We all enjoy going on hikes. Although hiking can be physically taxing, it is calming to the mind. However, it is essential to dress carefully, including wearing the right shoes and clothing, before embarking on a hike.
Hikers must wear high-quality footwear to protect them from slippery surfaces, sharp rocks, and other hazards. There are many types of boots and shoes available for hiking.
Additionally, you should select shoes that provide adequate traction on uneven surfaces. Your trekking day may not go well if you wear the wrong shoes. Therefore, it is advisable to pick a sturdy shoe that is appropriate for trekking. What about classic Timberland shoes? Are timberland good for hiking? can you hike in timberlands?
Let us learn the features, attributes and qualities of Timberland hiking shoes. It is best to evaluate the features of boots before purchasing them. Find out why Timberland is a good hiking shoe by reading this article.
ARE TIMBERLAND GOOD FOR HIKING?
Timberland hiking shoes are very stylish to see. Classic yellow timberlands are all-time favorite shoes. But what about taking them hiking? Can I wear Timberland shoes on a day when I go hiking? Are Timberland good for hiking? Well, the answer is no.
The use of hiking Boot is, it gives protection from the bites of small creatures and sharp rocks, gives good traction, etc. But Timberland boots do not meet these requirements. They are cool and stylish boots, but they lack the qualities that are necessary for hiking.
Hiking in a regular pair of Timberland boots will not provide complete protection. However, there are some high-end boots that you can use for your next hiking session, which give protection while riding through a jungle or any mountains on foot.
Even though classic Timberland boots are waterproof, durable and heavier, it is not great for hiking. Since the footwear is heavier, wearing these boots while trekking will be exhausting. Classic Timberland shoes lack flexibility and provide poor traction on slick surfaces.
Also, these boots are designed for winter environments, and hiking in timberlands on summer can make the feet sweat. However, high-end Timberland boots are ideal to use for hiking.
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT TIMBERLAND HIKERS BOOTS?
You need to look at some factors while picking good Timberland hiking shoes. You need a perfect pair of boots that offer comfort, support, and new technology.
The right hiking boot is necessary for providing protection and comfort. While selecting the right timberland hiking shoes, look for a boot with shock absorption.
Shock absorption is a good feature in the boot that ensures in return of energy to the feet at every step. Also, go for a boot that has anti-microbial technology. These help in keeping the feet dry and fresh.
Also, while selecting the right timberland hiker boots, choose a boot with protective rubber toe caps, gusseted tongues, breathable boot and one with speed lace rustproof hardware.
Pick a pair of boots with an upper made of full-grain leather. This will guarantee the shoe's comfort and longevity. And, go for a boot with a good rubber outsole with high grip lugs. Choosing so would give you a good grip on any surface.
Hiking is an adventure, and you may meet many risk factors while hiking; since choosing the best boot for hiking is what you need at least. And look for a boot that has cement-heel construction.
Choose Timberland Pro boots because they provide excellent protection and comfort. These are also waterproof and can save you from wet conditions.
PROS OF HIKING IN TIMBERLANDS
Despite not being designed for hiking, Timberland hiking shoes have several unique positive characteristics. The pros of having Timberland boots are listed below.
GOOD FOR SHORT HIKES
If you are thinking of taking a quick hike, Timberland hiking shoes are a good choice. Timberland boots are the finest if you have a short hike scheduled and need to run some errands in the city.
However, you cannot wear Timberland boots on extended day excursions that include traversing some difficult terrain. The boots' seams dissolve when you wear the boots on a lengthy hike. Therefore, you can use these boots if you plan to take a short hike.
MULTI-USE
Timberland hiking shoe is the way to go if you are traveling across the country and do not have room for more boots. You can also wear Timberland boots for casual and short hiking purposes.
They protect from small rocks and other particles seen in the hiking area. But they are only suitable for short hikes. These boots might not be helpful if you intend to trek multiple times in one day.
PRICE
Timberland boots are also not expensive. Although they are regarded as high-end boots, Timberland's hiking boots often cost less than $100. Thus, it is a boot that is affordable as well.
GOOD ANKLE SUPPORT AND TRACTION
Timberland hiking shoes provide the wearer with exceptional ankle support because they are taller than other types of boots. Additionally, they offer good traction on slick surfaces.
CONS OF HIKING IN TIMBERLANDS
Timberland hiking shoes have also has some negative characteristics. The cons of having Timberland boots are listed below.
leather creases
It is common for a foot to get wet or submerged in water and mud. But, when the Timberland boots get saturated in these conditions, the leather in them starts to crease, leading to blisters on foot.
