GENEALOGY
OF TIMBS

ORIGINAL YELLOW BOOTS

3-EYE CLASSING HANDSEWN LUG BOAT SHOES

SUPER BOOTS

FIELD BOOTS

ORIGINAL EURO HIKERS

NOREEN HANDSEWN BOAT SHOE

WORLD HIKERS

NELLIE WATERPROOF CHUKKAS

JIMMY CHOO X TIMBERLAND 6-INCH BOOTS WITH CRYSTALS

EURO SPRINT HIKERS

ORIGINAL EARTHKEEPERS® BOOTS

GREENSTRIDE™ TBL® ORIGINALS ULTRA WATERPROOF BOOTS

GREENSTRIDE™ EDGE WATERPROOF BOOTS

GREENSTRIDE™ RAY CITY WATERPROOF BOOTS

GREENSTRIDE™ SOLAR RIDGE WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS

ORIGINAL YELLOW BOOTS

3-EYE CLASSIC HANDSEWN LUG BOAT SHOES

NELLIE WATERPROOF CHUKKAS

ORIGINAL EURO HIKERS

SUPER BOOTS

ORIGINAL EARTHKEEPERS® BOOTS

NOREEN HANDSEWN BOAT SHOES

GREENSTRIDE™ TBL® ORIGINALS ULTRA WATERPROOF BOOTS

GREENSTRIDE™ EDGE WATERPROOF BOOTS

FIELD BOOTS

EURO SPRINT HIKERS

GREENSTRIDE™ RAY CITY WATERPROOF BOOTS

WORLD HIKERS

GREENSTRIDE™ SOLAR RIDGE WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS

click on a shoe below to learn about its genealogy

1952 - 2022       

>>     NEW ENGLAND ORIGINS     >>     >>

052.3678°     >>     052.3678°  N

We trace our history back to 1952 when founder, Nathan Swartz, bought a half-interet in the Abington Shoe Company, in South Boston, Massachussetts.

The story only gets better from there.

THE ORIGINAL YELLOW BOOT™

Meet our Original Yellow Boot. Back in 1973, only the boot was called "Timberland". It was rugged, well-crafted and withstood the elements. It set new standards for waterproof performance. This boot was so groundbreaking that in 1978 we renamed our entire company after it. Since then, nothing has stopped it or us from enjoying the outdoors. It sets the standard for performance, craftsmanship and quality.

THE PANINARO
PIAZZA

Timberland became popular in Italy during the 80s as part of what is known as the ‘Paninaro’ movement.

TAKING FLIGHT

Meanwhile, American flight attendants effectively created a 'grey market' by routinely stuffing Timberland® boots into their luggage to resell during stopovers in Milan.

1978

3-EYE CLASSIC HANDSEWN LUG BOAT SHOES

After the launch of our Original Waterproof Yellow Boots, we knew we could do more. In 1978 we took premium leathers, used hand-stitching, and crafted 3-eyelet boat shoe uppers that we combined withour rugged boot lugs. This never-before-seen style had all the inspiration from a boat shoe, with ruggedness for the outdoors. Since then, generation after generation have looked to Timberland for the best boat shoes around.

BOAT SHOES

Faced with boot factories idle all summer long, Sidney Swartz developed a fleet of crepe-soled moccasins and lugged boat shoes in 1978 to capitalize on the growing demand for hand-sewn recreational footwear.

1979

SUPER BOOTS

Originally released in 1979, Timberland® Super Boots were designed for Alaskan frontiersmen and hunters in need of footwear that was durable, waterproof, and warm for extended periods of time. Often referred to as the "Iditarod boot" for its popularity among Alaskan dog sled racers or the "40 Below boot" for being said to withstand -40° Fahrenheit temperatures, they have withstood harsh weather and the test of time.

THE IDITAROD SLED DOG RACE

Competitors complete a 1049 mile journey from Anchorage to Nome through the heart-breakingly tough and crushingly cold Alaskan wilderness.

During their eight to fifteen day journey they must survive blizzards, sub-zero temperatures and gale force winds.

The men and women who dare accept the challenges of the Iditarod are the harshest critics of performance and insulation in the world.

1983

FIELD BOOTS

Few things can stand the test of time. The Timberland® Field Boot is one of them - and for good reason. Coming off the success of our Original Yellow Boot, the Field Boot was introduced in 1983 as a hybrid of our classic work boot and a modern hiker. The boot was designed to go up agains New England's harsh weather and elements. It was an instant hit thanks to its durability and craftsmanship. They were actually referred to as "sneaker boots" by hunters (long before "sneaker boots" were a thing) for their lightweight yet durable construction.

THE OVERNIGHT TEST

We have been serious about waterproof testing our boots from the very start. In fact, rumor has it that Sidney Swartz left a pair of boots in a factory toilet over the weekend to find out just how waterproof they were.

Thankfully, waterproof testing has improved a lot since then.

1988

ORIGINAL EURO HIKERS

In 1988, we helped invent a brand new hiking category called Day Hiking. Our new Euro Hikers were unlike other hiking boots. Instead of rigid design, ours were designed to be worn every day with lighter and more flexible features. The world of hiking was now open to whole new set of outdoor seekers.

1991

NOREEN HANDSEWN BOAT SHOES

In 1991 we introduced the women's version of the 3-Eye Classic Handsewn Boat Shoe. Our handsewn shoes are sewn 'on the wood.' This is an old saying that means the vamps (what you see when looking down on the shoe) are actually sewn by hand while still on the last (a mechanical form shaped like a foot). Here, the last was specifically shaped for a women's foot. This is a very difficult and specialized process, but it's what helps the Noreen maintain its great shape.

