Timberland Chocorua Trail Mid GTX - Women's Review

Traditional meets technical with the Timberland Chocorua Trail GTX boots.

Performance Comparison

Weight

Weighing in at 3.25 pounds per pair (women's size 8), the Chocorua Trail hiking boots by Timberland are the same weight as the La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 boots; they are the two heaviest pairs in this review. Actual weight is not reflected in how they feel on the trail. The Chocorua Trai feel mid-range in weight when actually hiking in them. The Salomon Comet 3D are the heaviest feeling boots in our review even though they actually weigh less.

Support

The Chocorua Trail rated 7 out of 10 for support. Support is measured by the stiffness of the sole, midsole construction, flexibility in the forefoot, and stability attained from the ankle shaft design. Solid rubber soles are designed for stability but they have some undesirable flexibility on rugged trails. Nylon shanks and removable dual density EVA foot beds support the feet with stiffness; the boots are not capable of bending downward from toe to heel.

The full leather upper is surprisingly flexible in the forefoot. Rust proof speed lace hardware with hooks at the top allow for personalized tightness and support. The lacing system is among the top three in our women's review along with the Salomon Comet 3D GTX - Women's and Keen Targhee II Mid - Women's. Full grain leather reaches 4.5" up the ankle to stabilize and support the ankles while hiking. Unfortunately, the under arch design allows feet to lean inward as opposed to neutralizing the stance. Naturally, most women's feet lean inward which can lead to knee and ankle discomfort. Hiking footwear should neutralize this to increase support and comfort.

Unique to the Timberland Chocorua Trail is a B.S.F.P Motion Efficiency System: B: Braking, S: Supporting, F: Flexing, P: Propelling. As your foot moves through its natural motion of each step, the boot is designed to assist for the highest efficiency. For braking, the lugs beneath the heel are oriented forward for increased traction while hiking uphill and downhill. For supporting, the lugs beneath the arches of the feet increase stiffness. For flexing, flex grooves under the ball of the foot and toes increase responsiveness of each step. Lastly, for propelling, lugs in the forefoot area are oriented toward the heel of the foot to assist with moving forward.

Traction

Comfort

The Chocorua Trail rank in the middle between the most comfortable boots, the Ahnu Montara - Women's and La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0, and the least comfortable boots, the Salomon Comet. Inner padding, especially around the ankle shaft and cuff, is greatly appreciated after hiking for miles. The soft laces are unobtrusive against the tongue when the shoes are laced tightly. Hiking downhill presented some discomfort due to the shape of the foot bed. The full leather uppers softened impressively after multiple hikes, adding to long-term comfort on backpacking trips and long day hikes.

Water Resistance and Breathability

Gore-Tex linings are known for waterproof protection and breathability, and we found both qualities both to be worthy and reliable. The ankle shaft height of 4.5" keeps water out of the foot bed while hiking across shallow creeks. During late fall snowstorms the boots remained dry on the inside and repelled water off the leather uppers. One of the most notable design features related to water resistance is the rustproof lacing hardware. Water contact will not rust the metal eyelets, although water crossings did soften the leather and create temporary creases from continual hiking.

Breathability is not the strong point of the Timberland Chocorua Trail. Mesh panels on the leather uppers and sides and along the tongue provide adequate breathability in spring and fall, activity but not so much during mid summer heat. We recommend the La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 or the Ahnu Montara hiking boots for hiking in hot summer temperatures. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, you may reserve the Chocorua boots for spring and fall. If you hike in moderate summer weather or high alpine environments, the breathability will be sufficient.

Durability

These boot also rank in the middle of the pack for durability. Full grain leather is the most durable upper material for a hiking boot, although the abrasion resistant leather on the upper proved to visibly show scuffing and dirt. The solid rubber soles are sturdy and durable, remaining so after miles of trail testing.

Best Applications

Spring and fall present the best hiking conditions for the Timberland Chocorua Trail boots. The mesh panels along the sides and tongue allow breathability and air flow but not quite enough for temperatures over ninety degrees. These boots are light and flexible enough for day hiking yet sturdy enough to support a pack load on your back for a week-long backpacking trip. Timberland is reputed for their excellent work boots, and the Chocoroua Trails are no different; we tested them while building trails in the Sierra and they provide all-day comfort and support, as well as durability in the upper material.

Value

As the least expensive hiking boot in our review, the Chocorua Trails are an incredible value. The traditional leather boot construction is modernized with mesh panels, Gore-Tex lining, and a nylon shank. These make great boots for the money and they are one of the best values for a comfortable, supportive hiking boot with a durable sole and classic look.

Conclusion