What is it about Timberlands???

[Vanguard.45]

The last few books I have read have all concerned "operators" of various types (i.e. former SAS turned mercenary, former SEALs turned Secret Service Agent, executive protection specialists, etc.). It seems that the authors of these books without exception have pointed out the fact that the "heroes" of these books all wear Timberland boots and seem to regard them as prized possessions to varying degrees.

Discounting any Oliver Stone-esque conspiracies between the authors and the advertising executives at Timberland, I was wondering whether or not Timberland boots actually are held in such high regard by those of you who are or know real-life operators (you know, the military/ agent/ spec-ops/ police/ super ninja types)?

Personally, I like Timberland hiking boots and have several pairs for everyday wear, but was surprised by the continued references to them in the books.

Thanks for your time in advance!

Vanguard.45

[Any .45]

I have 6 different pairs of Timbs as my generation calls them they are comfortable, rugged, look fashionable, give great ankle support and help conceal the sp101 and the knife i carry in them. See as a street ninja you need to be prepared for it all, you have to; 1. look good for the girls you run into... 2. Match the boots and the clothes.. 3. Be sure that those BG's don't know what you have hiding up you pant leg 4. Be able to step on an BG once you have him down on the floor..... 5. and finally have good protection of your feet under any circumstance you run into, weather it be snow, water, glass, rocks, or oil your covered.

[Vanguard.45]

Anybody else have an opinion on "Timbs" as the preferred boots of "operators" or other secret-ninja-types?

[johnbt]

No knowledge, except they weren't made to fit my feet.

John

[Chiram2003]

I have the same problem...they just don't fit properly. I've gone through several different boots in the past, including Magnum, Galls brand, Law Pro (OUCH!), and Danner. Of these boots, the only pair that lasted over a year were my Danner Stricker 8" GTX. They are an 8" GoreTex lace-up boot. Actually, what finally made me turn them in was the fact that the sole had begun to split across the bend my foot naturally made as I walked. As a replacement, I went to the police supply store and ordered a pair of Danner Striker 8" Zip-side boots with GoreTex Crosstech. I find these to be even more comfortable than my lace-up Danners. So for my money, it's all about Danners. Yeah, they're a bit expensive (averaging $175-200/pair), but they are certainly worth it.

[ReserveCop]

Most of the LEOs I know wear either the Danners or the Oakley SI Boot.

[Chindo18Z]

Vanguard.45:

I haven't seen many "operators" using Timberland. Today it's all about Danner, Oakley, Addidas, etc.

On the other hand, Timberland makes fine boots. You already own them. If they fit and do what you need them to do...why change?

Most guys are secret "kit-monsters" at heart...whatever is trendy gets tried. If it works, it gets a reputation and you will still see it being talked about and sold at retail a decade from now (e.g., Leatherman, Surefire, Poncho Liner, etc.). Some stuff is just faddish (GS-G9 Addidas boots, Oakley/Gargoyle eyewear, etc.). Not saying they are not good products, just that this year's cool factor vote will put one make/brand/model on a pedestal despite the fact that something else works just as well (and might be cheaper).

GS-G9s & Oakley SIs get the current nod because they are lightweight (like wresting boots. They are great if you need to do your tasks on hard urban surface for the live-long day (which is why they are marketed as CQB Assaulter boots). When you actually have to hump across mountains, forest, and desert with them, the shortcomings become apparent. I know... I purchased the very first pair of Addidas Trekkers in my unit back in '82. They were sooo... cool, OD green, lightweight, hi-speed, low-drag; they were military cross trainers! They were, in fact, the same boot as the current Addidas GS-G9 (with a slightly different tread). In the end, they weren't actually any better than a good pair of jungle boots.

If you need to wade thru deep snow, carry 75 lbs up a scree slope, hike thru a bog to a hunting camp, or work a construction site...you may find that the Timberlands offer advantages.

