Are Timberlands Good For Hiking?

If you’re planning on hiking, having the right boots is of critical importance.  Hiking demands strong footwear that provides the support and comfort you need.  Not everyone hikes often enough to have a dedicated pair of hiking boots, and you may be wondering if Timberlands are good for hiking.

While you absolutely can hike in Timberlands, they lack the support, comfort, and traction of proper hiking boots, and are best for short and simple hikes.

Timberlands have been around since 1953, and the classic yellow boot was introduced twenty years later as a waterproof, fully-leather boot designed to provide workers in New England protection from the snow and slush.  Fast forward a few decades, and they are now highly fashionable across many styles.  Their distinctive look and versatility is what has kept them so popular for so long.

How well Timberlands will work for you while hiking depends on a few different factors, which we’ll break down for you below.


Are Timberlands Good Hiking Boots

Features That Make Timberlands Good For Hiking

Although classic yellow Timberlands aren’t dedicated hiking boots, they luckily do have many key characteristics that make them a fine choice for short and simple hikes.  We’ll explore these below.

Comfort

Once broken in, Timberlands have a reputation for being a roomy and comfortable boot.

Traction

Timberlands feature soles that are slip-resistant and have a decent amount of grip, making them acceptable for simple terrain and mild weather conditions.

Price

Some models of Timberlands can be bought for under $100, making them an affordable and stylish addition to your wardrobe which can also do double-duty as boots for short and simple hikes.

Protection

Because Timberlands were originally designed as a work boot, protection is often built in, particularly when considering the thickness of the soles.  Some models also include steel toes, which will help you from hitting your feet on jutting rocks, exposed roots, or bumps in the trail.

Versatility

Timberlands make a stylish statement as casual footwear and can be worn with jeans or shorts, and if you plan on doing some basic hiking but can only bring one pair of boots, they’ll fit the bill just fine.


Do Timberlands Work For Hiking
Timberland White Snow Cold Winter Boots

Why Timberlands Aren’t Good For Hiking

Weight 

Timberlands are heavy at over one pound per boot, which is an important factor when thinking about the longevity of your hikes.  Lugging these on your feet for a long hike can make for a less enjoyable experience and can sap you of energy.

Too Much Room

Timberlands make comfortable casual boots due to their roominess- but this is exactly what you don’t want on a long hike!  The extra room will allow your feet too much room to shift around, creating extra friction which can lead to discomfort and blisters.

Breathability

Timberlands feature a lot of insulation, which is great for cold weather, but can make your feet damp during a spring or summer hike, leading to blisters- no good.  Additionally, the leather can crease and cause friction, leading to – you guess it – more blisters.

Lack Of Ankle Support

The roominess we’ve been talking about also extends to the ankle area in classic Timberlands, leaving the ankle too much room to shift about, potentially leaving you exposed to injury when hiking steep or uneven terrain.


Are Timberland Boots Good For Hiking

Tips For Hiking In Timberlands

If you’re looking forward to sporting your Timberlands on your next hike, follow these simple tips to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Make Sure Your Timberlands Are Broken In

Take it from us: you never, ever want to go on a hike wearing brand new boots.  It takes a little time to break them in, and the discomfort you’ll experience won’t be worth the great style you’re sporting.

Test For Proper Fit – And Lace Up Right

Make sure your feet can’t move too much side-to-side and there are no areas where you feel pinching in your boots.  Also pay attention to your toes inside the boot – they should never touch the front, and if they do, you risk bumping them and getting black toenail (no fun!).  

Wear a double pair of hiking socks to minimize foot shift in the boot if you need to.

Once you know the fit is good, then experiment with lacing them up at different tightness levels to make sure you are minimizing friction and giving your ankles good support.

Wear Proper Hiking Socks

If you’re set on wearing your Timberlands while hiking, do yourself a huge favor and wear a pair of well-fitting hiking socks.  If you’ll be going on a longer hike, bring an extra pair along to change into for prolonged comfort.

Waterproof Your Timberlands

If you’ll be hiking in rain, mud, or crossing small bodies of water like creeks or streams, you’ll definitely want to plan ahead by waterproofing your Timberlands.  Not only will this keep your feet dry, but you’ll also keep your boots looking great long-term.  We recommend Balm Proofer or Crep Protect for waterproofing Timberland boots.


Are Timberlands Good For Hiking?  Wrapping Things Up

Although we don’t recommend Timberlands for serious hiking, you’ll be just fine to use them on short and simple hikes – just be sure to wear hiking socks and make sure your boots are broken in before you go.

Have any stories from hiking in Timberlands?  Please share them below, and let us know if you have any questions.

If you’re looking to get further into hiking, take a look at our comparison on hiking boots vs work boots and our guide to how much toe room is needed in hiking boots.  As always, have fun and enjoy your hike!

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