Are Timberlands Good For Hiking? [Pros & Cons]

But it doesn't have to be.

By actually knowing everything about the brands you're choosing from, you'll save yourself time and effort, and you'll even find yourself the most amazing pair of hiking boots.

In today's post, we'll explore what Timberland hiking boots have to offer and if they are up-to-the-game in comparison to other manufacturers.

Are Timberlands good for hiking?

Timberland has been manufacturing outdoor wear for ages.

They sell hiking shoes to work boots, yet they're infamous for providing the level of quality that you'd expect from a relatively expensive boot.

Timberland has been known to focus on creating fashionable boots rather than a good hiking boot.

But here's the catch.

By focusing on looks, you automatically lose out on creating a good hiking boot, since the materials that provide all of the things that you're looking for (e.g. sturdiness, comfort, etc) often don't look good.

So, maybe a Timberland boot is not the best brand for hiking after all.

Timberland Boots – The Cons

Hear me out.

Timberlands are good, we know. But, there are some problems that come with owning Timberland boots.

Firstly, most models have leather as their primary material.

Leather boots look astonishing, but not for keeping your feet dry and comfortable.

You see, leather tends to swell up and form creases when it gets wet. So, if you're looking to go hiking in a very wet area, then get boots from a different brand.

Most of their boots don't even have GORE-TEX.

Another con is its reliability.

The average Timberland boot develops signs of wear and tear, especially after using them on serious hiking trails.

This is primarily due to the materials in use. Again, leather is not known for being a long-lasting material.

But, there's good news.

Timberlands might not be great for some, but they are excellent for the right type of hiker.

Timberland Boots for Hiking– The Pros

The cons seem to be quite drastic, however, there are quite a few pros to buying a pair of Timberland boots.

Their price is attractive. Most boots are priced under $100, making them an affordable option for a lot of hikers.

Timberlands are great for quick hikes.

Day hikes don't require as much sturdiness and comfort as serious hikes do, and hence they're good for people who like to hike on varied hiking trails.

Don't get me wrong, they're good for hiking, but, once you use them often enough they start to accumulate wear-and-tear on a level that you wouldn't expect from a good boot.

If convenient, casual, and everyday wear is a big thing for you, then Timberland shoes are an excellent choice for you. They're fashionable for both men and women and are good if you can only bring one pair of shoes with you.

Keep in mind that Timberlands, as said previously, tend to accumulate a lot of wear-and-tear, so if you're looking for a boot that you can use on short hiking trips, as opposed to long hikes, then Timberlands are a good choice for you.

What are the best Timberland Hiking Boots?

Some of the best Timberland hiking boots are hard to come by. Below are some of the best hiking boots for both hiking and other related activities:

Six-inch Premium Waterproof Boots

Made from enhanced leather material and waterproof material, the Timberland 6-inch boots are certainly one to consider. These shoes make great work boots and also hiking boots.

Insulated with a PET-derivative, these boots are perfect to use in cold weather when you need to keep your feet warm.

In warm weather, however, your feet may start to sweat which increases the likelihood of developing blisters.

White-Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

The name "Mid Waterproof" kind of gives it away. If you're going to use these boots for hiking trips, then make sure that it's not going to rain since these boots do not provide adequate protection from the rain.

On the other hand, the rubber sole on this boot is soft and it's great for people who are looking for footwear that's good for short hikes.

Finally, as the weight is small, so it's excellent for those who enjoy light boots.

Alternatives to Timberland hiking boots

If you're looking for footwear that's a bit more... natural and doesn't look like a hiking boot then these are the ones to consider:

Graydon Mixed-Media Chukka Boots

Whilst these do look more like trainers than a hiking boot, these are light, comfortable and they make a great alternative to big, sturdy hiking boots.

They are good for hiking short distances and for people that like having a one-shoe-for-all approach.

Also, the low weight is certainly an attractive feature for a lot of customers.

Classic Waterproof Chukka Boots

Made from a premium leather material, these Timberlands look like solid, fashionable shoes that will make you stand out.

They're okay-ish for short hikes.

The round-shaped toe boxes on this shoe add another level of comfort and are worth the $135 price tag.

Why timberland classics aren’t good for hiking

The classic-yellow Timberland boot is a great sight for many.

But, let me share this little secret with you:

They're not that good for hiking.

They're riddled with problems.

From being uncomfortable and lacking sturdiness, there are many other options on the market that are better than Timberlands.

Here's why:

Firstly, we all need good waterproof hiking boots to keep our feet dry.

Timberland Classics are made out of outdated, leather material (not GORE-TEX!) that is marketed as being waterproof, however, this material usually doesn't last in the rain.

Secondly, hiking shoes must be comfortable to wear. Timberland is not famous for creating comfortable boots that you can wear for hours on end.

Long story short, there are other brands out there that focus on comfort rather than fashion.

For the average hiker, however, Timberland Classics are a great pair of hiking boots, especially if you'll only use them on day hikes.

All-in-all, a number of boots from Timberland are not the best choice for hiking.

Conclusion

Timberland is one of those brands that is there for fashion, and not for practicality.

Whilst Timberland sells shoes that are good for a long hike or two, the combination of old materials and the level of comfort makes it a bad choice for those who are looking for a solid pair of hiking shoes.

Other brands, such as North Face and Mammoth, offer better shoes at a lower cost.

If you're after a pair of fancy shoes that make you stand out, then sure, go ahead and buy some Timberlands.

Most people don't ask "are Timberlands good for hiking". Instead, they look at how they look.

But, if you're after shoes that are actually good for hiking, then I highly suggest that you buy shoes from other brands that are more well-known for their hiking shoes.