Timberland, with its rugged roots firmly planted in the shoemaking traditions of Nathan Swartz, has grown from a modest start into a global icon. Swartz, a Russian-Jewish shoemaker, embarked on his journey in 1918 and eventually acquired the Abington Shoe Company in South Boston by the early 1950s. Together with his family, he transitioned the company’s focus toward producing durable footwear capable of withstanding New England winters, ultimately introducing the Timberland boot in 1973. The boot’s immediate success laid the foundation for renaming the company to The Timberland Company in 1978 and heralded a new era in the brand’s history.

The Timberland boot became synonymous with durability and outdoor adventure, attracting both working-class and style-conscious consumers alike. Its appeal transcended into urban fashion throughout the 1980s and 1990s as the boots became a staple among hip-hop artists, musicians, and cultural figures. The iconic tree logo and bold, purposeful design quickly earned the nickname “the Air Jordans of boots,” appearing in songs, music videos, and wardrobes worldwide. Timberland’s distinctive style became a bridge between rugged outdoor functionality and inner-city fashion, solidifying its place in both realms.

As Timberland evolved over the years, its visual identity reflected this growth, with subtle changes to its logo and tags that mirrored shifting design trends. From the bold, blocky text and circular tree emblem of the early years to the softer, more rounded fonts and intricate tag details of later eras, each iteration tells a story of the brand’s evolution. Vintage Timberland items can be identified through these changes in logo and tag design, offering collectors and enthusiasts a glimpse into the brand’s storied past.

Understanding how to differentiate between the vintage logos and tags can help enthusiasts accurately date and authenticate Timberland gear, revealing its unique journey from regional shoemaker to global fashion staple. Whether it’s the rugged early “Weathergear” tags or the eco-conscious “Earthkeepers” line, each Timberland era reflects the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and style while offering insights into how it navigated the shifting tides of fashion and function.

90s Timberland TV Commercial

How to tell if Timberland is vintage from the logo

Timberland, a globally recognized outdoor brand, has a distinct identity that is deeply rooted in its iconic tree logo and bold text. Over the years, the brand has stayed relatively consistent with its designs, ensuring immediate recognition. However, subtle changes in their logo over time reflect the evolving design trends and brand strategies. The following guide will help you identify whether your Timberland gear is vintage by examining the key characteristics of the logo across different eras.

From its initial founding in the early 1970s, Timberland has maintained a strong visual identity that embodies durability and nature. The differences between earlier and more modern versions of the logo are not drastic, but each update brings a unique style and character that helps pinpoint the age of an item. Let’s explore the specifics:

1973 to 1975 Timberland logo

• The earliest Timberland logo features bold, all-caps text with a unique tree emblem.
• The text has a blocky style, with each letter closely spaced together.
• The tree emblem is circular, showcasing a simplified yet detailed depiction of a tree with visible branches and roots.

1973 to 1975 Timberland logo

1975 to now Timberland logo

• The current logo still incorporates the tree emblem but with a different text style.
• The text is in a softer, more rounded font, offering a more approachable aesthetic.
• The tree emblem remains circular, but the lines are bolder, and the branches are more pronounced.

1975 to now Timberland logo

How to tell if Timberland is vintage from the tags

Timberland has maintained a consistent and recognizable style throughout its long history, with notable shifts and variations in tag designs reflecting different eras. From the early Weathergear lines to more recent sustainable Earthkeepers collections, each decade has brought unique characteristics and design changes that can help identify the age and authenticity of garments.

Understanding these distinguishing features is crucial for vintage clothing enthusiasts and collectors alike. Below, we’ll explore Timberland tags by era, highlighting key features and style markers to assist in accurate identification.

Having trouble with vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you identify them!

1980s vintage Timberland tags

• Typically labeled as “Timberland Weathergear” with simple, bold logos.
• Commonly features “Made in USA” tags, reflecting domestic manufacturing.
• Leather patches and rectangular fabric tags used for identification.

1980s Timberland tags

1990s vintage Timberland tags

• Includes the “Classic Denim Weathergear” and “Timberland” logos with embroidered lettering.
• Bold logos often in gold or contrasting colors, usually accompanied by size information.
• More complex tag designs with multi-layered information (fabric content, manufacturing origin).

1990s Timberland tags

2000s vintage Timberland tags

• Introduced the “Earthkeepers” line with environmentally friendly materials.
• Expanded logo variety with simpler, more stylized branding.
• Emphasized the “Made in” tag, showcasing a diverse set of manufacturing locations.

2000s Timberland tags

2010s vintage Timberland tags

• Emphasized sustainability with “Earthkeepers” and “Crafted Since 1973” logos.
• Modern, minimalist designs with smaller font sizes for the logos.
• Often features bold outlines around the tree logo and stylized fonts for size labels.

2010s Timberland tags