Timberland Trail Vision

To put things to perspective I would like to start with some background. I am an outdoor footware nut. I am amazed, puzzeled and amused by the changing technology, function, and innovation of outdoors footware in recent years.

Here is my current boot/shoe collection:

Scarpa SLM 3 - rugged hiking/backpacking
Tecnica Sigma GTX - backpacking/winter hiking
Vasque Velocity - trail running
Vasque Talus mid GTX - light hiking/no pack
Montrail Tamarack - summer hiking/small pack

After all this I was thinking that I "needed" a new pair of boots to feel a "critical gap". and that critical gap was a mid cut, mid weight, mid duty hiker that can double duty as a light backpacking boots. The Tamarack was close, but its low top design and lack of Gore-tex made it not adequate for my needs.

Revelation: Tamarack is a very comfortable pair of shoe, but, the thick cusioning at the heel makes it very prone to ankle twisting in rocky trails. I had my ankle twisted several times, so, now I only use it in and around town.

My quest:
As I was looking for some mid cut, mid duty boots, several popular boots came to my immediate consideration.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Tecnica Vortex Mid / Firefly GTX
Montrail TRS Comp GTX
Garmont Flash Mid GTX and Eclips mid GTX
Asolo Skyland GTX

I actually bought the Renegades, Firefly, and Flash GTX, and Asolo Skyland GTX and tried the other ones at the stores.

While I was trying out the all these boots I came across the Timberland Trail Vision.

In one word, they are EXCELLENT. Construction, design, function and FIT.

Pros:
- synthetic and leather upper is really tough, durable and supportive, they are also very water resistant

- mid sole: simply a piece of beauty. its PU, so they are long lasting and provides all the cushion you need on the trails. there is some kind of plate, it protects you from those pocking rocks and studs.

- outsole, VIBRAM what more to say. It's stiff enough that you feel confident but not too much so that it limits you on long hiking days. I found the Renegade vibram soles to be too soft and a lack of heel in the Garmont Flash made it unfit in a fast decend.

lining: Gore-tex XCR is great for summer and keeps you dry in all weather, including downpours.

extra: leather lining at the collar and tongue adds extra comfort and it confirms to your feet so nicely.

- it looks great - on and off trails.

Cons:

- eyelets for the lacing system catches the laces and makes lacing a bit difficult.

The only thing that I will complain about regarding these boots are that they are getting harder and harder to find. I don't believe in the need to change my preferences of products just because something new has come out. If I had the money, I would buy ten more pairs of Trail Visions.

First, the upper holds to my foot extremely well, no slipping, no uncomfortable tight spots. The stitching and fabric are all very tough, and I have never had a problem with stitches busting out. I normally wear a 10.5 or 11 in shoes, but the size 10 fits me like a glove.

Second, the Vibram sole. God bless it. Like walking in tennis shoes, with a little bit more stiffness as is required with good hiking boots. Never too stiff, but always keeps you in tune with what's under your feet.

I can't recommend these beauties enough. I hope they never become obsolete. Truly the best boots that I have ever owned.

I was in desperate search of Timberland boots that I wore for 7 yrs daily--model #68084 Timberland Performance with Gore-Tex. They look familiar to the Trail Visions in leather which I bought. I got the shoes so I decided to go out all day and break them in. I wore low heel socks, which was a bad idea..the toungue of this trail vision is a manmade material which rubs against your legs. The boot is not as comfortable, my feet were getting tired. The previous ones were insulated and I wore them everyday in Florida and my feet would stay cool without moisture. In the trail visions I could feel my feet getting hot. It's hard to replece a good boot once you got spoiled and my search will go on for another brand....maybe Asolo. As for my Trail Visions, they are going back on sale on auction since I only wore them one day. Would not take these boots on the mountain!

These hiking boots are extremely comfortable, have excellent arch support, waterproofness, and ankle support. They look mildly snazzy, and have great Vibram traction.

I've been using them on the trail for about 5 or so years now, and dread the day when I'll need to replace them - They have been holding up greatly, and it appears as if they'll last for a long time. I've worn them in snow, rain, and sun, and always love them.

I love 'em. I think that they are very, very comfortable. They are stable when hiking on rocks and steep inclines. My feet have never gotten wet. . . except for sweating. I wear a pair of Smartwool Lighthiker socks with them and also a pair of wicking sockliners when I go for a long day or weekend of backpacking. This keep my feet drier and and much less likely to get any blisters.