Timberland - A Living Legend in Footwear

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Friday, 14 October 2016 14:30

Written by Elaine Ing

You’d be hard-pressed to name a footwear that has endured for more than 40 years, recognized around the world as an iconic symbol of the “All-American” look, and worn from laborers to slinky models on the runway.  That would be Timberland.  From humble beginnings to being the ultimate street wear, the iconic “Original Yellow Boot™” remains the chosen footwear for all walks of life.

Since the ‘90s, the humble yellow boot gained massive street cred as US hip-hop artists and singers (Jay-Z, Kanye West, Pharrell and Rihanna just to name a few) have incorporated the boot into their wardrobe to perfectly match their style and larger-than-life attitudes. No one blinks an eye when supermodel Cara Delevingne pairs them perfectly with sleek dresses or sweat pants.

Originally designed in 1973 to be all-leather weatherproof boot to cope with the harsh winters of New Hampshire, the Original Yellow Boot™ was built from 39 components constructed via 80 separate steps, driven by form, function and craftsmanship.  From its iconic wheat color to the hex-shaped brass eyelets and Taslan laces) and application of the finest materials (finest full-grain Horween nubuck leather with sealed seam to keep feet warm and dry in all conditions in all terrains, four-row stitching and injection-molded soles permanently bonded to the top of the boot made it completely waterproof), the Timberland boot was built to last.

The quality, consistency and the continued attention to detail that first made it popular continues to this day, with very few changes so it remains true to its original design. Incorporating modern technology, the current boot design now has an anti-fatigue footbed for improved comfort with geometric cone support that gives amazing shock absorption and energy return.  The Sensor Flex™comfort system is a three-layer outsole that delivers constant support, active cushioning and dynamic flex. As well, a premium waterproof leather with semi-sealed construction is used to keep feet dry. A padded collar helps cushion the ankle, and the outer material is rustproof so that the authentic Timberland look doesn’t deteriorate with wear and tear. The rubber gum sole provides traction on challenging terrain and the steel shank gives additional arch support.  For its clothing line, Timberland incorporates their proprietary two-layer DryVent™ waterproof coating.

For its new fall 2016 collection, outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland continues to showcase different, yet simple, Yellow Boot variations – like color changes, using new materials and a few with added details or embellishments to make them perfect for the modern wardrobe. The new fall collection "blends traditional artistry with cutting edge craftsmanship" with distressed materials and modern interpretations for an up-to-date take on Timberland's classic trail-worthy designs.

Their one-off collaborations, theLimited Releases, continue to be popular (eg the 2015 Pharrell Williams' new Bee Line by Billionaire Boys Club x Timberland - inspired by a honeycomb image the hip hop artist found and made with bionic canvas - 50% organic cotton and 38% recycled PET sold out quickly). 

To the delight of many fashionistas,New York-based streetwear brand Supreme has partnered up with Timberland once again for the release of a special collaboration for the fall and winter of 2016.  This collaboration involves an update & jazzed up version of the Timberland moc-stitched boat shoe with hard-as-nails sole unit, the 3-Eye Lug Shoe, and the ever-popular hiker-style Field Boot.  Both styles come in four colors with a premium snakeskin embossed leather upper, gold accents on the lace locks / eyelets, a thick black rubber outsole for durability, Supreme red lining and insoleand gold Supreme tag on the leather lacing system in lieu of Supreme’s signature red tag. The Field Boot features a waterproof snakeskin embossed leather upper with canvas side panels and padded suede collar.

On the outerwear front, Timberland’s Compatible Layering System offers the ultimate in versatility. For both coats and boots the brand uses innovative fabrics, including breathable wool, waterproof material, and classic leather with distressed finishes on some pieces. 

Finally, and most importantly, this fall Timberland is making an aggressive effort to cut down on carbon footprint by enforcing meaningful environmental standards in all its Timberland products.  By aiming to significantly increase their use of recycled, organic and renewable materials, especially materials like recycled rubber and recycled PET, Timberland hopes to attain sustainable style across its footwear, apparel and accessories line. From leather boots made with a proprietary eco-conscious waterproof membrane to jackets made with organic cotton canvas, Timberland continues its aggressive quest to reduce the environmental impact of virtually every product it makes. This means 100% of footwear will include at least one material containing recycled, organic or renewable (ROR) content, 100% of footwear and outerwear leather will be sourced from tanneries that have earned a Gold or Silver rating from the Leather Working Group for following environmental best practices, and 100% of footwear and apparel will be PVC-free.

Timberland continues to be the boot with one foot in tradition, and another marching forward.

To learn more, go to: www.timberland.com