Bootblacking (BDSM)

Bootblacks take care of the boots, and garments such as leather jackets, vests, chaps, harnesses, as well as other gear of Leatherpeople and the BDSM community.

[4] It probably stems from the term "blacking", a precursor of modern shoe polish containing lampblack, which was used to care for English soldiers' boots in the 18th and 19th centuries.

While the trade of shoe shining has been around at least since the age of the Industrial Revolution, the origins of bootblacking within the leather community remain unclear.

Possible points of reference are military traditions of polishing boots,[5] as well as shoeshine stands in public spaces, which could be found in many cities in Europe and the US before World War II.

[6][7] The first documented case of shoe shining in a fetish context can be found in the diaries of Hannah Cullwick (1833 – 1909).

[16] The Eagle in Chicago proved to be influential for international contests, as several future producers and titleholders (Harry Shattuck, IMrBB 1994 William Shields Jr., IMsBB 1999 Leslie Anderson) bootblacked there.

A booth usually consists of one or more elevated seats for customers to sit comfortably while the bootblacks clean, buff and polish their shoes, similar to professional shoeshine stands.

Depending on the setting and the people involved, the experience can range from a pampering and a friendly chat, comparable to a visit to the hairdresser, to sensual or erotic play (e.g. in the form of boot worship).

Each step in bootblacking requires patience, skill, and an understanding of the proper care of each material to ensure the items not only look aesthetically pleasing but are also well-maintained for longevity.

A proper spit shine may involve multiple layers of wax and water or saliva, and precise buffing with a cotton cloth or nylon stocking.

[20] Some bootblacks include boot worship and other forms of play and BDSM power dynamics as part of their service.

The following table includes a non-exhaustive list of past and present bootblack competitions: Atlanta, Georgia (2005) Dallas, Texas (2006–07) San Francisco (since 2008)