TIMBERLAND EARTHKEEPERS Review: Is it Worth Buying? | BootSpy

My favorite USA made boot socks → manly.link/camel-city-light
In this Timberland Earthkeepers review, we break this popular boot down by:
Leather quality, sole, durability, comfort, style and more...
REMEMBER TO BUY A FULL-SIZE SMALLER.
For more information about the sizing, watch the full video to make sure you get the perfect fit. Stick around until the end where I discuss what I like, what I don't like, and whether or not I think the Timberland Earthkeeper is worth the investment.
This is my second pair of Earthkeepers. I bought a pair many, many years ago and we went through a lot together.
I even went skydiving in them. Twice. (That first picture I show of my old boots---I'm getting ready to jump out of a plane.)
Timberlands are typically less expensive than other heritage brands---they cut a few corners in construction that brands like Red Wing, Wolverine, and even Thursday Boots don't. Still, they make a good, affordable boot that's pretty tough.
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The links above are affiliate links. If you click it and make a purchase, we make a small commission at no additional cost to you.

[@kenryalls3931]

My soles wore out in just over a year. I wore them quite a bit in the city. The leather was still really good, so I watched a few KZbin videos, bought a pair of crepe vibram soles I liked, a can of Barge contact cement, ground off the old sole, voila, and 2 yrs later I still love ‘em.

[@MeteCanKarahasan]

They have impressive leather we got to give it that. I have seen resole videos the uppers still don't crease! It is good nubuck leather.

[@NonLegitNation2]

did you happen to watch the "Trenton and Heath" resole, lol? I rewatched a few days ago because I just started wearing these boots again after taking them out of storage where they sat for a year. I disagree with the reviewer here. I think a proper resole and getting a leather midsole on them would pay off in the long run. Instead of having to buy new boots every few years because if the cheap/soft Timberland sole, get a resole and a proper Vibram rubber sole and they will last years longer between resoles, which would be possible with a proper leather midsole.

[@somewhere-n-Texas]

I just got my Earthkeeper "Originals" today & I absolutely love em'. I wear a size 11.5 & when I tried them on they fit me perfectly. My brother has the Earthkeeper²'s which look almost identical to the my "original" however they have a "Nature needs heroes" tag stitched on the inside of the tongue of his boots. His boots ran a half size bigger, although we both wear an 11.5, he had too add another insole to fit perfectly to his foot. We both love out Timbs 🥾👍🏼

[@cynicsupreme]

I just bought these. They’re super comfortable. I had to size down a full size and I still have room to spare but I won’t drop another 1/2 size I love them as they are. Great looking too!

[@harminframe]

Nice boots! I have mine about 10 years now and used them as a workboot back when I was a mechanic and wore them as a regular boot. I just got mine resoled, so it is possible and the leather is still smooth and nice looking. Really like the style!

[@BootSpy]

dang, ten years! That's impressive!

[@halfpastblog]

I'm on my second season with these so I was excited to see this review. These boots don't get talked about. I wear mine spring and fall and they work great with a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt etc. Too cold for earth keepers in winter up here (Canada).

[@BootSpy]

Yeah, they're a little thin for that extreme cold winter up there. Excellent lightweight boots, though!

[@prunejuice7344]

it’s never too cold for earth keepers here in canada, that’s my go to winter boot!

[@orangie8942]

@@prunejuice7344 I was about to say last winter I was shoveling a foot of or so a day wearing vans with a hole in the heels and even that was okaying, I’m not going skiing. ..And he says he’s Canadian haha

[@andrewsalazar98]

This was a solid video. Nice edits and upbeat attitude. You could make it big as a KZbinr

[@BootSpy]

I really appreciate it---thank you!

[@russellgray1917]

I've owned a pair of these for about a year and I think they are great. They are the first pair that I reach for most days. They seem to run a little big, I went a full size down. I would recommend these, but I don't think that they are meant for really cold climates.

[@mouhcine8924]

Thanks a lot sir for the wonderful review. I love the timberland boots even i waer it in the summer season and all my friends think I'm crazy cause hot weather and i wear this kind of shoes

[@REB4444]

I love these boots. I usually buy shoes a full size up because I have wide feet, but they were on sale a 1/2 size up & took a chance because I really liked the look. They ended up being too big when I got home and was disappointed, but decided to put my spare pair of shoe orthotics in them to try it and they now fit perfect. They are comfortable, you can dress them up or down equally and people will compliment you on the look. With regards to the speed hooks, yes it is maybe an extra 30 seconds to put on which doesn't seem like much for two boots, but you do notice it. At the same time, it makes it look more dressy and that's what gives this boot the ability to dress-up.

