I never cease to be amazed at what people enter into search engines and land on this blog. Recently, someone from Cincinnati, Ohio, entered, “are harness boots associated with the gay community?”

Well, yes, no, and maybe…

Harness boots have a classic, rugged, masculine style. Most real bikers (not the wannabes who wear sneakers) who ride cruisers or touring class bikes wear three styles of boots: engineer boots, harness boots, and tactical boots.

Harness boots have been around longer than engineer boots, from what I have read. The simple square-toed Wellington boot which has been around since at least the 1600s had a horse’s harness wrapped around it at some point in time (likely in the 1800s), purely as a decoration or accent — then voila, the harness boot was born.

There is no purpose or function to a harness on a harness boot other than decoration. But it does add classic style and adds to the rugged, masculine appearance of the boot.

What does this have to do with the gay community? Not much. But what I said above, “yes, no, and maybe” means the following–

Yes, harness boots are associated with the gay community only in the sense that some gay men prefer to wear them. They like the rugged, masculine style. Harness boots are also in the entry- to mid-range of affordability (Wesco brand excepted).

Bikers choose harness boots because the boots are easy to find and are affordable. Gay men choose harness boots for much the same reason.

The alternate answer: no, harness boots are not associated with the gay community as much as police patrol boots are. The male leather subcommunity within the gay community choose tall black police patrol boots to wear with their leathers or uniforms. I know this for a fact, having “been there, done that.”

The final alternate answer: “maybe.” Some gay men choose harness boots because of their ordinary yet rugged appearance. Certain gay men wouldn’t be caught dead wearing cowboy boots, but when choosing something to wear that has a more rugged or “butch” appearance, those who will not wear cowboy boots will choose harness boots instead.

Honestly, does a style of boots make a difference? Nope. I ride with many straight guys who wear harness boots. I have a number of harness boots in my motorcycle boot collection. But I also have engineer boots, tactical boots, and some alternative styles as well. I am gay, I am a biker, I wear boots. So what?

Life is short: wear boots and refrain from making decisions based on false associations or assumptions.