1994

WORLD HIKERS

The iconic World Hiker made its debut in 1994. It was waterproof thanks to its leather outside and a bootie inside. It was porous and breathable in the footbed and linings, but not in place like laces that needed to stay resilient. The rugged Vibram 1360 soles flexed underfoot and so did the heel and forefront areas for ultimate movement.

1998

NELLIE WATERPROOF CHUKKAS

The "Nellie" is essentially a low ankle version of our Original Yellow Boot. It made its debut in 1998. This boot is a sleeker version of our original but specifically made for women. We use the same waterproof, direct-attach seam-sealed construction as its bigger brother, but the slimmer padded collar and unique stitching set it apart.

BEE LINE X TIMBERLAND

Pharrell's Bee Line and Timberland have a shared belief in sustainable design and responsibly-sourced materials. It has been the springboard for many collaborations.

Both brands take inspiration from nature to create products that are functional and eco-conscious.

1998

JIMMY CHOO X TIMBERLAND 6-INCH BOOTS WITH CRYSTALS

Our first boot collaboration happened in 1998 with footwear titan David Zaken of David Z. stores, famous throughout New York City. Since then, we’ve collaborated with some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, like this pair with Jimmy Choo. The Jimmy Choo brand traces its roots to a bespoke shoemaker named, of course, Jimmy Choo, based in the East End of London. This collab combined Timberland’s iconic Original Yellow Boot with the luxury and glamour of the Jimmy Choo brand.

2006

EURO SPRINT HIKERS

This is one style that was inspired by a little bit of everything we make. First introduced in 2006, Euro Sprint Hikers combined a rugged boot with the performance and light weight of our Euro Hikers and the comfort and style of sneakers. Today's Euro Sprint Hikers are made with Better Leather from tanneries rated silver or higher by the Leather Working Group for water, energy, and waste management practices; and ReBOTL™ fabric linings of at least 50% recycled plastic.

2007

ORIGINAL EARTHKEEPERS® BOOTS

The first Earthkeepers® boot made with recycled materials was released in 2007. Today, Earthkeepers® Edition boots, shoes, clothes and accessories reflect our highest level of eco-innovation. Since then, we’ve consistently made them better. In fact, this first boot doesn’t even come close to the eco-innovation we use now.

2021

GREENSTRIDE™ TBL® ORIGINALS ULTRA WATERPROOF BOOTS

In 2021, we combined our iconic Earthkeepers® boots with GreenStride™ soles made using a 75% blend of sugar cane and natural rubber from trees. They had a casual look-perfect for wearing every day with anything. They were made with recycled materials, reflecting our role as a leader in eco-innovation.

GREENSTRIDE™ EDGE WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS

The original Yellow Boot®, reimagined for today’s style and comfort.
Take on the city in lightweight comfort with
GreenStride™ soles made of 75% renewable sugar cane and responsible upper.

2021

GREENSTRIDE™ EDGE WATERPROOF BOOTS

In 2021 we brought GreenStride™ comfort soles to boots for the first time. Men's and women's GreenStride™ Edge Waterproof Boots were ready to take on cities-very, very comfortably. Our naturally comfortable GreenStride™ soles are made using a 75% blend of sugar cane and natural rubber from trees for rebound and cushioning in every step. And, because weather is always unpredictable, we made these boots waterproof for protection against rain, water-filled potholes, leaky hydrants, and so on.

2021

GREENSTRIDE™ RAY CITY WATERPROOF BOOTS

In 2021, we reimagined our Original Yellow Boot for women. We first added GreenStride™ soles that are naturally comfortable and made with renewable materials. Then, we amped up protection with our fully waterproof TimberDry™ technology. To add to the experience, we redesigned the soles by carving out strategically placed grooves along the entire sole to make them more flexible and lighter. But keeping with tradition, our classic star-shaped lugs still run down the middle.

2021

GREENSTRIDE™ SOLAR RIDGE WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS

Our 2021 GreenStride™ Solar Ridge Hikers were everything needed for hiking and more. GreenStride™ soles provided rebound and cushion in every step. Durable rubber from the soles wrapped up along the sides, at the heel and over the toe up to the laces for protection while hiking, climbing or scrambling. We also made them waterproof. Exclusive TimberDry™ linings protected from rain, water and muddy puddles. And for performance, just flip them over. The ascending and descending lug pattern design does exactly that. It assists both going up and down steep stretches for superior traction and a boost of confidence.

GREEN DREAM

As our 50th anniversary approaches we’re committed to a bright future. Just as we’ve proclaimed for years there’s no time like right now and tomorrow to walk the talk.

FARMING FOR A FUTURE

We've set a goal for all natural materials used in our products to be sourced through regenerative agriculture by 2030.

Regenerative practices mimic nature. They allow animals to roam and graze in their natural patterns, giving the land a chance to rest and heal. They also plant a variety of crops, replicating the diversity found in nature.

Indigenous farmers also benefit from multiple income streams and long-lasting positive community impacts.

PLANTING FOR
THE PLANET

We've committed to planting 50 million trees, in the addition to the just under 12 million we've already planted, by 2025. That’s enough to circle the Earth more than eleven times!

NUMBER OF
TREES PLANTED
AND COUNTING

SENEGAL

2,086,292

HAITI

843,579

CHINA

528,000

CLOSING THE LOOP

By 2030, our goal is for 100% of our products to be designed for circularity.

That means they will be made using materials that would have otherwise gone to waste, like plastic bottles, scrap leather and scrap wool.

It also means they will be designed to be disassembled at the end of their life and made into something new.