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In case you’re in search of basic leather-based climbing boots however don’t wish to pay an arm and a leg for them, we suggest the Timberland Mt. Maddsen WPs. The Mt Maddsens stand out on our Finest Mountain climbing Boots for Males information as a stellar worth with regards to a safe really feel, climate readiness, and sturdiness on a funds.
Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer put these boots by 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 toes dry in moist situations, and the cushioned ankle cuffs and tender footbeds add consolation.
From week-long backpacking journeys to weekend hikes and tackling outside chores, these boots will verify all of the packing containers – and at an reasonably priced worth, too.
Nevertheless, the Mt Maddsen’s lower cost comes with a couple of consolation trade-offs. Their stiff leather-based uppers and outsoles take time to interrupt in and is usually a bit uncomfortable alongside the best way, together with sizzling spots and blisters. So it’s possible you’ll wish to maintain your first few adventures brief till they start to melt. The all-leather uppers should not particularly breathable, making them much less very best for decent summer season days – however they work effectively for cooler climate and shorter hikes to maintain you snug and transferring.
At practically 3 kilos, they’re among the heavier boots of their class, and the slim toe field might not swimsuit everybody’s foot form or dimension. However for this worth, you can 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.
Fast Specs
Timberland Mt. Maddsen WP
Sturdy & Supportive Leather-based Mountain climbing Boots
CleverHiker Score:
66.3/100
Worth:
$120
Weight (Pair):
2 lb. 14.9 oz.
Higher Materials:
Full grain leather-based
Sizing:
Common width
Professionals
- Reasonably priced
- Beefy construct
- Nice ankle safety
- Sturdy leather-based uppers
- Glorious lacing system
- Simple to placed on / take off
- Good in mud and rain
Cons
- Stiff uppers and outsoles
- Longer break-in interval
- Heavy
- Narrower toe field
- Run heat
Consolation
In case you’re climbing groomed, rocky trails in spring and fall, the Mt. Maddsens’ rugged, basic design will maintain you feeling regular. With full-grain leather-based uppers, they provide burly ankle help and a safe really feel, very best for folk 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 they usually soften round your foot form, the Mt Maddsens provide a comfy, malleable really feel. The mix of flat, extremely adjustable laces are simple to tie and regulate, they usually keep put as soon as tied. Inside, the footbed presents a supportive, tender really feel, and the large heel loop makes these boots simple to slide on and regulate snugly. They’re undoubtedly heavier than different climbing boots, however the additional weight straight interprets to strong help and a secure journey, excellent for carrying a heavy pack or climbing in difficult environments.
That mentioned, you’ll must make use of a little bit of endurance 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 suggest sporting these Timberlands at house, effectively earlier than you’ve dedicated to an extended hike – think about rocking them throughout errands and canine walks to begin the method. Nevertheless, our testers discovered it’s definitely worth the effort: the supplies soften and adapt to your toes over time. Additionally, the Mt Maddsen has a narrower toe field in comparison with different climbing boots we’ve examined, so that you’ll wish to order the large model if in case you have wider toes or like pure toe splay. We discover these boots are greatest in cooler climate under 70°F because the leather-based tends to entice 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 a terrific selection for shielding your ankles. Their beefy leather-based uppers wrap securely across the leg to forestall twisting on funky angles and rocky trails, however that doesn’t imply Timberland sacrificed consolation. These boots’ padded foam and nylon collar feels surprisingly tender and pliable, so that you’re not preventing towards the boots to your pure gait. Whether or not pushing by skinny slot canyons within the Utah desert or trudging over excessive rocky passes in Colorado, the substantial peak of those boots and a thick, gusseted tongue add to a cosy match that retains the ankle secure on uneven terrain.
One in every of our favourite issues concerning the Mt Maddsens is the lacing system. With steel eyelets for safe, customizable lacing configurations and double lacing hooks on the ankle, these boots will be locked firmly in place and cut back the danger of slipping or sliding. The load of the boot mixed with edge lugs that flare barely outwards contributes to a grounded, secure really feel.
