Review: THE Timberland Premium Waterproof Boot - Is the Hype Real?

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BUY TIMBERLAND PREMIUM WATERPROOF BOOTS HERE: https://amzn.to/2G7bsaH

BRAND

This is the classic yellow boot that made the Timberland Company so famous.
Well-liked since their 1973 release, they reached icon status in the 90’s hip-hop community and now you can find them from the feet of rich hipsters to construction workers to rappers and everyone in between.

** FULL REVIEW + PHOTOS HERE: https://stridewise.com/timberland-boo... **

FIRST GLANCE

This is the classic 6” wheat nubuck waterproof boot - the one you picture when you hear “Timberlands.” They’ve got a Gripstick rubber lug outsole, Taslan nylon laces, and PrimaLoft insulation, which accounts for most of the two pound weight. Overall, they’re pretty bulky and relatively versatile.

LEATHER

These Tims are made from waterproof wheat nubuck. Nubuck is a kind of top-grain leather that’s been sanded to give a slight nap to the protein fibers. It’s similar to suede, but heartier, and it won’t develop a patina over time.

** More about the differences between nubuck and suede here: https://stridewise.com/nubuck-vs-suede/ **

LEATHER CARE

The boots are already waterproof, and the processing that goes into that means that the usual leather conditioners won’t work on. The nubuck gets dirty really easily, and Timberland recommends brushing with a nylon brush to get the dirt out of the fibers and raise the nap.

If your boots get stained, you can use a pencil eraser to get rid of spots or, if they need a deeper clean, Timberland sells a proprietary water-based cleaner called “Renewbuck” that should take care of salt stains and other messes.

** Want seriously tough boots? Check out my classic Red Wing moc toes:    • Review: Red Wing Moc Toes, 3 YEARS OL...   **

SOLE

The Gripstick rubber outsole is very, very sticky at first but wears off a bit over time; there’s also a rubber midsole, urethane insole, and removable foam insert. The materials won’t mold to your foot over time the way leather and cork will, but they’re comfortable out of the box. There’s also a steel shank that makes for really nice arch support.

The sole is bonwelted, which isn't crazy different to regular cemented soles like you get on sneakers. Since it’s not stitched like a Goodyear welt would be, it’s much more difficult to resole, which means that once you wear through these soles, you’ve basically got to replace the boot. They’re popular enough, though, that there are some cobblers that specialize in resoling Tims, if you want to look for one in your area.

FIT & SIZING

Available in full and half sizes up to size 18, and I recommend going down a half size from your sneaker size (particularly if you’re into the open laced look that’s so popular).

Great shock absorption, easy to walk around in, nice arch support, and don’t really have a break-in period; overall, they’re comfy boots.

PRICE

Between $160 and $180, which feels about right given the quality of the materials used and the welting on the sole.

TIMBERLAND 6” PREMIUM WATERPROOF BOOT: WORTH THE HYPE?

For their price, they’re a pretty damn good boot. They’re hard to keep clean and to resole, but they’re also waterproof, insulated, and comfortable; at the end of the day, they’re not much more expensive than a pair of sneakers but they’ll last you a hell of a lot longer.