Timberlands are technologically advanced footwear customized for the working class that requires a standing stance for long periods. Timberlands are designed to conserve your energy, resulting in increased stamina.
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The boots sport extensive insulation, comfort and durability. The material used to design Timberlands is a composite of premium leather and recycled rubber, giving the shoe a protective shape against the rigors of varied exertion.
The fabric of the shoe has an added “eco-conscious waterproof membrane,” giving it an optimized insulation against moisture. The rubber lug sole of the Timberlands ensures maximized traction against slippery surfaces.
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What makes Timberlands the most sought-after boots is the attention to minute details, such as the insoles and the gusseted tongue.
Unlike other heavy-duty boots, Timberlands are embedded with an anti-fatigue insole, which increases your stamina by absorbing energy and returning it for a spring-back in your step. The promise of safety is in its gusseted tongue, which bars foreign objects from slipping into your shoe.
However, with such distinguishing features, can Timberlands be a hiker’s choice?
Pros of Using Timberland Boots for Hiking?
Your hiking gear is your armor against every calamity that might befall you on the trail. Your choice of boots can save you in more ways than one if things go south. Timberlands have proven to be a protective shield against long periods of exertion, slippery terrain, and sundry weather conditions.
Durable Construction
If you have chosen a rough terrain that requires rigorous use of your footwear, Timberlands might be your best choice. Timberlands are the epitome of durable construction as they sport ethically sourced material and recycled rubber.
The farm-collected leather helps the shoe retain its shape beat all weather conditions without wrinkling or chipping off like faux leather. Some of the Timberlands boots also come with a ReBOTL fabric lining which protects the shoe from degenerating from within.
Timberlands are constructed to give you an anti-fatigue experience of walking. If you are on a long-distance trek or a thru-hiking spree, the inverted cone insole technology will retain the shock of your stride and recoil to give you an energy booster for the next step.
While the balls of your feet and heel remain unaffected by the inclination, you can keep going and improve your hiking time.
Waterproof Capabilities
Trekking through streams, slush, snow, and ice requires footwear that protects your feet against moisture and the cold. Timberlands uses the innovative eco-conscious membrane that wicks moisture away from your feet.
A porous thin layer is added between the upper and inner lining of the shoe. There are usually 90000 pores per square inch, which are small enough to prevent water content from seeping into your shoe.
An added feature of the waterproofing technology of Timberlands is that they sport a seam-sealed construction. The seams of the shoe are sealed with a layer of silicon to completely ward off water from entering your shoe. A trail that requires extreme water resistance will be a piece of cake for Timberlands.
Durability and Longevity
Timberlands are designed to battle even the toughest of situations. The lug sole will provide increased traction and stability on a trail made of rocks and scree. The rubber of the sole fights slipping and sliding on inclined space without wearing away or chipping off.
The leather is the Timberlands’ source of longevity and durability. The responsibly sourced leather of the shoe is your best bet against all-natural elements, as it is stiff and retains its shape even under large amounts of pressure.
Stylish
Timberlands are a style statement, even out of work or a hiking trip. The tanned leather can be paired with some rugged and baggy clothes to appear as sleek and casual.
Their versatility is vouched upon in the street as well as in the rapping culture, which uses them as an emblem of sturdiness and strength.
Cons of Using Timberland Boots for Hiking
While Timberlands has many pros for the working community, the hiking community might have to reconsider their footwear on trails that need a flexible shoe for agile footwork.
Many of the features of Timberlands can be hazardous on a hiking trail that seeks balance and traction on an inclined plane.
Weight and bulkiness
Timberlands can be quite obstructive on a hiking trip where every pound you carry is a matter of utmost importance. To carry yourself forward, your feet need lightweight footwear that balances out the gravitational pull working against it.
However, Timberlands fail to provide that balance since they are a whopping 3.6 pounds per pair.
To add to their weight, the lug sole and leather boot combine to make a bulky pair that occupies much more space in your carriage than a hiking boot should. Thus, a timberland isn’t always a good option if you are deciding to pack light.