[@NonLegitNation2]

I don't even lace mine up all the way. The top of the boot is covered by my jeans so there isn't really a reason to lace them all the way up. I leave the last two holes on each side unlaced. I even went ahead and bought some shorter laces because the included laces are ridiculously long even when laced up all the way to the top. Also, fun fact: I didn't even know these were nubuck. I had so much conditioner on them that they looked like smooth leather. I've had this same pair of boots for 6yrs and didn't realize they were nubuck until I stripped all the conditioner off a few weeks ago because they were over-conditioned.

[@ragnarlothbrok938]

I have some earthkeepers from around 2012. Beautiful burgundy brown color. Bought them in boulder, Colorado, was 21 at the time, didn't really know shit about boots. 10 years later, still wear them. Most comfortable footwear I own. Love them

[@thelucentcrow9084]

Great boots my mrs bought me some for my 30th and I had them resoled a couple of years ago so I’m 41 now and they are still great I paid £60 to have them resoled, the leather is so comfortable like an old sofa I also got the darker pair for my 40th but tend to wear my old ones more, I’ve never had red wings which are definitely on my wish list maybe I’ll see the difference. 👍

[@MeteCanKarahasan]

They have somehow one upped horween chrome excel. I cannot take my eyes from it. CXL has dark oil spots. This looks better.

[@2000tanhy]

It is!!! Maybe just change the sole, to make it non slip.

[@seancunn4089]

Soles of my earthkeepers went out after about 2 years.

[@joe8172]

Same, but got them resoled with vibram soles for a fraction of the price of a new pair of boots, plus they were beautifully broken in and look great.

[@Striker50_]

yup biggest weakness, im on my second pair and dont use them as often so they last longer

[@davidwebb8877]

Same here,but great boots

[@akshatmunshi]

I am trying to look for these online on amazon and on Timberland website , the color available is only Dark brown. I wanted to confirm with you , the pair which you have shown is which color ? Are these burnished brown or just brown. Cause the dark brown ones have a black colored sole and I noticed the ones which you are showing are with brown colored sole ?

[@kartikchary]

Great review of the earth keeper boots. I've had a pair of the plainer ( less stitches) version of the same boots and they've served me well over the past 3 years. I own the iron rangers the redwing roughneck boots, Truman boots and the Wolverine 1000 miles but I seem to reach for these more often than I do any other pair. I would like to replace these with the Chippewa apache boots , would be great if you could review those. Cheers again on a very precise and accurate review.

[@BootSpy]

Thank you so much for watching! I really appreciate it! Yes, we're going to be checking out Chippewas for sure---probably not until the new year, but we'll definitely have the brand on sooner than later!

[@incursore9]

which model name are the plainer version?

[@tarascudder6502]

I bought my first pair of tims, should I treat them with their spray? I have the redwoods, they are made of "better leather" I'm just worried about salt stains here in Canada. Any product you reccommend to treat them?

[@Its.Guillermo]

I got these in my regular size 9, they ended up being too big. I ended up going to the official retail store to exchange for a different size, went down to a 7.5. I think I could have had a more snug fit with a size 7 but I stayed with having some toe room. I enjoy the boots very much.

[@channelchannelchannelchannel]

Do you have a narrow foot or something, because thats a pretty crazy size difference

[@rowellcortes3829]

​​@@channelchannelchannelchannel i own a pair and usually wear a size 8 sneakers. I went a full size down with the Earthkeepers and they still felt big. The boots are very thin and lightweight, which I believe is why there is a lot of room in the inside. I did put in a couple of extra insoles and it helped fit it better

[@zurialatorre5864]

@bootspy I’m going to Egypt in a couple weeks. Would you recommend these boots for that hot desert climate and temperature? Thanks

[@M_Ladd]

Great job! Thank you very much!Appears to be made from a lot of scrap leather pieces!

[@chimpedits8102]

Do you need to wear boot cut jeans with this or like go 2 inches longer than normal jeans or just normally what u would wear

[@almightyking4834]

How is this compare to the premiums /radford? Going to get my 1st Timbs but i am confused

[@pablowang841]

More reviews of timberland boots!!

