This is it: the original yellow boot that made the Timberland Company so famous. The company was founded in Boston in 1928 when it was called the Abington Boot Company, then bought by Nathan Schwartz in 1952 and renamed Timberland in 1973, the same year this boot was launched. Intended for wear by New England’s working class, the boot became popular among construction workers and farmers who spent northeastern winters working outside on their feet.
They were popular from the drop, but sales more than tripled in the 1990s when the boots became an icon in the rap and hip-hop communities.
The story goes that the reason the boots were so popular is the insulation: they keep your feet warm when you’re standing on chilly street corners dealing drugs. I don’t know how true that is, but rappers (and former drug dealers) like Notorious B.I.G., 50 Cent, and Jay-Z famously sport Tims, or reference them in their music, and there’s no doubt they’re enormously popular in the African American community generally and the hip-hop community specifically.
But these shoes have extremely widespread appeal. Here in Brooklyn I see them on absolutely every kind of person, from trust fund hipsters to construction workers and everyone in between, and there’s no doubt that Tims have a rare crossover appeal that gives them a place in just about any wardrobe.
So is the boot worth the hype?
The Waterproof Classic
Timberland Men's 6 inch Premium Waterproof Boot
$130.22
Waterproof, under $200, and insulated for winter, Tims are an icon of both New England farmers and urban style for good reason.
Check on Amazon Check on Timberland.com
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06/24/2023 11:04 pm GMT
Table of Contents
Timberland Boot Style & Look
- 6 inches high
- Wheat nubuck leather
- Completely insulated
- Gripstick rubber lug outsole
- Taslan nylon laces
These are the classic 6-inch Premium Waterproof boot. They’re available in a ton of colors — regular colors like black and brown, but they can also be found in more out-there shades like pink or neon green. But I got the wheat color because when you hear “Timberlands,” this is the boot you think of. Like I said, it’s ubiquitous.
[Related: My list of The Best Boots for Men]
They’re pretty bulky, so they don’t look great with slim pants or skinny jeans, if that’s your thing. They’re versatile in that they can fit into a variety of different styles, but they’re not dressy by any stretch of the imagination.
A pair weighs about two pounds, and a lot of that comes from the insulation, which is made by a US company called PrimaLoft. The inside of the upper is totally insulated and at least half of that is made from recycled plastic bottles, which is a pretty cool touch that’s on brand with Timberland’s eco-friendly ethos.
Other signature features of the boot are the chunky, grippy rubber lug called Gripstick, the iconic laces made from Taslan nylon, and the leather collar, which helps with insulation.
But look, before we go any further, we need to talk about this leather.
Timberland Leather
- Wheat nubuck
- Sanded on leather’s grain side
- Slight nap of protein fibers
- Totally waterproof
The leather is, in fact, nubuck. A lot of people assume it’s suede, which is a similar texture, but it’s not; nubuck is a top grain leather which means that it’s made from the top layer of the animal’s hide, and it’s been sanded or buffed on the grain side (the outside of the leather) to give it a slight nap of protein fibers.
There’s some disagreement about this definition of top grain leather. The world famous Horween Leather Company, makers of the beloved boot leather Chromexcel, told me that full grain is actually considered a type of top grain. But I’m not going to get into all that here — check out my interview with them for more information.
The crucial difference is that suede, which is similarly buffed, is made from the inside or flesh side of the leather, while nubuck is made from the slightly tougher outside. Unlike some kinds of suede or traditional leather, nubuck won’t really develop a patina over time, so you’ll want to take some care if you want to keep it looking good.
[Learn more about the differences between nubuck and suede and what they mean for keeping your boots looking good!]
Timberland Boot Leather Care
- Use stiff brush to remove dirt
- Pencil eraser may remove stains
- Use “Renewbuck” for cleaning
- Hard to keep clean
As it says in the name, these boots are waterproof. So waterproof, in fact, that a lot of people find that the usual leather conditioners don’t work because they can’t seep into them. Which is fine, because nubuck isn’t really something you condition, so don’t go pouring Venetian Shoe Cream on your Tims.
