Other than helmets, boots protect us from severe accidents. So, knowing whether Timberland boots are the right ones or not is crucially important.
And that is why I have researched for days. Just to let you know everything about Timberland as riding boots.
Going back to your question, are Timberland boots good for motorcycle riding?
Keep reading till the end to know what boots are best for a safer motorcycle riding experience.
Can You Wear Timberland Boots on a Motorcycle?
If you ever looked at Timberland boots up close, you might confuse them with pro-riding boots.
They sure are tough, thick, and may seem riding worthy, especially the yellow boots. However, judging the outer appearance isn’t a smart idea for riding motorcycles. Not only for Timberland boots but any version or brand before you decide to ride a bike.
Going back to Timbs outer appearance for a minute. There are a couple of reasons why they are thick-skinned and tough-looking.
Also, check out our separate guide on How To Protect Timberland Boots.
One of the core reasons is, they are intended for cold or winter seasons mostly. The thick skin works as a great insulator and the overall tough protection is for waterproofing during the snow. The soles are comfortable, stiff, and are constructed for sustaining a heavy workload.
The toughness has nothing to do with riding a motorcycle. It’s the construction that doesn’t satisfy the riding experience.
Because to safely ride a motorcycle you need boots that not only cover your ankles, should have tough and thick skin, flexible soles for toe shifting, and most importantly stitched soles to hold on to the boots for an extended period.
Now back to Timberland. They might cover your ankles but the skin isn’t thick enough to withhold an accident.
Yes, you heard me right. Accidents while riding a motorcycle is inevitable. So every rider makes sure to wear as much equipment as possible. To keep themselves protected against the worst-case scenario.
But before that, you check out why Do Timberland Boots Hurt Your Ankle.
And when it’s about Timberland being that equipment. There seem to be cases where Timberland boots are seen to fail to protect them during those moments.
Now for the flexibility issue. Most people claimed Timbs soles being very stiff and hard while shifting toes on the bike.
After all, the soles were only meant for walking in cold and snowy areas mostly. And having stiff soles makes walking easier.
But while riding, the toes play a great role in controlling the bike. So flexibility is important to comfortably move and shift toes whenever needed.
At last, the glued sole problem is one of the drawbacks in this case.
It’s true.
Also, check out our separate post on Timberland Vs Caterpillar Boots.
Timberland boots have glued soles. And no matter how much they claim for using the strongest glue on earth, it would soon start melting away. It’s because of being too close to the hot engine of the bike. Some reviews mention the soles coming off due to the glue melting pretty fast.
Now, this is dangerous. Imagine your soles coming off in the middle of the road. It’s purely risky and accidents may be induced to this, who knows.
Though I must say, this isn’t Timberland’s fault at all. They used glue by keeping cold or cool environments in mind. They never claimed or included the riding safe boot feature in their list. So, it’s understandable.
So, it’s unfair to compare Timberland boots with a riding boot. The construction, as I explained, is very different and is not meant for riding purposes at all.
You might succeed riding 3 hours or a bit more with Timberland boots. But that doesn’t ensure the protection you need at all times.
Since it’s about your safety, choosing riding-specific boots is highly recommended.
Check out our separate post on Levis vs Timberlands Boots.
How Safe are Timberland Pro-series Shoes?
Timberland Pro-series is said to be the upgraded version of every Timberland boot.
They look extra rigid, tough, and absolutely ready for hiking.
Yes, hiking. And not just for hiking but also for any heavy load work as well. It’s because they are well constructed, waterproofed, durable, and most importantly hard and rigid. Perfect for climbing hills, mountains and also for lasting heavy loaded work.
Check out our post to know Where are Timberland Boots made.
These boots are pretty close to riding boots. Starting from the outer looks to its construction designs, they have multiple similarities.
However, having a couple of similarities shouldn’t be good news to you. Since it’s not just about walking experience or about comfort or even durability.
It’s about safety.
Riding boots that have been designed with so much attention, sometimes fail to protect us from injuries. Whereas a non-riding Timberland pro boot has even less chance to pull that off. Even though it’s better than most regular Timberland boots.
So is it good to wear Timberland Pro boots for riding?
No, it is not good to wear the Pro version or any nonriding boots for motorcycle riding. Due to their construction design, that may fail to protect or last long enough due to such high heat from the engine.
Do You Need Boots to Ride a Motorcycle?
Wearing boots is a must. Especially for riding purposes.
They tend to be rough, thick, flexible, and most importantly covering the ankle for extra protection.
Whereas, sandals or shoes are mostly meant for fashion purposes and not for protecting or absorbing shock from a constant collision with the road.
So, it’s absolutely considered risky to wear sandals or shoes for riding motorcycles.
Can I Get Away With Wearing Non Motorcycle-specific Boots?
As mentioned above, Timberland boots might be tough and thick-skinned or have ankle-high coverage, they are not ideal for riding at all.
If that boot has glued soles, they are highly likely to melt. If the boot isn’t thick-skinned, even a slight fall may affect your ankle. If your sole is hard and not flexible, you won’t be able to shift your toes.
So, you see, having not just hard but the right boot is very important. Since it’s a matter of safety and protection and not just about comfort or durability.
And to meet such requirements for a safer trip, motorcycle-specific boots are highly recommended by all experts and experienced users.
What Boots Can I Wear on my Motorcycle?
You can wear motorcycle-specific boots for a safer journey in general.
Any boots that include a ride safe feature in their list is worthy for a ride.
It’s because they are constructed uniquely to meet the limitations faced while riding a bike.
Their construction includes ankle-high, thick skin, waterproof, comfortable, flexible thick soles that are stitched, and usually do not contain laces.
Each feature stated above is designed keeping motorcycle features in mind.
Motorcycles have heat coming out from the engine, shifting toes(for some specific bikes), constant collision with the road, and a high chance of tripping on the road.
So, more than fashion itself, safety becomes a greater concern here.
That’s why they tend to be thick-skinned and ankle-high for protection against heat and scratches from the road.
These boots have soles stitched since glued soles will melt and might just come off anytime soon.
And about the laces, they usually don’t include laces, as there may be a chance of them getting loose in the middle of an accelerated trip.
Be safe!
So, whether it’s Timberland boots or the pro version, none of them is suitable for riding a motorcycle.
Their construction is best suited for hiking, walking, or doing any heavy-loaded work.
However, riding a motorcycle has a whole set of unique requirements. It’s best to choose a motorcycle-specific boot if you are concerned about safety and protection.
Found my article enlightening? Do let me know, your opinion about Timberland boots as a riding boot in the comments below.
