The Timberland White Ledge Boots make the subject of our review section this week, being the second hiking shoe we looked at recently. At $120 retail price this is one of the most popular boots from Timberland, being a versatile item that makes a great companion for on and off road trips as well as an excellent working shoe. Very similar to the Mt. Maddsen, these have an even more rugged look given by their all leather upper construction with on stitches in the front or on the sides. They have been around for more than a decade and they continue to be one of the favorites for many.
For this review we grabbed the brown version featuring a full grain upper construction. Out of the box they feel very solid and lightweight given their all leather upper design. Size 12 we got weights 20 oz which is not bad at all for this type of shoe.
How They Fit
The Timberland White Ledge boots run a bit small compared to my other shoes from this brand. Going a half size up worked best for me and especially if you are planning to use these for hiking I recommend going up half a size. This is because when going down the heel your feet will slide down and push against the toebox. It will also make a difference on how your Achilles heel will rub against the padded heel area. If you are not sure about your Timberland size you can check our chart here. They feel comfortable out of the box but given their upper construction with little to no need to break them in.
Upper
The upper of the Timberland White Ledge is made of full grain leather that is advertised as waterproof. There is no Timberdry membrane as with the Mt Maddsen but the premium leather has been treated to withstand more moisture than regular leather would. Moreover the boots were designed so there are no stitches near the toe box or on the sides which contributes to its waterproof capabilities. When we tested them for this Timberland White Ledge review we only did it in wet grass and they did not allow any moisture in. One feature that stands out at these boots is the ample cushioning in the ankle area. This adds to the comfort of the shoe and the support in the ankle area but it also prevents any meaningful air flow. In the cold weather this is a plus and wearing some wool socks will keep the moisture away. In the summer time your feet may get a bit toasty. But given how many roofers like to wear these for work it looks like it may not be that bad. If breathability is your concern a good alternative is the Merrell Moab 3 boot.
Sole Unit
The sole unit of the Timberland White Ledge is very similar to the one from the Mt. Maddsen, featuring an EVA midsole and a rubber outsole. The sole provides some flexibility to the shoe that otherwise may be too stiff given the upper leather. It delivers good support for long hours, with the EVA foam absorbing the impact from rocks, branches or uneven terrain without compromising much of the stability of the shoe. That is the case even if they do not feature a TPU shank. The rubber outsole does a decent job when it comes to traction but it does wear out faster than similar models that are more expensive. They also perform well when it comes to slippery surfaces.
Timberland White Ledge vs Mt. Maddsen
While both the Timberland White Ledge and the Mt. Maddsen are popular choices for outdoor enthusiasts, they exhibit distinct differences in design and functionality. The White Ledge tends to prioritize a classic aesthetic with a full-grain waterproof leather upper, offering a timeless look suitable for various occasions. On the other hand, the Mt. Maddsen may lean towards a more contemporary design, often featuring a combination of leather and fabric for a lighter feel. In terms of performance, both boots typically boast robust traction and waterproofing capabilities, making them suitable for hiking and outdoor activities. Despite not having the Timberdry technology, The White Ledge has a more practical design, being preferred by many as work boots. On the other hand Mt Maddsen boots offer enhanced stability due to their TPU shank in the midsole. Also, compared to the Mt Maddsen the White Ledge features more padding around the ankle area which results in a better support and cushioning of the shoe.
Bottom Line
It was nice taking a fresh new look at the Timberland White ledge for this review. I had a pair about ten years ago and I remember them holding up very well. They continue to be so popular years after their release for a good reason. At 120$ retail price and sometimes under these provide a great value for a leather boot. They are very versatile, being used by many well beyond their initial hiking purpose. Aside from wearing them casually many prefer these when it comes to construction, gardening or roofing. They are very durable, waterproof and quite lightweight for a leather boot. However, if you’re looking for something similar but cheaper the Columbia Newton Ridge II Pro is a good alternative worth checking out. If in search for something more lightweight and way cheaper like a city sneaker boot, the Timberland Graydon is another good option.
