Timberland boots are one of those menswear items that have become an icon. Whether you’re a construction worker or Kanye, Timberland boots will probably fit into your aesthetic. From ladies’ footwear to accessories to luggage, Timberland has it all, but their Men’s 6-inch Premium Waterproof Boots are by far their most recognizable product.
ABOUT TIMBERLAND
Timberland can trace its roots all the way back to 1920s Boston, where Nathan Schwartz began his career as an apprentice stitcher. Schwartz and his family grew the company and, in the 1950s introduced an innovative injection-molding technique that allowed them to waterproof their boots. In 1973, they introduced the “Timberland” brand, and the rest is history. Timberland is now a huge clothing and footwear brand that operates stores worldwide. Their company headquarters are in Stratham, New Hampshire.
CONSTRUCTION & FUNCTION
Whether you’re wearing these for work or play, you’re going to want your boots to be durable and waterproof, especially considering the fact that they’re pretty heavy. The leather uppers are directly attached and are sealed at the seam so they stay waterproof. The hefty rubber sole is the most important part of these boots, giving you great traction and the knowledge that you’ll never wear through the sole. The only issue I’ve noticed is that the rubber soles can be a little squeaky!
These boots are surprisingly comfortable, with thick padding on the midsoles and heel, as well as a padded collar for a pleasant ankle fit and mobility. They’ll also keep your feet warm, thanks to their built-in Primaloft ECO insulation, made from 50% recycled plastic. **Side note: Timberland has a pretty impressive commitment to sustainable and climate-friendly manufacturing. You’ll notice a lot of their shipping and manufacturing materials are recycled or biodegradable. You can read more about that here.**
AESTHETIC
The Wheat Nubuck is of course the classic yellow color associated with Timberlands, but this Rust Nubuck comes pretty close, and has a richer color and texture. They look great and go with nearly everything, especially denim. The downside of this color is that they stain pretty easily, especially if you wear them as actual workboots. You can pick up a suede & nubuck cleaner pretty much anywhere, and I’d recommend doing so if you like your boots to look pristine.
There are also quite a few other options if you’re looking for a darker color. Smooth Black, Black Nubuck, Dark Chocolate Nubuck, Black/Olive Hainsworth, and Chestnut/Navy Hainsworth, some with different color soles.
The laces are made of 100% recycled nylon. If you want to be really cool, you can leave them untied and flip the tongue out, but you have to be pretty stylish to pull that off. Either way, these are going to look great.
CONCLUSION
So far, the Timberland Men’s 6-inch Premium Waterproof Boots have proven to be a great choice for boots on the lower end of the price range. If you’re looking for a non-imported boot that can be resoled and last 5+ years, save up for a different boot in the $375+ price range. The Timberlands are a good price at $190, and you can often find them on sale. Casually, you’ll probably get a solid three or four years out of these boots, and their timeless look won’t go out of style any time soon. And if you’re not totally convinced on the more classic Wheat or Rust Nubuck style, the other leather and sole colors differentiate themselves enough to look like a separate boot altogether. They’ll stand up to the elements and look good doing it.
