My Go-to Pair for Harsh Winter Weather
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- I own dozens of boots from many brands, but the Timberland Super Boot is my go-to choice for winter.
- The brand just re-released the Super Boot in its most iconic and collectible colorway.
- Here's what they're like to wear and where you can buy them.
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I got my first pair of Timberland boots when I was in kindergarten. The year was 1998 and I was only five years old, but I can vividly remember those classic Wheat six-inch boots being my favorite shoes at the time. Over the years, I've worn a handful of other Timberlands — and I'd probably still have a majority of them today, had I not outgrown them.
Twenty-four years later, my feet have stopped growing, so I don't have to replace my shoes nearly as often. When I shop for boots now, I look for build quality that can last a lifetime — and Timberland is still, without a question, my number one choice.
Out of the 20+ pairs of Timberlands I own, the Super Boot is by far my favorite silhouette because of its longevity in both quality and style. I currently own seven pairs of Super Boots, including the most iconic color, "Hazel Highway," which the brand just brought back.
Originally released in 1979, the Timberland Super Boots were designed for Alaskan frontiersmen and hunters in need of footwear that was durable, waterproof, and warm for extended periods of time. Often referred to as the Iditarod boot for its popularity among Alaskan dog sled racers or the 40 Below boot for being said to withstand -40° Fahrenheit temperatures, they have a strong reputation for cold-weather wear.
While the Timberland Super Boot has proven itself in cold weather, the boot has also become a staple for winter street style after being popularized in the 1990s. Unlike other Timberland styles like the 6-inch Boots, Super Boots aren't always available. After being gone for many years, they've seen recent releases in 2016, 2019, and now in 2022. Every time they return, the release is special for fans of the iconic boot.
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What Super Boots are like to wear
The Timberland Super Boots feature an eight-inch height, the iconic dark brown tumbled leather upper, rustproof lace hardware, 200 grams of Primaloft insulation, and Vibram outsoles.
Although I've never been to Alaska or stepped foot outside in sub-zero temperatures, I've worn my Super Boots countless times during harsh New York and New Jersey winters. Even with normal socks, I've been able to comfortably stand outside in them without frozen toes.
The leather uppers are incredibly durable and easy to maintain. In the five years that I've owned this pair, I've only wiped them off with water when dirty and they haven't gotten scuffed or faded. The Vibram soles are equally durable with barely any signs of wear.
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Cons to consider
The only possible downside to Super Boots are the weight. They are on the heavy side, but it's something you should expect considering its eight-inch height, thick leather upper, and sturdy Vibram sole. If you're less concerned with the iconic style and really need lighter boots, Timberland has plenty of modern designs in the GreenStride Collection that are incredibly light, yet durable and warm.
The bottom line
At $260, Timberland Super Boots are an amazing value. Although I have multiple pairs of the dark brown Super Boots already, my first pair is in such good condition that I haven't had a reason to wear the others. They last a very long time.
If you're not a shoe hoarder like myself, you can buy one pair and not have to worry about replacing them for many years to come.
Whether you're interested in them for the classic '90s street style or the extreme warmth, the Timberland Super Boot is a great choice. If you're looking for winter boots that will last a lifetime, you've just found them.
Amir Ismael
Editor, Insider Reviews
Amir Ismael is an editor for Insider Reviews, Insider's e-commerce branch of the service journalism team. As a collector of sneakers and fashion, Amir is passionate about all things related to style. He's covered everything including the industry's shift to producing more sustainable clothing, the most comfortable loungewear, all of the best places to shop for affordable business casual attire, and more. He's used his expertise in footwear and the footwear industry to review all kinds of shoes from sportswear giants, well-known casual brands, and startups. Amir's coverage also includes eyewear, watches, and grooming products like electric razors and men's skincare. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Amir has led Insider Reviews' face masks coverage with thoughtful recommendations based on CDC guidelines, expert opinions, and his own testing. During his time at Insider, Amir previously handled deals of the day coverage, and worked as a generalist writing hundreds of reviews ranging from phone cases and headphones to bed sheets and blenders, and has also covered major shopping holidays including Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Before joining the Insider Reviews team in 2017, worked as a freelance writer for Complex Sneakers and Sole Collector where he contributed to daily sneaker news and release dates, feature-length articles, and interviews with artists, designers, and athletes. Amir graduated from William Paterson University in 2015 with a degree in journalism and public relations. Say hello to Amir at aismael@insider.com or on Instagram @amirjismael. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Learn more about how we test style and beauty products. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxno6nGrbGOraCmmpWnuaK6w2aqrqiVp3qju86tqmaqlau2psM%3D