I Finally Found the Perfect Hiking Boots With Tons of Grip — and They Don’t Need to Be Broken In

I love a good hike, especially one with a lot of incline that gets your heart rate up and your lower body working. Though the climb is the fun part, it inevitably comes with a decline, which I always dread because I’m afraid of slipping on muddy terrain or having to scramble down scary rocks. This fear of falling has gotten less intense over the years as I’ve begun to invest in quality gear — like trusty hiking poles and grippy boots — but nevertheless, I still freeze when I’m faced with a challenging trail descent. 

As a travel editor, I always welcome the opportunity to test new gear, which is why I jumped at the chance to give the new Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots a test run. According to Alex Dardinski, Timberland's Senior Director of Advanced Concepts and Energy, they're designed as an "approachable, lightweight hiker that includes innovative technologies that prioritize comfort, traction, and mobility for outdoor adventures."

Timberland Women's GreenStride Motion 6 Waterproof Hiking Boots

I was invited on a press trip with the brand to Joshua Tree National Park, which was far enough from the historic Los Angeles rainstorms but not far enough to be entirely spared from the downpours. I tackled the rocks of the Indian Cove Nature Trail donning a gifted pair of the newly launched Timberland hiking boots — and, I must say, I’m still blown away by how secure I felt in these shoes. 

A popular rock climbing spot, Indian Cove is the perfect place to scramble up, across, and down some pretty big rocks. Not wanting to be left out of the fun, I followed the group into the massive towering rock formations, vowing to trust my footwear as I (slowly) made my way through the obstacles. First of all, let me say that these boots are comfortable right out of the box — literally. 

I didn't have the chance to break them in before the trip, and frankly, I didn't need to. They molded perfectly to my feet and kept them supported and cushioned throughout the two-hour hike; no blisters, no scrunched toes, no discomfort whatsoever. 

The zero break-in period is thanks to the brand's innovative new technology, which Dardinski tells Travel + Leisure provides "responsive comfort, stability, motion and premium cushioning." Staying true to its eco-friendly values, the footbeds also feature 65 percent or more of Timberland's signature bio-based foam; it's made up of natural rubber and sugarcane-based foams to "deliver a comfortable yet responsive underfoot cushioning so you can be on your feet all day," Dardinski says. 

Timberland Men's GreenStride Motion 6 Low Lace-Up Hiking Boots

It's also worth noting that they impressively repel water. It rained for a good portion of the hike and I never felt any moisture inside of the shoes, even when I wasn't paying attention and stepped in a massive puddle. This combined with their ankle-high lengths and supportive footbeds kept me comfortable while scrambling up the rows of rocks and muddy terrain, which made the experience all the more enjoyable, even on such a rainy day. 

Speaking of waterproofness, the Timberland Motion Range collection also features the Caps Ridge Motion Waterproof Jacket, which proved to be an all-star during the inclement weather; it has a water-repellent shell that's durable enough to stand up to strong winds and rain, while also managing to be breathable. "The Caps Ridge was designed ergonomically to allow a full range of movement while hiking and putting on and taking off your pack," Dardinski explains. "The product also includes thoughtful details, like underarm vents, a high-zip 3D collar with soft touch details on the inside and an adjustable hood that provides customized comfort and ultimate protection from the elements." What's more, it's stocked with a slew of useful and strategically placed pockets, including two handy breast pockets that held my phone, ID, and credit card and kept them safe from the rain.

Timberland Women's Caps Ridge Waterproof Motion Jacket

Back to the shoes: For me, the real standout feature is their grippiness. I wasn't expecting to be able to walk on the rocks with such ease — and with such little regard for my balance. I'm usually the slowest one coming down the trails and never says no to a helpful hand from my hiking mates, but while wearing the Motion 6 Hiking Boots, I was confidently and swiftly moving through the terrain, and not at all fearful that I was going to slip. From a design standpoint, this was the result of Timberland's legendary lugged soles, which have a radius along the edges that guarantee "improved outdoor performance" and aid in "propulsion, braking, flexibility, and stability," Dardinski says. "Whether hiking all day or scrambling up mixed surfaces, the sole provides great grip, while still giving you flexibility and comfort." 

The newly launched Women's Trail Tights also played a large role in my success on the rocks. Their high-waisted fit provided the perfect amount of coverage, making adjusting a falling waistband the last thing I was thinking about while I was on the hike. The well-pocketed leggings' ultra-stretchy construction made them feel like a second skin, and their water-repellent and abrasion-resistant exterior acted as a helpful shield in the rain — and when I bumped into a thorny bush. 

Timberland Women's Trail Tights

Good gear makes for good treks, and I don't think that I would've had such a positive experience had I not been decked out in Timberland's Motion Range collection. In addition to the head-to-toe water- and wind-repellency, the line's stellar comfort and thoughtfully designed features gave me the confidence and support needed to leave the trail feeling fulfilled and proud of myself. 

The GreenStride Motion 6 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots, Caps Ridge Motion Waterproof Jacket, and Women's Trail Tights are my favorites from the newly dropped collection, but there are plenty of more trail-ready footwear and apparel picks to explore. Keep scrolling to see what else just hit stores. 

Timberland Men's Motion Scramble Mid Lace-Up Waterproof Hikers

Timberland Men's Caps Ridge Waterproof Motion Jacket

Timberland Outdoor 26LT Backpack

Timberland Outdoor Sling

Timberland Women's Anti-UV Windbreaker

Timberland Women's Hike Life Graphic Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Timberland Women's Utility Summer Balloon Pants

At the time of publishing, the price started at $150. 

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