Buying guide for Best kids’ Timberland boots
Activity goes a long way toward keeping kids happy and healthy. Those who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from depression, poor sleep, and many other health concerns, according to experts. Most kids need about 60 minutes of activity per day in the form of biking, hiking, or other favorite activities.
If your child is going to meet that goal, they need quality boots that support and protect their feet. Ill-fitting boots often lead to blisters, and poorly made footwear puts your child at risk for slips, scrapes, and other injuries. Set your child on the right path with a quality pair of boots from Timberland.
Timberland traces its heritage of making quality adult footwear back to 1952, and today, the company has options for children, too. In this buying guide, we focus on the boots Timberland makes for kids, which are appropriate for many outdoor activities and can help keep your child on the path to a lifetime of health and happiness.
Key considerations
Age
Babies: Timberland’s infant booties have soft soles that allow new walkers to feel the floor and build their confidence. They’re sized to fit children who are under one year old.
Toddlers: Toddler styles have firmer soles for seasoned walkers ages one to five. Some, but not all, feature colors and designs that appeal to preschoolers.
Elementary age: Boots designed for youth generally fit children ages five to nine. Many youth boot styles are similar to the brand’s toddler models, although you’ll find some that imitate teen and adult styles.
Juniors: Timberland’s junior boots come in both classic and fashion-forward designs that complement your pre-teen’s sense of style. Junior boots are intended for those ages 9 to 13.
Materials
Nubuck leather: Classic golden Timberlands are made from nubuck leather, a genuine leather that’s been buffed to create enhanced durability and a uniform finish. Nubuck leather resembles suede but has a tougher finish that’s better for hard, active play.
Suede: Some Timberlands are made of suede, a soft leather with a velvety finish, but these styles are more for indoors or dress occasions than outdoors. Suede is more easily damaged by water than other genuine leather styles.
Full-grain leather: A number of Timberland boots have full-grain leather components.This type of footwear is the toughest and usually the priciest. Most kids’ activities don’t require the kind of strength and durability that full-grain leather offers.
Synthetics: Boots designed for snow and wet weather may include synthetic components since they often resist water and insulate better than natural leather.
Activity
Hiking boots must be durable but not too hot or heavy on little feet. Snow boots need extra insulation and waterproofing to keep your child warm and dry. Consider where your child will wear the boots to make sure your purchase meets your needs.
Timberland’s classic yellow boot made its debut in 1973.
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Features
Closure type
Closures can be a deal-breaker when it comes to kids’ footwear since fastening often requires help from a caretaker.
Hook-and-loop closures: Hook-and-loop closures, more commonly known by the proprietary name “Velcro,” are great for toddlers and preschoolers. These closures are easy and quick for parents to fasten, and many toddlers can figure it out themselves. Hook-and-loop panels can wear out and tend to collect debris, so this type of closure is best for boots that kids will outgrow relatively quickly.
Laces: Most children learn to tie laces around the time they enter Kindergarten. They may not become proficient until elementary school, though, so expect to do some re-tying for your child when you’re out on the trail. When they’re well-tied, laces give footwear more stability and less wiggle room for blisters.
Bungee laces: Bungee laces can be a good way to split the difference between hook-and-look closures and laces. These cords weave through traditional eyelets and tighten via a clamp at the top. The bungee system prevents the frustration of tying and the hassle of boots coming untied mid-hike. It also turns standard footwear into slip-ons, which can be easier for kids to manage.
Zippers: A number of Timberland’s waterproof snow boots zip to seal the foot in a dry, insulated liner. This design is perfect for tall, insulatory designs but may be awkward in shorter designs.
Waterproofing
Most Timberland boots have rubber lug soles, making them waterproof, grippy, and durable. The soles are bonded to the upper part of the boot, ensuring dry socks and toes. Still, it’s possible for water to splash over the top of the boot or soak through the leather upper. If you need a boot that’s fully waterproof, look for a tall design that includes synthetic materials.