Limited Ankle Support
The overall support of a Timberland is concentrated on your sole. Since these shoes were made for work, they paid little to no attention on your ankle and calf support.
The anti-fatigue insole of a Timberland shoe is a geometric masterpiece that uses inverted cones to absorb the shock of your stride.
However, an inclined surface of a hiking trail puts direct strain on your joints. Your ankles are first to absorb the shock of your uphill journey, while your knee and hip joints are second in line.
Timberlands do not have a calf cuff, risking injuries of over and under-pronation.
Lack Breathability
The waterproofing of Timberlands is designed to prevent water from entering the shoe. However, the same technology slows down the evaporation process should your feet get sweaty.
The pores of the eco-conscious membrane aren’t large enough to let water escape from your shoe.
If you are on a summer hiking trip, you need shoes that provide breathability, allow air to pass through your shoes and keep the insides of your shoe dry and cool.
Unfortunately, Timberlands can not provide you the same comfort and should you wear them on a moisture-laden trail, they will require a long time to dry out before you can wear them again.
Less Flexibility
Hiking requires synchronized footwork to gain an optimized speed and energy conservation. Your boots must be agile and mold to the inclination of the trails so your phalanges can help grip and pull you forward.
Timberlands do not allow you to tear through an inclined plane. They are built to act as armor for the foot; like armor, they are stiff and unbendable.
Break-in Period
The leather and reBOTL material of Timberlands makes them stiff shoes. The tanned leather retains its shape and resists molding to pressures. Thus, Timberlands have a more extended break-in period. Wearing them on a hike without breaking them in is ill-advised.
Alternatives to Timberland Boots for Hiking
While Timberlands can be worn on a light hike, your best alternative to timberlands is hiking boots. They are designed to keep pressure well-distributed on your hip joints, knees and ankles. They provide ankle support and absorb the shock of your hiking stance before it reaches your ankles.
Compared to Timberlands, the traction required to balance an uphill journey is optimized in a hiking boot. A hiking boot is designed to keep you abreast with your center of gravity and balance your weight against its pull.
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To add to its benefits, a hiking boot can be worn on sundry trails. It is breathable and wicks away moisture from your feet. The inside of the shoe is always aerated, so the drying out time is minimized, and the boots can be worn within time to start on your trek.
Paired with merino wool socks, the hiking boots are great footwear for winter trails. They conserve heat, keeping your feet safe from frostbite and your energy levels high for the exertion of the hike.
So, while a timberland is your best work shoe, your hiking shoe should always be your first choice for trekking.
FAQs
What are Timberlands good for?
Timberlands are good for working conditions that require a long-standing period. They come with an anti-fatigue insole, which keeps your feet rested on inverted cones to absorb the shock of your step. The cones rebound to give you a boost for your next step so your feet aren’t tired or hurt.
Where are timberland boots made?
Timberlands are manufactured in various countries ranging from East Asia, America, and even parts of Africa.
Are Timberland hiking shoes waterproof?
Yes, Timberland hiking shoes use eco-conscious waterproof membranes within their boots. They also use a seam-sealing structure to keep water from entering the shoe.
Are Timberland boots comfortable to walk in?
Timberlands are designed to keep your feet less tired while you walk in them. Not only do they sport a removable anti-fatigue insole, but they also have a compression mold foam for their mid sole to provide great cushioning while you walk.
Do Timberland boots run big?
Yes, since Timberlands have a lug sole and tanned leather shoes, they do run big. They are bulky and require a bit of breaking-in period. The trick is to go a size smaller to have a perfect fit.
Our Verdict: Are Timberlands Good for Hiking?
Timberlands are not good for challenging terrains or longer hikes as they do not provide the necessary cushioning, better grip, stability, and weather resistance. However, if you are walking on an easy trail that requires less traction and doesn’t sport an inclined plane, you can use timberlands easily.