[@tiburon760]

Excellent video, you convinced me to buy a pair of these boots and in this color. I heard they run large, I wear a size 11 in Nike and was told to get a size 10 in these boots.

[@BootSpy]

That seems right to me!

[@cynicsupreme]

I wear a size 12 Nike and bought these in size 11. It was perfect.

[@andrewsalazar98]

Could you make a video on how you clean these boots? I have the Timberland Elmhurst with the sanded nubuck and the whole time I’ve been cleaning that like regular leather 😬 should I clean them like nubuck?

[@BootSpy]

For sure! If you're cleaning nubuck, you'd do it similar to suede. I have a video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaPXm2CEdt5jb5Y . I hope that works for you!

[@stuartheard4927]

I just bought a pair and just watched the vid of resole with vibram chunky sole, fucking well worth it, cant wait to put em on, got a berghaus nollan shirt in sale will look lovely 😮

[@JM-fc9gm]

I’ve owned my Earthkeepers for almost 8 years and haven’t resoled them. I’ve worn them a ton. The leather has worn in so well and they have plenty of traction left.

[@ericlattimore167]

NC raise up! Just purchased a pair from DSW. Waiting on delivery. I will post after they are delivered.

[@BootSpy]

yes! and great! keep me updated--I'd love to hear what you think

[@ericlattimore167]

@@BootSpy My EK(s) were delivered from DSW Sunday. I ordered a 13D and they were too big. DSW in Charlotte, NC had a size 12D that fit perfectly.

[@karanjeetsami6206]

how would you best care for the leather?

[@JimmyTwoShoes94]

I wear a 10.5 in shoes and I got these in a size 9. They fit perfectly. Also I snagged these on sale from j crew for $30.

[@iliketocomment8144]

I don’t believe this, show me a link.

[@davidarndt9100]

These go on clearance once a year at timberland stores for less than $50. Check in Summer time.

[@justinramos568]

Finish line has them on sale for $65

[@susumunakoshifan5345]

shit. i paid $130 for mine. i won’t make the same mistake again; thanks for the heads up man

[@khinemintuntun6685]

Hello I normally wear 26cm. So is it OK if I buy it exactly 26 cm???

[@TheRealParsonz]

The new Earthkeeper range say they are "LITE Leather" and "Full grain leather" but the care instructions are so vague. Can these be conditioned with shoe cream or protected with wax?

[@BootSpy]

I would condition with shoe cream---you can protect with wax if you want, but I'd probably try a spray on these to keep the leather the same color. I know Timberland sells a spray

[@TheRealParsonz]

@@BootSpy Thank you very much. I think I will do one very thin spread layer of cream to nourish the leather a bit and then stick to a spray :D

[@coletrick8748]

Damm shame Timberland leather is not even close to the quality it used to be..100% agree on the speed hooks

[@incursore9]

Are these suitable for hotter months?

[@MeteCanKarahasan]

I don't know what makes these nubuck boots so pretty, but CXL is also oiled nubuck, however this is more concise and looks more nubuck matte than CXL.

[@F4834N]

my ultraboost size is a 9. So, i can get these in a 8 ?

[@3liyyahu591]

It's made of nubuck? Looks like regular smooth leather, so it shouldn't be polished then?

[@sungcha3563]

How are these in the snow and slush? Just wondering.

[@BootSpy]

Not very good! They're not waterproof and they have no insulation. For snow and slush, you're better off with the classic Timberland Premium. Thank you for watching!

[@DeeboComing]

I'm looking to get 3 pairs of boots but I'm torn. I want the Thursday Duke, the Thursday Captain, and these Earthkeepers. Are they all good quality boots? I'm a teacher and I live in Ms so we only get snow MAYBE 5 or 6 days per year. I'm not gonna be hiking or anything. Will the 3 boots I listed serve me well??

