Timberland Celebrates Black Cowboys With Black Pioneer Collection

Timberland, a VF Corp-owned footwear brand, has launched the Black Pioneer Collection and an accompanying campaign to mark Black History Month.

In a tribute to Black pioneers of the past and present, Timberland, a VF Corp-owned footwear brand, has launched the Black Pioneer Collection and an accompanying campaign to mark Black History Month, according to Footwear News. The collection, a collaborative effort by Timberland footwear designers Shari-Lee Whyte and Andrew Townes, introduces reimagined editions of the iconic Premium 6-inch Boot and the Euro Hiker.

The design of both footwear styles incorporates “hairy” green suede accents, symbolizing the lush greens and textures of nature, set against a rich hue of premium, seam-sealed, waterproof Timberland leather. The Black Pioneer Collection extends beyond footwear, featuring an array of apparel pieces such as an embroidered tree hoodie, a utility mixed-media jogger, a short-sleeve embroidered pocket tee, an anti-UV long-sleeve shirt, Brookline utility cargo shorts, and a canvas and leather backpack.

Townes emphasized the significance of showcasing the outdoors and inclusivity for everyone through this collection. “This allowed us to bring awareness to Black Pioneers and outdoorsmen across the globe,” he stated. Whyte added, “We took the concept of fresh traditions with the charm of old-school Americana and elements of contemporary African American dress to create an outdoor-inspired lifestyle collection.”

To bring the collection to life, Timberland collaborated with the legendary Oklahoma Cowboys, a family-run and community-rooted organization, for an ode to the enduring and transformative power of community. As part of its commitment, Timberland will donate $50,000 to the Oklahoma Cowboys Foundation, which raises awareness of and celebrates the significant role of Black cowboys and cowgirls in Oklahoma’s equestrian heritage.

This initiative follows Timberland’s recent collaboration with Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week, where the brand made waves with a fall 2024 men’s show debut. The collaboration featured a classic industrial boot in wheat-colored or black waterproof nubuck leather, embossed with the Maison’s monogram, marking a noteworthy presence in the global fashion scene.

The Black Pioneer Collection is now available on Timberland.com, Timberland stores, and select specialty retailers worldwide. This move reinforces Timberland’s commitment to diversity, heritage, and community and reflects its dedication to both style and substance.