Timberland
VF Corporation · United States
Timberland is an American footwear and apparel brand best known for its waterproof yellow boot, introduced in 1973. Founded by the Swartz family in New England, it has been owned by VF Corporation since 2011 and is one of the group's three core brands alongside The North Face and Vans.
| Founded | 1973 (yellow boot launch); roots in the 1950s Abington Shoe Company |
|---|---|
| Founder | Nathan Swartz |
| Owner | VF Corporation (since 2011) |
| Headquarters | Stratham, New Hampshire, United States |
| Signature product | Yellow 6-inch waterproof boot |
| Website | timberland.com |
What is Timberland?
Timberland is a footwear-led lifestyle and outdoor brand headquartered in Stratham, New Hampshire. The company now operates as one global brand with three categories: Work, Life and Outdoor. Its best-known product, the yellow nubuck boot, has moved from construction sites and hiking trails into hip-hop, streetwear and luxury collaborations.
History
The roots of the business lie with Nathan Swartz, a shoemaker who in the 1950s took control of the Abington Shoe Company in Boston and later moved production to New Hampshire. In 1973 the company launched the Original Timberland 8-inch boot, and a 6-inch version followed three years later and became the brand's icon. The company took the Timberland name in 1978 and went public in 1987, with the Swartz family remaining in charge for decades.
In 2011 VF Corporation agreed to acquire Timberland for about 2 billion US dollars, adding it to a portfolio that also includes The North Face and Vans.
Products and positioning
Timberland is positioned in the premium segment of casual and outdoor footwear. The offer includes:
- Classic boots, boat shoes and casual footwear
- Hiking footwear and outdoor apparel
- Timberland PRO safety and work boots
- Clothing and accessories for men, women and children
The brand has worked with partners including Supreme, Off-White and Louis Vuitton on special editions of its boots.
Business model and distribution
Timberland sells through footwear retailers, department stores and outdoor specialists, plus its own stores and e-commerce. Wikipedia reports revenue of 1.78 billion US dollars for 2023. In VF's fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, Timberland revenue rose 8 per cent.
Sustainability
Timberland has long tied its identity to environmental and community work, including an employee volunteering programme since 1992 and tree planting projects. In 2022 it introduced a take-back programme and the Timberloop Trekker, a boot designed to be disassembled for recycling.
Why it matters
Timberland illustrates how a single product can carry a brand across workwear, outdoor and fashion markets for half a century. It also shows how heritage footwear brands use circular design and collaborations to stay relevant.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Timberland?
Timberland has been owned by VF Corporation since 2011, when VF agreed to buy it for about 2 billion US dollars. VF also owns The North Face and Vans.
When did Timberland launch the yellow boot?
The company introduced the Original Timberland 8-inch waterproof boot in 1973. A 6-inch version followed three years later and became the brand's best-known product.