Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid Gore-Tex XCR Review

What the reviewers like:

• Light weight (32 oz. per pair)
• Waterproof even when fully submerged
• Great ankle support with no break-in period
• Rated for rough trails

What the reviewers don't like:

• Not rated for off-trail hiking
• Comes in only one fairly narrow width
• Not as supportive for heavy loads as a heavier, higher boot
• Some durability problems reported

Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid Gore-Tex XCR review highlights

We found the best reviews of the Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid GTX XCR at Backpacker magazine, where editors give these hiking boots the 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 issue 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.

Reviewers say the Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid GTX XCR hiking boots are the best choice if you want a lightweight, full-length boot and don't need extra support for heavy loads or off-trail hiking. The downside is that several reviews report quality control problems. These boots come in both men's and women's sizes, and reviews say they're very comfortable right out of the box -- thanks, in part, 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. If you can't find a good fit with the Timberland boots, reviewers also recommend the lightweight Keen Targhee II Mid (*est. $120) with an eVent waterproof membrane.

Also see full report: Hiking Boots

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Backpacker Magazine
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2006 Editors Choice issue and 2007 Gear Guide
Editors of Backpacker magazine
April 2006 and Mar. 2007

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 issue.

2. BackpackGearTest.org
Timberland Cadion Mid Gore-Tex XCR Hiking Boots
Ryan Ness
April 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.

3. BackpackingLight.com
Timberland Cadion XCR Boot
Contributors to BackpackingLight.com
Dec. 2006

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.

4. Trailspace.com
Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid Reviews
Editors and contributors to Trailspace.com
Not Dated

The Timberland Cadion gets mixed reviews here. The less enthusiastic rating is from a hiker who finds this boot not supportive enough for backpacking, while the glowing review is from a day hiker.

5. TheBackpacker.com
Timberland Cadion XCR Review
Contributors to TheBackpacker.com
Not Dated

Reviews here are mixed, with one backpacker complaining about a pair that started falling apart during the first trip.

6. Sports Authority
Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid Hiker Women's
Contributors to SportsAuthority.com
Not Dated

Right now, there's only one owner-written review here for the women's version of the Timberland Cadion, noting some quality control problems.

Also see full report: Hiking Boots