How hip hop's love of the iconic yellow workboot helped make Timberland a billion-dollar company

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The Black community embrace of the famous yellow workboots in the '80s and '90s provoked a reckoning for Timberland and changed the brand's identity.

By the late '80s, the boots' popularity was surging internationally. The New York Times reported that teens were robbing people for their Timberlands in fashion capital Milan and that American flight attendants were buying dozens of Timberlands to resell for double the price in Italy. The boot was a favorite in places like the UK and Japan too.

were increasingly influential when it came to fashion trends. "I think when kids want to associate with specific brands, they had to first see it on somebody that they valued," says John.

The Times story reached Black readers across America, even prompting then-popular radio DJs like Wendy Williams to titled, "The New York Times again: racism sells—don't buy it." Swartz called the Times article "character assasination" and an attempt to make Swartz and Timberland look racist. Eventually Timberland decided to channel its efforts into direct community service. The brand created a company-wide Path of Service program, providing paid community service hours to employees.

Throughout the 2000s, Black-owned labels like Sean John, RocaWear and Baby Phat emerged. There was a renaissance in Black fashion, giving Black consumers the option to redistribute wealth in their own communities.

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wrong answer. hustlas on the block on them cold days had to be suited up with the Tim's and KarlKani jeans wit the deep pockets. each pocket could hold 10 bands easy. 💯🤔

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