Timberland The Company, Almost A 100 Years Old Iconic Starting With Design And Craftsmanship In 1928, Is Known Throughout The World For Using Full Grain, Nubuck And Suede Leather Making Many Boots And Shoes. We Review Their Outstanding Quality And Styles. Learn More About Timberland And Shop Their Highly Rated Products.
Not only are they known for using Genuine Leather, but they are also known for making shoes and boots that are comfortable, fit well even for those with foot problems such as plantar or wide feet; They are innovators for introducing new footwear comfort technology. Their footwear lasts are well sized for US feet. Over 90 percent of purchasers find them to fit as expected and are extremely well pleased.
Company Info
Designer Brand: Timberland
Established: 1928
Location: HQ Stratham, New Hampshire
Contact: 1-(888)-802-9947
Company Slogan: Any Weather! Any Job! Any Terrain! Bring It On! We Design With You In Mind!
Company Ownership: Nathan Swartz, a Russian immigrant, began shoe-making in Boston in 1928 at the Abington Shoe Co. In 1952 he had a 50% share and by 1955 he bought them out.
In 1978 the name was changed to Timberland. During this time the company was privately held. Nathan retired in 1968 when his son took over as CEO until 1986. Then his other son Sidney became CEO from 1986 to 1998. In 1987 they became a publicly traded company on the American Stock Exchange and switched to the New York Stock Exchange in 1991.
In 2011 they were bought by VF Corporation. Since Timberland has become such a well-known name, the name has been retained.
Timberland Footwear Technology With An Outdoor Focus
Timberland is well-established in the outdoor footwear market. In fact they were the first company to make an all water proof boot. This came about in 1965 with the introduction of injection molding. Follow along with us as we highlight some of their footwear technology history.
Until 1965 cobblers kept doing what they were taught, stitch the sole and upper part of the shoe together. That will ensure it will wear a long time. There was one problem however; the stitching left holes in the sole and water got through. To solve the problem, Nathan Swartz introduced injection molding which molded the two parts together. It quickly became a standard way to guarantee waterproof footwear.
In 1989 Timberland achieved another milestone: making the hiking trail boot lighter yet grippe without ruining the terrain. The technology became known as Timberland Trail Grip.
In 1995 ACT became a much welcomed technology which introduced cushioning support for long-term comfort and climate control.
In 2007 Timberland came to the rescue again for workers who had to stand all day and come home too tired to enjoy their families. Anti-Fatigue Technology was introduced to provide a midsole with geometric cone support absorbing body weight, shock and returning energy all day long.
In 2013 Timberland introduced SensorFlex, a three-layered out sole that is paired with a firm upper layer . This design provides enhanced comfort with cushioning and flexibility yet stability on any terrain with every step.
Timberland certainly does care about comfortable, top performing outdoor footwear. The beauty of their outdoor footwear is that much of it can be worn indoors on labor intensive jobs and more.
Timberland Limited Collection
Work Boots and Shoes
Timberland has so much going for it. They focus on what consumers need and keep adding to their many collections defined below.
The Pro Series Work Boots and Shoes are named and grouped by their functions which include the following.
- Anti-Fatigue Enhancement with polyurethane footbeds including dynamic arches to decrease foot fatigue, absorb shock and return energy
- Electrical Hazard Protection providing secondary underfoot protection against live electrical circuits, electrically energized conductors, parts or apparatus meeting ASTM F2412-11, ASTM F2413-11 and ASTM F2892-11 standards
- Waterproof Protection with direct attach and sealed seam and Goodyear welt/cement construction for the heel
- Abrasion Resistance with rubber toe protector and Ever-Guard leather with waterproof membrane uppers that meet ASTM F1 671-07 safety standards
- Oil Resistance against volume swell using EN345 TMP ASTM fuel A 7 Diesel ISO 1817 liquid for 22 hours and ASTM IRM903 & fuel B for 46 hours
- Insulation with 200 grams
- Safety Toe with steel, alloy or composite toe protection which meet ASTM F2412-11 and ASTM F2413-11 I/75 and C/75 impact and compression safety standards and CAN/CSA-Z195-14 Grade 1 standards
- Slip Resistance and Traction with rubber or TPU (thermoplastic urethane) outsoles with lugs tested using SATRA TM144:2007 frosted rough ice surface
- Structural support with fiberglass shank
- Odor Control with antimicrobial treatment
- Blood-Borne Pathogen Resistance with breathable membrane that protects from diseases caused by blood-borne pathogens meeting the ASTM F1671-07 safety standard.
The Original Yellow Boot, the original iconic, was introduced in 1973. It is known for the following features.
- Waterproof leather to lock out water
- 400 grams of PrimaLoft insulation
- Anti-fatigue technology for shock absorption and energy return
- Double layered mid sole for ultimate comfort and durability
- 6-inch Height
The Radford Lightweight Boot is exceptionally light, waterproof and extremely flexible with a SensorFlex comfort system.
