You must have heard of Timberland and Columbia boots if you are a hiker. Both of these brands are top-notch in producing the best hiking footwear for every foot shape. However, there are still some features that help you understand better.
The main difference between Timberland and Columbia is the stability. Timberland boots have Hi-Tec Altitude whereas Columbia hiking boots have relatively subpar stability in hiking and climbing.
Since I have always been picky about hiking boots, I’m presenting the differences between Timberland and Columbia boots below. I hope that helps!
Comparison Between Timberland vs Columbia Hiking Boots
| Features | Timberland Hiking Boots | Columbia Hiking Boots |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Stability/ ankle support | Not good for all-day-long wearing, it may feel stiffer | Less stability and ankle support |
| Weight | May feel heavier | Lightweight for mid-range hiking |
| Comfort | Stylish and modern design with red laces. They look pretty and compact | Feel snugger and plush under your feet. Best for day-long hiking |
| Outsole/traction | Moderate traction and uses recycled plastic materials | Supreme traction on abrasive and smooth rounds with Omni Grip technology |
| Style & design | Regular hiking boot design looks subtle and solid and somewhat bulky | Thin material flimsy insulation; not suitable for wearing in snow and colder days |
| Breathability/ waterproofing | Ideal breathability and waterproofing and to keep the forefeet dry in the rain | Good waterproofing. The uppers are waterproof, but they take time to dry once they get wet |
| Interior and material choice | Moderate but not suitable for long hikes | Excellent for comfort, but the thin material may be annoying |
| Fitting | The laces are smooth and may remain in place tightly | Best fitting and stable laces |
| Best for | Mid-range hikers | Hiking everyday and professional outdoor adventure |
| Insulation | Thick material and keep feet warm and cozy | Thin material flimsy insulation; not good for wearing in snow and colder days |
| Best Picks | Check Best Timberland Hiking Boots | Check Best Columbia Hiking Boots |
Timberland Hiking Boots Pros and Cons
- Maximum durability for multiple terrains
- It mostly uses recycle material
- Absolutely breathable and waterproof
- Keep feet warmer for hiking in snow
- Heavy and bulky
- Not much ankle support
- Laces are somewhat loose
Columbia Hiking Boots Pros and Cons
- Better traction and grip for all ground
- Snug and comfortable for feet
- Offer trendy and chic design
- Maximize padding and comfortable interior
- Lightweight for all-day wearing
- Takes time to get dry
- Thin material and less insulation
Video Comparison of Both Boots
A Timberland Boot Review
A Columbia Boot Review
Details of Features Compared Between Timberland and Columbia Hiking Boots
Down below are the features I compared and explained:
1. Waterproofing for Keeping Feet Dry
Water resistance in hiking boots is a prominent factor that helps your feet dry while walking in muddy water, passing water streams, and hiking in the rain.
It also makes sure grip and non-skid performance are around.
Timberland boots, in this regard, have waterproof uppers that are leather.
So, they offer you breathability and waterproofing reliably well. You get your feet dry and warm with timberland hiking boots.
However, the Columbia boots may take a while once they get wet. It means if you want the boot or submerge them in deep water, the boot will take time to completely dry.
Otherwise, both brands offer a waterproofing factor.
For example, this Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot offers the TimberDry Eco-conscious Waterproof Membrane, which is best for keeping feet fully dry. In contrast, Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Shoe has waterproofing uppers, but it takes time once you fully submerge them in water.
2. Insulation for Warmth
The insulation level in the hiking boots tells you how reliable it is for snow hiking and keeping the feet warmer.
In comparison with Timberland and Columbia boots, I have noticed that Timberland boots offer thicker material and an ideal insulation level. In contrast, the Columbia boots are made with thinner material choice.
Therefore, you can lean on the Timberland boot for insulation, whereas the Columbia boot would be best for hiking in summer and humid days.
Such as this Timberland PRO Men’s Direct Attach 6 Inch Soft Toe Insulated Waterproof Work Boot, Marigold comes with Thermolite insulation, which is durable for keeping warmth locks inside the boot and keeps feet warmer. On The other hand, this Columbia Men’s Fairbanks Omni-Heat Hiking Shoe does not offer reasonable insulation and may not work well for most of the coldest areas
3. Traction and Grip
All boots need traction to some extent. But for hiking footwear, the grip of the outsole makes apparent demand.
For Timberland hiking boots, you will get traction and gripping that is not so high on every ground, whereas the Columbia boots are ideal for all-rounder traction for smooth and abrasive grounds.
Therefore, Columbia boots perform better for traction than Timberland hiking boots. Columbia boots are excellent for traction, while Timberland boots are mediocre.
For instance, this Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot, BREATHABLE, High-Traction Grip has given me unquestionable grip for hiking, climbing, and overall foot placement. In contrast, this Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot has been below par for traction and grip.
4. Design and Style
Some people prefer stylish boots, whether hiking or everyday footwear.
Timberland and Columbia offer the best, high-quality material, and the boot looks impressive. However, Timberland boots feel somewhat bulky, sober, and more subtle than Columbia.
Columbia hiking out with a color range, color, red laces, and the best design looks like trendy wheels. Timberland hiking boots look like regular hiking ones.
For example, this Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped, Elk/Mountain Red, 8.5 looks super stylish with its red laces and decent brown leather uppers. On the flip side, this Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot looks more like a bulky rubber (maybe), though it has colors available.
However, Columbia boots have details that add to the trendy design, whereas Timberland boots look more rigid and more solid.
4. Comfort and Fitting
The comfort of hiking should be precise and maximum. The good part is both Timberland and Columbia hiking boot brands are known for producing the best quality and most comfortable footwear. However, there is a slight difference that only pro-hikers may feel.
Timberland boots feel comfortable under the feet, but they might not be perfect for long miles of hiking. Conversely, the Columbia boots with softer padding and plant cushioning feel softer under the feet, and they are ideal for day-long hiking.
For the day, wearing this Timberland Women’s Mt Maddsen Mid Leather Waterproof Hiking Boot was not a good choice as I wanted softer footwear. This Columbia Women’s Trailstorm Peak Mid Hiking Shoe felt super soft and offered ideal comfort under my feet.
5. Weight
If you choose the boot size rightfully, the Hiking boot works best for its stability and overall weight. Timberland may not be your best pick if you only want lightweight boots for hiking.
Timberland hiking boots are rather bulky and feel heavy for all-day-long hiking. On The contrary, the Columbia boots are relatively lightweight and offer a minimal design that works best for hikers with sensitive feet.
For weight, Timberland Men’s 6-Inch Premium Waterproof Boot has 2.2 pounds of weight, while Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Hiking Boot Shoe weighs only 0.04 ounces! So it was pretty easy for me to walk faster wearing Columbia.
6. Stability and Ankle Support
The hiking boot’s stability and ankle support let you hike easily without putting pressure on the vulnerable feet joints. The Timberland brand is a winner because they produce hiking boots with added ankle support and stability.
On The other hand, Columbia hiking boots are not ideal for stability and ankle support.
For stability, Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii Waterproof Hiking Boot Shoe has less support for aggressive hiking, whereas this Timberland Women’s Ellendale Hiking Boot has enhanced ankle support.
7. Brand Dedication
Both boots (Timberland and Columbia) are reliable for hiking.
However, Columbia offers more style and fashionable design, whereas Timberland has durable boots, but they offer solid and bully designs, whereas Columbia boots are relatively lightweight.
Timberland boots are otherwise best for hiking in mud, rain, snow, and dirt, whereas the Columbia boots are for hiking and everyday wearing. So you need to keep your personal preference in mind.
Check Relevant Comparison
