he walked into my life wearing Hella Boots from Icon, which was odd because I knew for a fact that the Hella Boot would not be available until the end of August 2008. I figured she was one of Icon’s long list of hardcore street riders they use for testing and developing their line of top-level street gear.
The fact that she was a woman doing the testing only added points to what was already a nearly double-digit look. It was a cool reminder that Icon is one of the only Protective Riding Apparel brands making a sexy, fashion forward riding boot for women. Yes, the Hella Boot is for riding, but looked just as good off the bike as she walked in.
     She stunned me by immediately catching my stare. I didn’t have an opening line, so she provided her own. “I see you can’t take your eyes off my…Hella Boots,” she said.
     My reply was something along the lines of “ah, mmmm, ungh, yep.”
“It’s okay,” she said. “I like a man who notices my shoes, especially these Hella riding boots. The wedge heel distributes the weight evenly making this a comfortable boot to ride, stand, and walk in. It’s a totally new Women’s Riding Boot that will be released in late August to Drag Dealers. It’s a version of Icon’s Women’s Bombshell Riding Boot. This new lower “just above the ankle” boot gives women two choices in styling and four choices in colors. The Bombshell is available in Black or White. The white can be custom dyed to match at any shoe store that does custom dying. The Hella Boot is available in Black or a beautiful Brown color. Sizes 5-10 including half sizes. These boots are a standard B width. If you have a wider foot you may need to go up in size.”
     “I only wear men’s boots from Icon when I ride,” I said, a little too defensively.
“That’s good,” she said. “I’m glad you ride wearing Icon, it’s easier to respect an intelligent man. So you probably already know that these Hella boots are made from a premium grade cowhide leather chassis with internal ankle and insole padding. Plus, a metal heel plate and a dual buckle design mated to an easy on and off zipper closure system, all designed and developed in Portland, Oregon.”
     Wow! She knew her gear. But I was curious, “How’d you get them if they’re not available until August?” I asked.
     She smiled, “You’ll have to ask a Drag Specialties dealer or rep to find out. Now, let’s get out of here, I’m hungry and want you to buy me a steak.”
That was all I needed to hear. She rode a Harley, liked red meat, and wore Icon gear. This girl had potential. I followed the Hella Boots out the door…