Timberland

For a time, my review would’ve totally reflected Chris M.‘s below. I used to buy Timberland products when they were a true outdoor store, when they still made hunting boots, Arctic ready boots, true outdoorsman boots, before they capitalized on the hip-​hop trend and became a «Fashion house». Now I know that in order to survive companies feel they have to compromise, my other favorite boot company, Blundstones from Australia, is moving their factory to Asia this Summer, but it bummed me out that I was losing an old favorite to the times. Over a year ago I bought a bair of their classic suede waterproof boots, the only item that stuck around, and was disspointed that they A.) weren’t waterproof, and B.) The soles were coming unglued! My last pair of boots from them, Hunters that I bought in 1990 lasted me ten years before getting resoled, and would still be around if my fiancé hadn’t «misplaced» them! These hadn’t even made it a year! I put them in the back of the closet and mourned the loss of another great American brand. I did enquire at the Glendale store as to exchanging them, but the pimply faced, non-​outdoorsman said there was nothing he could do without a receipt (who saves receipts that long? If you do, then you have issues!) Resigned to never getting another pair of Timberlands I moved on, sticking to Danners and boots purchased at REI.
Well, after moving in with my fiancé I came across those sad Timberlands and decided to just send them into Timberland to see if they could at least repair them and re-​waterproof them, I would even pay the cost. Sent along my email, my phone number, IM name… everything and didn’t hear from them. Figured they probably tossed them and laughed at me. Imagine my surprise when, 20 minutes ago, I get a box FEDEX’d from Timberland… My boots have been repaired! Wait, these aren’t my boots? They sent me a brand new pair, at no cost except for my shipping cost. These new ones seem to reflect the old styling, a chunkier, more durable looking sole, solid welts, and a proper fit. So I sit here writing this review, with my new Timberlands sitting on my feet, and hope springs eternal, we might still have a great brand on our hands. A look at their store earlier this week showed a new selection of actual outdoor products, backpacks, hiking boots, shells and fleece. So Chris M. maybe they’ve seen the light and are coming back to us! We can always dream.

I am not a small man, nor am I a young one anymore.
That being said, I do love the outdoors, and for a long time I have shopped for most of my clothes at this particular Timberland. Their clothing has always been high-​quality just like their shoes.
Unfortunately, since they have become trendy, this store is no longer a place for anyone over the age of 25 to shop. All the clothes are now either t-​shirts with enormous logos on them or distressed jeans. The selection is slim. The high quality clothes are down to one fold-​pedestal and the women’s clothing now takes up almost half the store.
I am totally cool with Timberland cashing in on the fact they they are the new «Luggs» but they could at least leave a little selection for the loyal customers who patronized them for years before they became hot. I miss my Timberland shirts, all I can buy there now are their still-​excellent footwear.