Original 6-Inch Boots

The boot features injection-molded sole construction and waterproof wheat nubuck leather uppers. Assembly requires 39 components using 80 separate steps. The design includes 400 grams of PrimaLoft insulation, an anti-fatigue footbed, and a steel shank for arch support.

In 1952, Nathan Swartz bought a half-interest in the Abington Shoe Company, based in South Boston. In 1955, Swartz took full control of the Boston-based Abington Shoe Company and moved operations to a riverside factory in New England.

In 1973, Timberland perfected an injection molding technique that fused the sole to the upper without stitching. The company launched the Original Timberland 8-inch Boot the same year. The 6-inch version was released three years later in 1976, becoming the company's signature product.

Nathan Swartz and his son Sidney designed the boot using injection molding technology and silicone-infused nubuck leathers. The boot was originally designed for working men and used by farmers and construction workers. In 1978, the boot's success prompted the company to change its name from Abington Shoe Company to Timberland.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the hip-hop community adopted Timberland boots, expanding the product's reach beyond its original workwear market.

The boot is constructed with 39 components using 80 separate steps. The six-inch name comes from the shaft height, measuring exactly six inches from the arch to the top of the boot.

The boot features waterproof Timberland leather uppers made from wheat nubuck leather with a cushioned collar. The sole is thermal injection molded to the upper while molten, creating a waterproof seal. This process differs from traditional glued construction by permanently bonding the sole during manufacturing.

Internal construction includes a lighter-colored rubber midsole, Gore-Tex layer, and removable comfort insole. The boot features four-row stitching and includes a fully gusseted tongue to prevent moisture from entering through the lacing system. Full seam-sealed construction provides additional waterproofing.

The boot uses Timberland's proprietary commando lug sole made of grippy polyurethane rubber compound. Taslan laces and rustproof hardware contribute to durability. The boot weighs approximately 1.6 kilograms per pair. ReBOTL fabric lining contains at least 50 percent recycled plastic.

The boot includes 400 grams of PrimaLoft insulation, a removable anti-fatigue footbed, and a steel shank for arch support. The anti-fatigue system was adopted from the Timberland PRO line and features shock-absorbing geometrical technology that returns energy to the foot. The padded collar adds comfort, and the six-inch height provides ankle support while allowing movement.

The boot uses cement construction rather than Goodyear welt construction. The sole is bond-welted, meaning it is cemented rather than stitched. The visible stitching along the edge is faux stitching molded into the sole, not actual welt stitching.

Bond-welt construction makes the boot difficult to resole compared to Goodyear welt construction. Some cobblers specialize in resoling Timberlands despite the cement construction.

Timberland sources the majority of hides from cattle raised in the United States under USDA guidelines. The company sources hides from ranches practicing regenerative ranching. Timberland is part of the Leather Working Group, the world's largest organization dedicated to the leather industry.

The company uses at least 50 percent leather tanned in facilities rated Silver or higher by third-party environmental audit. ReBOTL material used in footwear contains at least 50 percent recycled PET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate).

The manufacturer recommends purchasing a half size down from standard shoe size. Available sizes range from 7 to 13 with half sizes from 7.5 to 11.5. The lace-up style delivers a secure fit.

The boot lasts approximately two years with full-time wear. Lifespan varies based on usage intensity, lasting longer with casual wear and shorter with intense job site use. User reports indicate boots lasting eight years with occasional wear. Some previous Timberlands have been reported to last more than 10 years.

The boot features quadruple stitching, Primaloft insulation, a thick rubber heel, and a padded leather collar designed for durability. The thermal injection molded sole creates a waterproof seal with the treated leather upper. Users report the boot provides excellent traction. The laces are highly durable, and metal ringlets are rugged.