I love the look and convenience of zips but I can’t find one that gives me sufficient ankle support. Anyone else out there with this problem? And what about those pull-on jod boots?
I haven’t had lace ups in years…but I do remeber switching to zip ups because I hated them so much. Then again, I have zip ups, but because of the fact that I forget abot lace ups, I’ve stuck with zips…I don’t like the design of any of them, and the prices-err!
I always did think that Beezer looked like a spanish horse…
[This message was edited by FatPuertoricanPony on Jul. 01, 2001 at 08:11 AM.]
I really like zip-ups for the look and convinience. I have a pair of Ariat Lexingtons (the Cordley ones they stopped making about a year ago) that have surprisingly held up for 2 years so far, and are still going. I would like to get a pair of Blundstones though…anyone had any experience with them?
“Throw your heart over the fence and your horse will follow.”
Kroops zip ups!! They use that TYY zipper (or something like that), that is top of the line.
Never had a problem with them slipping down, and always had plenty of support (except on one pair the elastic overstretched - just had it replaced, and life was good again - and kroop replaced it, no charge).
Now my ONE experience with ariats? Thank goodness I wore spurs. The spur straps were the only thing that kept the damn things on 
I was almost grateful when the things fell apart after 18 months.
I have lace for summer and zip for winter (the insulated Ariats with special weather proofing.) My fingers get too cold in the winter to manage the laces, so zips work better. But I really prefer the look of laces. More traditional. Less saddle-horsey.
I have narrow feet and need every bit of snuggness provided by the lace ups.
I found Ariats are great but the padding wears down and the boots start to fit more loosely. I tried replacing the insoles (not cheap) with new Ariat inserts but this did not help enough.
I just got new Dehner laceups.
I would never be able to get the zips to fit…my feet are so think I can almost slide them under doors!
they last longer and give more support! 
DMK beat me to it. I love the Kroops zip-ups, too. Although, I’m riding in a pair of Ariat zip-ups right now and I don’t have any problems with them. Do I have totally thick ankles, or what? 
I bought a pair of lace-ups after riding in zip-ups for years a while back. I felt like it took me 3 years to get my boots on! (Patience isn’t really my thing. 
)
I have my Blunnie Pull-Ons and they are my absolute favourites for comfort and convenience. I wear them for work around the house, work around the barn and also wear to “real” work. I have foot problems and w-i-d-e feet and these are actually wide enough for me to move my foot sideways inside the footbox. Infinitely preferrable to having my feet curl into a ball because the shoes weren’t wide enough. They are also waterproof. 
Ariat is making a Blunnie Look-alike this fall; hopefully to include a generous foot box!
I have a pair of lace-up ariats which are nicer looking, but they aren’t as comfy, because Ariat has a mental block about making shoes for people with w-i-d-e feet. 
At least with the laces you can adjust the snugness somewhat. I recently bought a pair of zip-ups, and they are actually pretty comfy and fit better than the lace ups. Of course I can’t wear either pair of Ariats until the swelling from the PI goes away; I can’t get into them! 
Hey, guys, word to the wise, if you buy boots, any kind, comfy or not, but those dr. schools orthapedic pads to go in them! ohhh! Very very good!
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
Grand Prix zip-ups here as well…and yes, the zippers they put in them suck…but for $20, I get those super duty zippers put in my the local shoe repair man.
IMO, they are still the best looking paddock boots around!
LOVE my Grand Prix zip-ups. I think they look great, the French calf leather is soooo comfy, and they are the best for rolling out of bed barn trips. [my lessons, starting in 2 weeks, are at 8:30 am. That means I have to LEAVE the house at 7, which is earlier than when I leave for school. bye-bye summer vacay. ]
I’ve had multple pairs of lace-ups, and I’m just too lazy Not to mention I paid fo rthose, did I mention that I WON my GPs?
I wear Ariat lace-ups–I like ankle support to the point of almost cutting off my circulation, impossible in zip-ups. (And I’ve worn Blundies, but find that my feet swim in them and miss the arch support of the Ariats.) The Ariats have held up really well for me and are comfortable enough to wear around for barn chores, course walks…
But for just bumming around the barn or running out to feed, I wear clogs. Easy as can be and soooo comfy! --Jess
Nah, don’t like zips. Need that extra support of a lace.
Ariat zip up ones have always worked well for me! They have (or at least they used to) a 1 year warranty and I have experienced great customer relations from them.
Other people I know have had issues with the Grand Prix zippers.
For the little chilluns’ lace-ups are supposedly the formal, correct show choice.
I think it’s a matter of durability, comfort, and personal taste.
Emily proud member of the junior clique!
Have always purchased Grand Prix boots for years and loved them-lace up. Found Ariats on sale that I could not pass up. Winter and regular for $75 each and in my size…amazing . Can not believe how comfortable they are with no break-in. I like the lace ups as they hold my ankle better. Love when I find a deal
Deb
Those who look down eventually get there.
I actually like the lace better to ride in, but bought a pair of zipper boots last year. I have found them to be very convenient to just slide my feet into to run out to the barn to feed. This is an especially chic look when you wear them unzipped with shorts and no socks.
I’m with VTrider – the Ariat zips are the best (I have 3 pairs), but you must have the zippers replaced almost immediately for them to work. Costs about $20 but well worth the convenience…save those extra 5 seconds every morning by not having to bend over and lace!!!
I have incredibly skinny, boney ankles. Not a lovely sight, mind you. So I’m probably better off in lace-ups, but I’m too danged lazy! What works great for me are the new Dansko zip-ups. They fit me great and they’re very comfortable.
I love the look and convenience of zips but I can’t find one that gives me sufficient ankle support. Anyone else out there with this problem? And what about those pull-on jod boots?
