Woodland has a variety of options in the footwear section from hiking boots to winter boots and sneakers to boat shoes. But today’s topic is not about different types of timberland footwear, it’s about hiking boots and hiking. The most common question or doubt among hikers or beginners is can you hike in timberlands? Are timberland good for hiking? Well, the answer is simple and straight. Let’s find out.
Can you hike in timberlands?
Yes, you can hike in timberlands that are specially designed for hiking like Timberland MT. MADDSEN. However, you should avoid hiking in the usual timberland work boots, winter boots, or classic 6-inch yellow timberlands because they weigh more and provide less ventilation.
Moreover, even timberland hiking boots are not the best option for hiking because they lack foot comfort, traction control, and the overall design is also not compatible with some modern hikers.
In most cases, you should avoid wearing timberland work boots or casual boots for hiking. But in some cases, you can wear work boots for hiking.
You need to make sure two things before using timberland workboots for hiking i.e weight of the shoes and the type of trail. If you have light work boots let’s say caterpillar outline work boot then it can work. But you should also make sure that the trail is not steep, incline. Workboots can work for a short hike but can be a bad choice for a long or multiday hike.
I would not suggest casual timberland boots for hiking because they lack safety and technical features that are important for hiking. But for a short hike, they can work well.
Just make sure the trail is not technical, slippery, or rocky as these boots may get damaged easily. Moreover, you should completely avoid wearing timberland suede boots or shoes as they aren’t comparable for outdoors at all.
Reasons not to hike in usual timberland boots
There are various reasons why you should not hike in usual timberland boots and only go with timberland hiking boots. It’s not that you can not go hiking in timberland work boots or so. It’s about which is more efficient and best for hiking that can protect your feet outdoors.
Weight is issue
The weight of the boot plays a very important role while hiking. Usually, hiking boots are lighter than usual or work boots. It is the same with timberland, here also hiking boots weigh less than timberland work boots or casual timberlands.
Normal timberland work boots weigh more than 3 lb in contrast to 2.2lb hiking boots. The difference might not seem too much but is enough to make your feet feel ache on a trail. There is a saying that one pound extra weight in hiking boots means 6 pounds extra weight on your back.
Check – best light hiking boots.
However, not all hiking boots are lightweight, some are heavy and designed to meet special conditions. Heavy hiking boots are a good option for hikers who hike with heavy loads on their back or if you are hiking somewhere like Utah, California where it is Rocky terrain. Besides that, hikers usually prefer light hiking boots because they will pace up the speed, make you less tired and provide more comfort to your feet.
Timberland work boots or usually suede timberlands are heavy because of material or toe caps.
Flexibility
This is one of the reasons why you should not wear timberland work boots, safety boots, or fashion boots for hiking.
Flexibility is very important in hiking boots, to provide freedom to the ankle or feet to move up on the inclined surfaces. If the boot lacks flexibility, then it resists the feet to move up. In simple words, timberland work boots and normal timberlands lack this feature.
Timberland workboots are rigid and hard to protect the feet from solid objects, chemicals, etc. The same is not true in hiking, here you need flexibility, feet support, and ankle support.
Hiking boots are more flexible than timberland safety or work boots because it has a rubber sole and toe caps in contrast to steel toes in work boots which takes away the flexibility of the shoes. Similarly, if we talk about casual timberland boots used for styling, then it also lacks flexibility because of the sole structure of the boot.
The more flexible feature in timberland hiking boots or any hiking boots makes them compromise safety. It’s not that they are not safe but not as safe as work boots.
Sole
If you don’t have a timberland boot then check out the image below to see the difference between timberland winter boot, chukka boot, and hiking boot sole. Of all timberland boots, the sole of the timberland hiking boot is more thick and compact, while other timberland boots have sleek and separation between heel cap and foot sole.
The sole of casual timberland boots are more like dress boot soles but are more thick and curvy. On the other hand, the timberland hiking boot sole is more like a sports shoe sole.
The other main difference is the material used to make the sole. Sole of timberland hiking boot is a rubber sole and compress more than timberland hiking boots.
This sole difference is made by timberland to meet the hiking challenges – it reduces the weight, it feels more comfortable, it is more stable and keeps the feet in one place, and lastly for great overall outdoor performance.
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Ventilation
Ventilation is another main reason why you should avoid wearing timberland winter boots, sneaker boots, or chukka boots. Timberland casual boots are made Of leather and suede and there are no vents or mesh to pass the air inside boots which cause sweaty feet, especially in summers. If you have a blisters problem then you should avoid these timberlands for hiking purposes.
However, in timberland hiking boots you get the combination of mesh and leather or suede. Mesh increases the breathability of the shoes and prevents suffocation and sweaty feet.
I have sweaty feet, and sometimes boots with mesh don’t prove to be good for my feet, so I have to choose super light and breathable boots for my feet. If you don’t know what are best breathable and light hiking boots then check out some of my best picks here- best-hiking boots for summer
Material is different
The first and foremost difference between normal timberlands and timberland hiking boot is the material used to make them. This is the first reason which clears out the doubt why you should not wear the normal timberland for hiking.
The material used in normal timberland boots is suede and leather. Winter boots are mainly made of suede and leather material. Tough hiking boots are also made of leather but here you also get synthetic material to protect the shoes.
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Toe caps
Toe caps of timberland winter boots or normal boots are hard and stiff while hiking boots toe caps are stretchy and more comfortable. If we talk about timberland work boots then their toe caps are more rigid and stiffer than other timberland boots.
Midsole
The midsole of timberland boots is different for hiking boots and normal winter boots or casual boots. In hiking boots, you get a cushioning midsole.
Lastly, I want to talk about ankle height. If we look at timberland casual boots let’s say winter boots then you get high ankle length which is great for snowy conditions and provides more protection against ankle roles. However, at the same time, the ankle-length of shoes resist the feet and ankle coordination, especially on incline and decline terrain.
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Best Timberland boots to hike in
There are some great pairs of hiking boots by timberland that many hikers prefer for hiking, but keep in mind that overall timberland is not a that great option for hiking boots because of the reasons discussed above. However, still, there are some options that you can consider for hiking.
Timberland MT. MADDSEN
Check out the video of the shoes to get a better review.
Timberland Europe hikers
The best thing about these hiking boots is that they are comfortable, durable, and more stable than some other timberland hiking boots. The only thing that is not good about these shoes is that they are less breathable, and if you have sweaty feet then this may not be a good option for you. The arch support is also good. But if you have high arches then look out best and highly rated hiking boots for high arches.
Timberland Chocorua
The best option for hiking boots for fall and winter. Yes, it has Goretex and you also get a removable footbed, which provides more comfort. It is a good hiking boot for a multiday hike, not suit many technical or thru-hikers but a great option for day or multi-day hikes.
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