Timberland: Yellow Boot, boots and loafers

Timberland · Authorized retailer

Timberland: the Yellow Boot, and how to choose the right size

The yellow Premium 6-Inch was created in 1973 as a waterproof work boot, and would have remained one if New York's hip-hop scene had not adopted it twenty years later. From then on, it never left fashion, and today it is one of the very few objects that can be found both on a construction site and on a runway.

What makes a Timberland waterproof

It is not a surface treatment: it is the construction. The upper is made of premium nubuck tanned in certified tanneries, the seams are sealed, and the inner fit is watertight. That is why a 6-Inch can withstand a rainy day when an ordinary combat boot gives way.

The trade-off is the weight and the break-in time, which are real with this model: the first two weeks are noticeable, then the nubuck softens and the shoe becomes one of the most comfortable in its category.

Sizing, the number-one question about Timberland

We are asked this more than with any other brand, and the short answer is: Timberland runs large. The shape is designed for a work sock, so there is extra room on a regular foot.

The practical rule we give in the boutique: if you wear a whole size and have a regular or narrow foot, go down half a size from your usual size. If you have a wide foot or plan to wear them with thick socks, stick to your usual size. With boat shoes, the situation is different again, because the fit is lower and gives less: there, it is best to choose your true size and not size down.

We have written everything out in the Timberland size guide, and it is worth reading before you place an order.

For complete cleaning - nubuck, polished leather, suede, and how to waterproof them before the first rain - see our guide on how to clean Timberland.

Beyond the Yellow Boot

The brand also makes boat shoes, the other historic classic, worn in the opposite season, as well as a line of boots in lighter versions and colors other than yellow. Our selection includes both sides of the brand, with children's sizes available in the same models.

If you are looking for a boot with a more urban profile, also take a look at the Dr. Martens combat boots; for the full seasonal overview, see the guide to autumn-winter shoes.

Not sure which style is right for you? We have written the seasonal boot guide: combat boots, waterproof boots, shearling boots and ankle boots, with the criteria for choosing.

Frequently asked questions

Do Timberland run large or small?

They run large: the shape was designed for a work sock. With a regular or narrow foot, it is best to go down half a size from your usual size; with a wide foot or thick socks, stick to your usual size. With boat shoes, it is best to choose your true size.

Are Timberland really waterproof?

The Premium 6-Inch is, and it is a construction feature: premium nubuck, sealed seams and a watertight inner fit. Not all models from the brand are waterproof, so it is worth checking the individual product page.

How do you clean nubuck Timberland?

Dry, with a suitable rubber brush. Water stains should be removed by dampening the entire surface evenly and allowing it to dry away from heat sources: treating only the stained area leaves a mark.

What is the difference between nubuck and suede?

Nubuck is full-grain leather sanded on the outer side: denser, more durable and with a very short nap. Suede comes from the inner side of the hide, is softer to the touch and more delicate. The Yellow Boot is made of nubuck, which is one of the reasons for its durability.

Vittorio Citro Boutique, Roccapiemonte. Authorized retailer since 1917.