Our Story

At the heart of Timberland’s story is a community – several communities – stepping outside to work hard together and move the world forward. With grit and a relentless dedication to problem solving, these bold doers embrace the adventures on their path.

Our Roots

Defined By The Outdoor

Without New England’s fierce and demanding environs, there would be no Timberland. We started by equipping workers to power through the toughest outdoor environments.



The Founding Family

Born from the craftsmanship of our founder Nathan Swartz, who first developed waterproof boots with his son Sidney, who then went on to brand the boots. Sidney’s son Jeff took the company on a journey of purpose that drive the values today.


The Original Factory


In 1955, Nathan took full control of Boston-based Abington Shoe Company and moved operations to a damp and drafty riverside factory in a quiet New England town in the U.S.


The Original Timberland ® Boot

The yellow boot that started it all. In 1973, an icon was born when the Abington Shoe Company launched the Original Timberland® 8-inch Boot. The 6-inch version was released three years later, becoming the icon we know today.



Timberland Today

Today we are one global brand with three distinct categories: Work, Life and Outdoor. They encompass all our products, whether on the job, trail, street or stage.

Culture Of Innovation

Ever since the day we created our first yellow boot, we’ve been inspired by that gritty New England tendency to ‘think outside the box’ and create innovative solutions to everyday problems.