– Testing out the Timberland Motion Access Waterproof Low Hiking Shoe –
Before this collaboration, I only really knew of Timberland’s iconic yellow boot. Great for urban fashion, but not what I’d choose to wear on a tramping mission. But then I was invited to test their waterproof hiking shoe, and realised I’d been missing out on the massive range of products that Timberland offers!
Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by Timberland NZ and Outside Sports. I always aim for objectivity with my reviews, and try to provide an honest and thoughtful critique.
Timberland Motion Access Waterproof Low Hiking Shoe
I picked up my Timberland Motion Access Waterproof Low Hiking Shoe from the Outdoor Sports store in Queenstown. The staff were really knowledgeable and I had a great time chatting about the pros and cons of all different brands they stock (which is a lot!). They made sure that I got a comfortable fit, making the whole process easy and informative.
I tried on the Motion Access Waterproof Mid Boots to start with, but my feet have widened post-pregnancy and I found the fit of the boots too narrow. The waterproof hiking shoes were more forgiving. The Motion Access Hiking Shoe upper is a mix of leather and waterproofed mesh. The fully gusseted tongue adds even more waterproofing protection. The linings are 100% ReBOTL™ fabric which includes 50% recycled PET plastic.
How I tested the Motion Access Hiking Shoe
On the same day I grabbed these shoes, I wore them straight out of the box on a two hour easy hike (although the track was rather flooded – a great waterproofing test!). Since then I’ve worn them on lots of different terrain including gravel, rock, mud and even around the hospital for full work days.
Pros
- Comfortable right out of the box
Unlike hiking boots, these hiking shoes don’t need any breaking in. They are super comfy from the get-go and fit my feet like a glove. I’m not sure of durability yet since I’ve had them less than a month, but they seem pretty solid. I’m excited to continue testing them out!
- Great grip
I’ve tested the shoes on mud, rock, and gravel – wet and dry. They haven’t let me down with loss of traction.
- Stylish look
Often trail shoes look like … trail shoes – bright, colourful and utilitarian. I love that you can easily swap the Motion Access Hiking Shoes between trails and town, and feel comfortable in both.
- Waterproof
The waterproofing was tested to the limit while walking around the flooded Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway and I came away genuinely surprised. I thought that once the water lapped over the lacing it would be game over, but the only time I got wet socks was when the water was over my ankles. Pretty impressive!
Cons
- Reduced breathability
This is an unfortunate problem with any footwear that has half-decent waterproofing and is not unique to the Timberland Motion Access Hiking Shoe. But if you were hiking on a hot day in summer you’d perhaps want to consider a hiking sandal or a non-waterproof shoe with more breathability.
- Not fast and light-weight
These aren’t the shoes for hiking a thru-hike like Te Araroa. I found the Timberland Motion Access Hiking Shoe to be heavier than what I’m accustomed to (in comparison to trail shoes). While some hikers prefer trail shoes over traditional tramping boots, those trail shoes are usually lightweight, non-waterproof, and designed to dry quickly, which helps prevent blisters.
- Reduced ankle support
While hiking shoes provide greater flexibility and range of motion compared to boots, the trade-off is less ankle support. I won’t dive into the debate of hiking boots vs. hiking shoes. But in general, if I’m tramping across rough terrain for days with a heavy pack, I’d reach for my boots. On the other hand, for shorter day hikes, I prefer to wear less restrictive hiking shoes.
What are they best suited for?
I’ll wear my Timberland Motion Access Waterproof Low Hiking Shoe for day hikes where I need more long-lasting comfort and better grip than my regular sneakers. And even for shorter walks, they’ll be my top choice if the trail is wet or it’s raining, ensuring my feet stay dry and comfortable from start to finish.