To be clear, these boots get dirty really easily. There are a lot of ways to take care of them, but I think the biggest downside of the boots by far is that they get dirty way more easily than regular leather. I actually had to delay publishing this review because the boots got too dirty on my walk into the office! So if you’re someone who likes having pristine boots, know that it’s gonna take some work with Tims.
Timberland recommends simply brushing them to keep the dirt off. You can use a nylon brush or a toothbrush – you’ll want something stiffer than your standard horsehair. That’ll also raise the nap of the nubuck and brighten the color. If the boots get stained, allegedly you can use a pencil eraser to clean them up, but I haven’t tried it. Sounds complicated? To make things easier, Timberland makes their own dry boot cleaning kit you can get on Amazon here.
If brushing or an eraser doesn’t do it, and you need to give your boots a really good cleaning, Timberland suggests you use their very cleverly named nubuck cleaner called “Renewbuck” which is a water-based cleaner. Spray it on a cloth, rub it all over the shoe, and then let it dry.
If you’ve had yours for a long time and the waterproofing is wearing off, or if you’re particularly worried about salt or oil stains, you can use Timberland’s Balm Proofer, another water-based all-purpose protector.
Timberland Boot Sole
- Gripstick rubber outsole
- Made from 10% recycled materials
- Steel shank
- Urethane insole
- Removable foam insert
- Hard to resole
This outsole lives up to its name: Gripstick. Out of the box it’s very, very sticky and it gets stickiness all over you and sticks to the ground. It’s a little annoying, but it doesn’t take long for it to wear off. The rubber is made from 10% recycled materials, again in line with Timberland’s Earth-friendly branding.
There’s also a rubber midsole and a urethane insole — no leather or cork to be found here. These Tims have a removable foam insert, which doesn’t really mold to your foot over time the way those other, more expensive materials would, but is pretty comfy from the get-go. They also have a steel shank, which makes for good stability and arch support.
The sole is bonwelted, not Goodyear welted, meaning the sole is cemented to the upper in a manner not totally dissimilar to your standard pair of sneakers. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s poor quality — it’s very waterproof, made with sealed seams — but if and when you go through this sole, that’s it. The advantage of a Goodyear welt is that it makes the shoe easy to resole; you can’t usually resole a bonwelted shoe like these.
That said, Timberlands are so popular that there are some cobblers who specialize in resoling them, and they’re just a Google away if you want to try your luck.
[Learn more about why Goodyear welts matter for quality boots.]
Timberland Boot Fit & Sizing
- Order at least a half size down from sneaker size
- Very roomy fit
- Great shock absorption
- Insole is a tad slippery before it’s worn in
Available in full and half sizes up to size 18. (Shaquille O’Neal famously got a pair made in size 23 so maybe if you ask nicely, you too can get an extra-large pair.)
A lot of people say they’re true to size, but I wound up returning my true size (11.5) for a size 11. (My Brannock size is about an 11.75.) They fit fine but they’re actually still pretty roomy — I’m not slipping around in them, but I can’t really get away with the cool open laced look that’s so popular. I think I would have even been fine with getting a size 10.5, which is something I’ve never said before.
They’re easy to walk around in and don’t really have a break-in period. The urethane insole makes for really nice shock absorption, and the arch support is solid. All in all, they’re comfy boots.
[Don’t miss my ultimate guide to figuring out the perfect fit for your feet.]
Timberland Boots Price
About $180. The price varies a ton — I paid $174 — but one advantage of the boots’ popularity is that they’re available absolutely everywhere, so it’s not crazy hard to find them on sale if you’re patient, and they’re often under $150 on Amazon.
The Waterproof Classic
Timberland Men's 6 inch Premium Waterproof Boot
$130.22
Waterproof, under $200, and insulated for winter, Tims are an icon of both New England farmers and urban style for good reason.
