Sallying forth into the mist and murk of a British winter can be daunting, but a few essentials make it easier: a sturdy coat, a warm hat and, of course, a comfortable pair of boots.
But with so many styles to choose from, buying a pair of boots can be something of a rabbit hole. Get it wrong and you could end up with blisters, no puddle protection and an increased likelihood of slipping on icy surfaces. Get it right and your boots will not only be suitable for stomping around in the wintry sludge, but also durable and stylish enough to wear for all occasions – all year round. So whether you need your boots for pacing city pavements, hiking in the countryside, or partying during the festive season, here’s what to consider.
1 Are they comfortable?
Buying a pair of boots that are comfortable may sound obvious, but a few hacks can help you find footwear that fits extra snugly.
Firstly, it’s important to know your size. It might sound like a no-brainer, but how often do we wear shoes that feel slightly off? This is most likely due to sizing. So book a shoe fitting to find out your exact size. Make sure you organise your fitting for the end of the day, as feet can swell up half a size during the day – so if your boots are comfy in the morning, they could end up feeling tight a few hours later.
When it comes to dimensions, if your big toe touches the front toe cap when standing up straight, don’t be afraid to go half – or even one size – bigger than your standard shoe size.
And the interior of the boot also plays a big role in determining comfort. Seek out leather or fabric linings, which add breathability to the insides of the shoe. The ReBotl lining of Timberland’s timeless newmarket mid lace-up chukka boots is a perfect example, with the footwear also scoring top cushiness marks thanks to its clever OrthoLite foam insoles, which have antimicrobial function and a foot-friendly “moisture management system”.
2 Are they waterproof – and will my feet stay dry?
For a country that experiences roughly around 172 rainy days a year (well, that’s what we saw in 2023), soggy toes are unavoidable for those with the wrong footwear.
To prevent your feet from getting soaked, first look at the seams and stitching on the outside of the shoe. The fewer seams and stitches, the more waterproof the boot will be. Are the seams sealed? If so, they’ll provide even more puddle protection.
Next, examine the shoe’s inside. A lining made from fleece or faux fur should help avoid getting your lower extremities wet. Sustainable synthetic materials such as PrimaLoft also work well. The Timberland premium 6-inch lace-up waterproof boot has 400g of PrimaLoft insulation tucked inside its stylish shell, ensuring your feet stay warm and dry.
3 Will they keep my feet healthy and happy?
Having been around since 7,000BC or 8,000BC, not many people know that shoes contain tech that’s constantly evolving – just like a smartphone or electric cars – but one of the latest developments is anti-fatigue technology, which Timberland deploys in its premium 6-inch lace-up waterproof boot. Anti-fatigue technology uses spring-like materials in the insoles, which distribute forces evenly, helping to reduce tiredness in the feet. An inverted cone design and powerful arch support in the footbed (the soft mattress-like cushioning inside the shoe) absorbs shock and returns energy to the feet too.
Meanwhile, arch-supporting steel shanks – the thin strip of steel placed between the insole and midsole of a boot – also help feet stay energised, without soreness.
4 Are they sustainable and an ethical purchase?
The footwear industry has made massive strides in recent years. One innovation is ReBotl, a fabric invented by Timberland, which is made from non-biodegradable plastic bottles that have been recycled into special yarns, which are then woven into the fabric. Timberland estimates a staggering 345m plastic bottles have been used in its products since 2009.
Recycled plastic bottles are also used to form the fibres of PrimaLoft eco insulation, a synthetic material. Both ReBotl and PrimaLoft eco insulation are used in the stone street mid warm lined waterproof boot, which also has recycled rubber in its soles. Also check out Timberland’s GreenStride collection of recycled shoes, or seek out boots made from renewable materials such as eucalyptus, recycled cotton or regenerative leather.
To guarantee your boots are ethically made, look out for certifications from organisations such as the Leather Working Group (96% of the leather used by Timberland is from tanneries rated gold or silver by the Leather Working Group) or the Better Cotton initiative.
5 Do they look good?
With Timberland, the answer is an unequivocal yes. The clothing brand launched its boots in the early 1970s to provide durable footwear for outdoor workers, but they were soon adopted by everyone from fashion lovers to musicians, whether it was the 1990s’ hip-hop cognoscenti (the Wu-Tang Clan, Aaliyah and Tupac were all fans) or today’s pop royalty such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga. Imaginative collaborations with the likes of Off-White and Jimmy Choo mean Timberland’s classic yellow boot (which has been rechannelled into its premium 6-inch lace-up waterproof boot) is still as cool as ever, something that was recently reaffirmed when Pharrell Williams released a capsule collection devoted to Timberland for his Louis Vuitton fall-winter 2024 men’s show in Paris. Firm proof that durability never gets old.
Shop Timberland’s boots collection at timberland.co.uk
