Harley-Davidson Belhaven Boots—Check All the Boxes
For decades, I’ve been searching for the perfect riding boot. I have come to realize that’s a nearly impossible task and I need to select the features that are most important to me. That’s a tall order, but Harley-Davidson’s women’s waterproof Belhaven boots check all the boxes, primarily fit, comfort, and protection.
The Belhaven boots are tall, so when riding pants are tucked in, they stay clean from insect carnage and dirt while cruising the highways. This is especially welcome during long-haul road trips when I need to wear the same pants for several days. It’s much easier to wipe bug guts off leather than it is to clean them off jeans or other riding pants.
Getting a Great Fit
Recovering from surgery on my left foot, none of my riding boots fit well (the left boot of each pair was too tight.) The Harley-Davidson Belhaven boots have a customizable fit due to the combination of full-height laces, stretch panel in the calf, and adjustable buckles in addition to the full zipper.
The leather uppers are soft and pliable, meaning that the boots require no break-in period—at least, not for me. The insoles are thin, and apparently not designed for any type of meaningful support, so I immediately switched them out for better ones. Surprisingly, each insole was glued to its corresponding midsole so removing them was not a seamless task.
Complete Protection
The Belhaven boots feature a locking YKK side zipper that extends from the sole of the boot to the very top, eliminating the need to unlace and relace every time the boots are taken off or put on.
Any boots I wear must offer ankle protection, and the Belhaven boots deliver with grace. The internal Poron ankle guard isn’t at all rigid, so there’s no pressure against the bone. The uppers are waterproof full grain leather, and the soft lining comprises a Hydro-Guard waterproof membrane which works as expected during inclement weather.
The Belhaven boots are constructed using a Goodyear welt, meaning that waterproofing is more effective, and it will be much easier (and cheaper) to resole if necessary. The lug sole itself has quite a deep tread, making it easy to maintain footing in gravel or slick surfaces.
Breathing Easy
Summer road trips through the deep south and into western states see temperatures of 100-plus degrees. I was initially concerned that the Belhaven boots might cause my legs to fry and my body temperature to rise, but that is not the case. The Belhaven boots truly are breathable, partly because the gussets behind the lacing in front stop a few inches above the ankle, allowing adequate ventilation, and partly because of the breathable Hydro-Guard membrane.
More Info
The Women’s Belhaven waterproof riding boot (P/N 98621-25VW) costs $240 and comes in sizes 5 to 11 with half-sizes available between 6 and 10. You can order at Harley-Davidson.com or check with your local Harley-Davidson dealership.