Males’s Timberland Mt Maddsen WP Mountain climbing Boot Assessment

Backside Line

If you happen to’re searching for basic leather-based climbing boots however don’t need to pay an arm and a leg for them, we advocate the Timberland Mt. Maddsen WPs. The Mt Maddsens stand out on our Finest Mountain climbing Boots for Males information as a stellar worth in terms of a safe really feel, climate readiness, and sturdiness on a funds. 

Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer put these boots by way of their paces on greater than 80 miles of tough Colorado backcountry in winter, spring, and summer season situations. They proved their worth on chilly and muddy hikes due to the strong leather-based uppers, sturdy midsoles, and dependable traction that carried out effectively on flat and average terrain. The gusseted tongue and waterproofing work effectively to maintain ft dry in moist situations, and the cushioned ankle cuffs and delicate footbeds add consolation. 

From week-long backpacking journeys to weekend hikes and tackling outside chores, these boots will test all of the packing containers – and at an inexpensive value, too.

Nevertheless, the Mt Maddsen’s cheaper price comes with a couple of consolation trade-offs. Their stiff leather-based uppers and outsoles take time to interrupt in and generally is a bit uncomfortable alongside the way in which, together with sizzling spots and blisters. So chances are you’ll need to hold your first few adventures quick till they start to melt. The all-leather uppers aren’t particularly breathable, making them much less best for decent summer season days – however they work effectively for cooler climate and shorter hikes to maintain you comfy and transferring. 

At practically 3 kilos, they’re a few of the heavier boots of their class, and the slender toe field could not swimsuit everybody’s foot form or dimension. However for this value, you would outfit two hikers with new Mt Maddsens for the value of 1 pair of a number of boots in our males’s climbing boot information.

Consolation

If you happen to’re climbing groomed, rocky trails in spring and fall, the Mt. Maddsens’ rugged, basic design will hold you feeling regular. With full-grain leather-based uppers, they provide burly ankle help and a safe really feel, best for people who need extra safety on path. Our testing discovered these boots have a considerable break-in interval of 25 to 35 miles – however that’s regular for all-leather boots, and the payoff is price it. As soon as the creases within the leather-based are began and so they soften round your foot form, the Mt Maddsens provide a comfy, malleable really feel. The mixture of flat, extremely adjustable laces are simple to tie and modify, and so they keep put as soon as tied. Inside, the footbed provides a supportive, delicate really feel, and the large heel loop makes these boots simple to slide on and modify snugly. They’re undoubtedly heavier than different climbing boots, however the further weight instantly interprets to sturdy help and a steady trip, excellent for carrying a heavy pack or climbing in difficult environments.

That stated, you’ll have to make use of a little bit of persistence and work to make the Mt Maddsens really comfortable. The leather-based uppers and rubber soles are stiff out of the field, so these boots require an extended break-in interval to keep away from main rubbing or blisters and attain peak consolation. We extremely advocate carrying these Timberlands at house, effectively earlier than you’ve dedicated to an extended hike – contemplate rocking them throughout errands and canine walks to start out the method. Nevertheless, our testers discovered it’s definitely worth the effort: the supplies soften and adapt to your ft over time. Additionally, the Mt Maddsen has a narrower toe field in comparison with different climbing boots we’ve examined, so that you’ll need to order the large model when you have wider ft or like pure toe splay. We discover these boots are finest in cooler climate under 70°F because the leather-based tends to lure warmth and feels too heat for decent climates, lower-elevation hikes, and summer season climate.

Ankle Assist

The Timberland Mt. Maddsens are well-suited for day hikers and weekend adventurers who need strong ankle safety. Resulting from their mid-cut design, excellent lacing system, and leather-based development, these boots are an important selection for shielding your ankles. Their beefy leather-based uppers wrap securely across the leg to stop twisting on funky angles and rocky trails, however that doesn’t imply Timberland sacrificed consolation. These boots’ padded foam and nylon collar feels surprisingly delicate and pliable, so that you’re not preventing towards the boots in your pure gait. Whether or not pushing by way of skinny slot canyons within the Utah desert or trudging over excessive rocky passes in Colorado, the substantial top of those boots and a thick, gusseted tongue add to a comfortable match that retains the ankle steady on uneven terrain. 

One among our favourite issues concerning the Mt Maddsens is the lacing system. With metallic eyelets for safe, customizable lacing configurations and double lacing hooks on the ankle, these boots may be locked firmly in place and scale back the chance of slipping or sliding. The burden of the boot mixed with edge lugs that flare barely outwards contributes to a grounded, steady really feel. 

