Timberlands are iconic, but they often come with a hefty price tag. What should you do if you want a great looking boot but want to stick within a budget?
We’ve put together this list of 11 boots like Timberlands for just that reason.
You’ll find a few classic Timberland styles and our favorite alternatives that can help you save a healthy chunk of change.
My Recommendations
Wolverine Floorhand
- Look alike: Timberland Original 6-inch Waterproof Boot
- Estimated cost saving vs Timberland look alike: $60
- Best for: High-quality classic Timberland style boot
Features
The Wolverine Floorhand is outfitted with a full-grain, water-proofed leather upper and a thick rubber sole.
A cushioned footbed makes for a comfortable experience if you’re on your feet all day.
What makes it similar?
The look is pretty spot on to the Timberland Original. Both have a six-inch ankle and substantial rubber lug outsoles. The Wolverine boots have the black leather padding around the top of the ankle, which is one hallmark of the Timberland classic.
What makes it different?
The Wolverine Floorhand comes with brushed nickel speed hooks rather than the traditional eyelets. This makes taking them on and off much easier comparatively.
The Floorhand is sewn from at least five pieces of leather, whereas the Timberlands have three, or perhaps four. But considering the price of the Wolverines (with full-grain leather, no less), you can expect a few compromises.
Nortiv 8 Hiking Boots
Look alike: Timberland White Ledge
Estimated cost saving vs Timberland look alike: $40
Best for: Affordable hiking work boot
Features
The Nortiv 8 has a heavy-duty rubber lug outsole and a cushy EVA midsole. These boots also come with a removable memory-foam insole. These features all add up to a comfortable wearing-experience.
What makes it similar?
Both the Nortiv 8 and Timberland White Ledge are waterproof utility boots. These are good all-rounders for hiking, working, and wearing out and about.
What makes it different?
The Nortiv 8 is more breathable because of its mesh upper. A lining underneath keeps it waterproof, but your feet will stay cooler throughout the day when compared to Timberland’s all-leather upper.
These boots also have more cushion compared to the White Ledge—EVA midsoles and memory foam insoles do a lot to help ease the impact of walking around all day.
ROCKROOSTER Safety Boot
Look alike: Timberland PRO Boondock
Estimated cost saving vs Timberland look alike: $45
Best for: Heavy-duty Timberland work boot alternative
Features
The Rockrooster Safety Boot has a composite toe-cap for extra protection from heavy objects, and a puncture-resistant Kevlar plate under the insole.
What makes it similar?
Both the Rockrooster Safety Boot and the Timberland PRO Boondock are heavy-duty work boots. Each can take a beating in a construction setting and fit safety standards set by many construction unions.
They both have added protection around the toe-cap and are waterproof.
What makes it different?
The Kevlar plate is a tremendous bonus for the Safety Boot, and the Timberland’s just don’t offer the same puncture resistance. Similarly, the composite toe-cap offers more protection than the hardened rubber toe-cap featured on the Boondock.
Carhartt Lug Bottom Moc Toe
Look alike: Timberland PRO Gridworks Moc Toe
Estimated cost saving vs Timberland look alike: $20
Best for: Top fashionable workwear choice
Features
This Carhartt boot has a high-ankle with speed hooks at the top for easy on-and-off. Thick rubber lug soles offer excellent electric shock protection—a must on the job-site.
What makes it similar?
Both the Carhartt and Timberland PRO Gridworks are moc-toes, meaning the upper is built with the sturdy, waterproof construction of a moccasin. However, these boots both have heavy lug soles designed to offer the best support and protection for your feet.
What makes it different?
The Gridworks has more durable synthetic soles and is better suited for working conditions. But the Carhartt Lug Bottom Moc-Toe is much more stylish. Don’t get us wrong—the Carhartt boot is built with work in mind, but we think it looks great, too.
Caterpillar Second Shift
Look alike: Timberland Original 6-inch Waterproof Boot
Estimated cost saving vs Timberland look alike: $75
Best for: Durable low-cost work boot
Features
The Second Shift has a sturdy synthetic sole, which holds up better over time compared to rubber.
What makes it similar?
The silhouette and performance are very much like the classic Timberland Waterproof boot. Both offer excellent ankle support and protection from the elements.
What makes it different?
There’s a big Caterpillar logo, for one. While many people wear the classic Timberland’s for style only, the synthetic sole on the Second Shift makes it a great workwear alternative. We wouldn’t recommend the Second Shift for fashion, though.
6. Golden Fox Moc Toe
Look alike: Timberland PRO Gridworks Moc Toe
Estimated cost saving vs Timberland look alike: $70
Best for: Stylish, value for money moc toe boot
Features
The Golden Fox Moc Toe has Goodyear welting and a crepe-looking synthetic sole.
What makes it similar?
Like with the Carhartt Moc-Toe, these types of boots have a unique style. Either you love it or you hate it. The Golden Fox and the Timberland Gridworks both have full-grain leather uppers and steel shanks for extra support.
What makes it different?
Golden Fox has a crepe-sole look alike that’s much more durable than traditional crepe-rubber, which can wear down in just a few months.
They’re also insulated, which can be a game-changer if you live in a colder climate and need something that doubles as a great winter boot.
LARNMERN Steel Toe Work Shoes
Look alike: Timberland Drivetrain Composite Toe Industrial Shoes
Estimated cost saving vs Timberland look alike: $55
Best for: Lightweight industrial boot on a budget
Features
The LARNMERN Work Shoes have a steel toe which is sturdier (and a little heavier) than a composite toe-cap. Still these are super lightweight and breathable shoes for any industrial environment.
The easy on-off strap across the top is much more convenient than traditional laces.
What makes it similar?
