What primary material is used for the upper of the classic Timberland boot?

The upper of the classic Timberland boot is made from nubuck leather.

Nubuck is genuine leather whose outer grain has been lightly sanded to create a fine, velvety surface. Timberland’s original waterproof boot used silicone-treated nubuck, an unusual choice when many people believed leather could not be made reliably waterproof. The boot was introduced in 1973 by the Abington Shoe Company.

Nubuck is often confused with suede because both have a brushed texture. The difference is that nubuck is sanded on the outer grain of the hide, while suede is made from the softer underside. Canvas and synthetic materials appear in some modern footwear, but they are not the defining upper material of the classic yellow boot.

The boot’s waterproof performance came from more than its upper: injection-molded construction helped seal the connection between the leather upper and rubber sole. That combination helped turn a work boot into Timberland’s signature product and later a major fashion icon.