For decades, the Chippewa brand of boots were THE boots to have and wear when riding a motorcycle, hanging out with bikers, or at leather fetish bars & events.

Who else besides me noticed the tough-looking tall Chippewa engineer boots on other guys? The oil-tanned tough-biker looking style, or the patrol boot style on a motorcycle police officer?

For us regular bikers, two serious choices of Chippewa motorcycle boots included…

…1) the traditional square-toe black harness boot which became the iconic regular-wear type of boot worn by many bikers, including me.

These tough 12-inch high, vibram soled, thick cowhide boots are exceptionally durable and protective. I had a pair of these boots on when I had a crash and slid 300 feet on pavement. My feet and ankles were uninjured thanks to these boots.

2) the seldom-viewed as “biker boots” — Chippewa “Ruttman” or Firefighter boots. I have sworn by these boots as my first choice to wear when I go for long rides. Tough, durable, “big lug” Vibram 100 soles for great traction, and an appearance that continued to look great after 100s of rides. Very easy to maintain with a wipe of a damp lintless cloth and occasional shine-up with a spray of furniture polish. No shoe wax needed — the brilliant shine is built-in.

Over the years, I have acquired dozens of pairs of Chippewa Boots.

None of these styles of Chippewa boots are available any more, and there are no plans that I know about to make these classic boots again. Such a shame with Justin Brands (owner of the Chippewa label) got slapped with a lawsuit about “made in USA” products when some parts were imported from Mexico and they did not disclose. I think that’s why all Chippewa motorcycle boots have been discontinued.

Life is short: wear quality boots when riding, even if you must wear other brands (White’s, Wesco, Boulet, are great.)