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Home · Accessories

The Evolution of The Timberland

Don't call it a comeback—the construction boot has been hot since the 70's. Follow this timeline to find out why it's more than just a fashion trend.

By Celia L. Smith · October 20, 2014October 27, 2020
01
1973

Don’t call it a comeback—the construction boot has been hot since the 70’s. Follow this timeline to find out why it’s more than just a fashion trend.

The Swartz family creates its first guaranteed-waterproof leather boot, and develops the Timberland brand name for it (the company is known as the Abington Shoe Company at the time).

02
1976

The 10061 SKU number is assigned to the 6″ Premium Waterproof Boot in wheat—later known simply as the brand’s “classic boot.” The 10061 SKU in still used today. After pioneering the Timberland Premium Waterproof Boot, The Abington Shoe Company decides to use its name to embody the entire organization. Thus,
The Timberland Company is born.

03
1980

Italy becomes Timberland’s first European export market and other European countries quickly follow suit, evolving into one of the brand’s strongest-selling regions.

04
1989

Timberland partners with Boston-based “urban peace corps” City Year, and proudly provides classic boots to fifty-one young, hard-working team-members. 17,000 pairs of boots later, Timberland’s support of City Year remains strong to this day

05
1992

Timberland launches its international “Give Racism The Boot” awareness campaign, supporting diversity and standing up against oppression around the globe. The campaign features an image of the classic boot and runs in major newspapers throughoutthe U.S. and Europe, in addition to
billboards in New York City.

06
1993

A 20th anniversary commemorative Premium Waterproof Boot (8″ height, in wheat) becomes a top-selling style in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

07
Early 1990s

The Timberland brand reaches new heights as its classic boot becomes a major fashion component of hip-hop and urban culture.

The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
08
1992

The “Crazy, Sexy, Cool” girl trio were tried and true Timberland representatives, rocking their oversized overalls, hats to the back and boyish boots –– a look that spread like wildfire among their female fans.

Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
09
1995

There was no back and forth about whether Timbs were hot like fire once the late singer Aaliyah wore them with her cropped tops and borrowed-from-the boyfriend looks.

The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
10
1997

Puffy and MA$E at the 8th annual Billboard Music Awards sporting the classic construction style.

Steve Granitz/WireImage
11
1997

Seinfeld TV character George Costanza claims his Timberland® boots make him two inches taller in “The Betrayal” episode, seen by an estimated 20 million viewers.

12
2005

Academy Award®-nominee Don Cheadle and Timberland announce the creation of a limited-edition “Save Darfur” 6″ Premium Waterproof Boot. This boot is made to raise awareness about the crisis in Darfur and inspire civic and political
action to help stop the genocide.

13
2015

Instagram went gaga for Tracee Ellis Ross recently when the actress dressed-up in a look by Honor Woman, while dressing-down in a pair of timbs her followers could definitely relate to.

Instagram
14
2015

Gwen Stefani rocks steady in a red pair with baggy jeans, paying homage to hip-hop style.

Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
15
2015

Whatever Rih-Rih rocks transforms into a trend. Several sightings of the singer in the construction classic has created a cult following of fans who follow her every fashion move.

16
2015

From catwalk to sidewalk; the look has officially picked up mainstream momentum when even super model Cara Delevigne has caught onto the classic boot (probably from her gal pal Rihanna).

Karwai Tang/WireImage

Read More

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