Check on Amazon Check on Timberland.com
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
06/24/2023 11:04 pm GMT
People who usually just wear sneakers might try to tell you they’re expensive but I’m here to tell you that’s not expensive for nice boots. Sure, they’re bonwelted, not Goodyear welted, and there’s no leather or cork in the sole, plus the nubuck is pretty pedestrian leather; all that said the price feels right to me. It’d be pretty nuts if they were over $200.
Timberland 6″ Premium Waterproof Boot: Worth the Hype?
PROS
- Relatively inexpensive (for boots)
- Waterproof
- Insulated
- Great shock absorption
- Good arch support
CONS
- Hard to keep clean
- Hard to resole
- Hard to wear with slim pants
For a pair of boots this popular and inexpensive, I confess I was ready to be disappointed, but I wasn’t at all.They’re sturdy, comfortable, functional, and damn cool. They’re not that much more expensive than a pair of good sneakers and they’ll last you a lot longer. They’re not dressy and sure, they’re tough to resole, but I give them high marks: these boots deserve their reputation.
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Nick English
By day: Manhattan-based journalist with reporting experience on four continents, published in Vice, Men's Health, Popular Science, and a bunch of other places.By night: ravenous consumer of anything and everything related to high end men's boots.Stridewise is where I nurture a maniacal obsession with footwear and share my findings. Say hey: [emailprotected]
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FAQs
Is Timberland premium waterproof? ›
Inspired by our original waterproof boot, this all-season style gives you tireless waterproof performance and instantly recognizable work-boot styling.
What's the difference between Timberland and Timberland premium? ›The Premium Timberland boot features a thicker and heavier sole that incorporates many different kinds of materials, which combine to provide greater support and comfort than the sole on the Original boot. The Original boot sole is thinner, with less midsole support and is primarily just made out of rubber.
How can you tell the difference between real and fake Timberland boots? ›You should pay attention to a few key details that will alert you to whether or not a Timberland Boot is the real deal. Look for a real Timberland Logo, quality in the stitching details, an embossed outsole and even the laces and eyelets that are used on the boots should be checked.
Do Timberland boots run big or small? ›Being hard-wearing and heavy, Timberland's fit bigger than your average shoe. The general advice is to go down half a size than your usual size but use the charts below to ensure the perfect fit.
Can you wear waterproof Timberlands in the rain? ›That's why Timberland designs hundreds of styles of boots using waterproof leathers, seam-sealed construction and/or waterproof membranes, to provide extreme abrasion resistance and protection in wet conditions. We believe you should never sacrifice fashion or performance just because it's raining.
Is Timberland waterproof boots good for winter? ›Because Timberland's outdoor and working boots are waterproof, insulated, breathable, and have great grip and comfort, they are perfect for snowy conditions. They will provide grip in deep snow and traction in slush and icy water, while also keeping the feet warm and dry.
What are the weaknesses of Timberland? ›- Struggle in expanding – This brand struggles itself to expand its business operations globally. ...
- Restricted business areas – Timberland depends on sales abroad in only a few places like Europe and Asia. ...
- High price – Timberland's products are slightly at a higher rate.
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Timberland main competitors are Lucky Brand, Levi Strauss & Co., and Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Competitor Summary. See how Timberland compares to its main competitors: Gap Inc. has the most employees (117,000).
Are Timberlands from Amazon fake? ›Before spending your hard-earned moolah, take some time to do some research and educate yourself on how to spot knock-off Timberlands. What is this? The most popular online websites to buy authentic Timberland boots are Timberland, Amazon, Nordstrom, Zappos, and Nordstrom Rack.
Are all Timberland boots made in China? ›
So, Where Are Timberland Boots Made? Timberland boots are made in many different countries, including Vietnam, China, Turkey, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, and the USA.