My personal favorite (that WAS "cool" back in the late 80's) is still the Rocky Eliminator. Black leather & Cordura, Goretex, 8" medium height boot, FEATHERWEIGHT!, uninsulated or Thinsulate insulated. Great boot for almost any conditions and (today) modestly priced at most Police Supply Shops or off the internet (around $90 uninsulated / around $130 insulated). Have used mine for over ten years (with heavy rucksack, in snow, in mud, in swamp, CQB training, parachuting, fast roping, and just standing/walking around. I have wide feet and those boots have saved my dogs from blisters, freezing, and wet. The light weight (about 2.5 lbs for the pair) makes a huge difference when you really have to walk distance or climb. Overly heavy boots blow! I'll put those Rockys against any currently fashionable boot...

The most important things about any boot are: 1) comfortable fit and
2) durability. Step out from the herd...wear your Timberlands with pride.

[Vanguard.45]

"Most guys are secret "kit-monsters" at heart...whatever is trendy gets tried. If it works, it gets a reputation and you will still see it being talked about and sold at retail a decade from now (e.g., Leatherman, Surefire, Poncho Liner, etc.). Some stuff is just faddish (GS-G9 Addidas boots, Oakley/Gargoyle eyewear, etc.). Not saying they are not good products, just that this year's cool factor vote will put one make/brand/model on a pedestal despite the fact that something else works just as well (and might be cheaper)."
*******************************************************

I agree completely- very insightful! I guess the authors have just come to like the Timberlands themselves and assume that everyone else does as well!

Thanks to all for the information and the suggestions! I will keep them in mind the next time I need to buy some boots!

Vanguard.45

[seb5]

Actually I tend to see and hear more about Danners than anything else. Both the military line and the civilian line are used a lot in both LEO and military circles. I really like them but dont think they would be for people with wide feet. They seem to run narrow.

[chameleon]

Interesting topic, and the points made are well written.

The only thing that I would like to add, and it is a bit of a comic note.
As I read the fashion parts of the thread, I could not help to laugh to myself about what is "in" fashion-wise.
If you ever read stories of guys wearing shooting vests, and how those vests are reffered to as "shoot me first" vests, because the bad guy can pick you out as a gun toting civilian.
Now we may have "shoot me first" boots.
"Hey, that guy has a pair of Timbs on, he's got a GUN!"

[Blue Jays]

Hi All-

Timberland used to make high-quality outdoor gear, but they are aimed primarily at the college, hip-hop, and fashion markets now. My personal feeling is that their current boots are junk. Their story is similar to that of Abercrombie & Fitch who previously had a reputable name for serious gear. Both of their product lines are currently positioned to handle the extreme rigors of mall shopping and rap music concerts.

For honest-to-goodness performance, consider manufacturers like Danner, Merrell, Asolo, Raichle, Browning, Lowa, and similar brands you'll find in a hiking/camping/hunting store. It is guaranteed you'll pay MUCH more when compared to the mall-type boots, but your overall cash outlay and ongoing comfort will more than offset this original investment.

Good luck with your boot selection!

~ Blue Jays ~

[mikikanazawa]

Hey, check this out. My dad has always had a pair of top-shelf Timberlands for hiking and such. The soles on the first pair shredded themselves on our first hike. The rubber turned to a soft mush (my $25 "GI" boots were fine). We thought maybe they were oil contaminated but sent them back to Timberland anyway. Two weeks later, another pair shows up at the door, a real nice pair too. (No call or letter, just boots showing up.) First time out, those shredded themselves too.

On the FIFTH pair, they finally started to hold together. Neither one of us could fathom why those boots went all to goo. We always hiked together, and my boots never had a problem. (Usually the $25 GIs, but sometimes Hi Tec or Coleman.)

[JMag]

I have a pair of Timberland boots (have them on at present) that I've owned for over six years. They are excellent and show little signs of wear. Granted, I only wear them on weekends in the fall/winter.

I do not care for their new boots, however. The quality just doesn't seem to be there anymore.

[abelew]

Was issued a pair of danner gore-tex boots, the 8 in winter boots, and I hate(ed) them. Am out of the military now, and I still use some of my boots for work, and that pair never gets anywhere near my feet (went in trash). They were heavy, uncomfortable (had to get a size too big to keep them from hurting my big toes, clunky). The corcoran mach series is my absolute favorite, even though they don't shine for crap, they are comfortable, light, and the soles have good tread on them. I would love to have a pair of oakley boots, but I dont have the $ for them. Maybe I will get them when I grad. police academy. All in all, I have had the best luck (with military type boots) with corcoran, comfort wise.