View Full Version : What's wrong with Timberlands!?
Hey all, I just spent an hour at my local outdoor store and tried on every shoe /boot in the place, but the only one that felt good was a Timberland. I was hesitant to buy it because I've heard people bash them, but I was at a loss. I'm female with narrowish feet and VERY HIGH ARCHES, and not a single other pair of boots supported my feet (specifically the arch) very well. :mad:
Here's the ones I got. (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39202869&memberId=12500226) Now, at this point I feel as if I should return them, even though they feel ok to me NOW... I have been and plan on doing week to month-long backpacking trips both on and off the AT, and eventually a 3 month or so on the AT.
Any recommendations? ::sigh:: I can't really afford to spend over 100 dollars (these were 90), but I'd be willing to bend a little. Please help!
Peace,
pumpkin
Hey all, I just spent an hour at my local outdoor store and tried on every shoe /boot in the place, but the only one that felt good was a Timberland.
Hey..if they fit, feel comfortable and let you hike, don't sweat it.
I'd go for a weekend backpack or two just to get a feel for them and see if they work.
People have hiked in everything from heavy duty Limmers (http://www.limmerboot.com/) to barefoot (http://members.aol.com/CAR525/hike/pages/bfsisters.htm) to everything in between.
If you find footwear that works for you...then no worries.
Have a a blast on your hike!
Thanks Mags! =) I'm just afraid to hike in them because then I can't return them. I don't want them to split in half after some rough rocky hiking (lotta rocks in the woods near me) or something ridiculous. As far as comfort, I once did a 3 day trip in fake Birkenstocks, LOL
I guess my main question is the durability of these guys.. hmmm.... They seem to be sturdy, but.. who knows? o_O
Footslogger
06-18-2007, 16:01
I worked for an outfitter for 5 years and back then the single most common complaint about Timberlands was that they didn't hold up very well. That was a while ago and it applied mainly to their low/mid price point level footwear. Timberland might well have improved the durability since then and the reputation is now out of date.
As Mags said ...try em and if they fit and are comfortable that might be more important than how long they last.
'Slogger
taildragger
06-18-2007, 16:05
Lets put it this way, if the shoe fits, wear it.
I know that I have been using an old pair of Cabela's boots that I got for free from the salvation army. These things wear like iron, I have gone through multiple pairs of hunting boots and these have held up to hiking, hunting, and being the only shoes that I wore for the first two years of college.
I don't think a lot of people would like them, and I'd probably have some people snub there noses at me on trails because of them, but they support my feet, were the right price, and have held up, so I'll keep them.
As far as Wolverines, I've never really heard anything bad about them, but I've paid attention to them as a hunting boot. Remember, we hunters are basically bush wackers with more gear and we smell like doe urine. So, if it works for us, I don't see why it wouldn't work for trails.
So, check out the hunters reviews, or try talking to a hunting guide that goes for something like bighorn sheep, if they like the brand, then they are probably a good boot.
I had a pair of Timberlands a few years ago. They held up great and I probably hiked on some of the same rocks that you spoke of before. I replaced them because of problems with the fit, not their durability. They had several hundred miles on them and they would have gone farther.
Steve
You folks are right. I guess I'll just give them a go. I always end up going against the norm anyway, haha. There's really no way to find out unless I try them, and they didn't break the bank too hard. On that note, I'm going to go hit the trail for a couple of hours. =)
Thanks everyone!
I had a pair of Timberlands a few years ago. They held up great and I probably hiked on some of the same rocks that you spoke of before. I replaced them because of problems with the fit, not their durability. They had several hundred miles on them and they would have gone farther.
Steve
YAY! Very reassuring. Jersey-rock tested, lol. Definitely scurrying off into the woods now! It's BREAK IN TIME, WAHAHA ;)
Footslogger
06-18-2007, 16:13
I had a pair of Timberlands a few years ago. They held up great and I probably hiked on some of the same rocks that you spoke of before. I replaced them because of problems with the fit, not their durability. They had several hundred miles on them and they would have gone farther.
Steve
===================================
"Durability" may be a relative term in the context of this thread. There are many boots that go all the way from Springer to Katahdin (or vice versa) and still have a lot of life left in them. So your reference to "several hundred miles" on that pair of Timberlands might seem like a short life to some ??
