The classic Timberland boots are made to be lived in. They are meant to be taken out to explore cities, taken on off-road adventures, or worn on a casual day.
Such a lifestyle can’t keep the boots in pristine condition. Classic Timberland boots are made of nubuck and smooth leather, so they demand a special kind of upkeep.
Cleaning your Timberland nubuck boots is easier than you think
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to understand that Timberland boots are built to last, but proper care is key to maintaining their iconic look and durability.
Whether you’ve scuffed up your nubuck boots on an urban adventure or your smooth leather pair needs a refresh, following the right steps will keep them looking as good as new. Let’s start with nubuck Timberland boots and the best ways to clean and protect them.
1. How to Clean and Care for Nubuck Timberland Boots
Since nubuck is sensitive to humidity, avoid direct contact with water. Investing in a suede or nubuck cleaning kit is the best way to slow down wear and tear. A standard kit, available on Amazon, includes a brush, eraser, and water-based cleanser.
Timberland Travel Kit Plus – Balm Proofer, Renewbuck & Dry Cleaning Kit, $28.65
We’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide to help you restore your Timberlands to their original, fresh-out-of-the-box look.
A quality cleaning kit with the right brush ensures your Timberlands stay clean and well-maintained for longer
1. Gently Brush Off Dirt and Remove Stubborn Particles
Take the brush and clean off dirt stuck to the boots. Brush gently to raise the nap and dislodge smaller particles. Don’t be scared to go against the nap direction, but do so with a light hand.
Use a butter knife or a nail file for bigger chunks of dirt. When dealing with mud, allow it to completely dry before attempting to pry it off. Home hack: Use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to remove sediments trapped in the nap gently.
Using a cleaning eraser helps gently remove scuffs and stains from your Timberlands without damaging the delicate nubuck surface
2. Erase Scuffs and Marks Without Damaging the Nap
Gently rub the eraser against the nubuck to remove minor scuffs, stains, and marks. Avoid rubbing too hard to prevent damaging the nap. Continue to do this until the visible blemishes are completely gone.
Use the brush to restore the nap to its original look. Home hack: You can replace a dry cleaning eraser with a regular pencil eraser. We recommend an eraser with the same shade as the nap to avoid stains.
Wiping down your Timberlands with a water-based cleanser ensures a deeper clean without damaging the material
3. Clean Stains with a Water-Based Nubuck Cleanser
For tougher stains, avoid using water immediately. Spray a water-based nubuck cleanser onto a clean rag and wipe the entire surface of the shoe. Do not spot clean, as this may leave water stains.
Home hack: Use baby wipes in place of the cleanser. If a stain still refuses to come out, use water as a last resort. Grab a wet sponge and slowly work on the affected area. Absorb excess water with a newspaper.
If nothing works, dilute white vinegar in water and apply it on the boot surface in conservative doses.
Applying a waterproofing spray helps protect your Timberlands from moisture, dirt, and stains, keeping them looking fresh for longer
4. Protect and Waterproof with a Proofing Spray
Prevention is better than cure. Invest in a proofing spray to restore water repellency and protect the shoe surface from dirt and stains.
Uncap the bottle and spray the contents directly on the shoe. Make sure to spray from a distance of six inches or more to prevent water stains.
Using a hairdryer on a low setting helps speed up the drying process after waterproofing, ensuring your Timberlands are ready to wear without damaging the material
Use a hairdryer to expedite the drying process. Check that the temperature is not too hot to prevent singeing the nubuck.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Smooth Leather Timberland Boots
Cleaning Timberland smooth leather boots is just as easy. We recommend investing in a cleansing gel, conditioner, and a protective balm. You can find the cleaning products that Timberland recommends at Timberland.
Applying a leather conditioner restores moisture and flexibility to your Timberlands, helping prevent cracks and extending the life of the leather
1. Remove Dirt and Salt Stains with a Cleansing Gel
Squeeze a small amount of cleansing gel onto a sponge and lather all over the boot surface. Make sure all areas are covered. Wipe away excess gel with a clean, dry cloth. Allow the boot to dry.
Buffing the leather with a soft cloth after conditioning brings out a clean, polished shine and helps seal in moisture for long-lasting protection
2. Condition and Buff Leather for a Lasting Shine
Work a small amount of cream conditioner on the boot’s surface, covering all areas. Buff with a clean, dry cloth until desired shine.
Polishing your leather boots with a soft cloth helps maintain their shine while protecting the material from scuffs and wear
3. Restore Oils and Protect with Leather Balm or Wax
Use a protective wax or balm to restore lost oils into the leather. Swipe a moderate amount of wax onto a clean, dry cloth. Work the product onto the boot surface. Make sure that the leather is thoroughly dry before applying wax.
Consistent care and conditioning leave your leather boots looking polished, well-maintained, and ready for any adventure
Proper cleaning, preservation, and storage of the Timberland boots are essential to prolonging their life. We recommend cleaning with a dry kit once a month.
Use boot shapers or crumpled paper on the insides to hold up the shape. A bit of consistent care goes a long, long way.
For more expert tips and detailed guidance straight from the source, check out Timberland’s official Cleaning FAQs. Their advice covers everything from product recommendations to care techniques, ensuring your boots stay in top condition for years.
If you need more help, check out this video showing how to keep your suede, nubuck, and canvas Timberland boots looking new.
Explore More Timberland Tips, Styles, and Guides
For readers looking to explore more about Timberland boots, check out our detailed size and fit guide to ensure you’re choosing the perfect pair. If you’re curious about the most popular options, we’ve compiled a list of the best Timberland boots for men and women to suit every style and need.
Wondering how to spot a real pair? Our guide on identifying authentic Timberlands will help you differentiate between real and fake boots. For style inspiration, see how celebrities and fashion enthusiasts wear Timberland boots to elevate their outfits. Lastly, if you’re curious about the story behind Timberland’s iconic branding, dive into the fascinating history of their tree logo and its deeper symbolism.