Both the Timberland Drivetrain and the LARNMERN’s are light compared to standard industrial boots. They can take a beating without the added bulk. Extra weight can add up throughout the day if you do a lot of walking, so having something breathable and comfortable is a must—both fit the bill.
What makes it different?
The LARNMERN is an industrial shoe, not a boot. But it’s a great alternative to the Drivetrain because you’re getting even more toe-cap protection in a lighter package. Yes, you’re sacrificing some ankle stability by not going with the Timberland boot.
For the price, LARNMERN offers an excellent lightweight industrial shoe.
EVER BOOTS Tank
Look alike: Timberland Original 6-inch Waterproof Boot
Estimated cost saving vs Timberland look alike: $90
Best pick for: Cheapest Timberland classic quality look alike boot
Features
The Goodyear welting and steel shank is surprising to see on a boot this affordable.
What makes it similar?
In terms of look alike boots, the Tank by Ever Boots is the closest (worth recommending) to the iconic classic Timberland style. You’ll find that same light-tan look that we all know and love so much.
What makes it different?
For less than half the cost of a pair of classic Timberlands, the value is hard to beat—especially when you factor in the Goodyear welt construction and high-support steel shank.
KEEN Mid-Height Hiking Boot
Look alike: Timberland Chocorua Trail Boot
Estimated cost saving vs Timberland look alike: -$40
Best for: Top Timberland hiking boot upgrade
Features
The KEEN Mid-Height Boot offers superb ankle support and uses phenomenally durable synthetic materials.
What makes it similar?
Both boots offer great traction for hitting the trails. Water-proof and abrasion-resistant, each boot can take a beating without falling apart. Both KEEN and Timberland use leather in high-impact areas and breathable mesh in others to keep their boots light and comfortable.
What makes it different?
KEEN has a unique and meticulously engineered slip-resistant sole. And even though the Timberland Chocorua has excellent ankle support, KEEN goes the extra-mile to ensure your ankle is secure. That can make a vast difference on the trails.
CAMEL CROWN Outdoor Trekking Boot
Look alike: Timberland Flume
Estimated cost saving vs Timberland look alike: $40
Best for: Top value for money Timberland hiking boot alternative
Features
The Outdoor Trekking Boot has a cool water-proof rubber toe-cap, which offers great lightweight protection when out hiking. They also have pronounced rubber lugs for extra grip and stability.
What makes it similar?
Unlike KEEN and the Chocorua hiking boots above, CAMEL CROWN and the Timberland Flume boots both rely almost entirely on leather uppers: no mesh or nylon. While they’re still great for hiking, this also makes them more appropriate for workwear, too.
What makes it different?
The 5mm lug depth is heavy-duty and hard to beat if you’re looking for extra traction while hiking (especially helpful if you’re walking near water and slippery algae). The added water protection from the rubber toe-cap will also help keep your foot dry.
Golden Fox Boondocker
Look alike: Timberland Earthkeeper
Estimated cost saving vs look alike: $10
Best for: Low-cost stylish service boot
Features:
The Boondocker has a full grain leather upper, pig skin collar, and a crepe sole.
What makes it similar?:
Both the Boondocker and Timberland Earthkeeper have a slim service boot silhouette, which looks great in a rugged casual wardrobe.
What makes it unique?:
The Boondocker looks more like a classic service boot, whereas the Earthkeeper has a style we’ve seen nowhere else.
Why Do Some Boots Look Like Timberlands?
Timberland boots are extremely popular, so it makes sense that other brands would try to mimic their style. But to understand just why Timberland is so Iconic, we need to take a very quick look at the brand’s history.
Back in 1955, a gentleman by the name of Nathan Swartz took full ownership of the Abington Shoe Company. This brand became known for their yellow waterproof boots.
After seeing the need to make a change, in 1978 Swartz’s son, Sidney changed the name to The Timberland Company to better fit their customers, who were hardworking New England outdoorsmen.
That classic yellow six-inch boot became a world-wide classic—a symbol of American style much like blue jeans.
The Timberland Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boot is a handsome and iconic design and it’s built well. The quadruple stitching, Primaloft insulation, thick rubber heel, and padded leather collar are all designed to go the distance, whether for work or for style. The biggest drawback is the cemented sole construction, which simply isn’t as strong as a Goodyear welt.
With that much cultural cache, it’s been hard not to pick up a few copycats over the years. But just because these look alike boots aren’t beaming with originality like those iconic waterproof nubuck leather beauties doesn’t mean they’re not worth some consideration.
Now you can find Timberland look alikes in every price range, though we recommend staying away from the low-low end ($40 or less). They just don’t have the construction to last more than a few weeks.
Did You Find Your Match?
Hopefully you found a perfect alternative to those Timberland boots you’ve been eyeing.
Don’t get us wrong, Timberland boots are great, but there are plenty of boots out there that can give you the same style without such a heavy impact on your wallet.
Whether you’re picking up a pair for work, a nice hike, or just looking to level up your street style, a killer set of Timberland alternatives is always an excellent idea.
FAQs
Are Timberland boots out of style?
No, Timberland boots are definitely still in style. They’ve been in style since 1973, and they’ve been spotted being worn by stars like Pharrell, Drake, and Mark Wahlburg.
Are Timberland boots good?
Yes, Timberland boots are good. They’re made with weatherproof nubuck leather, have watertight seams, and thick rubber lug soles. For the money, they’re excellent value.
Do Timberland boots go with anything?
Timberlands fit perfectly into a fall or winter wardrobe. These boots look excellent with jeans, but they pair well with chinos or canvas work pants, too. Keep it simple on top with a t-shirt, or put on a chore jacket to complete the look.