'Slogger
Nightwalker
06-18-2007, 16:32
There are many boots that go all the way from Springer to Katahdin (or vice versa) and still have a lot of life left in them.
Got any brand names in mind? My Lowas last extremely well, but I don't know if I get 2k+ miles out of them. Definitely over 1k, however.
Footslogger
06-18-2007, 16:39
Got any brand names in mind? My Lowas last extremely well, but I don't know if I get 2k+ miles out of them. Definitely over 1k, however.
======================================
The some of the leather Vasques and Asolos were the longest wearing as I recall now.
Lowa footwear IS very comfortable but the construction is "softer" than some of the all leather alternatives.
Bottom line is, going back to an earlier post, that the fit and comfort of a pair of footwear used in long distance hiking probably outweighs its lifespan.
That said ...there are some brands/styles that are more durable than others.
'Slogger
Well I just got back from a quick 2 hour, 5 mile hike over varied terrain (and by varied I mean various kinds of ROCKS) with the new boots and I like them very much! I've been using shoes that aren't much more than heavy duty sneakers, and while they actually do deliver to a certain extent, these were MUCH BETTER!
The main thing is that my ankles always hurt when I go down steep rocky hills, but with these they felt fine and I was able to go at a much quicker pace. They did slow me down a bit because they're slightly clunkier and a bit heavier, but I think the pros definitely outweigh the cons. I was much much more stabalized and my feet don't hurt. Sweeet. :sun:
I knew a guy that swore by walmart shoes. I think he went through 4-5 pairs, and they never gave him any trouble.
there's nothing wrong with timberlands. My first pair of boots were timberlands and I loved them. Never gave me a blister.
I'd rather pay twice for shoes that fit rather than pay once for a pair I am miserable in twice as long. :-?
Make sense? :confused: I have not been making much sense lately.
HTH...
As with many things, it's all personal preference. I had a pair of Timberlands that worked great on trails, and when they started getting uncomfortable after a year they became work shoes. They actually held up better than my Asolo's; those delaminated before they wore down.
Walmart shoes, LOL! That's great. More power to him.
Yeah even the sales guy who was helping me out said he hated Timberlands but his friend has had them for years and loves them. I guess it's all in how your feet are shaped and how you walk, heheh.
StarLyte
06-19-2007, 09:15
I'd rather pay twice for shoes that fit rather than pay once for a pair I am miserable in twice as long. :-?
Make sense? :confused: I have not been making much sense lately.
HTH...
Nah...you make sense Austexs.
I've been wearing Merrill's since....what year was that...can't remember. Memory is goin too.
BlackCloud
06-19-2007, 15:27
Timberlands are made for the mall, not the trail.
L.L. Bean boots are made for whatever the hell you want to do in them.
Best value, bar none. $100 Bean boots kill $100 Timberland boots anyday...
Timberlands are made for the mall, not the trail.
I don't think that's quite right. I'm on my second pair of these (http://www.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2179440&cp=2453904&parentPage=family). First pair lasted about 2 years of daily use, second pair is about a year old and still going strong.
Small Steps
06-19-2007, 22:54
I had a pair of Timberline boot that I used for about 3 years. On my last trip, the sole started coming off one boot (thank goodness for duck tape) and the lining fell apart in the other one. Mind you they were three years old….
I have a small, wide foot so it is hard to find a boot that fits my foot correctly. If the ones you found fit you then go for it (HYOH). Just know that they might not last as long as others, but your paying half the price of others.
I feel the trade off is worth it. IMHO
I have a pair of Timberland light hiking/biking shoes and I love them. They are extremely comfortable, and I've never had any problems with them. I've had them for about a year. They fit my foot really well.
As long as your boots are comfortable, they should be fine, I'd say.
BlackCloud
06-20-2007, 08:38
I don't think that's quite right. I'm on my second pair of these (http://www.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2179440&cp=2453904&parentPage=family). First pair lasted about 2 years of daily use, second pair is about a year old and still going strong.
Yea, they look fine for everyday use. PA rocks would destroy them. I had a pair. they literally came undone at the seams....
1n the Sun
06-20-2007, 09:20
my mom began backpacking the 70's and bought one of the first backpacks designed for a petite women from Jansport in 1976. I still have it. She always hiked in timberlands. In fact, she loved this boot so much, we carried them in our sporting goods store, though they mostly sold to carpentars and other construction workers.
