Timberland Just Retooled Its Legendary Work Boot with Equally Historic Upgrades

First released in 1973, the iconic yellow boot gets what may be its most refined makeover in half a century.

Tan leather work boot with thick brown lug sole and metal eyelets on a gray surface.

Published 3 hours ago

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Timberland’s classic six-inch work boot is one of the most recognizable silhouettes in footwear history.

First released in the early 1970s, the boot featured a nubuck leather upper, heavily padded collar and heavily lugged outsole — all signatures that have made it an icon among blue-collar tradesmen and streetwear enthusiasts, alike.

Now, more than 50 years after its debut, the legendary style is getting an equally historic update in the form of the Timberland Luxe Waterproof Boot.

Tan leather Timberland boot with dark brown padded collar and rugged sole on a neutral background. — The Timberland Luxe Waterproof Boot is a refined take on the brand’s classic yellow work boot, featuring upgraded materials and construction.

Pair of black leather lace-up boots with padded collars and rugged soles on a white background. — The boot also comes in black.

Put in the work

From afar, the new release is unmistakably Timberland, featuring all the hallmarks associated with the brand’s OG boot. However, a closer look reveals a trifecta of refined touches that make it perhaps the most polished version in half a century.

Pair of tan leather Timberland boots with brown padded collars and tags reading "Horween Leathers" and "Guaranteed Waterproof Timberland. — The new style may look like the original yellow boot, however, it features leather sourced from Horween Leather Co.

The first of those is the specific nubuck leather upper. Available in classic yellow or black, the material hails from none other than Chicago’s Horween Leather Co., a respected supplier for Alden, Filson and countless other heritage brands.

Timberland isn’t being shy about it, either. The inside of the boot literally features Horween’s stamp of approval, a marker of both provenance and quality.

Based in Chicago, Horween Leather Co. supplies the leather used by some of the most respected names in heritage style, including Filson and Alden.

Timberland

The limited-edition Luxe Waterproof Boot also features leather laces, replacing the nylon ones that comes standard on most of its styles, as well as an upgraded welt that’s easier to resole.

That is, should you even need to: the rugged Vibram bottoms promise plenty of years under normal everyday conditions.

Close-up of tan leather shoe with white stitching and a brown leather lace on a light surface. — The Timberland Luxe Waterproof Boot also features leather laces and an upgraded leather welt.

Tan leather lace-up boot with thick brown Vibram sole, one boot showing tread pattern. — The boot is easier to resole than your typical Timberlands, assuming you even wear through that rugged Vibram outsole.

Availability and pricing

Already available overseas, the Luxe Waterproof Boot is expected to arrive in the States in the coming weeks.

Timberland has yet to reveal US pricing. However, the style carries a price tag equivalent to a bit more than $400 in Europe.

Black leather lace-up work boot with padded collar and rugged sole.

Timberland Luxe Waterproof Boot

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About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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