Revolutionary New Fit System Addresses Age-Old Challenge That No Two Feet Are Alike - Not Even Your Own.

STRATHAM, N.H. -- New Timberland(R) PreciseFit(TM) system challenges conventional fit paradigms to deliver unparalleled fit for consumers, and increased opportunity for retailers

The Timberland Company today introduced breakthrough footwear technology that could have a significant impact on the men's footwear market. Catering to the 60% of men who are unable to get an optimal fit through traditional footwear - and the 35% of men who have a half-size or greater difference between their left and right feet - the new patent-pending Timberland(R) PreciseFit(TM) system takes an entirely new approach to fit.(1) By going beyond length and width to address forefoot volume using an innovative footbed insert system, PreciseFit technology delivers a perfect fit every time.

Extensive research involving 4,000 subjects by Timberland's Invention Factory revealed that the greatest dimensional differences exist in the girth of the forefoot, making it the primary driver of proper fit. Traditional fit paradigms focus on length and width rather than girth, forcing consumers to either cram their feet into shoes that are too tight, or trade up to longer shoes that leave a looser fit with gaps. This alleviates one fit issue while creating another.

The PreciseFit system addresses this challenge head-on, allowing consumers to customize their fit through a simple yet revolutionary system of forefoot inserts. Each pair of shoes comes with a set of inserts of varying thicknesses that lock on to a removable footbed, creating optimal volume in each shoe and allowing for differences between left and right feet. The thicker insert minimizes volume in the shoe, while the thinner insert adds volume. This tailored fit works in conjunction with the Timberland Smart Comfort(TM) system to give men an unparalleled experience in terms of fit and comfort.

"No two feet are alike, not even your own," said Rob Koenen, vice president and global director, Timberland men's casual footwear. "Two men with a size nine foot could have dramatically different sized feet, yet traditional fit paradigms would have them trying on the same shoe. With the PreciseFit system, Timberland has found a way to provide a true, customized fit for real people's real feet. We've virtually eliminated compromise when it comes to fit."

In addition to its profound consumer benefits, the PreciseFit system also presents significant benefits to retailers. From an inventory perspective, each shoe box fits full and half sizes in narrow, medium and wide, delivering more than six sizes in one box for a truly customized fit (e.g., 9 NMW and 9 1/2 NMW, plus variances between right and left). This translates into better stock positions for fewer missed sales; and servicing previously hard-to-fit consumers will no longer present a challenge. In addition, on-floor inventory management will be significantly enhanced, as sales associates will only need to bring one box onto the floor to fit a range of sizes for a consumer.

The Timberland(R) PreciseFit(TM) system is the latest in a series of innovations to come out the Timberland Invention Factory, a fully-staffed team dedicated to carrying on Timberland's rich tradition of invention, innovation and industry leadership. The program was tested in May 2005 in Timberland(R) retail stores in the U.S., Europe and Asia, in environments ranging from full-service to self-service. During the pilot, overall inventory turns increased nearly two-fold, and sales revenues increased by 80% as compared with similar styles.

"The retail pilot proved to us that this is a viable program with real benefits for consumers as well as retailers," said John Pazzani, vice president and general manager, Timberland Retail and E-Commerce. "Consumers across the U.S., Europe and Asia readily understood how this technology works to deliver a better fit. With the PreciseFit system, we were able to find a comfortable fit for both feet for virtually every customer, resulting in phenomenal conversion rates. In addition, from an inventory perspective we were able to stay in-stock longer, minimizing walked sales. Overall, this was absolutely a win for both the consumer and the retailer."

PreciseFit technology will be featured in Timberland's new Outlier Series of men's footwear, to debut in August 2006. Available in rugged and refined styles in sizes 6/6.5 through 15/15.5, Outlier will be introduced across 22 skus at a suggested retail price ranging from $130 for oxfords to $140 for chukkas. It will be sold at better department stores and independent retailers nationwide, as well as at Timberland(R) specialty retail stores and timberland.com. Consumers can also call 1-800-445-5545 to find their nearest retailer.

The launch of the Timberland(R) PreciseFit system will be supported with a robust, integrated marketing campaign that will include sales associate training, in-store materials, grassroots marketing and public relations.

Timberland (NYSE: TBL) is a global leader in the design, engineering and marketing of premium-quality footwear, apparel and accessories for consumers who value the outdoors and their time in it. Timberland(R) products are sold worldwide through leading department and specialty stores as well as Timberland(R) retail stores. Timberland's dedication to making quality products is matched by the company's commitment to "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, please visit www.timberland.com. For more information about Timberland's commitment to corporate social responsibility, including a searchable database of thousands of volunteer opportunities, please visit www.timberlandserve.com.

(1)Statistics based on research conducted by the Timberland Invention Factory, which collected and analyzed data from 4,000 individuals on 15 major areas of the foot and ankle.