Hard work, innovation, and a love of the great outdoors are all big parts of the Timberland story. They have been since the very beginning.

It all started in 1952 when Timberland's founder, Nathan Swartz, bought a half-interest in the Abington Shoe Company. He worked his way up from an apprenticeship after immigrating to the United States and eventually bought out his partner and welcomed his sons into the business. The Abington Shoe Company soon moved to Newmarket, New Hampshire, located in a tiny corner of New England known for its majestic mountain ranges, rocky shorelines, dense forests, rivers, lakes, and access to great east coast cities.

In 1973 Timberland's original waterproof boots called the “Timberland” was invented. They were rugged, well-crafted, and—thanks to an innovative injection molding technique that was new to the footwear industry—they withstood the elements. These premium “yellow” boots set new standards for waterproof performance in the footwear industry. They became equally popular with outdoor enthusiasts who needed protection in all conditions, professional trade workers who needed rugged dependable gear, and many others who just wanted a great looking pair of boots. These boots defined the brand and were so groundbreaking that in 1978 they renamed the entire company.