I personnally adore my caterpillar workboots with the oil proof soles. I have really wide feet, and this shoe's cut fits well. I like the height of the ankle cuff, as I'm often in the woods pickign berries, or cutting across the landlord's field to reach the trail and directly marching through the woods. I feel safer from snakes, thorns and sharp rocks with this much leather on my feet. I have since worn these boots down to the point where they no longer fit right, but I have yet to toss them inthe trash can.
Of Course, I recently purchased some New Balance Trail Runners, a hybrid hiking sneaker. The light weight and sturdy arch support is making my feet very happy as I walk the easier "towpath" like trails I'm doing as my recovery continues from my herniated disks.
Yea, they look fine for everyday use. PA rocks would destroy them. I had a pair. they literally came undone at the seams....
Hmm..which model? Even among different brands of shoes, some models work better than others.
Overall, I think fit, comfort and "workability" (for lack of a better word) for each individual person's needs are more important than which model/brand you buy.
Every foot, backpacking style, actual pack weight etc. is different. As such, any footwear success and failure will vary from hiker to hiker.
BlackCloud
06-20-2007, 12:13
Hmm..which model?
Hell if I remember......
Hell if I remember......
Hmm..
May not be the most useful review then.. ;)
LostInSpace
06-21-2007, 16:39
I will never buy a Timberland product again! The company does not stand behind their products, and they have horrendous customer service. If you buy a Timberland product, I suggest you buy it from a merchant that will stand behind what they sell.
I returned a pair of top of the line Timberland shoes that did not stand up to the purpose it was manufactured. Timberland customer service was of no help, yet they would not return the item I shipped them. I wrote two letters to the CEO and received no reply. After filing a complaint with the BBB, I finally got a letter from the company attorney requiring me to sign a release before they would honor any claim. After signing the release, I received a pair of discontinued model, low quality shoes that I found to be totally worthless.
LIhikers
06-22-2007, 09:23
....I always end up going against the norm anyway, haha....
Everyone who hikes and backpacks id going against the norm, so you're in good company here. And if you bought those shoes at Campmor, which is where you're link takes us, they'll take the boots back even with some miles on them so go for a good hike.
Questtrek
09-02-2007, 00:31
I second, third and even fouth ... lol.. That you shoul dreally base your footwear on what you like and what feels good for you. I can't fit a pair of boots on the basis of what someone says on the internet. Someone my say you need a size 8 even though you need a 9. You do whats best for your feet. Reviews are good for research purposes but are not set in stone. I personally have been searching for the right fit in boots for a few months, trying to go away from Timberland's and Nike:eek:. Well, I have not found a good fit in most that I have tried.
I have tried, Vasque Kota, Breeze, and Catalyst, Montrail hardrocks, New Balance, Montrail Torre's, Salomon xcr too. All have not fit and or felt good. I can say I get frustrated at times but, I went back and purchased a pair a Timberland's and they work great. So, I guess that's why there are so many manufacturers out there.... lol. HYOH.....:)
Shutterbug
09-02-2007, 01:06
I knew a guy that swore by walmart shoes. I think he went through 4-5 pairs, and they never gave him any trouble.
There is nothing wrong with Ozark Trail Boots (WalMart's Brand). I have gone through a lot of expensive boots, but find I get better comfort and service from Ozark Trail Boots.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4840910
I have worn out 4 or 5 pair and never had a failure. I have a weak ankle (old age) that needs extra support, so I wear boots at least six days a week. (I usually wear shoes to church on Sunday.) The Ozark Trail Bandy II boots are the most comfortable I have found. I am wearing a pair even now.
7Sisters
09-02-2007, 07:24
My first pair of hiking boots were a pair of Timberlands. They were inexpensive and allowed me to figure out if I like backpacking or not without breaking the bank.
However I would neve recommend a pair of Timberland workboots to backpack in. I'm a strong believer in using the tool designed for the job, not one that can simply do the job. My Timberlands broke down in the following areas - sole and achilles heal padding. I also blistered every trip I was on.
The total amount of miles before I retired them to lawn duty was less than 250. For backpacking boot, that's just not acceptable to me.
As far as everyone talking about the number of years their boots have lasted, I think it's more valuable to articulate the number of miles they last. It gives a more meaningful comparison of durability.