Police Patrol Boots
Police officers who are assigned to motorcycle patrol units usually wear tall (17" - 18") boots made of smooth leather, most often made of calfskin or cowhide. Patrol officers take pride in their boots and keep them shined, because the appearance of their boots complements their uniform, and often is the first thing that the public admires when they see a motor officer. The boots conform to the foot and leg, and are worn with breeches which fit well inside the boot. Patrol Boots are used for protection while riding a motorcycle. They usually have rubber, tread, or Vibram® soles for grip while riding on the road and helping the officer to maintain control of the motorcycle while stopped. The boots take a lot of wear, when cops ride and walk or run when doing their duties.
DRESS INSTEP POLICE PATROL BOOTS
Dress Instep Patrol Boots do not have laces. They have a dressy and commanding appearance. They are easier to maintain because dirt and mud won't get into the crevices around laces on the instep. These boots may have a buckle at the top of the boot shaft or laces, but more often have a buckle.
BAL-LACED POLICE PATROL BOOTS
The word bal-laced (pronounced like "ball laced") refers to a style of shoe that was popular in the early 1800's called a Balmoral shoe. This style of construction came to be known as "Balmoral style," or "bal style", as opposed to the more standard style, in which the opposing rows of eyelets are attached to the vamp and don't meet at the bottom. Read more information about this style of boot lacing. Bal-Laced Boots are quite common for use by Motor Officers. They have lacing at the instep which provides for adjustment to fit the foot. Once tied, they seldom require readjustment. These boots became very popular when the popular television show "CHiPs" was aired during the 1970's. Many California Highway Patrol officers still wear this style of police patrol boot. These boots may have a buckle or laces at the top of the shaft to adjust for better fit on the calf. It is usually an officer's preference to choose which type of calf fitting to get when he orders the boots.
ENGINEER STYLE POLICE PATROL BOOTS
Some Motor Officers wear Engineer style boots, such as Chippewa Hi-Shine Boots. These boots make a good appearance and are often less expensive than Dress Instep or Bal-Laced Boots.
STYLE CHOICES AND MANUFACTURERS
Most law enforcement units that have motor patrol officers usually specify a style of police patrol boot for their officers to wear while on duty, but the units may not specify a specific manufacturer. The units may provide a uniform allowance which an officer can apply toward purchase of the uniform and boots. If the allowance is limited, as many are, officers may opt for less expensive boots that meet uniform specifications of the unit to which he/she is assigned. Manufacturers of Police Patrol Boots include Alden, Chippewa, Dehner, Harley-Davidson, Rino, Wesco, and others.
Content from Wikipedia, a Maryland County motorcycle police sergeant, Bootdog and Booted Harleydude. Photos from Booted Harleydude. Text from Wikipedia article on Riding Boots and as edited and contributed to by Booted Harleydude. Text of this article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.

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