Having transitioned from workwear mainstay to pop culture icon, Timberland boots are among the true footwear icons. Originally designed to provide blue-collar workers with reliable protection against the elements, the classic nubuck Timberland boot has long since become a style adored by a global audience.
While the brand has adapted and expanded over the years – supplementing the original Timberland with an eclectic range of styles – it remains synonymous in the minds of most people with ‘the original yellow boot’, which first burst onto the shoe scene in 1973. Since then, Timbs have been embraced by everyone from hip-hop icons to Hollywood stars.
So, what is it about this brand that’s made it such a firm favourite for so long? We’ll take a closer look at Timberland and give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about this iconic footwear brand, from how to clean timberlands to sizing and what to style them with.
How to wear Timberland boots
Their chunky, statement silhouette means that these classic boots often set the tone of any accompanying outfit. With an original intention to be worn by industrial workers, they work especially well as part of a rugged, dressed-down look – which is a bonus if you’re in a rush when picking out what to wear with your Timberland boots!
If you’re wondering how to style your Timberlands, think denim, and lots of it! Skinny and slim-fit jeans work particularly well with Timberland shoes as they allow the boot to do all the talking. Consider coupling a pair of Timberlands boots with jeans, a plaid lumberjack-style shirt and a warm winter coat or parka to really pay homage to their practical purpose. For a more style-driven look, we’re loving the Summer/Autumn go-to of Timberland boots with dresses.
How to clean Timberland boots
This iconic brand prides itself on the hardwearing nature of its footwear, which is one of the main reasons why the brand has remained such a firm favourite over the years. However, that’s not to say you can put your Timbs through any sort of punishment – if you want them to last, you’ll need to follow a few tips to look after them.
Cleaning Timberland boots regularly can help them to retain their distinctive appearance and character (so make sure you have plenty of Timberland boot care products to hand, though make sure they’re suitable for the relevant material).
How to remove dirt from your Timberlands
- Let any mud which has gathered on the surface dry off before attempting to clean them.
- We recommend leaving your boots overnight to fully dry out.
- Once dry softly brush the boot down to remove as much mud and dirt as possible. Our suede brush is perfect for this job.
Top tip: Use a toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies of the soles.
How to remove stains from your Timberlands
- When cleaning the material, particularly if your Timbs are made from suede or nubuck, make sure you only use products that won’t be damaging.
- A warm cloth with neutral soap should be sufficient as long as you wipe the material down gently.
- Focus your efforts on the stain itself, gently rubbing or brushing the area to lift the marks.
Top tip: For salt stains, try a mix of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts waters and gently rub this into the stains.
How to protect your Timberlands post clean
- Leave your boots to air dry for 24 hours after cleaning.
- Place them away from radiators, fires or other heat sources, as these may be at risk of either damaging the leather or melting the glue that holds the boots together.
- Use paper to support the shape of the boots while they dry out. Stuff scrap paper into the toe end and any other areas that might appear a little misshapen.
Top tip: Make sure the paper you use is not newspaper – the last thing you want is the ink from yesterday’s news transferring onto your boots.
Timberland boot sizing
When it comes to picking up a new pair of boots for yourself, you may be wondering – do Timberlands run big? Are timberland boots true to size? Hopefully, these size charts can help you to work out the perfect size for you, and if you do struggle, feel free to pop into store to try out a couple of pairs for you.
