Timberland boot sizing: should you go half a size down?
Timberland's 6-inch boot runs large: the brand recommends half a size down. US–EU chart, women's and kids' sizes, try-on tips.
Short answer: according to Timberland, its classic 6-inch boot (Premium 6-Inch) runs large. Timberland recommends going half a size down for a fit like your everyday shoe, and up to a full size down if you wear a US 12 (EU 46) or larger. If you plan to wear very thick winter socks, it is worth trying your usual size as well.
Do Timberland boots run big?
Yes. On the product page of the men's Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boot, Timberland literally says the model "Runs Large". It is a winter boot that many people wear with thick socks, and the toe area is roomier than on an average sneaker.
In practice:
- with regular socks: half a size down
- with thick winter socks: half a size down or your usual size – this is where trying them on decides
- above US 12 / EU 46: according to Timberland, up to a full size down
When should you stay with your usual size? If you are between two sizes, if you want to wear really thick knitted winter socks or two layers, or if your toes touch the front when you try half a size down. The leather softens over time and moulds to your foot, but it will not get longer – a pair that is too short will not become comfortable later.
What does "half a size down" mean in EU sizes?
In Timberland's official size chart, half a US size is one step on the EU scale. A few rows from the chart:
- US 8.5 = EU 42
- US 9 = EU 43
- US 9.5 = EU 43.5
- US 10 = EU 44
- US 10.5 = EU 44.5
- US 11 = EU 45
- US 12 = EU 46
- US 13 = EU 47.5
Example: if you wear EU 44 (US 10) in sneakers, the right size of the Timberland 6 Inch Premium Boot 'Wheat' will most likely be EU 43.5 (US 9.5). If you wear EU 46 or bigger, Timberland's guidance suggests also checking a full size down.
This is Timberland's own scale – the same EU number can differ slightly between brands, so your measured foot length is the safest starting point.
Are they good for wide feet?
The toe area of the classic 6-inch shape is roomier than on an average sneaker, so it is usually comfortable for wide feet. With wide feet, don't jump a full size down – stay half a size down, or try both sizes.
What to check when trying them on
- Try them in the afternoon or evening: Timberland also recommends measuring your feet at the end of the day, when they are largest.
- Wear the socks you will actually wear – a thick winter sock noticeably changes the fit.
- Your toes should not touch the front, and nothing should press on them when you walk.
- Lace them all the way up – that is the only way the 6-inch shaft holds your ankle properly.
How to measure your feet at home
Timberland's method: stand on a sheet of paper with your heel against a wall, mark the tip of your longest toe and measure from the wall to the mark. Repeat with the other foot and go by the larger foot.
Women's Timberland boots: how do they fit?
On the product page of the women's Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boot, Timberland gives no separate fit advice – it does not say they run large. For women's models, start from your usual EU size, and if you are between sizes, try both. Women's US sizes are a different scale from men's, so always look at the EU size – our women's models are listed in EU sizes too.
If you want something shinier, the Timberland Premium 6-Inch Patent Leather Waterproof Boot is the patent leather version of the 6-inch boot, and the classic wheat women's pair is here: Timberland 6 Inch Lace Up Premium WP Boot 'Wheat' (Women's).
Kids' Timberland: do you size down there too?
Not necessarily. According to the sizing guide of Hibbett (a US Timberland retailer), most kids' Timberland boots run true to size, and toddler sizes are the most consistent across styles. For kids, measured foot length plus a little room to grow matters more than the half-size-down rule.
Common sizing mistakes
- Sticking to your sneaker size. People who buy their usual Jordan or Air Force size often end up with boots that are too big – Timberland itself recommends half a size down.
- Going a full size down "just to be safe". Below EU 46 Timberland recommends half a size, not a full one; a boot that is too small presses on your toes, and breaking in the leather won't fix that.
- Trying them on in thin socks. If you wear thick socks in winter, a try-on in summer socks is misleading.
- Trying on only one foot. Your two feet are often not the same – choose for the larger one.
What the classic Wheat boot offers
Timberland describes the men's Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boot in Wheat (model number 10061) like this:
- waterproof Premium Timberland leather upper and seam-sealed construction
- 400 g PrimaLoft insulation
- leather lining and padded collar
- removable anti-fatigue footbed, steel shank for arch support
- rubber lug outsole
According to Timberland, a men's US 9 pair weighs about 951 grams – so this is not a light sneaker but a proper winter boot.
Care in brief
Timberland recommends its own water and stain repellent (Balm Proofer) and foaming cleanser (Renewbuck) for the boot. Brush off mud and winter road salt with a soft brush as soon as possible, once dry, so the leather doesn't soak it up.
Try them on in Szeged
If you are not sure about the size, come to our store in Szeged (Kígyó utca 6) and try the boots on before you buy – in your own winter socks. Looking for sneakers too? Browse our sneakers or read our Jordan 1 sizing guide.
In this article
Timberland 6 Inch Premium Boot 'Wheat'from 87 990 FtTimberland 6 Inch Lace Up Premium WP Boot 'Wheat' (Women's)from 87 990 FtTimberland Premium 6-Inch Patent Leather Waterproof Boot Women'sfrom 74 990 FtFAQ
- Do Timberland boots run big?
- According to Timberland, the men's Premium 6-Inch boot runs large: for an everyday fit they recommend half a size down, and up to a full size down above US 12 (EU 46).
- How many sizes down should I go in Timberland boots?
- Usually half a size, which is one step on Timberland's EU scale – for example EU 43.5 instead of 44. Timberland only suggests a full size down above US 12 / EU 46.
- Should I still size down with thick socks?
- If you will wear very thick winter socks or two layers, your usual size may be right. Try them on in the socks you will actually wear.
- Do women's Timberland boots run big too?
- Timberland gives no such advice on the women's Premium 6-Inch product page, so start from your usual EU size and try both if you are between sizes.
- Can I try Timberland boots on in Szeged?
- Yes, you can try them on before buying at the Stocked. store in Szeged (Kígyó utca 6).
