History of Timberland
Timberland’s history begins in 1952, when its founder, Nathan Schwarz, bought a 50% stake in a company then known as the Abington Shoe Company. He then turned the company into a private family business and relocated to New Market, New Hampshire, though the employee headquarters now reside in Stratham. The area is well known for its outdoorsman lifestyle and somewhat temperamental weather, being similar in climate to Maine, home of the LL Bean Duck Boot.
Abington Company boots were originally intended to be durable outdoor footwear that could be stylish while still enduring the elements of an outdoorsman’s lifestyle. In 1973, the company released its iconic, yellow, waterproof boots under the model name “Timberland.” It quickly became a hit with outdoorsmen and tradesmen alike; so much so the company rebranded to just “Timberland.”
ICONIC TIMBERLAND
Yellow Boots
These boots were originally widely accepted by factory workers and construction workers as working-class boots. However, Schwartz thought the sleek styling would appeal to higher-end clientele as more of a fashion staple in the luxury space. The boots were marketed in the New Yorker magazine and New York City’s Saks 5th Avenue, soon making them a symbol of relaxed luxury.
These boots reached mainstream success when Biggy Smalls mentioned them and his hit single “Hypnotize” in 1997. We tend to wear Timberlands more often than the Coogie sweater trend he also popularized, so everyone became hypnotized by their streetwear appeal. So much so that the New York Times reported flight attendants would buy them in bulk and then sell them in Milan at double the price.
“Timbs for my hooligans in Brooklyn”
HYPNOTIZE BY BIGGY SMALLS
They were later permanently featured on shows like “One Tree Hill.” Soon, other celebrities like Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye West, Mark Walberg, and Rihanna adopted the boot within their fashion trends and are especially popular among hip-hop communities, and they’ve remained a streetwear staple since.
Timberland’s Ethos
Timberland markets itself as the tough and dependable brand that makes hard-wearing boots with an outdoorsy appeal but urban enough design that they won’t look out of place when not worn hiking. They’re more often known for their stylish looks nowadays than their actual practicality, meaning that they’re closer to a fashion boot than their working boot origins.
The company’s ethos focuses on sustainability and positive change. This is done through humanitarian work when addressing the public. For example, they use recycled plastic bottles to make the soles of some of their footwear. They also focus on donating to tree planting causes in needed areas through community service and giving back to tradesmen through scholarships, making them a very environmentally conscious company working toward a greener world.
Timberland is also more worn as a lifestyle brand, unlike Redwing, which is largely intended as a work boot. It seems like more of an aesthetic choice, making them more desirable and aspirational to those who want to emulate the image they crafted during the 90s.
Timberlands have also gained recognition on the global scale as an international import brand. They have a reputation as something of a luxury and a flex item in both Europe and Asia, with their popularity being especially prevalent in the UK and Japan. This is probably due to the number of American celebrity endorsements they get, making them a sought-after piece for those looking to emulate the look.
Their aesthetic will mostly cater to trade workers, outdoor enthusiasts, fans of hip-hop aesthetics, creative hipster types, streetwear enthusiasts, and urban chic stylists. That being said, it’s no surprise that these boots will have limited capability within Classic Style as it’s an extremely casual boot, meaning that it’s probably not a great option for your suits or sport coats. However, that’s not to say that you can’t wear them in a classic manner.
They’ll be most at home with denim and flannel shirts but can also work with timeless classic items like leather jackets, denim jackets, chinos, or even suede jackets. But there’s no denying that they’ll be most at home if you’re cultivating a streetwear or urban style.
Timberland Boot Lines
Timberland Premium 6-in Waterproof Boot
This is the company’s flagship product. Its most iconic features are the nubuck leather upper and leather strip around the padded collar of the heel. The leather has been waterproofed and insulated and features a natural rubber lug outsole.
FLAGSHIP BOOT
Cement Welted?
The most disappointing feature is that these boots are cement welted, instead of Goodyear-welted, meaning they likely have a lifespan of four to five years with regular use, unlike a Goodyear counterpart that can last 20 plus years when the sole is changed out after heavy use, and the upper is consistently cared for. Ironically, this goes against Timberland’s sustainability ethos, as the boots will have to be replaced more frequently and use more materials over time.
Myth or Magic: Are Goodyear Welted Dress Shoes Overrated?
The most iconic color is the dark wheat or yellow style boot. Ironically, this coloring does show more dirt on them when worn for outdoorsman activities. They also come in black, gray, and more unusual colors like purple.
Available in sizes 6 to 18 in the USA with narrow, medium, and wide widths, they are listed as fitting true to size. The Premium Style is around $210, but often goes on sale for $150, a fairly hefty price tag for a more fashion-oriented boot.
Atwells Avenue
This style is more of a hybrid between a sneaker and a boot, featuring an outsole more in line with the tennis shoe. They still feature the nubuck upper of their mainline counterparts and come in at $150.
Redwood
The Redwood line features a thinner outsole; it is more in line with being worn in an urban environment, making it a more streetwear-friendly version of the boot, and it comes in at $145.
True Hiking and Field Boots
Timberland also features more true hiking and field boots, but those are more utilitarian in design and not made with the purposes that we really focus on here at the Gentleman’s Gazette.
Our Review
Here, we are reviewing the Timberland Premium 6-in Waterproof Boot in classic wheat nubuck. It features microfiber PrimaLoft insulation, a molded foam footed to reduce shock and improve comfort, and is made from premium Timberland leather. However, that term is primarily defined relative to environmental impact and not leather quality. We bought these ourselves for $198, and, like all of our reviews, this is not an ad.