Timberlands size chart for men
| UK | EUR | USA |
| 5.5 | 39 | 6 |
| 6 | 39.5 | 6.5 |
| 6.5 | 40 | 7 |
| 7 | 41 | 7.5 |
| 7.5 | 41.5 | 8 |
| 8 | 42 | 8.5 |
| 8.5 | 43 | 9 |
| 9 | 43.5 | 9.5 |
| 9.5 | 44 | 10 |
| 10 | 44.5 | 10.5 |
| 10.5 | 45 | 11 |
| 11 | 45.5 | 11.5 |
| 11.5 | 46 | 12 |
| 12.5 | 47.5 | 13 |
| 13.5 | 49 | 14 |
| 14.5 | 50 | 15 |
| 15.5 | 51 | 16 |
Timberlands size chart for women
| UK | EUR | USA |
| 3 | 35.5 | 5 |
| 3.5 | 36 | 5.5 |
| 4 | 37 | 6 |
| 4.5 | 37.5 | 6.5 |
| 5 | 38 | 7 |
| 5.5 | 38.5 | 7.5 |
| 6 | 39 | 8 |
| 6.5 | 39.5 | 8.5 |
| 7 | 40 | 9 |
| 7.5 | 41 | 9.5 |
| 8 | 41.5 | 10 |
| 9 | 42 | 11 |
How to lace Timberland boots
When it comes to lacing these unbeatable boots, there are several ways you can do so, depending on the vibe you’re going for. If you lean more towards a casual, urban look, lace them loosely to keep daily wear feeling comfortable and low-key – but not too loose as to let your feet slide out of them.
There are seven eyelets on the classic six-inch Timberland boot, but don’t feel like you have to use them all. For a shoe statement, pick a coloured design and skip every other lace loop for a boot that screams stylish.
Play around with over and under techniques if you’re after a cleaner and more symmetrical finishing touch and try tying the laces after the third to last eyelet for the perfect amount of remaining lace for a sturdy knot too.
How to break in Timberland boots
Timberlands are renowned for being a durable shoe, so when you invest in a pair, you can have confidence that they’ll stand the test of time. On the flip side, they can be a little tough and stiff at first – which means you’ll probably need to dedicate some time to break them in.
There are a number of ways in which you can do this, such as:
- Wear your Timbs around the house. Wearing your box-fresh Timberlands indoors for just a few hours at a time should help them to feel more comfortable.
- Pair them with some thick socks. These should help to provide your feet with some extra padding and protection against blistering, particularly if they have additional cushioning around the heel.
- Wear your boots sparingly at first. Another good way of minimising any discomfort with a new pair of boots is simply to wear them in moderation at first. Keep a broken-in pair to hand as an alternative until your new pair are slightly softer.
Where to buy Timberland boots
Here, at Wynsors, we’re proud to bring you an amazing range of stylish Timberland boots and shoes, all at outstanding value-for-money prices – so whatever you’re searching for, you’re sure to find a pair that’s perfect for your individual look.
Frequently asked questions about Timberlands
Timberland boots are best suited to act as a ‘workboot’, designed specifically to provide the durability needed to take you through a full working day. Therefore, Timberlands perform best as a work boot rather than a hiking boot.
Timberlands were originally created and manufactured in Massachusetts; however, they are now commonly manufactured in Tennessee, China and the Dominican Republic.
Timberlands are usually very comfortable if you pick the right size and style for your feet. Designed to take you through a long working day in tough conditions, they provide excellent arch support and protection, with many models using their suspension technology, developed to reduce foot fatigue.
Similar to all leather shoes, Timberlands do stretch overtime. To begin with, you may find the shoes to be a little more on the snug side, so just make sure you wear them around the house for a few hours to help break them in, or for more tips on how to break shoes in take a look here.
Traditionally, the Timberland boot is made of nubuck leather. However, each shoe may slightly differ depending on their specific uses. Looking at the upper part of the shoe, the leather can vary from suede for a smarter look to full-grain leather for a durable and stronger boot. The inner section of the boot features a smoother leather for a softness on the foot, followed by the soles which are constructed from rubber for a supreme grip.
Neither. Comfort is what you should be aiming for, so a snug fit that still allows you to wiggle your toes and provides enough flex around the heel is what you want. Where possible, try a few different sizes to make sure you get the pair that are just right for you and remember that whilst boots sometimes need breaking in for true comfort, if they’re causing you any pain at the start, they are not the right pair for you.
There we go, that’s our guide to Timberland shoes. For more footwear guides or advice, visit our blog, or for an incredible selection of trending shoes at affordable prices, browse our range for men, women and kids at Wynsors.
