Best Reviewed
Hiking Boots
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- Lightweight waterproof hiking boots Vasque Breeze GTX XCR *Est. $120
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Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid Gore-Tex XCR
- Lightweight (32 oz. per pair)
- Waterproof even when fully submerged
- Great ankle support with no break-in period
- Rated for rough trails
- Not rated for off-trail hiking
- Comes in only one fairly narrow width
- Not supportive enough for backpacking
- Some durability problems reported
In 2009 reviews recommended the Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid GTX XCR hiking boots (now discontinued) for hiking on rough trails, but not for off-trail use or carrying heavy packs. They're light for boots with ankle support, and most reviewers say they're comfortable without a break-in period -- due partly to memory-foam ankle cuffs. Tests find the Gore-Tex XCR membrane keeps them waterproof even when fully submerged. The Timberland Cadion boots are also compatible with crampons for hiking on ice. They come in both men's and women's sizes. The main drawback is that owners report durability problems. The Vasque Breeze GTX XCR (*Est. $120) is lighter in weight and has achieved a better track record in owner-written reviews.
We found the best professional review of the Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid GTX XCR at Backpacker magazine, where editors gave these hiking boots their 2006 Editors Choice award. This publication field tests dozens of hiking boots every year in a variety of rugged conditions, so their reviews carry a lot of weight. Backpacker magazine's 2007 gear guide also recommends the Timberland Cadion boots as providing the best fit for women. We found a scattering of owner-written reviews at various hiking gear sites, and though few in number, these reviews bring up drawbacks missed in the Backpacker magazine reviews.
Our Sources
1. Backpacker MagazineDetails/Subscribe
This backpacking magazine tests more hiking boots than any other publication we've found, putting dozens of boots and shoes through lengthy tests. Editors give the Timberland Cadion hiking boot its 2006 Editors' Choice award, then rate it the best-fitting boot for women in the 2007 annual gear guide.
Review: 2006 Editors Choice issue and 2007 Gear Guide, Editors of Backpacker magazine, April 2006 and Mar. 2007
This detailed, thorough review by an experienced backpacker is part of a site that structures hiking gear tests and publishes only reviews that meet strict criteria. The reviewer finds the Timberland Cadion comfortable, with plenty of ankle support, but encounters durability problems with both the first pair and its replacement pair.
Review: Timberland Cadion Mid Gore-Tex XCR Hiking Boots, Ryan Ness, April 2007
This publication promotes ultralight backpacking, and the review says the lightweight warmth of the waterproof Timberland Cadion is welcome in cold weather. Trail-running shoes that drain water are recommended instead for other times of year.
Review: Timberland Cadion XCR Boot, Contributors to BackpackingLight.com, Dec. 2006
The handful of owners reviewing the Timberland Cadion here give it mixed reviews -- praising it for superb traction, but reporting durability problems. Not surprisingly, owners say it's great for day hiking, but not supportive enough for backpacking.
Review: Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid Reviews, Contributors to TrailSpace.com
5. TheBackpacker.comDetails/Subscribe
The few owner-written reviews here are mixed, with one backpacker complaining about a pair that started falling apart during the first trip.
Review: Timberland Cadion XCR Review, Contributors to TheBackpacker.com
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