[@BootSpy]

I'd get the duke and captain, but I'd probably skip the earth keepers. They're just not on the same level as thursdays

[@RaiceGeriko]

I'm from Memphis. I have more or less the same weather as you. I have a pair of Earthkeepers. I do not wear them every day, though I bought them with the entent to do so. They just aren't the shoe I need. I think this is mostly due to the sizing issue. I wear a size 12. I should have gotten these in a size 11. I work in the Supply Chain industry. I do a lot of walking, a lot of lifting, a lot of driving for deliveries and pickups. I am usually walking on concrete/pavement, though I do from time to time venture into light off-road environments. From time to time I have to climb ladders and such. I deal with pallets of medium-heavy materials. I drive a forklift from time to time. Some of my work is laborious in short intervals, but it isn't like construction where it's hard manual labor for hours and hours. I also spend a lot of time at my desk with data entry. My work is about 50% Desk, 30% Warehouse/Stock Rooms, 20% in the City. I say this because as a teacher, your work duties may require you to be on your feet all day--or however you work typically. The sizes of the Earthkeepers are indeed too big. The material of the shoe is comfortable and flexible. I like it a lot, actually. The shoes themselves are surprisingly light considering the way they look. Unfortubately, they're all style, and not much substance. They have the look, but they don't perform the way their look implies they ought. No internal lining means they do not fair very well in the cold. The lack of proper stitching gives way to water. Stepping in a decent sized puddle will give you a bad day. I would go with the Captains. If you enjoy the rugged look of the Earthkeepers, you can get the Stormking Soles for the Thursday Boots. Reason being is they're roughly the same price, but the Thursday Boots actually have the advantage of being functionally useful for the thing they actually look like they're meant to be for.

[@DeeboComing]

@@RaiceGeriko So I got the Captains and I'm in Indy right now for a convention where I've been walking literally everywhere. Gotta say, I'm super satisfied with the purchase. They hug my ankles a little but I can just loosen up on how I tighten them. Plus the new leather is a little stiff sometimes. Other than that though, the quality and fit is 👌🏾👌🏾

[@RaiceGeriko]

@@DeeboComing Cool! I will probably get a pair of Presidents. Same shoe--without the Toe Cap. I just picked up a pair of Iron Rangers at the local Red Wing store. They're awesome. Gotta break them in a bit, but if you are looking for something else later on that is a little better suited for rough-and-tumble stuff, I can recommend those. I had to get them a full size down from my normal size, however. But that's no big deal. Just gotta make sure you try them on first.

[@maureina7687]

How are they in terms of sizes? I have read that if you buy them online you have to order one size less

[@chameleonlover4967]

he covered that in the video. 1/2 size to 1 size smaller yes

[@BootSpy]

Yeah, I would get these a full size smaller. And I'd buy from Amazon for that sweet sweet return policy just in case that's too small.

[@bigshoots1181]

Timberland is really annoying with their sizes I wish they would fix this. My foot is 10.5 inches measured heel to big toe so I fit 11 perfectly in most brands. Timberland is always half size smaller in their Timberland pro boots and regular boots but then their shoes are hit and miss. I ordered groveton online in 10.5 but was in the store earlier and their 11 fits me perfectly normal in the groveton but other shoes are 10.5 like man it's frustrating.

[@TheRealParsonz]

I'd reccomend 1/2 a size down from your normal size. If you have narrow feet go for a full size down, as the boots are quite wide.

[@burdock4419]

Can someone do a side by side with earth keepers vs R.L. rangers'

[@ashishdev8496]

is this 6" or 8" boots?

[@craiggrant3950]

how are they in terms of water resistance?

[@BootSpy]

They're decent with water resistance. I think that might change over the months as the welt is cemented. The leather is good, but there's basically no lining, so it's not on par with a goodyear welted shoe or the classic Timberlands

[@apaisitodak1854]

Preferred Timberland 6 Inci yellow boots for bulky sole.

[@BootSpy]

Just put up a review of that one too if you have time to check it out---I agree with you though

[@mollers92]

which colour were these on the site?

[@BootSpy]

I picked them up on Amazon---I have the link up above to the specific color in the description

[@Babynate1000]

I love mine toooo

[@michaellupton335]

They look great in your hand fella. How about putting them on for the video?

[@sanjugurung8010]

Yesterday I bought

[@ricbechill]

I seen these they caught my eye online I went to the timberland store I didn't like the way they looked on my feet I was bumbed out..

[@BootSpy]

bummer! Yeah, they run quite large, so they don't work for everyone. Don't worry---your boot is out there!

[@tianelle1155]

thats the kind of boots i desperately wanted.

[@georgeonyango3899]

me too

[@incursore9]

Buy them.