Lining
A comfortable lining helps prevent rubbing and blisters, but varied styles lend themselves to different activities. Boots your child will use for hiking should have thin or breathable mesh liners to keep feet comfortable. Boots intended for cool, wet temperatures should have insulatory liners, and some may have added fleece or shearling lining.
Did You Know?
Most people picture tawny golden boots when they think of Timberlands, but kids’ boots come in shades of black, brown, and even pink.
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Accessories
Boots are just the beginning of a healthy, active lifestyle. Thoughtful, well-designed accessories can make your family’s experience even better. Consider adding the following to your cart.
Kids fitness tracker: Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2
Sometimes, all kids need is a little encouragement. This pint-sized fitness tracker from Garmin is just the thing to keep your child on track and motivated. It rewards kids who complete 60 minutes or more of exercise per day through a fun digital game. Kids can even swim with it on, and you only need to replace the battery about once a year.
Children’s sunscreen: ThinkSport Kids Sunscreen SPF 50+
Experts say up to a quarter of all sun damage occurs before age 18. Help bring that number down for your child by using a quality sunscreen when you hit the trails. This high-SPF, water-resistant mineral formula applies smoothly and won’t irritate sensitive skin. It smells great, too.
Hydration packs: TETON Trailrunner 2.0
Carrying a bottle is no fun. This comfortable pack frees your hands and lets you carry your water on your back. Mesh straps help keep you cool while you’re out on the trail. Customers appreciate how easy this model is to clean as well as the versatility provided by its adjustable siphon tube.
Most of the leather Timberland uses comes from cattle raised for food in the United States.
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Kids’ Timberland boots: prices
While they’re not as pricey as full-size Timberland boots, kids’ Timberlands are definitely more expensive than footwear from the discount store. Here’s what you can expect to pay.
Inexpensive: The least-expensive kids’ Timberland boots start under $40. At this price, you’ll generally find boots made for children ages four and under in hightop styles.
Mid-grade: You’ll pay slightly more, between $50 and $75, for boots in this price tier. For the money, you can get basic Timberland boots for an elementary-age child as well as high-end toddler boots.
High-end: Boots in Timberland’s top tier cost anywhere from $100 to $150 per pair. Most boots for kids ages eight and up fall in this price range.
Tips
- Choose Timberland for fashion as well as practicality. These boots are designed for an active lifestyle, but they also make a fashion statement and have gained a following among celebrities.
- Keep up with cleaning your child’s Timberlands. The longer dirt sits, the harder it is to remove, making the boots vulnerable to lasting stains.
- Consider a Timberland cleaning kit. If your whole family wears Timberlands, this may be the most economical choice. The manufacturer sells these kits.
FAQ
Q. When should children start wearing Timberland boots?
A. Timberlands are legendary for their thick, waterproof soles, which are great for everyone except babies who are just learning to walk. At this stage, children really need to feel the floor to establish gait and balance. This phase usually occurs between 9 and 15 months, and fortunately, Timberland makes developmentally appropriate booties for this age.
Once your child is a proficient walker, hard-soled footwear is fair game. Some children don’t start walking until 12 to 15 months, and in these cases, you should gauge readiness by walking ability rather than age.
Q. How should I clean my child’s Timberlands?
A. Most Timberlands are made of leather, which requires more care than boots made with synthetic material. First, brush off any dirt or debris with a soft brush. After that, try rubbing light scuff marks with a pencil eraser. Once most scuffs have disappeared, brush again to remove eraser tidbits and smooth the leather. For a deeper clean, remove the laces and wash the bottom of the boots by hand with water and gentle soap.
Finally, clean the body of the boots with a quality leather cleaner. Make sure the cleaner you choose won’t discolor the boots, especially if you have classic yellow Timberlands.
Q. When should kids start wearing boots that tie?
A. This varies from child to child. Kids traditionally learn to tie shoes before they enter Kindergarten, around age five. However, that doesn’t mean they’re great at it or that they will stay tied for long. Somewhere between ages six and eight is a more realistic range, according to some experts, and children who fall on the autism spectrum or have developmental delays may take longer.
