For many years on this blog and on my website, I have been very enthusiastic about the quality, durability, and function of Chippewa Harness Boots. Boots of this style are classic and ageless. Bikers have been wearing harness boots for decades.
Unfortunately, Chippewa brand harness boots were discontinued a few years ago, and it seems as if the company (Justin Brands, the owner of the Chippewa label) will not bring them back. Such a pity and a loss…
There are literally dozens of makers of harness boots out there, and I have tried and worn many of them over the years.
What I liked most about Chippewa harness boots included…
… being made from very durable and thick leather; a superb and high-quality Vibram “mini-lug” sole for great traction; Goodyear welted so the boots could be resoled; and they were just darn comfortable with no break-in required.
I’ve put tens of thousands of miles on my motorcycles while wearing these boots over decades of riding.
I also have tried alternatives, but for several reasons, I was disappointed.
Some of them had narrow calf circumferences which rubbed my legs and sometimes caused sores. Some of them were made through cheap machine-made processes, so the boots fell apart or got damaged with simple wear. Some were so poorly made, if they got wet in a surprise rainfall, they would leak. So much for “waterproof” boots. Not.
Other brands were so heavy that I felt like I was Frankenstein when walking in them. Very heavy boots such as Wesco or Whites are exceptionally well-made and last well beyond my lifetime; it was the weight that bothered me.
Today, I am happy to say that I finally found a good alternative to Chippewa Harness Boots. What are they you ask?
Harness Boots made by Schott Bros of NYC. You know, the company known for their cool and stylish motorcycle jackets, like the Perfecto.
Recently I bought a pair of black Schott Harness Boots and have taken them for rides on my Harley.
What I like about these boots includes:
* Durable quality leather is used to make them. Bonus: the leather can be shined, too!
* Vibram “yellow-plug” rubber sole.
* Made in the USA.
* A wider calf circumference so I can wear them with leather or denim jeans tucked into them.
So for those bikers who are looking for an alternative to the iconic Chippewa Harness Boots, here’s your match and the website where you can order them.
Life is short: wear good quality boots when you ride.
Thanks for your interesting post. I’ll have a closer look at it. I also miss the Harness Boots from Chippewa and I miss their Engineer Boots even more. WESCO Boots are too heavy for me. For me right now, EMBOSSY Boots (made in Spain, Europe) are the best alternative.
Yes, Embossy Boots are well made. I have a pair of the patrol boot style. Unfortunately for me, the calf circumference of stock Embossy Boots is too narrow to fit my legs. The cost of having them custom made is far too expensive.
For a stock regular harness motorcycle boot made of quality materials and production methods, the Schott Boots fit me better and the price is reasonable.