Sunday, August 3, 2025

Males’s Timberland Mt Maddsen WP Climbing Boot Assessment


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In case you’re searching for traditional leather-based climbing boots however don’t need to pay an arm and a leg for them, we suggest the Timberland Mt. Maddsen WPs. The Mt Maddsens stand out on our Finest Climbing Boots for Males information as a stellar worth with regards to a safe really feel, climate readiness, and sturdiness on a price range. 

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 because of the stable leather-based uppers, sturdy midsoles, and dependable traction that carried out effectively on flat and reasonable terrain. The gusseted tongue and waterproofing work effectively to maintain toes dry in moist situations, and the cushioned ankle cuffs and delicate footbeds add consolation. 

From week-long backpacking journeys to weekend hikes and tackling out of doors chores, these boots will examine all of the packing containers – and at an inexpensive worth, too.

Nonetheless, the Mt Maddsen’s lower cost comes with just a few consolation trade-offs. Their stiff leather-based uppers and outsoles take time to interrupt in and is usually a bit uncomfortable alongside the way in which, together with sizzling spots and blisters. So you could need to maintain your first few adventures quick till they start to melt. The all-leather uppers usually are not particularly breathable, making them much less perfect for warm 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 a number of the heavier boots of their class, and the slim toe field could not swimsuit everybody’s foot form or dimension. However for this worth, you would outfit two hikers with new Mt Maddsens for the worth of 1 pair of a number of boots in our males’s climbing boot information.

Fast Specs

Stock image of the Timberland Mt. Maddsen WP hiking boots with a white background

Timberland Mt. Maddsen WP

Sturdy & Supportive Leather-based Climbing Boots


CleverHiker Ranking:

66.3/100


Value:

$120


Weight (Pair):

2 lb. 14.9 oz.


Higher Materials:

Full grain leather-based


Sizing:

Common width

Execs

  • Inexpensive
  • Beefy construct
  • Nice ankle safety
  • Sturdy leather-based uppers
  • Wonderful 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

Regardless of their barely heavier weight, these sneakers are as versatile and minimalist as they arrive, and will be rolled and compressed into a really small bundle. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Consolation

In case you’re climbing groomed, rocky trails in spring and fall, the Mt. Maddsens’ rugged, traditional design will maintain you feeling regular. With full-grain leather-based uppers, they provide burly ankle help and a safe really feel, perfect for folk who need further 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 value 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 regulate, and so they keep put as soon as tied. Inside, the footbed gives a supportive, delicate really feel, and the extensive heel loop makes these boots simple to slide on and regulate snugly. They’re positively heavier than different climbing boots, however the further weight immediately interprets to strong help and a steady journey, excellent for carrying a heavy pack or climbing in difficult environments.

That mentioned, you’ll must make use of a little bit of persistence and work to make the Mt Maddsens really cozy. 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 dwelling, effectively earlier than you’ve dedicated to an extended hike – contemplate rocking them throughout errands and canine walks to begin the method. Nonetheless, our testers discovered it’s well 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 need to order the extensive model when 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 lure warmth and feels too heat for warm climates, lower-elevation hikes, and summer season climate.

A man hikes in a fleece during sunset in a desert setting.
Regardless of a rugged exterior, the Mt. Maddsen’s cushioned ankle cuffs and delicate footbed ship a surprisingly cozy journey after a correct break-in interval. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Ankle Help

The Timberland Mt. Maddsens are well-suited for day hikers and weekend adventurers who need stable ankle safety. Resulting from their mid-cut design, excellent lacing system, and leather-based development, these boots are an awesome selection for safeguarding 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 in opposition to 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 steady on uneven terrain. 

Certainly one of our favourite issues in regards to the Mt Maddsens is the lacing system. With metallic 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 chance of slipping or sliding. The load 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 individuals who desire extra freedom of motion across the ankle. Nonetheless, they’re fitted to hikers who make  ankle stability  a precedence.

A man sits and drinks water at sunset in a desert setting.
In case you’re carrying a heavy pack or navigating robust terrain, these boots provide dependable stability and help. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

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 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 parts 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 conserving steady 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 might 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 – should you’re searching for a light-weight, versatile possibility, this mannequin is likely to be much less interesting.

