As winter approaches, I am obsessed with boots (it's already been a year since I told you about the Abington hicking boots test ): they give a massive, confident foot capable of supporting the weight of a winter outfit.
In fact, I reserve thin, low shoes for summer. They don't fit well with winter outfits because you accumulate layers of clothing on the upper part of the body. The shoes must then take up more space to balance the outfit.
For a long time, I considered Timberland's famous Yellow Boots model to be the very symbol of winter boots. A trapper's item...or a rapper's item.
When Kanye embodies the American citizen, but without the salary that goes with it.
Yes, Timberland experienced this global success when rappers adopted Yellow Boots in the 90s. Sales tripled when DMX , Biggie , Mobb Deep , Dr.Dre and others wore the famous model.
The craze has never stopped since: Timberland has maintained its very strong urban identity by collaborating with the most influential artists and brands of the moment. In this way, the brand has established itself in the fashion landscape, so much so that it is now essential.
For the curious, Complex has devoted a file to Timberland's craziest collaborations.
With Staple Design to commemorate the Chinese New Year.
An elastic lacing system with Opening Ceremony.
For years, I had never seen anything other than the Yellow Boot. I even thought they only sold these shoes!
Fortunately, this is not the case: the Timberland brand has not rested on its laurels. It developed its clothing range, while introducing environmental standards and technical patents. The brand therefore offers a complete wardrobe for varied outdoor use, like the indestructible Yellow Boots .
The evolution of styles
In 1980, fashion was very standardized. The down jacket worn with jeans and boots was to fashion what Ricard is to BonneGueule.
The Yellow Boot is still struggling to escape its resolutely workwear universe.
Timberland ready-to-wear review
Test of the “ Slim Mumford River Oxford ” chambray shirt – 100 euros
Metal buttons, rolled up sleeves and a clearly visible chest pocket. That's a lumberjack shirt! (or almost)
The shoulder head and shirt seam overlap perfectly.
I really like this shirt for its raw appearance, without going overboard. The fabric is thick; this is not negligible when it is a little cold in the evening. It tends to soak up less water, which avoids having a soaked shirt after a shower.
Your discerning eye will notice some excess fabric at the hips: the cut is not ideal for me, contrary to what its name says. I recommend it to those who have a more generous body shape.
In short, a shirt that is not ready to break - thanks to its fabric and its solid seams - and a correct cut, but not for too formal use. The little metal buttons add a nice “lumberjack” feel.
Test of the Stormbuck 6-Inch Duck Boots - 160 euros
We had already seen a pair of completely waterproof shoes (Sorel and Aigle, among others), but the details of these really won over my delicate feet.
The overall appearance of the shoe is very urban thanks to the brogue pattern (small perforations) present on the molded rubber.
Strong seams and a steam-sealed sole: no water passes through.
A comfortable shoe thanks to the internal “slipper” effect coating.
Usually, at the end of the day, I sometimes feel pain where the shoe rubs: the heel and the sides. The coating on it really made me feel like I was wearing slippers! When putting them on, or when taking them off, it didn't get stuck like it happens with leather boots.
The design of the pair allows me to wear it with dressy or more casual outfits. They easily find their place thanks to this versatility of styles.
“ Thompson Lake ” wool chinos – 119 euros
Only raw materials, but a result that remains urban thanks to slender and refined cuts.
As usual, the stitching is solid. The color of the pants is a mix of green, brown and blue, and changes appearance depending on the light.
The pants are not made of 100% wool. It wasn't bothersome when I wore it, but if the temperatures weren't so cool I'd be wary of overheating. Remember that excess plastics in the fabric can affect comfort.
A nylon lining (which stops at the knees) to protect the thighs from the wind.
The nylon lining placed on the thighs of the pants is useful to protect from the wind (remember, it's the wind that cools), but also to protect from the rain and not end up with soaked underwear.
Ultimately, it's a thick, well-cut chino that keeps its promises. For less than 120 euros, these pants offer a solid fabric and a detail missing from many brands.
Test of the Mount Clay Wharf waterproof jacket - 150 euros
A simple, well-designed, no-frills parka.
Okay, raise your hand whoever was blinking! If you don't like red, there is blue and khaki green to fly under the radar, but red is the new black (I think). If you still doubted it, even Benoit has red Flyknit, it's a sign of destiny!
More seriously, the jacket is not too long. It's fitted, and it doesn't look like a waterproof trash bag. It's stupid, but the K-Way remained a trauma for me, so much so that I only recently began to tolerate rain gear again.
The nylon/cotton blend of the jacket provides a less "plastic" appearance than technical Quechua style rain gear. So I can wear it when it's not raining, since it doesn't look like a raincoat pulled out of a banana (Lacoste or not, sorry no).
Two waterproof layers protect against rain which will run off the fabric (it is water-repellent). The seams of the jacket are sealed, water cannot seep through there. Inside, a lightweight mesh in a breathable fabric lets heat escape.
Small focus on the breathable lining.
For my part, I notice that the jacket allows me good exposure to the rain without getting soaked, it dries quickly and it doesn't let the wind through too much.
For technical clothing of this type, do not turn to classic ready-to-wear which will offer a very basic offering. Reputable brands in this area are a better alternative, provided you find a model combining style and technicality for the most demanding among us.
But what happened to Timberland? My opinion on the brand
A real (re)discovery of the Timberland brand for me, especially as they offer more and more clothing made from recycled materials, a commitment for a big brand like this.
The quality/price ratio that the brand offers is interesting given the finishes and the care given to the products. The brand has remained faithful to its stylistic influences, but the risk is to get too stuck in a Timberland style. Don't hesitate to complete your looks with pieces from other workwear brands like Carhartt , with less strong DNA.
