No matter how you slice it, women riders are still motorcycling underdogs. For years, I wore men’s boots because women’s styles just weren’t available. I’m talking about real riding boots with reinforced and sturdy waterproof material, ankle protection, and nonskid soles. All I found on the women’s shelves were boots with ridiculously high heels and frilly adornments. Recently, the options for real riding boots for women have gotten better. I’ve always liked Harley-Davidson’s footwear, the line with the most style options by far. But as a discerning rider, I still found Harley’s selection lacking in terms of true function until last April, when the company finally addressed women as real riders by releasing a 100-percent-waterproof riding boot called the Hennie. I was one of the first to try them out.
The Hennie is a basic all-around riding boot with the added bonus of being waterproof.
An attractive combination of full-grain leather and mesh textile upper, along with deep sole treads, makes the Hennie appear like a cross between a combat boot and a hiking boot. Note that these boots run a half or a whole size large. Tightening the laces helps achieve a perfect fit over the foot, but for easy on-and-off, I use the inside ankle zippers. A Velcro flap at the top of the zipper secures the pull and provides a good fit around the calf. The Hennie’s 7-inch shaft goes well beyond the ankle, but not so far that it’s difficult to get them on under pant legs.
A Hydro Guard waterproof membrane keeps the rain out.
The boot’s 1.75-inch heel height suits me well, as it doesn’t interfere with the ability to adjust my foot position on footpegs like higher-heeled boots do. The nonslip rubber outsole is durable for walking as well as riding. Fitted with a full-length, cushioned sock lining, these boots are comfortable enough to wear all day. In fact, the Hennies have been elevated to top riding boot status in my wardrobe. No longer do I need to bring along a waterproof pair or a comfortable walking shoe. I just wear the Hennies and have everything I need in one boot.
Boots with tall heels can “trap” your feet in one riding position. The Hennies flatter sole gives you more options for foot placement on pegs.
Harley Davidsons Hennie riding boots are available in womens sizes 5-11 and retail for $140. For more information or to locate a dealer, visit Harley-DavidsonFootwear.com.
Author Tricia Szulewski has maintained the woman rider’s perspective in RoadBike since 1999 as the magazine’s art director and staff writer. She is an MSF instructor and owns a Suzuki Bandit 1200S. Click on the link to visit RoadBike magazines Web site.
Are they owned and made in America? I am on the anti China kick! Boot does look like it does the job. Wesco’s Black Widow is very nice looking, and owned and made in America. Also, want to try Tour Masters Solution ‘drivers’ water proof boot. The reviews are good for riding and walking. Debbie at South East Harley in Cleveland, Ohio, educated me on boots: “front” is the ‘driver’ and “back” is the passenger. Made differently in safety features. Thanks, Debbie.
Thank you for bringing these boots to our attention. I have had trouble finding a good riding boot that is comfortable, functional and waterproof! Because of this article I will be trying them out. Thanks again for the awesome article and for your newsletter. Keep up the great work ladies!
Harley has had a 100 percent Waterproof boot for women for several years. I have had my pair (very similar looking) for going on my fourth riding season. I treated them last season for the first time with Silicone spray and they are just like new. Anyone who rides in the rain knows how important dry feet are. Just a tip, if you don’t have waterproof boots and yours get wet, stuff them with newsprint overnight and they will be dry the next morning.
I am in desperate need of some new waterproof boots. I have a hard time finding good boots that fit well. I have been putting off looking for good boots, but not anymore. I can’t wait to go check out these boots!
Thanks, Tricia for your review of these boots. I am curious about one detail. How would you compare the weight of these boots to typical leather riding boots?
I’m not really sure you can compare the Hennie’s to “typical” leather boots in a catch-all general statement, as there are so many other factors to consider other than the outer material makeup. Plus, I’m honestly not sure what constitutes “typical” for you. However, the Hennie’s only weight about 1-1/2 pounds each. They are very light-feeling, which contributes to their all-day comfort factor.From Editor Genevieve Schmitt:I just received my Hennie’s to try out and think they feel much lighter than an leather engineer-style boot, or flat-toed cowboy boot with wooden heel and calf-length shaft. I’m excited to try them out.
Admittedly, I have not climbed any mountains wearing the Hennie’s, but I have spent long days teaching the MSF class in them — which involves a lot of standing and walking — and have had no problems with them. As a matter of fact, they are the boot of choice for me on the days that I know I’m going to be standing a lot.
I’m curious to know how the held up in the wet weather? I just bought them and had to go with a size 5 and I am typically a size 6. The local dealer had to order them because they didn’t keep them in stock, so if you don’t see them just ask them to get them for you
I love my Ariat horse riding boots, good leather and waterproof. I just prefer a steel horse.
Are they owned and made in America? I am on the anti China kick! Boot does look like it does the job. Wesco’s Black Widow is very nice looking, and owned and made in America. Also, want to try Tour Masters Solution ‘drivers’ water proof boot. The reviews are good for riding and walking. Debbie at South East Harley in Cleveland, Ohio, educated me on boots: “front” is the ‘driver’ and “back” is the passenger. Made differently in safety features. Thanks, Debbie.
Thank you for bringing these boots to our attention. I have had trouble finding a good riding boot that is comfortable, functional and waterproof! Because of this article I will be trying them out. Thanks again for the awesome article and for your newsletter. Keep up the great work ladies!
The article is awesome, so are the boots. Do they have the same for men?
Harley-Davidson does make a line of waterproof boots for men that you can see at the link at the end of the story.
Harley has had a 100 percent Waterproof boot for women for several years. I have had my pair (very similar looking) for going on my fourth riding season. I treated them last season for the first time with Silicone spray and they are just like new. Anyone who rides in the rain knows how important dry feet are. Just a tip, if you don’t have waterproof boots and yours get wet, stuff them with newsprint overnight and they will be dry the next morning.
I am in desperate need of some new waterproof boots. I have a hard time finding good boots that fit well. I have been putting off looking for good boots, but not anymore. I can’t wait to go check out these boots!
Thanks, Tricia for your review of these boots. I am curious about one detail. How would you compare the weight of these boots to typical leather riding boots?
I’m not really sure you can compare the Hennie’s to “typical” leather boots in a catch-all general statement, as there are so many other factors to consider other than the outer material makeup. Plus, I’m honestly not sure what constitutes “typical” for you. However, the Hennie’s only weight about 1-1/2 pounds each. They are very light-feeling, which contributes to their all-day comfort factor.From Editor Genevieve Schmitt:I just received my Hennie’s to try out and think they feel much lighter than an leather engineer-style boot, or flat-toed cowboy boot with wooden heel and calf-length shaft. I’m excited to try them out.
I was wondering how they are for hiking and standing for long periods.
Admittedly, I have not climbed any mountains wearing the Hennie’s, but I have spent long days teaching the MSF class in them — which involves a lot of standing and walking — and have had no problems with them. As a matter of fact, they are the boot of choice for me on the days that I know I’m going to be standing a lot.
I’m curious to know how the held up in the wet weather? I just bought them and had to go with a size 5 and I am typically a size 6. The local dealer had to order them because they didn’t keep them in stock, so if you don’t see them just ask them to get them for you
I’ve been wearing them for almost a year, and my feet haven’t gotten wet yet.