The Basic Boot is made for water with its waterproof leather, 400 grams of PrimaLoft insulation and durable rubber lug outsole.
Sneakers
Sneakers made for shopping, jogs, and casual wear have the following characteristics:
- Made of premium leather
- Midsole cushioning with an Aerocore energy system
- Stain resistance with Defender Repellent Systems
- Rubber outsoles for durability and grip
- Some are waterproof
Timberland Winter Boots
Timberland Winter Boots For Men And Women fit well and keep the feet dry. Here are their key features.
- Premium Leather Full Grain and Top Grain Nubuck (With The Velvety Feel)
- Double Waterproof Protection with treated leather and an additional membrane
- Warm Linings (200 grams of PrimaLoft® insulation) with Teddy Fleece
- Underfoot Support (Molded Eva or SensorFlex™ technology to aid in stability And flexibility)
- Firm Gripping Rubber Out Soles with tread variations and lugs for traction
- Various Shaft Heights from Ankle, Mid Calf And Tall
- Various Heel Heights yo match the Occasion: Flat To 3-1/2 inches
- Widths for The Standard and Wide Foot
- Colors to match an outfit: Whites, Browns, Tans, Black, Grays, Burgundy, Pink And More
Chukka and Chelsea Boots (The Timberland Ankle High Boots) And Timeless Classic Shoe Styles
Chukka and Chelsea shoes and boots are so stylish and can be both casual and formal. They are the hit these days. Their key features include the following.
- Premium leather upper
- Breathable mesh lining
- Supportive and comfortable foot bed using OrthoLite
- Energy giving midsole with the Aerocore Energy System
- Rubber outsoles for durability, comfort and grip
Hiking Boots And Shoes
Timberland specializes in outdoor footwear so it is no surprise that its hiking boots and shoes are built for all day wear on tough terrain in any kind of weather. Some of the common features include these.
- Full Grain Waterproof leather upper
- An additional waterproof membrane called TimberDry
- Rustproof eyelets for lacing
- Comfortable and supportive OrthoLite footbed
- Nylon shanks for arch support
- Underfoot support, independent suspension and flexibility known as SensorFlex
- Firm, durable, and supportive rubber outsoles
Dress Shoes And Office Wear Shoes
The office and dress shoes have not been forgotten. All of them made by Timberland fit the occasion with several helpful features. Styles include the Oxford, the Chukka, and the Chelsea, and the Slip-on.
- Uppers made of premium leather
- Gore-Tex bootie construction or Lacing with Loop on the back for easy pull on and off
- Supportive OrthoLite or Foam insoles
- Energy supportive midsoles using Aerocore technology
- Arch support with steel shanks
The Boat Shoe
The boat shoe continues its popularity because of being made with real genuine leather and a comfortable midsole and insole (foot bed). In addition it does have some unique features.
- A rubber out sole that has thin slits to improve traction in wet or icy conditions (known as siping) or a rubber lug that channels water away to decrease slippage
- Hand sewn full grain leather upper
- Rawhide lace where lacing is used
- Leather lining and footbed
- Compression molded EVA foam midsole for all day wearing comfort
Real Leather Sandals
Timberland has not forgotten those who like to wear sandals in hot weather. Best of all the sandals provide many styles such as the Buckle Up Cross-Band, the Fisherman, the Thong and the Slide. These are great summer wear for the following reasons.
- Their premium full grain leather makes them look nice
- Their leather-wrapped latex rubber foot beds are comfortable
- Their full-length compression-molded midsole makes them light, comfortable and shock absorbent
- Their partially recycled rubber sole gives traction and durability
Jackets
Bomber Jackets are made of sheep leather, a detachable shearing collar, and quilted lining.
Accessories
Accessories made of leather includes the following.
- Touchscreen Gloves made of goat Nubuck leather
- Belts made of Buffalo leather
- Wallets made of milled or smooth goat skin
- Cases for passports and other needs made of goat skin
- Tote bags made of cow leather
Material Used
Real genuine leather is used predominately for Timberland shoes and boots.
Timberland has a passion for real leather and full grain because they believe leather products are an investment that should get better as it ages and should last a long time.
Other leathers used include pig, buffalo, goat and sheep. They use a variety of surface appearances including the following.
- Full grain (which is the best with the most patina as it ages)
- Nubuck (a velvety premium suede look)
- Suede (the bottom layer of the hide which is not as strong)
- Smooth finish which has a polished surface that adds to the surface beauty and quality
- Milled which is top grain leather put into a milling machine and turned
Where It Comes From: Timberland relies heavily on cowhides from US sources where the cattle are raised for food and processed according to USDA guidelines. They use only leather from silver or gold rated tanneries.
Since they belong to the Leather Working Group (LWG) they have a say in developing and maintaining a protocol that assesses the compliance and environmental performance of tanners.