Close up from knees down of a person walking towards the camera wearing hiking boots.
These boots is likely to be heavier than some, however they carry out admirably on demanding trails and rocky terrain. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Traction

With a rubber outsole that grips effectively on all the pieces from packed grime to rocks and dust, the Timberland Mt. Maddsen has dependable traction on flat and reasonable slopes. The tread sample options extensive, angular lugs on the perimeters 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 further stability on uneven surfaces, making them perfect for shorter adventures and combined trails. This distinctive lug sample sheds particles, so that you received’t cope with 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 plenty of rolling terrain and combined situations, since additionally they carry out effectively in damp situations and moist leaves, in order that they’re one in all 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 reasonable angles and established routes, our testing reveals 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 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 could depart 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 plenty of up and downs, and on routes with ice and dust – so should you’re largely climbing on reasonable trails and respectable climate days, the traction positively will get the job executed.

Close up from knees down of a person scrambling in hiking boots on a rock. You can see the traction well.
These boots shine on reasonable trails, sidehill sections and free gravel, the place their outsole design offers further stability. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Climate Resistance

The Timberland Mt. Maddsen is reliably water and climate resistant – they’re manufactured 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 because of 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 shortly 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 forestall 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 rigorously on actually moist multi-day hikes. And because the thick leather-based can lure warmth, we don’t suggest these boots in climate above 70°F or in humid locations the place they will really feel overly heat and heavy. General, although, climate resistance is a plus. 

Close up from knees down of a person walking in hiking boots on a rock while the sun sets behind.
With a gusseted tongue and efficient waterproofing, your socks keep dry even by mud and light-weight snow. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Sturdiness

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

We respect the small elements like robust 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 outfitted with a thick midsole that provides a little bit of flexibility whereas sustaining power. With common care, together with waterproofing and upkeep, they will face up to a whole bunch of miles of damage, even in cooler and wetter environments.

Nonetheless, the stable sturdiness of the Mt. Maddsens has some pitfalls. The leather-based is hard, nevertheless it must be correctly maintained or it could possibly crack or take up water, compromising its waterproofing.  For optimum longevity, you’ll have to 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 Climbing Boots and Footwear information to study extra.

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

Close up from knees down of a person scrambling in hiking boots on a rock.
Full-grain leather-based uppers, strengthened heels, and double stitching imply these boots received’t again down from robust terrain. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

Ought to You Purchase the Timberland Mt Maddsen WP?

The Timberland Mt. Maddsen WPs is a superb match for budget-conscious hikers and out of doors fans who need stable sturdiness and ankle help greater than light-weight mobility. With full-grain leather-based uppers and a traditional 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 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 normal use with some well timed upkeep.

Nonetheless, these boots will not be perfect 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 toes, and so they run hotter than different choices, making them much less appropriate for summer season hikes and longer, extra intense excursions. In case you’re searching for light-weight flexibility or speedy consolation, the Mt. Maddsen may not be the perfect match. In case you’re on a price range and desire a boot that may final for a number of seasons of out of doors adventuring, these is likely to be the proper center floor.

Close up from knees down of a person tying their hiking boots and the laces are very long.
Lengthy laces, a high-cut design, and beefy leather-based uppers work collectively to lock your ankles in tightly, conserving you steady – even on rocky trails. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

What Different climbing boots Ought to You Think about?

Head over to our checklist of the Finest Climbing Boots for Males to take a look at the complete checklist of suggestions.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP Assessment: Just like the Timberland Mt. Maddsens, these Columbias ship stable ankle help and dependable weatherproofing because of their all-leather development. Nonetheless, we desire these as a price range possibility – though they value 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 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. Not like the Timberlands, these boots want principally no break-in time, so you’ll be able to hit the path proper out of the field. The Moab 3s are additionally an awesome price range 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 with regards to 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 awesome selection for severe hikers who need distinctive sturdiness with out sacrificing consolation.

Close up from knees down of a person scrambling up a rock.
The stiff outsoles on these boots encourage confidence on difficult trails with reasonable scrambling, and so they grip particularly effectively on dry rock and packed grime. – Picture Credit score: Ian Krammer (CleverHiker.com)

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