PowerWelt

Aug. 28, 2006
Stratham, NH Timberland PRO continues to deliver innovation in the work boot market with the introduction of the PowerWelt, a revolutionary work boot

Stratham, NH – Timberland PRO continues to deliver innovation in the work boot market with the introduction of the PowerWelt, a revolutionary work boot featuring abrasion resistant Ever-Guard™ leather. Through extensive market research, Timberland PRO identified a consumer need and responded with a product that protects against intense work place conditions that involve extreme abrasion, heat, oil and water. The PowerWelt 6” work boot is one in a family of four different PowerWelt work boots, and sets a new standard for protection and comfort while offering the consumer extended wear time.

Ever-Guard™ leather is the key technology that makes the innovations in the PowerWelt a reality. This genuine full-grain leather has been impregnated with polyurethane, enhancing the leather while retaining its essential characteristics of breathability and flexibility. The result is a durable work boot that stands up to extreme conditions – Ever-Guard™ leather is 10 times more abrasion resistant than standard leather, is heat resistant up to 346°F, and is waterproof.

“When we develop new products at Timberland PRO, we look to bring new innovation to the work boot consumer through technology, and that’s just what we’ve done with the PowerWelt ,” said Bob McCarthy, Product Manager at Timberland PRO. “Consumers benefit through protection in critical areas, longer wear time, and the ability to use their boots in more extreme conditions.”

Work boot consumers typically have to replace their boots when the toe-cap wears out. This area experiences high abrasion, and when the leather or fabric covering wears out, the steel toe cap is exposed. While the aesthetic aspect of the boot is affected, the durability and waterproof nature of the boot are also compromised. Consumers who use their feet and boots as a workplace tool – for bracing, kicking, kneeling – are especially affected by this problem. The PowerWelt was designed with these consumer needs in mind.

The PowerWelt offers the wearer protection without sacrificing comfort. Constructed on the Timberland PRO® TiTAN® last (3D foot form), the PowerWelt provides ample room in the toes to ensure a great fit. Like the successful TiTAN® line, the PowerWelt features Timberland PRO’s PowerFit™ comfort system for ergonomic fit and maximum support, and a dual-density OrthoLite® polyurethane footbed for cushioning that resists compression. Lastly, the dual-density polyurethane outsole provides the utmost in cushioned comfort and traction.

“The PowerWelt combines ‘lightweight’ with the stability of a welt design,” said McCarthy. “The result is a boot that stands up to the harshest of conditions, while offering superior comfort. Ever-Guard™ leather makes this all possible and truly offers the work boot consumer a tangible benefit.”

The PowerWelt will be available at all authorized Timberland PRO retailer locations in August 2006 ($125 MSRP), including Sears, Bobs, Working Gear, Academy, and other independent retailers. Sizes include 7-12,13,14,15 M/W. The PowerWelt 6” Steel Toe work boot is one of a series of PowerWelt boots, which contain features different from the ones described above. The 6” PowerWelt will be featured in the Timberland PRO Fall 2006 advertising campaign, including print ads, out of home and point of sale. All Timberland PRO® work shoes comply with ANSI/ASTM industry standards.

About Timberland PRO
Building on the Timberland (NYSE: TBL) heritage of craftsmanship and quality, Timberland PRO is recognized as an industry leader in the design, engineering and marketing of premium-quality footwear and accessories for working professionals who require the best comfort and protection on the job. Timberland PRO embraces the company’s commitment of “doing well and doing good” – forging powerful partnerships among employees, consumers and service partners to transform the communities in which they live and work. To learn more about Timberland PRO, please visit www.timberlandpro.com. To learn more about Timberland, please visit www.timberland.com.

Jerry Antl
Timberland PRO
[email protected]