Gear Review
African Adventure: A Two-Week Test of the Timberland Flume hiking boots
Picture this: You’re crouched in a 4×4, binoculars in hand, scanning the golden grasslands of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. As you prepare to step into the wild African bush, you can’t help but wonder…are your feet ready for what lies ahead? After a recent eight-day safari through Botswana’s big game reserves, I can say that my hiking boots were put to the test. Here’s what I learned about these boots and why choosing the right footwear can make or break your adventure.
The Research and Selection
Anticipating a lot of off-the-beaten-path hiking in Africa, I needed a reliable pair of boots. Waterproof, affordable, durable, and lightweight were my must-haves. I actually had a pair of Timberland Flume waterproof boots tucked away in my closet, a relic from a long-ago shoe store liquidation. Untouched for years, they were my backup plan—a comfortable safety net in case I couldn’t find the perfect pair.
My research for the perfect pair led me to the Oboz Katabatic Mid B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Sneaker. Although I was unfamiliar with this brand, it appeared to check all the boxes. They are reported to offer a balance of comfort, durability, and waterproofing that is competitive with many other brands in this price range. So I ordered a pair…with high hopes and great anticipation.
The Journey Begins: First Impressions
I wanted to give both brands a fair evaluation, so I spent a few days wearing one on each foot. After walking around the house, the Timberlands felt like my favorite old hiking boots – comfy and supportive right out of the box. The Katabatic boots were fine in terms of length and width, but they felt much tighter around the top of my foot than the Timberlands. Even loosening the laces didn’t help, and that made me wonder if they’d ever be comfortable. So, I decided to keep the Timberlands and send the Oboz boots back.
Pros: Where The Timberland Boots Shine
1. Minimal Break-in Period: Unlike many hiking boots I’ve worn before, these required no break-in time. From day one in the Khwai River grasslands and marshes, they felt comfortable and supportive, allowing me to focus on spotting wildlife rather than nursing sore feet.
2. Water Resistance: During our Khwai River safari, an unexpected standoff with a territorial bull hippo put the boots’ waterproof claims to the test. Forced to detour through swampy banks with our mokoro canoe, this was the first true field trial. The leather uppers rose to the occasion, proving their mettle by keeping our feet remarkably dry throughout the ordeal. This unplanned adventure showcased the boots’ practical application in the unpredictable wilderness.
3. Traction: The solid rubber outsole provided excellent grip on both loose gravel paths and slick, wet rocks. I felt confident in my footing although I really had not tested them on any treacherous trails.
Cons: Room for Improvement
1. Durability Concerns: Upon taking these “new” boots out of the box for the first time after several years of storage in a closet, I was shocked to find that they had begun to deteriorate in storage. The surface layer of the soft cushion at the top of the boot was peeling away. But this was superficial for the most part…the worst was yet to come. After a week of trudging through everything from thorny acacia scrub to swampy riverbanks, these boots literally began coming unglued. The soles were separating from the midsole/footbed.
2. Weight: These boots aren’t the heaviest I’ve tried, but they weren’t as light and nimble as I hoped. I even weighed both pairs before sending the Obozs back, and they were practically the same weight. But the Obozs definitely felt lighter on my feet.
3. Breathability: In the hot African climate, my feet felt a little too hot at times. The socks likely contributed, as I also invested in high quality wool hiking socks for this adventure. The waterproofing that kept water out also seems to keep sweat in, leading to some stinky socks at the end of a long day.
The Verdict: An Unexpected Outcome
After putting these boots through their paces in some of the most challenging conditions Botswana has to offer, I regret to say my experience with Timberland Flume hiking boots ultimately disappointed. For the majority of the trip, these boots performed admirably, offering comfort, good traction, and water resistance that I truly appreciated. Nevertheless, as our eight-day safari drew to a close, I was astounded to find that the boots began to fall apart.
The sudden deterioration of a pair of boots after only one week of use, especially given their price point and the brand’s reputation, was both disappointing and worrisome. While they served me well through much of the trip, the lack of durability ultimately overshadows many of their positive qualities.
A Personal Note: When Reliability Matters Most
As I think about my Botswana adventure, it reinforced the notion that boots are more than just protective gear. The best boots are the ones you forget you are wearing. They don’t interfere with your activity, or impede you in any way. For the majority of my journey, my boots were silent partners, meeting expectations without hindrance. Their untimely and unforeseen failure as the safari neared its end served as a poignant reminder: when you’re far from home in challenging environments, the reliability of your gear isn’t just important—it’s absolutely critical.
Choosing the right hiking boots isn’t just about comfort or style – it’s about finding a trustworthy partner for your adventures. My experience with the Timberland Flume boots was a mixed bag – initial comfort and performance followed by disappointing durability. It underscores the importance of thorough research and perhaps even over-preparing when it comes to essential gear. Fortunately, I had packed a backup pair of Merrell hiking shoes that I wore for the entire second half of the trip, exploring the Garden Route of South Africa.
So whether you opt for the Timberland Flumes or another brand, remember that you’re not just buying footwear. You’re investing in your safety, comfort, and ability to fully experience your adventures without distractions. Always have a backup plan. A backup pair of boots can save you a lot of grief. You never know when you’ll need to rely on your gear the most.
What adventures will your boots take you on? And more importantly, will they last long enough to get you back home to tell the tale?
Share Your Adventure
I’d love to hear from you, fellow adventurers. Have you had similar experiences with hiking boots on your travels? Have you discovered the ultimate pair that can handle the most demanding terrains? Or perhaps you’ve faced gear disasters at the most inopportune moments?
Share your tales, recommendations, and hard-earned insights below. Your feedback could be a game-changer for fellow adventurers planning their next expedition. What’s your trusted boot for rough terrain? Any brands you champion or caution against? Let’s share ideas and help each other step confidently into our next adventures!