Does tall boot zipper location make a difference in comfort or durability? It seems like a good idea to have them in the front inner location (instead of on the back edge) so the zippers would be less likely to fail - they would get less outward pressure whenever the calf is used, and also would not be in a location that sees as much wear. Is that true? Also are they any more or less comfortable? I’ve seen that some of the premium brands have them in the front and was curious. 
I don’t like my zippers on the inside. Rubbing against the saddle and/or horse…I prefer mine in the back, but that is just personal prefrence.
you don’t want the zipper on the inside- it will rub constantly against the horse. The best location is the front, in my opinion, but the back works too.
back, IMHO. 
eta: i would also think the zipper could potentially scratch the saddle flaps…?
My personal preference is inside front. Much easier to get in and out of them, plus less breakdown of the spine of the boots. And no, the zipper has never rubbed the horse or scratched my saddle.
I believe the “inside” zippers discussed refer to those that are on the front, but set a bit to the inside of the center line down the front of the boot, usually with a bit of a “swoop” (highly technical term there). They don’t touch the saddle or the horse (I have a pair like this).
IME, the zippers set in this way hold up better and fail less frequently than those down the back. I personally find the front zipper boots more comfortable to wear than the back zipper ones, though I’m at a loss as to why this might be so.
Inside front zippers are largely a dressage thing - because the stiffener for the boots goes up the back. If you buy dressage boots with back zippers, they likely won’t be artificially stiffened.
OP was not talking about zippers on the inside like you see on fashion boots. (Say, 9:00 on your leg.)
She was talking about these: http://www.adamshorsesupplies.com/Assets/ProductImages/201689.jpg which have them on the “front inner” part of the boot, vs. say the Ariat Volants which curve to the outside, or ones straight up the front.
They won’t scratch your saddle.
I have both. I prefer the front zipper for longevity and because I can have the whale bone in the back.
What I have found with my rear zippers, is that I have replaced them more due to the fact that the zipper allows the leather to colapse and seems to compromise the zipper.
[QUOTE=coloredhorse;7246891]
I believe the “inside” zippers discussed refer to those that are on the front, but set a bit to the inside of the center line down the front of the boot, usually with a bit of a “swoop” (highly technical term there). They don’t touch the saddle or the horse (I have a pair like this).
IME, the zippers set in this way hold up better and fail less frequently than those down the back. I personally find the front zipper boots more comfortable to wear than the back zipper ones, though I’m at a loss as to why this might be so.[/QUOTE]
Yes, this is what I was referring to. They are on the front, slightly to the inside.
Thanks for your opinions so far everyone!
hmm, have never seen those…but then, i go for cheap.
Front zippers by far! I have had so many zippers in the back break and the boot breaks down weird. In the front is WAY nicer, doesn’t interfere with the boot or horse, and the zippers last a LOT longer because they don’t get bent as much. They also don’t break down the back of the boot.
I will NEVER get back zippers again. Ovation had these GREAT front zip dress boots that I kept getting on amazing sales, so I bought a bunch for about $100. They seemed to have discontinued them, though, because you can’t find them. I love those boots.
[QUOTE=Beentheredonethat;7247877]
Front zippers by far! I have had so many zippers in the back break and the boot breaks down weird. In the front is WAY nicer, doesn’t interfere with the boot or horse, and the zippers last a LOT longer because they don’t get bent as much. They also don’t break down the back of the boot.[/QUOTE]
That was part of my interest in the front zippers - I am tired of zippers on the back opening up and needing replacement! The cobbler says a lot of zippers on shoes are ruined by being pulled ‘out’ while being zipped, and it seems that having the zippers on the back of a tall boot would by nature put a lot of outward pressure on the zippers as you use your leg. So I was thinking the front location may = longer zipper life?
I just bought the front zip ariat volants for schooling and when I flex my ankle the zipper bunches and bends at quite a serious angle. Totally comfortable but when I look at that bend I can’t help but wonder how long until the zippers fail at that location.
I’ve had many, many zippers break in the back. I haven’t had one break in the front.
It’s also easier to get boots on with a front zip. The way it opens is easier to get the foot in. If it’s tight at all with a back zip, you’re breaking down the heel.
I’m old-school and don’t have zippers… :o