This rigidity could really feel restrictive for many who choose extra freedom of motion across the ankle. Nevertheless, they’re fitted to hikers who make  ankle stability  a precedence.

Weight

For hikes the place ankle help, certain footing, and heat matter most, the sturdy construct of the Mt Maddsens is preferable. Constructed with full-grain leather-based uppers and burly outsoles, these are one of many extra sturdy and aesthetic climbing boots we’ve examined – but additionally one of many heaviest. They weigh simply shy of three kilos per pair. Thick leather-based paneling helps with climate resistance and sturdiness, rugged rubber outsoles present respectable traction, and a supportive midsole provides help – however every of those components add heft to each step. The benefit of heavier boots is that they carry out particularly effectively in rugged environments, so the Mt Maddsens are an superior selection for retaining steady with heavy backpacking hundreds and navigating softer floor like mud, gravel, and snow, and rocky, uneven trails, too. We additionally advocate these boots for colder hikes between 25°F and 65°F, because the heavier supplies, mixed with an efficient waterproof liner, insulates from the weather effectively. 

However their weight is a con on treks with steep ascents and descents and hikes over giant distances, the place their weight can really feel cumbersome and may result in fatigue and drained legs quicker than boots that weigh half as a lot. These boots are finest fitted to people who prioritize sturdiness over agility on the path – if you happen to’re searching for a light-weight, versatile possibility, this mannequin could be much less interesting.

Traction

With a rubber outsole that grips effectively on every little thing from packed filth to rocks and dust, the Timberland Mt. Maddsen has dependable traction on flat and average slopes. The tread sample options large, angular lugs on the sides of the boot that flare out and barely away from the uppers, delivering a ridiculously stable-feeling trip that successfully bites the bottom particularly effectively on shallower angles. Rounded, shallow lugs by way of the middle of the foot give extra stability on uneven surfaces, making them best for shorter adventures and combined trails. This distinctive lug sample sheds particles, so that you received’t take care of caught gravel or mud, and this design is quick and simple to scrub. 

The Mt Maddsens’ soles are pretty stiff, which conjures up most confidence on most trails, however as they break-in the boots provide extra flexibility when going uphill and downhill. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer likes these boots for spring and fall hikes with numerous rolling terrain and combined situations, since in addition they carry out effectively in damp situations and moist leaves, so that they’re one among our favourite decisions for shoulder-season climbing, too.

You’ll need to watch your step relying on the place you’re headed, although. Whereas they do effectively on average angles and established routes, our testing exhibits the Mt. Maddsen’s traction falls quick on actually steep and slick terrain due to their shallower lug depth and tread design. We’ve climbed a number of peaks over 13,000’ with these boots, and so they aren’t our first decide in terms of traction in off-trail terrain.

The lugs by way of the middle of the boot are pretty low and spherical, which limits grip on easy, moist surfaces like rocks, ice, and roots as a result of they don’t penetrate deeply sufficient to cut back stability. The toe and heel areas are practically easy and are lacking the aggressive ridges wanted for braking energy on descents, and the biting energy wanted for intense inclines. Whereas the rubber is pretty dense, it’s not the stickiest mix on the market.

For critical mountain treks, the traction design could depart you feeling much less safe than different boots with deeper, extra aggressive lugs. That stated, these traction points are actually solely obvious on technical trails with numerous up and downs, and on routes with ice and dust – so if you happen to’re largely climbing on average trails and respectable climate days, the traction undoubtedly will get the job achieved.

Climate Resistance

The Timberland Mt. Maddsen is reliably water and climate resistant – they’re manufactured from naturally full-grain leather-based in spite of everything. We’ve pushed the boundaries of those boots by way of mud, rain, and snowy situations, the place they simply block water due to leather-based development, a water-proof membrane and a gusseted tongue. We just like the fast-drying, flat laces on muddy trails as a result of they dry rapidly and don’t stretch – even when your boots are soaked, these boots are simple to regulate and relace. Testing in all seasons reveals they’re simply tall sufficient to keep away from splashback from shallow puddles and also you don’t want to fret about soaked socks crossing shallow streams and creeks – these boots will stop water from seeping in. Paired with high quality waterproof pants, they’re dependable for many moist situations with out compromising consolation on cool, moist adventures.