Product Lines: Work Boots and Shoes, Hiking Boots, Winter Boots, Sneakers, Boat Shoes, Casual (Sandals) and Dress Shoes (Oxfords, Slip-Ons, Chukka and Chelsea), Jackets, Belts, Touch Screen Gloves, Tote Bags, Wallets and Cases for Passports and such things.
Notable Facts: Timberland is committed to using premium leather. For a more formal look they use Nubuck. Suede is also used for a more casual look. Boots For Outdoor use is their specialty.
Leather Selection
The leather used for each product type is based on its usage and intended look. Tough, rugged work boots and shoes, hiking boots and sneakers rely on cow leather because it is strong and tough. It is a utility leather. The finish used is both Full Grain, Nubuck Top Grain And Suede (Split Leather). Pigs leather may also be used for those items not getting as much stress and tough wear. Touch screen gloves rely on the thin leather of goats. Below are some samples of the leather used.
Cow Full Grain Leather
Full grain leather is the best grade of leather. Premium means it is hand picked for its near perfect surface without blemishes. Compared to other grades, full grain leather ages very nicely with a beautiful patina. No alterations are made to the outer surface which means the grain is still visible. Cow leather is a good choice for work boots because it is tough and very durable. It is also used for shoes, sandals and tote bags.
Top Grain Nubuck Leather
Top grain Nubuck leather is known as the premium velvety feeling leather. It is full grain leather with the top layer sanded. Because the sanding alters the outer surface layer, the leather must be labeled top grain.
Nubuck has a much richer looking and smoother appearance than suede. This is because Nubuck is sanded on the outer surface of the leather, the part that is the exterior skin of the animal, while suede is sanded on the inner layer of the skin.
Nubuck is used for winter boots, dress boots such as the Chelsea and Chukka, shoes and sandals.
Oiled Nubuck Leather
Oiled Nubuck leather is top grain leather rubbed to give it a slight nap and oiled to improve its resistance to water, stains and damage. This is certainly an useful leather for work boots. It takes the surface of Nubuck soft and makes it more durable with the oiling.
Suede Leather
Suede comes from the bottom layer of the hide. Its fibers are more loosely woven which is why its surface is not as smooth as Nubuck. Suede still looks nice especially when it is graded as Premium. Timberland frequently uses suede for boots.
Buffalo Leather
Timberland uses buffalo leather for its belts. This is a good choice because it is a very strong, tough and durable leather. During the tanning process it is not stretched as much as cow leather and is thus stronger. Belts do have a tough, demanding job; therefore buffalo leather is a great solution. Buffalo leather is good in another sense in that it is thicker and has a more pronounced leather pattern with deeper groves and cuts. This certainly is fitting for belts.
Goat Leather
Goat leather is much softer, thinner, more pliable and more comfortable than either cow or buffalo leather, yet it is stronger than either. Because of its softness, Timberland uses it for touch screen gloves, wallets and cases used for passports and such things. Its lighter weight makes it great to carry a billfold in a pocket or handbag.
Timberland uses three types of finishes on products made with goat skin: Nubuck, Smooth and Milled.
Goat Nubuck Leather
Goat Nubuck leather is perfect for touch screen gloves. It is paper thin, bends and moves easily, and allows the body’s electricity to flow to the screen.
Smooth Goat Skin Leather
Goat skin has a pebble like textured so it has distinctive ridges. When sanded it becomes smooth. Goat skin is a perfect choice for wallets because it is breathable and feels warm and comfortable to the touch yet it is tougher than cow leather.
Milled Goat Skin Leather
Goat skin naturally has a pebble like texture. However when it is milled, its pebble texture becomes even more pronounced. The milling process requires the leather to be put in a large drum during the tanning process to make it even more soft and pliable. This makes a great leather statement for wallets.
Sheep Skin Leather
Timberland chooses to use sheep leather for its jackets. Sheep leather is prized for its softness and durability. It is finer grained than cows leather and offers a good balance between comfort, style and strength. Sheepskin is a natural insulator, and draws perspiration away from the wearer and into the fibers so it is a great choice for jackets. In addition, the fleece makes a great warm lining.
Timberland Leather Products
Timberland takes pride in selling quality leather products. Many of their leather products are premium full grain grade. Having been in the business for almost 100 years, they are a well known brand. They are a brand that can be trusted. In addition they have an amazing record of how well their products fit. Workers around the globe depend upon their well made boots and shoes. They do carry a few other leather products in addition to footwear.
Here is a list of their leather products.
- Boots And Shoes By Type – Work (Labor Intensive meeting safety standards), Hiking, Sneakers, Chukkas, Winter (various heights and shaft lengths), Ankle, Dress, Boat, Sandals, Oxfords, Slip=ons
- Jackets
- Wearable Accessories – Touch Screen Gloves, Belts
- Accessories – Wallets, Cases for Passports And Other Small Items, Tote Bags