This rigidity might really feel restrictive for individuals 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, positive 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 in addition 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 first rate 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 holding secure with heavy backpacking masses and navigating softer floor like mud, gravel, and snow, and rocky, uneven trails, too. We additionally suggest 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 sooner than boots that weigh half as a lot. These boots are greatest fitted to people who prioritize sturdiness over agility on the path – for those who’re in search of a light-weight, versatile possibility, this mannequin may be much less interesting.
Traction
With a rubber outsole that grips effectively on all the things from packed grime 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 journey that successfully bites the bottom particularly effectively on shallower angles. Rounded, shallow lugs by the middle of the foot give extra stability on uneven surfaces, making them very best for shorter adventures and blended trails. This distinctive lug sample sheds particles, so that you gained’t take care of caught gravel or mud, and this design is quick and straightforward to wash.
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 a number of rolling terrain and blended situations, since additionally they carry out effectively in damp situations and moist leaves, in order that they’re one among our favourite selections for shoulder-season climbing, too.
You’ll wish 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 brief 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, they usually aren’t our first decide with regards to traction in off-trail terrain.
The lugs by 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 scale 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 severe mountain treks, the traction design might go away you feeling much less safe than different boots with deeper, extra aggressive lugs. That mentioned, these traction points are actually solely obvious on technical trails with a number of up and downs, and on routes with ice and dust – so for those who’re principally climbing on average trails and first rate climate days, the traction undoubtedly will get the job carried out.
Climate Resistance
The Timberland Mt. Maddsen is reliably water and climate resistant – they’re made from naturally full-grain leather-based in any case. We’ve pushed the boundaries of those boots by 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 entice warmth, we don’t suggest 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, holding the inside dry in most moist situations.
We recognize the small parts 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 lots of of miles of tough path. These boots are additionally outfitted 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 lots of of miles of damage, 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 might crack or take up water, compromising its waterproofing. For optimum longevity, you’ll have to be vigilant about cleansing, treating, and sustaining them commonly. Fortunately, caring for leather-based climbing boots is occasional and pretty quick – pop over to our How To Clear Mountain climbing Boots and Sneakers 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 would like burly, long-lasting boots for a stellar worth, these may 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 fans 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 comfortable selection for cooler situations. Owing to their hefty construct, they’re particularly fitted to day hikers, weekend adventurers, and anybody tackling brief 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, they usually’ll final for a number of seasons of standard use with some well timed upkeep.
Nevertheless, these boots is probably not very 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 might not swimsuit wider toes, they usually run hotter than different choices, making them much less appropriate for summer season hikes and longer, extra intense excursions. In case you’re in search of light-weight flexibility or rapid consolation, the Mt. Maddsen won’t be the very best match. In case you’re on a funds and desire a boot that can final for a number of seasons of out of doors adventuring, these may be the proper center floor.
What Different climbing boots Ought to You Think about?
Head over to our checklist of the Finest Mountain climbing Boots for Males to take a look at the complete checklist of suggestions.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP Evaluation: Just 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 price extra, they’re additionally lighter by a full pound per pair and have improved traction. In case you’re a budget-conscious hiker who needs a lighter really feel on longer hikes, these boots ship each affordability and ease on the path.
Merrell Moab 3 WP Evaluation: The Moab 3s provide the same 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. Not like the Timberlands, these boots want principally no break-in time, so you possibly can hit the path proper out of the field. The Moab 3s are additionally a terrific funds possibility, making them a snug selection for infrequent and newbie day hikers and shorter backpacking journeys.
LOWA Renegade GTX Evaluation: The LOWA Renegade GTX boot shares the Mt. Maddsens’ safe lacing and full-leather construct. However the Renegades earn high marks with regards to superior consolation, top-notch climate resistance, and glorious traction, outclassing the Mt. Maddsens in all-weather efficiency and sturdiness. Though Renegades price twice as a lot as Mt Maddens, they’re a terrific selection for severe hikers who need distinctive sturdiness with out sacrificing consolation.