for breathability, speed-lace rustproof hardware, rubber toe caps, and gusseted tongues help make them suitable for hiking.

 

Key Takeaways

You’ve probably already got a decent idea that certain Timberland boots are solid for hiking, while others will just simply do the trick even if they aren’t the ideal footwear. It all depends on the type of hiking that you’ll be partaking in.

We like to tell people that anyone can get on the trails with anything they own. While sneakers, or hiking in a pair of jeans, may not be ideal for many scenarios, the fact of the matter is that anyone can get out there in just about any clothing. The outdoors is accessible, and while gear can be a huge help, it shouldn’t be a barrier for those to get outside.

The fit: The Timberland brand is known for being tough and stiff to wear at first, but extremely durable and comfortable once broken in. Most shoes require some sort of a break-in period, but Timberlands are often seen as a touch harder to break in by some. As with any hiking boot brand, it’s going to be best to break them in some before you go out hiking with them.

Flexibility and weight: Top-of-the-line hiking footwear is going to be durable, lightweight (and flexible). While the brand is known for its high quality and durability, some of their boots are also quite heavy and not the most flexible. The hiking boots designed by Timberland are now an exception to this rule however.

Fashion priority: Timberlands can perform very well, but the brand is well of known for having great style as well. Picking one of Timberland’s all around footwear options will leave you some great fashionable options, but will sacrifice on some outdoors related function.