Timbs Women Actually Wear: The 6-Inch, Platforms And What To Pair

In 1973 Timberland made a yellow work boot that was truly waterproof. It used injection moulding to fuse the sole to the upper and nubuck leather treated with silicone, and it was eight inches tall. The six-inch version, the one most people picture, came three years later. Nathan Swartz had bought into a Boston shoe company in the early 1950s, and the business became The Timberland Company in 1978.

Then New York took it. In 1994 Nas rapped about suede Timbs on his feet making his cipher complete, and by the late 1990s the boot belonged to the city as much as to builders. That is the boot most of the Timbs women actually wear today.

This grid is the six-inch premium boot. The waterproof pair in wheat is the classic, and there is a second wheat pair from another shop if your size is gone. The black nubuck pair is the one I would pick for a city winter. Soil is a deeper brown. Then the colours: a red pair, a blue pair, Prism Pink and a light pink that looks great with grey sweats.

Wear them half laced, with the top pulled loose and the laces tucked in. It looks easier and lets the boot crease naturally.

Aaliyah liked sneakers or Timberland boots more than heels, and her look of a sports bra, oversized jeans and Timbs still gets copied every winter. Platform Timbs are the version of that look with a little height.

The Stone Street line is the platform family. The Stone Street 6-inch waterproof boot in wheat is the classic shape lifted onto a thicker sole, and the Stone Street waterproof bootie in wheat is shorter and easier with a skirt. The Stone Street Mid waterproof bootie in burgundy is my favourite colour here, and the Stone Street waterproof platform bootie in black is the city version.

There are also plain Stone Street boots, and Stone Street leather ankle boots for a smoother finish. The fringed platform boots are the fun pair, very 1990s, and the lace-up platform boots are the tallest.

Platforms are heavier than flat boots. Walk around the house in them first, and do not plan a long walking day for the first wear.

With a platform boot, wear trousers that stop at the top of the boot or just over it. A long hem that drags hides the sole.

What I would skip: a platform Timb with a short tight skirt and bare legs in winter. It looks cold and a little stiff.

Timberland makes more than boots, and some of its shoes are just as good. This grid is for spring, autumn and anyone who wants the look without the height.

The leather boat shoes are the classic, a soft moccasin shape with a lace that wraps around the heel. The Stone Street patent leather boat loafers take that shape onto a platform with a shine, and the Stone Street loafers are the plainer, polished version.

The Stone Street Mary Jane platform buckle shoes in light beige are the surprise, a schoolgirl shape on a chunky sole, and the Stone Street platform buckle shoe in black is the same idea for work. The Stone Street platform Oxford in wheat is the lace-up, in the classic Timb colour.

Then the kilties, which have a fringed tongue across the front. The Authentic Kiltie Loafer in burgundy is the one I would buy, very good with white socks and jeans. The Stone Street platform kiltie boots in wheat put that fringe on a boot.

Boat shoes look best with bare ankles or no-show socks. With a loafer or Mary Jane, a ribbed white sock looks deliberate.

What I would skip: boat shoes in the snow. Keep them for dry days.

In 2002 Jennifer Lopez danced in heeled Timberland boots made with Manolo Blahnik in the video for Jenny From the Block. Timberland has kept making collaborations ever since. Pharrell Williams made a Louis Vuitton version for the autumn 2024 men's show, and Veneda Carter has made three capsules with the brand.

In this grid, the Timberland x Telfar slouchy nubuck boots are the fashion pair, soft and pulled down around the ankle. The Timberland x Bee Line gum-toe boots add a rubber toe and a sportier feel.

Then the other shapes. The 8-inch premium boot in wheat is the original 1973 height, a little taller than the 6-inch. The 14-inch premium waterproof boot in black is the tallest, made for real snow. The Premium Chelsea boot in light brown slips on, and the Premium waterproof chukka is shorter, good with straight jeans.

The fold-down Jayne boots can be worn tall or cuffed, and the Roxie Lane boots are the most feminine of the lot.

With a tall boot, wear it over slim jeans or leggings, never under a wide trouser.

What I would skip: a Chelsea boot with very wide trousers. The elastic side is the best part, so let it show.

In 1997 Biggie rapped about Timbs for his hooligans in Brooklyn on Hypnotize. In the early 1990s, rappers and hustlers in New York made the boot part of a uniform, and Timberland's business more than tripled that decade. The outfit around the boot mattered as much as the boot, and this grid is that outfit.

Start with jeans. AGOLDE's Low Slung Baggy jeans in off-white are wide and low, and the boot sits under the hem just right. AGOLDE's Rounded Baggy in mid denim is the classic blue version. Citizens of Humanity's Marcelle cargo trousers in blue are tapered, so they stack over the boot.

Then the top half. BDG's Fireside cropped funnel neck puffer in black is short and warm, and Moncler's Lans quilted down jacket in black is the serious winter coat. Moncler's paneled terry and down hoodie in white is the softer one. James Perse's French terry hoodie in navy goes under any coat. Perfect Moment's white mohair-blend beanie finishes the look.

Keep the colours simple: black, navy, white and denim with wheat boots. It is the palette the boot grew up with.

What I would skip: skinny jeans tucked into Timbs. Wide or stacked denim is how they have always looked best.

I would start with the 6-inch premium boot in wheat. It is the boot most people know, and it goes with baggy jeans, cargos and a black puffer. If I wanted height, I would add a Stone Street platform in black, and for spring, a pair of boat shoes or the burgundy kiltie loafer.

A waterproof work boot from 1973 has become a winter uniform for women all over the world. It got there on its own terms, and that is why it still feels right. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Jeans for Tall Women and Women's On Cloud Sneakers.