About
The BLKBRD Harley Chelsea Boot is a premium hand-welted chelsea boot manufactured by BLKBRD Shoemaker, an Indian footwear company specializing in handcrafted leather boots and shoes. The Harley model features storm welt construction and is built on BLKBRD's Triumph last with a rounded toe profile. Named for its versatility between casual and semi-formal wear, the boot is marketed as suitable for both "smart casual wear" and motorcycle riding applications.
About
The BLKBRD Harley Chelsea Boot is a premium hand-welted chelsea boot manufactured by BLKBRD Shoemaker, an Indian footwear company specializing in handcrafted leather boots and shoes. The Harley model features storm welt construction and is built on BLKBRD's Triumph last with a rounded toe profile. Named for its versatility between casual and semi-formal wear, the boot is marketed as suitable for both "smart casual wear" and motorcycle riding applications.
The Harley Chelsea Boot represents BLKBRD's commitment to traditional hand-welting techniques while incorporating modern materials and construction methods. Each boot requires over 140 individual manufacturing steps and is crafted by artisans with over 25 years of experience in Agra, India.
Design and Construction
Last and Fit
The Harley Chelsea Boot is constructed on BLKBRD's Triumph last, which features a rounded toe profile designed for comfort and versatility. The last follows standard UK sizing guidelines and is available in European sizes 39-47, corresponding to UK sizes 5-13 and US sizes 6-14.
Construction Method
The boot employs storm welt construction, a variant of the Goodyear welt that provides enhanced water resistance. In storm welt construction, the welt extends higher up the boot's upper, creating a seal around the junction between the upper and midsole. This construction method offers superior moisture protection compared to traditional flat welts, with 360-degree coverage versus the three-quarter protection typically provided by standard Goodyear welts.
The manufacturing process includes hand-lasting, where the leather upper is stretched over the last and allowed to rest for 24-30 hours to achieve proper molding. The welting process involves hand-stitching a thin leather strip (8-10mm wide, 3-3.5mm thick) to the upper via a rib on the holdfast. Natural cork filling is then inserted into the cavity created by the welting process, which forms to the wearer's foot over time for enhanced comfort.
Materials
Upper Leather
The Harley Chelsea Boot is available in multiple leather options sourced from premium tanneries:
Hidro Pullup: Sourced from Boaventura, Portugal
Natural Chromexcel: Horween Leather Company's signature pull-up leather
Natural Tan: Full-grain leather option
Black Hidro Pullup: Black variant of the Portuguese leather
All versions feature full leather lining and leather insoles for durability and comfort.
Sole and Hardware
The boot features a Dainite rubber sole, a studded rubber sole design that has been manufactured in Leicestershire, England since 1894. Dainite soles are reinforced with silica and aluminum silicate for abrasion resistance and provide superior traction in wet conditions while maintaining a refined appearance. The sole is fully waterproof and offers advantages over traditional leather soles in terms of weather resistance.
The heel construction consists of a stacked leather heel topped with a rubber heel protector (topy) for extended wear. Elastic side panels provide the characteristic slip-on functionality of chelsea boots, while pull tabs at the front and rear facilitate easy wearing.
History and Development
The Harley Chelsea Boot was developed as part of BLKBRD Shoemaker's effort to create versatile footwear suitable for various style contexts. The boot's name reflects its intended use for both formal occasions and motorcycle riding, aligning with the company's vision of creating footwear that bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary lifestyle needs.
BLKBRD Shoemaker, founded by computer engineers Sandeep Parihar and Pradeep Parihar, established the company as part of their existing manufacturing operation, Blackbird Footwear Co. The company name is inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird, a hypersonic spy plane developed by NASA in the late 1950s.
Pricing and Availability
The BLKBRD Harley Chelsea Boot is sold exclusively through direct-to-consumer channels via the company's official website. As of 2025, the boot is priced at ₹18,200 (approximately $220 USD) across all leather options. The company follows a made-to-order production model, with boots handcrafted by skilled artisans in small batches.
Chelsea Boot Context
The Harley model follows the traditional chelsea boot design established in the 1840s. Chelsea boots were originally developed in 1837 by J. Sparkes-Hall, Queen Victoria's bootmaker, who created ankle-height boots with elastic side panels for ease of wearing. The style gained its current name from its association with the Chelsea district of London during the 1950s and 1960s fashion movements.
The defining characteristics of chelsea boots include their ankle-height design, elastic side gussets, and slip-on functionality. These features allow for a snug fit without requiring laces or buckles, making them practical for quick changes while maintaining a refined appearance suitable for both casual and formal contexts.
References
"BLKBRD Shoemaker Official Website". BLKBRD Shoemaker. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
"Harley Hidro Pullup - Cotto". BLKBRD Shoemaker. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
"Harley Natural Tan". BLKBRD Shoemaker. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
"Harley Natural CXL". BLKBRD Shoemaker. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
"Harley Chelsea - Black Hidro Pullup". BLKBRD Shoemaker. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
"About Us". BLKBRD Shoemaker. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
"Origins of the Chelsea Boot". Crockett & Jones. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
"Storm Welted Construction". Field & Moore. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
"Dainite Sole Units". Field & Moore. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
