As a lifelong resident of Southern California, I spend a lot of my free time outside in nature, from the hills of Griffith Park to Laguna Beach’s coastal cliffs. I’ve learned—through trial and error—the importance of wearing proper footwear while hiking. With the arrival of spring, I was determined to find a pair of hiking shoes that were not only supportive, but nice to look at. After an afternoon of hiking in the Arizona desert wearing the Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 Low Lace-Up Hiker, I realized I had met my match.
The Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 is a lightweight hiker that balances function with style.
Recently, I got the opportunity to test Timberland’s hiking gear—including the brand’s newly minted bio-based sunglasses—alongside a handful of other journalists in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a sprawling nature preserve along the border of Arizona and Utah. The area is also home to Lake Powell, a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River. On this 3-day trip, we wove our way through slot canyons, trekked for 6 miles to Lake Powell’s sandy shore and marveled at Horseshoe Bend—all while wearing the GreenStride Motion 6.
Throughout the day, I was impressed by how comfortable the shoes were. They felt incredibly lightweight, and I loved how my toes didn’t feel squished inside. The outsoles provided plenty of grip on the gravelly desert landscape, and I never felt once like I was at risk of slipping. I arrived back at our campground with blister-free feet. Since returning home to California, I’ve taken these shoes through Escondido Canyon Park in Malibu and around the San Bernardino mountains, and they’ve held up well. They’ve gained a few scuffs here and there, but that’s to be expected with any hiking boot.
Timberland’s GreenStride Motion 6’s upper is crafted with Timberland’s premium leather, finished with a water-repellent coating. OrthoLite soles contribute to the shoe’s breathability, while wicking away moisture (that’s why they were so comfortable in the Arizona heat). The GreenStride Motion 6 also lives up to its name in terms of eco-friendliness: The ReBOTL fabric lining contains at least 50% recycled plastic, while the soles are made with 65% bio-based materials. As someone who always prefers a product that’s made with sustainability in mind, this is definitely a bonus.
A breathable OrthoLite insole makes the Motion 6 a comfortable shoe for long hikes.
My former hiking shoes were a dull gray color, and I wouldn’t particularly describe them as stylish. The GreenStride Motion 6 is the first pair of hiking shoes that I’ve felt inclined to wear while running errands or meeting up with friends. I tested a pair in Wheat Nubuck, a golden hue that brings to mind the iconic Timberland boot that earned its spot in the lexicon of fashion. Combined with ochre and cream-colored panels, the shoes have a nice color palette—another reason why I find myself reaching for them on days when I’m not even hiking. The GreenStride Motion 6 is also available in Dark Blue and Black if you prefer a more neutral shade.
The Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 has a treaded outsole that grips uneven terrain.
The only drawback: The Greenstride Motion 6 isn’t waterproof, so I wouldn’t recommend this shoe for particularly wet or muddy hikes. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty, all-weather hiking boot, this shoe most likely isn’t going to meet your needs. But if you’re a casual hiker in need of lightweight, comfortable and fashion-conscious hikers, they’re definitely worth purchasing.