What does the green dot mean on Timberland boots? ›Have you seen the green hexagon on the soles of your. favourite Timbs? It means the shoe you're looking at is. made from recycled materials.
How long do Timberland boots last? ›With proper care, they can last for years, thanks to their premium waterproof leather outer, durable sealed stitching and tough rubber soles. Engineered to keep your feet warm and dry, they're a classic style that will see you through any season.
Is Timberland for wide feet? ›While some brands use narrower lasts, Timberland tends to run wide to accommodate all explorers. Here are a few of the best walking boots for wide feet: Best wide-fit lightweight boot: If you're looking for an all-leather waterproof hiker that won't weigh you down, we've got you covered.
Do Timberlands need to be broken in? ›Timberlands are renowned for being a durable shoe, so when you invest in a pair, you can have confidence that they'll stand the test of time. On the flip side, they can be a little tough and stiff at first – which means you'll probably need to dedicate some time to break them in.
Can you wash Timberlands with soap and water? ›Lightly brush your boots down to remove any excess mud. Use a soft cloth or sponge soaked in warm, soapy water to clean evenly. Gently dry with a towel before leaving your boots in a ventilated area overnight to dry.
Can I clean my Timberlands with soap and water? ›Start by preparing a cleaning solution – mix a mild detergent with warm water (avoid hot water, as it can damage leather). Dip a soft brush in the cleaning mixture and gently rub the dirt off. Wipe off the soap with a damp cloth and leave it to dry naturally.
Will Timberland boots get ruined in snow? ›Most pairs have waterproof protection built in, so rain, snow, puddles, wind and mud won't be a problem.
Are waterproof boots good in snow? ›The waterproof membrane allows moisture and perspiration to escape but prevents water and snow from seeping through. The waterproof lining is necessary and covers a large area above the soles, which is what makes them so snowproof.
Are Timberland boots good for everyday use? ›Classic Timberland boots, though many are waterproof and feature insulation and traction that could be useful in some professional scenarios, are designed for everyday wear.
Why do construction workers wear Timberlands? ›
TIMBERLAND PRO® HELIX HD
A composite toe provides safety on the job site, and the rubber toe bumper—as thick as standard outsoles—fends off scuffs and gouges. When the sparks fly, the high-heat rubber outsole can withstand the heat from spot-welding or metal cutting.
Timberland is a designer brand infamous for their high-end construction boots the quality is suoerior, so you're paying for that. You're also paying for the name. Designer brands are always going to cost more because people associate designer brands with success.
Do people still wear Timberlands? ›Back then, a rugged pair of wheat Timbs was one of the '90s most iconic fashion trends. Today, the boot has become a staple within streetwear.
Are Timberland boots good for walking? ›Timberland's classic style of boot is waterproof, extremely durable, generally a bit heavy, and quite comfortable for working all day. Traditionally, these boots are designed as a “work boot”, and therefore they often don't have key features for hiking boots, and specifications that don't make them ideal for hiking.
Who made Timberland boots popular? ›Introduced by Sidney Swartz in 1973, they were a hard-wearing boot that was built to last. But then woke New Yorkers started wearing them in the '80s – to keep their toes cosy through harsh winters.
Are Timberland boots made bigger? ›So, do Timberland boots run big? Yes, most of the models do run big. If you're specifically looking at their famous 6-inch premium waterproof boot, order a whole size down from your sneaker size.
What states are best to own Timberland? ›Forests here are dominated by Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine. California, Colorado, and Montana also have significant timbers industry and a large number of acres of timberland for sale. The hardwood markets in the Northeast States of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are solid investments.
Who owns the most Timberland in the US? ›Once again, Weyerhaeuser takes the top position with 10.7 million acres, about the same as the next three firms combined (and down from 11.1 million acres last year).
What happened to Timberland boot company? ›In 2011, Sidney's son Jeffrey - the grandson of Nathan Swartz - finally sold Timberland to VF Corporation, with three generations of the Swartz family having taken a small Boston shoe company and turned them into an international fashion brand, loved and renowned around the world.
