Timberland Schazzberg Mid Review

The Timberland Schazzberg Mid is subjectively the best looking boot in our review, along with the Blundstone BL566. Our reviewers favored these boots when they did not want to look they were out on a snowshoe hike. Able to handle outside winter chores like shoveling the walkway or splitting firewood, the Schazzberg boots also pair well with casual attire for winter jaunts out on the town.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

Combining a full-grain leather outer with 200 grams of Primaloft insulation, the Schazzberg Mid is adequately insulated but far from the warmest in this review. When standing around at the bus stop in the cold, our feet grew noticeably colder, though we preferred the lighter insulation when wearing these boots indoors after we had arrived at our destination. The North Face Chilkat 400 and Vasque Snowburban II Ultradry both feature double the insulation with 400 grams and are much warmer when you're just standing around. Timberland also includes a Climapath membrane that is meant to wick moisture from the foot, resulting in a dryer, thus warmer, boot, especially when wearing thick wool socks.

Water Resistance

These Timberland boots are made of leather that is treated, so it resists water quite well on its own. Since leather can eventually succumb to prolonged wetness and seep into the inner boot, there is a waterproof membrane called ClimaPath which provides an extra barrier against leakage. These boots were surprisingly waterproof in our ice bath test, though their lower flood height caused them to be scored lower than top performers like the Sorel Caribou.

Fit and Comfort

The Schazzberg are made from soft, pliable full-grain leather which requires no break-in period and is soft and comfortable right out of the box. There is no real shank to the boot, unlike the Keen Summit County III, so the walking feel is much softer with a more flexible sole. The speed lacing eyelets allow for a customized fit, but we felt that in general, these boots fit loosely. This did not matter when walking in an urban environment, similar to the Sorel Caribou, but those needing a more secure fit for winter hiking or snowshoeing should look at a model like the Keen Durand Polar or the North Face Chilkat 400. The included Ortholite footbed is good quality, and we did not feel the need to replace it with an aftermarket footbed.

Ease of Use

With a large entry, it is easy and comfortable to slip into the Schazzberg boots. The Primaloft insulation is tightly woven and does not restrict entry as much as the thick interior insulation used in the North Face Chilkat 400, and the laces are easily opened up, unlike the Vasque Snowburban II Ultradry. For the ultimate in ease of use and style, the slip-on Blundstone Thermal is as stylish as they come. We did notice that after using the boots for a few weeks that the leather around the toe began to degrade; because of this, we recommend maintaining these boots with a leather treatment out of the box to protect the leather outer adequately.

Traction

The sole of the Schazzberg boot is made from a non-marking Vibram rubber compound, which we found to be adequately sticky in most circumstances, though offers less traction in snowy or icy conditions. In these situations, the low profile lugs used on this boot easily fill up with snow and don't bite as much as a grippier design like the Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV, our Top Pick for Traction.

Best Applications

Those looking for a good looking boot that can accompany casual attire out on the town or at work should look to the Schazzberg Mid. Other models do a better job of keeping the foot warm and dry but look more like a hiking boot than something you would wear out on a date. This is one of the best looking boots we reviewed, and recommend it to those who value fashion over function in their quest for a winter boot.

Value

With a retail price of $160, the Schazzberg is reasonably priced when compared to other boots in our review, though our Editors' Choice winning The North Face Chilkat 400 costs $10 less and offers substantially more protection. The quality full grain leather, comfort, and looks are worth the price, as long as you maintain the leather.

Conclusion

A nice looking boot that offers warmth and water protection in a stylish package, the Timberland Schazzberg Mid Waterproof is a good option for a casual winter boot that can handle chores and nights out on the town.