The Mt Maddsens take a very long time to dry out if the boots get soaked, so step very fastidiously on actually moist multi-day hikes. And because the thick leather-based can lure warmth, we don’t advocate these boots in climate above 70°F or in humid locations the place they’ll really feel overly heat and heavy. General, although, climate resistance is a plus. 

Sturdiness

The Timberland Mt. Maddsen boots are burly boots which are constructed to final, with a sturdy development designed for robust situations. The total-grain leather-based uppers are robust and resist abrasions, offering strong safety towards tough terrain. Double stitching provides power to the leather-based panels, and their tall, gusseted tongue and waterproof liners additional reinforce sturdiness, retaining the inside dry in most moist situations.

We recognize the small elements like sturdy all-metal eyelets and flat laces that add to the lifespan of the boots. The rubber outsoles are resilient sufficient to deal with a whole bunch of miles of tough path. These boots are additionally geared up with a thick midsole that provides a little bit of flexibility whereas sustaining power. With common care, together with waterproofing and upkeep, they’ll face up to a whole bunch of miles of wear and tear, even in cooler and wetter environments.

Nevertheless, the strong sturdiness of the Mt. Maddsens has some pitfalls. The leather-based is hard, nevertheless it must be correctly maintained or it will probably crack or take in water, compromising its waterproofing.  For optimum longevity, you’ll must be vigilant about cleansing, treating, and sustaining them repeatedly. Fortunately, caring for leather-based climbing boots is occasional and pretty quick – pop over to our How To Clear Mountain climbing Boots and Footwear information to be taught extra.

And sturdiness like this implies these boots are heavier than different choices, including pressure over long-distance hikes. However if you need burly, long-lasting boots for a stellar value, these might final for years with constant care.

Ought to You Purchase the Timberland Mt Maddsen WP?

The Timberland Mt. Maddsen WPs is a good match for budget-conscious hikers and outside fanatics who need strong sturdiness and ankle help greater than light-weight mobility. With full-grain leather-based uppers and a basic climbing boot aesthetic, these Timberlands provide dependable safety on tough and muddy terrain and are a heat and comfy selection for cooler situations. Owing to their hefty construct, they’re particularly fitted to day hikers, weekend adventurers, and anybody tackling quick to mid-range trails. Their waterproof design and durable development make them a reliable selection for shoulder season outings when trails are moist or chilly, and so they’ll final for a number of seasons of standard use with some well timed upkeep.

Nevertheless, these boots will not be best for everybody. Their heavier weight and stiff leather-based uppers require a large break-in interval, and they could be a bit uncomfortable earlier than they soften. The narrower toe field could not swimsuit wider ft, and so they run hotter than different choices, making them much less appropriate for summer season hikes and longer, extra intense excursions. If you happen to’re searching for light-weight flexibility or fast consolation, the Mt. Maddsen may not be one of the best match. If you happen to’re on a funds and need a boot that may final for a number of seasons of outside adventuring, these could be the proper center floor.

What Different climbing boots Ought to You Contemplate?

Head over to our checklist of the Finest Mountain climbing Boots for Males to take a look at the total checklist of suggestions.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP Assessment: Much like the Timberland Mt. Maddsens, these Columbias ship strong ankle help and dependable weatherproofing due to their all-leather development. Nevertheless, we choose these as a funds possibility – though they value extra, they’re additionally lighter by a full pound per pair and have improved traction. If you happen to’re a budget-conscious hiker who desires a lighter really feel on longer hikes, these boots ship each affordability and ease on the path.

Merrell Moab 3 WP Assessment: The Moab 3s provide an identical degree of climate resistance and traction because the Mt. Maddsens, though you’ll sacrifice sturdiness and ankle help. However the place do they honestly shine? Consolation. In contrast to the Timberlands, these boots want mainly no break-in time, so you possibly can hit the path proper out of the field. The Moab 3s are additionally an important funds possibility, making them a comfortable selection for infrequent and newbie day hikers and shorter backpacking journeys.

LOWA Renegade GTX Assessment: The LOWA Renegade GTX boot shares the Mt. Maddsens’ safe lacing and full-leather construct. However the Renegades earn high marks in terms of superior consolation, top-notch climate resistance, and wonderful traction, outclassing the Mt. Maddsens in all-weather efficiency and sturdiness. Though Renegades value twice as a lot as Mt Maddens, they’re an important selection for critical hikers who need distinctive sturdiness with out sacrificing consolation.