Say the word Timberland, and most people will picture the brand’s famous 6-inch boots. Usually worn alongside a dark-wash denim and Yankees Cap ensemble. It’s the look that made the brand a staple of inner-city style – everyone from Brooklyn to Birmingham knows the iconic beige boots.
But there’s another side to Timberland that we’ve always found just as appealing. The kind of product that feels less suited to cold city pavements and far more at home somewhere warm. The sort of Timberland you’re more likely to spot in the Bahamas or Barbados than on the streets of New York. Of course, we’re talking about the brand’s iconic Boat Shoe.
In the boat shoe genre, Timberland’s offering is archetypal. Lugged sole, 3 eyelets, and a beautiful plush leather upper. It’s a silhouette that stands out absolutely anywhere, and Timberland have set sail for the Neapolitan Coast to prove it.
They arrived in the boatyard of Cantieri Aprea near Pompeii, a working yard known for restoring heritage vessels and building traditional boats by hand. Weathered timber docks, restored hulls, and working yachts provide the backdrop, placing the collection firmly within a real environment of craft and maritime heritage. It’s a setting that reflects many of the same values that define Timberland’s Boat Shoe.
Against the sunlit docks of southern Italy, the Boat Shoe’s materials appear very much at home. The rich brown leather uppers contrast beautifully with the deep blues of the Mediterranean, while the surrounding wardrobe leans heavily into complementary tones. Indigo denim, ocean blues and washed navy shades appear throughout the styling, creating a palette that feels completely at home beside the water.
Key pieces in the campaign lean into that maritime storyboard. The Striped Long-Sleeve Rugby Polo stands out in particular, with bold horizontal striping and a contrast collar offering a classic nautical aesthetic that pairs effortlessly with denim and boat shoes.
Layered over the top, the models sport another new Timberland item – the Corduroy Collared Denim Jacket. The corduroy collar introduces a subtle textural contrast, while chest and side pockets keep things practical. Worn against the blues of sea and sky, the jacket’s indigo tones feel perfectly in tune with the coastal setting.
And for high tide, the Wenham Waterproof Barn Coat functions as a more rugged outer layer, bringing weather-ready functionality into the mix. Designed as an all-purpose coat with waterproof technology, it reflects the kind of dependable outerwear that has long been associated with working waterfront environments.
All in all, this is far more than a simple campaign built around a pair of shoes. It’s a masterclass in styling and photography, set against the very kind of coastal backdrop that Timberland’s Boat Shoe has been synonymous with for more than 40 years.
Shop Timberland’s new Boat Shoe collection from Timberland