[@Babynate1000]

Had these 5 years now

[@juanluishuertavivar1113]

I pick up the same model on black I have to say they are comfortable but the shoe laces look cheap. The holding things on the back of the heels is actually some kind of polyester material. So disappointed 😢. I remember when I first purchased my first earth keepers they had smart wool inside the lining of the boot the shoe laces where real cotton. And i resole them twice . They lasted from 2008 to 2018 until the later crack and couldn’t be fix anymore.

[@incursore9]

The laces are made in recycled material. Cotton isn't a sustainable to use.

[@crownroyal2155]

Onto my 3rd pair of Earth keepers ,but the SOLE! is the weak part of these boots

[@Striker50_]

FACTS. Love everything about these except the sole. It wears out fast and definitely not meant for city use

[@pinchiyorch]

I think this kind of boot is expected to be used with very thick wool socks, therefore the extra space...

[@DynoBash]

No

[@DynoBash]

They aren’t even a winter boot dude it’s a casual boot I’m from northern Michigan and I can promise you nobody is rocking these in the winter wool socks or not

[@hawghawg381]

Love the boots. Soles are too soft.

[@mohamedakid87]

Yeah, way too thin. They ran down after a year of wear. My 6 inch premiums still hold strong with minimal heel drag

[@coreyr7701]

$299 in Australia

[@pietro3931]

Are these boots waterproof?

[@Striker50_]

resistant enough

[@ryanrego808]

Can’t resole it and literally the only other videos are these shoes being re-soled.

[@heathspears8881]

Got some on now earth keeper #2 they suck too wide and are very floppy like rubber rain boots or something. 140$ down the drain but the outsole and midsole and the welt look nice but just to floppy smh

[@BootSpy]

Did you get a full size lower? Or did you get your true size?

[@heathspears8881]

BootSpy half size I wear 10 1/2 in most shoes I got a size 10 and fits wide and it’s too long my classic weat Tim’s and black ones fit well in a 10 like always ... these earth keepers must be made on a different last or a mold maybe the size is off or something my Thursday boots are a size 10 like I normally get and fits the same as my other boots Nd Timberlands.. no more of these earth keepers smh almost like a rubber boot lol .. the shanks sucks it’s too floppy a steel shank would be better in my opinion..

[@TaborPrzemyslaw]

Buy a hiking insole and put it inside. I bought the eathkeepers and they were a size too big. Ive just put a thick trekking insole and they fit great now

[@nickhearn7288]

My pair in about 9 months old and the whole bottom is coming off slowly. The welt is just glued on and is peeling away. They look great but definitely wouldn’t buy again because it’s just glued on like that. I wish I was smart enough to research that. Now I know lol

[@heathspears8881]

@@nickhearn7288 damn boots are very horrible I already gave mine away ... wore them one time and theiy are totally crap... I’m done with timberlands after this crap I like my Thursday captains tobacco lugged sole boots better way better

[@rogernezahualcoyotlelcoyot2480]

220 USD en MEXICO 🇲🇽. 👍 👢

[@SSV-zo9ne]

I went half size down.

[@basicdose.9872]

How ya doin. My man spy.

[@BootSpy]

Abdul...the legend!

[@josemendiola9918]

nice boots my friend, &150 its more than enough compare to redwing over price boots i have had $300 logger boots from red wind it didn't last long 2 to 3 yrs with moderate use yes they are resolable boots but not worth the price from red wing now i use timberland keen and wolvering are better and last longer with everyday use, good video

[@mdavid7149]

They ripped open a week after buying the blue ones... It's all glue the stitching is a facade

[@faac4740]

You bought fake ones

[@mdavid7149]

I wish that were true. Timb's are just cheaply made even from the manufacturer

[@whiskyfoxtrot8915]

I was told by the store they are not waterproof.....errr....pass.

[@pralinechocolates1]

I was so disappointed when I found out these were for men! LoL than for review?

[@sungcha3563]

Who's to say it's only for men. Go for it, I say.

[@BootSpy]

I second what Sung says!

[@13GilIian37]

10 minutes of review but u dont show the insides even once.... useless imho

[@BootSpy]

The insides were brown. Sorry I left that out.

[@Sam-vs5kg]

I'm sorry your mother called you that.

[@mrsmart5221]

@@BootSpy 😂😂🙏

[@FrostedFlake420]

Yikes these are some ugly boots...at least not my style. Thank F for KZbin