Water gets in
The shoe is not completely waterproof, and the water may get in the boot when exposed to wet conditions. The water that has accumulated in the boot may weigh.
Fashion boots
In addition to being worn on casual occasions, Timberland boots are regarded as work boots. They are fashionable boots and lack in functioning that a hiking boot needs. Instead of developing a competent hiking boot, Timberland emphasizes the fashionable aspect of the boot.
Weight
Hiking boots should be lightweight and more flexible. Lightweight boots can hike the hiking experience. However, these Timberland hiking shoes are a tad thicker and not exactly lightweight.
Outdated material
Many modern hiking boots use GORE-TEX technology, and Timberland uses leather. Modern hiking boots also come with materials that are breathable and water-resistant. But none of these is present in Timberland.
No arch support and cushioning
Hiking boots need good arch support while climbing and running over rocks, but these Timberland boots are flat and provide less arch support. And these boots provide less cushioning.
TIMBERLAND VS COLUMBIA HIKING BOOTS
Everyone needs good pair of hiking boots. Read this if you cannot decide between Timberland and Columbia hiking boots.
WEIGHT
Lightweight boots are what we need for hiking. Lightweight boots make adventures easier. When comparing Timberland and Columbia hiking boots, Columbia boots are lighter than Timberland boots. And hence, Columbia is a better boot for long-day hiking sessions.
WATER RESISTANCE
The ability of the hiking boots to withstand water is another excellent feature to check for. Since they frequently travel on wet surfaces, hikers require sturdy boots that can withstand water. Boots from Timberland can keep the foot dry.
However, Timberland boots are more water-prone on the top of the forefoot and help in keeping the feet dry. Conversely, the Columbia boot's upper is waterproof, but it takes longer for the shoe to dry out.
STABILITY
Timberland boots are sturdy, and you can count on them to provide good ankle support. In addition, they provide more comfortable foot cushioning than Columbia hiking boots. Conversely, Columbia boots do not provide much support for the ankle.
TRACTION
Timberland boots offer good traction but are not as good as Columbia boots. Columbia boots have an Omni-grip feature, which provides good traction on any surface.
COMFORT
Timberland boots offer good comfort. They have good padding as well. However, if you stand on your foot for an extended period, it will begin to hurt. Columbia boots are lightweight and they are comfortable.
You will not have to worry about getting blisters by wearing these boots. However, the material is flimsy, and the insulation in these shoes is minimal. Thus, they are inappropriate for use in extremely cold areas.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How to break in timberland for hiking?
Wear the boots often at home and start moving around with boots on. Assuming you are on a hike, walking and doing chores can easily break in the shoes. Follow this schedule every day until the shoe breaks in.
Wear good quality hike socks inside of it, which you plan to wear on the trail. By doing this, your boots will begin to break in, and your feet will grow accustomed to them.
2. How should my hiking boots fit?
The most important thing is that the shoe should make you feel at ease. No rubbing or hotspots should exist. Boots that are too loose can cause you to lose your grip, and boots that are too tight can be uncomfortable to wear.
But it's best to get boots that are a half size bigger than your usual size since feet swell while trekking. Wearing larger boots can help you fit comfortably.
3. how to protect & clean timberland hiking boots?
To ensure greater durability, the shoes must be cleaned and protected. You can clean the Timberland hiking shoes easily with small steps.
First, remove the laces, and then brush away all the little and larger dirt. Wipe the shoe with shoe wipers or a damp cloth to remove the remaining dirt. Apply boot cleaner on the boot. Utilize boot cleaner following the shoe's material. Scrub the soles properly and try to remove the mid stuck on it. Rinse the shoe under running water, and keep the shoe air dry naturally.
CONCLUSION
Timberland boots are not the best picks if you’re looking for hiking boots. It is necessary to select a boot that is not only stylish but also has impressive features and provides protection.They are excellent if you plan to cover short distances hiking. But they are not flexible enough for modern hikers to wear.
So, if you ask yourself “are Timberland good for hiking?,”, It totally depends on you. You can get away with shorter distance hikes, but they will not do the trick for anything more than that.
Myself Jerry, Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) certified coach. I was a personal trainer and a fitness nutrition specialist certified by the American Council on Exercise. I started the competitive running carrier in the sixth grade. Since then, I participated in countless races and ten marathons which including two marathons held in Boston. I am one of the author of ShoesGrow who shares real-world experience and helps the reader understand complex information in an easy, clear, and unbiased way.