Are there fakes on Amazon? ›Counterfeit products are a major issue on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, and they can harm both consumers and legitimate sellers. If you believe that someone is selling counterfeit products that infringe on your intellectual property (IP) rights on Amazon, you can take steps to have the products removed.
Are brands on Amazon authentic? ›
Products offered for sale on Amazon must be authentic. The sale of counterfeit products is strictly prohibited. Failure to abide by this policy may result in loss of selling privileges, funds being withheld, and disposal of inventory in our possession.
Who is Timberland owned by? ›Timberland LLC is an American manufacturer and retailer of outdoor footwear and apparel owned by VF Corporation. The company also sells accessories including watches, eyewear, and leather goods. Timberland's corporate headquarters are located in Stratham, New Hampshire. U.S.
Are Timberland boots made of real leather? ›Our iconic Timberland Yellow Boot is made from nubuck leather, but we use a variety of different materials to ensure each pair of Timberland boots does its job correctly. Most of our uppers are made of leather, which can be hard-wearing full-grain, stylish suede, or best-of-both nubuck.
What country is Timberland made in? ›100% designed and engineered in the USA, these waterproof 8-inch boots are made with the highest quality materials and Goodyear welt construction.
What are Timberland premium boots made of? ›They're made with quality materials like ReBOTL™ fabric lining containing at least 50% recycled plastic. Timberland supports responsible manufacturing of leather via the Leather Working Group.
Why are they called 6 inch Timberland boots? ›The Timberland brand was birthed from a small, New England-based shoemaker, The Abington Shoe company. In 1973, Abington Shoe used an innovative molding technique to produce a waterproof, 6-inch Nubuck leather boot that could withstand harsh weather. The company called it the Timberland boot.
What color are original Timberlands? ›Timberland's Original Yellow Boots | Timberland US.
Do you tuck jeans into Timberlands? ›Tuck your pants into your Timbs for a streamlined outfit.
This pants style helps balance out the bulkiness of your Timberlands. For a winter ensemble, pull a pair of socks into the bottoms of your pants. Then, tuck both your socks and pants into your Timbs.
You may return merchandise purchased online for size, fit or style reasons within 60 days of shipment of your order, provided it has not been damaged, washed, altered or worn. Returning your Timberland.com merchandise is free and easy to do - we provide a pre-paid shipping label for FREE returns.
What season do you wear Timberlands? ›Timberland boots are made to be worn year-round. Since 1973, we have built waterproof boots that make a difference season after season. Specifically engineered with an internal waterproof breathable membrane, your feet will stay dry and comfortable in mud, dirt, and rain.
Do Timberland boots have good arch support? ›
Timberland work boots are famously comfortable. Many styles are designed with suspension technology to reduce foot fatigue, support the arch and assist body balance. This dual-density technology returns energy to the feet and provides moisture management throughout your working day to ensure maximum comfort.
Why is Timberland heavy? ›The Premium Timberland boot features a thicker and heavier sole that incorporates many different kinds of materials, which combine to provide greater support and comfort than the sole on the Original boot. The Original boot sole is thinner, with less midsole support and is primarily just made out of rubber.
How should a Timberland fit? ›The best fit should be snug (but not tight) around the whole of your foot, with enough room to move your toes and a maximum of a quarter to a half-inch of slippage at the heel.
Can you use water on Timberland boots? ›You should use a damp cloth for Timberland boots to clean the surface. Don't use too much water, just enough to remove dirt and debris from the surface.
Are Timberland watches waterproof? ›Watches for True Outdoorsmen
Better still, all Timberland watches are water-resistant up to about 55 metres, meaning that you don't have to pause and remove your watch when roughing it.
Inspired by our original waterproof boot, this all-season style gives you tireless waterproof performance and instantly recognizable work-boot styling.