Why Timberland boots cost as much as they cost

Timberland are real evergreens in winter fashion: you should know that about the boots.

Timberland boots come back every winter. Beyond trends or catwalks, these boots have become a staple on the men's shoe shelf. And that in record time, because unlike other essentials, they hardly have half a century of history. (Also read: Everything Men Need to Know About Shoes: The Ultimate GQ Shoe Guide)

The history of Timberland boots

Buy here: Timberland Boots in Yellow, from Timberland, 220 euros, via Timberland

To find its creator, we have to go back to the early 20th century. It was around this time that young Nathan Swartz began training to be a master shoemaker. In 1952 he took a stake in the Abington Shoe Company, which specialized in the manufacture of workwear and the intricate task of making waterproof leather. Gradually, Swartz acquired more and more shares in the company until he finally took it over and turned it into a family business. (Also read: These are the new cool Timberland boots made from recycled plastic)

His first major milestone was the development of seamless injection molding technology in 1965. This technique involved fusing the rubber sole of the boots with the leather upper. For example, his models had completely waterproof soles, which were perfect for work or for wearing in difficult weather conditions. This was the first step towards the famous Timberland boots, but there was one final improvement.

The popular Timberland in yellow

Although the Abington Shoe Company was at the forefront of shoemaking, it was not until 1973 that they were able to produce a fully waterproof boot with a tough upper and innovative sole. Until finally the Timberland Waterproof Boot model came onto the market. What was new about these boots was that they were completely waterproof. Although the model was available in a variety of waterproof leather colors, yellow nubuck was the most popular shade. Such was the success of these boots that the Abington Shoe Company officially changed its name to Timberland in 1978. (Also interesting: Tommy x Timberland: The most beautiful pieces for the winter)

Timberland boots were primarily intended for work, but in the 1980s they also found their way into streetwear. It was then that thrift stores began stocking European as well as American workwear, with boots playing an important role. Thus developed an aesthetic preference for the workwear style, which spread in the 80s and lasted into the 90s. This made Timberland popular exponentially - just like other workwear brands like Carhartt or Dickies. How come? The big influencers of the time were to blame for this: the musicians.

Timberlands will never go out of style