Built for any environment and designed for all occasions, the versatile Timberland Boat Shoe has become essential footwear. Here’s how it evolved from a Maine staple to a global phenomenon.

The Timberland Boat Shoe, inspired by moccasins, is a modern essential that offers new levels of versatility and durability.

Today, boat shoes are no longer meant only for the marina. The footwear, which is equal parts refined and rugged, is perfect for casual and semi-formal occasions. The Timberland Boat Shoes exceed its category peers as they are built on the Timberland iconic yellow boot sole with a handsewn moccasin upper. They look good and are functional, and are becoming a popular choice among men and women. 

Timberland for warmer weather

The 3-Eye Lug Handsewn Boat Shoe was created by fusing the upper of a moccasin with the rugged lug outsole of the Timberland Yellow Boot.

Having conquered the world of wintry workwear, Timberland turned its attention to other seasons. In Maine, the popularity of handsewn moccasins was through the roof because of their comfort and ability to keep feet cool in warm weather. This caught the attention of the founder of Timberland, Sidney Swartz. 

In 1978, Timberland debuted its version of the boat shoe by combining the lugs of their renowned yellow boots and marrying them with a handsewn moccasin upper, thus the iconic 3-Eye Lug Boat Shoe was born. This combination provided great traction and all-day, all-weather versatility.

Rise of the preppy icon 

Airil (@airilezuan________________) embraces the preppy look that popularized the 3-Eye Handsewn Boat Shoe in the ’80s.

Boat shoes only gained popularity as fashion footwear in the 1980s. When the preppy style was at its peak, boat shoes were featured in the distinguished “The Official Preppy Handbook”.

Fast forward to more recent times, with the “old money aesthetic” trending on Tiktok and brands like Aime Leon Dore and A-Cold-Wall embracing the Timberland Boat Shoe, it should come as no surprise that in 2023 the Timberland Boat Shoe is now a must-have.

3-Eye vs. 2-Eye

Nabihaha (@nbhha) delivers an elevated look that pairs the 2-Eye Boat Shoe with formal wear – a combination suited for a run to the office.

Today, Timberland offers two variations of the iconic boat shoe: Classic Leather 2-Eye Boat Shoes and 3-Eye Lug Handsewn Boat Shoes. Both footwear come with breathable leather uppers, comfortable EVA footbeds and 360-lacing system. Besides the number of eyelets, the key difference is the outsoles of the 2-Eye and 3-Eye Boat Shoes. 

Staying true to tradition, the 2-Eye Boat Shoe comes with a sleek, non-marking rubber outsole that is designed to be used to preserve the wood flooring of boats. On the 3-Eye Boat Shoe, the non-marking rubber outsole is replaced with the rugged rubber lug outsole of the brand’s iconic yellow boot. This adds an added layer of durability while giving the boat shoe a more rugged, chunkier appearance. 

Sizing guide 

The rugged build of the Timberland 3-Eye Handsewn Boat Shoes works perfectly with Tunway’s (@tunway) workwear fit.

The Timberland 3-Eye Lug Boat Shoe runs wide. As such, we would recommend going half size or even one full size down, especially if you have narrow feet. If you usually wear US9, you should get the Timberland Boat Shoe in US8.5 for a loose fit or US8 for a snug fit. Do note however that the leather will stretch out over time. 

Styling guide 

Versatility is at the core of the 3-Eye Lug Handsewn Boat Shoes and Classic Leather 2-Eye Boat Shoes. The collections come in earthy colorways that are easy to pair with any outfit. A pair of cargos and a simple tee and you’re ready to go!. Scroll for inspiration on how to style your next fit with the Timberland Boat Shoe.

 

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Shop the Timberland Classic Leather 2-Eye Boat Shoes (S$199) and 3-Eye Lug Handsewn Boat Shoes (S$269) at Timberland.com, Timberland Jewel store & official LazMall.