Hello everyone,
I’ve noticed a trend that zippered boots tend to end up with broken zippers so often. I’ve noticed many people complaining about the zippers on Ariat boots breaking easily or arriving broken. I was talking to a cobbler about it and he told me how so many people bring in their boots for a new zipper. I asked why and he said he didn’t know. Is it just an issue of poor quality zippers or just the wear and tear put on the zippers from riding?
Walking around with zips half done puts a strain on them; not keeping the zippers oiled; forcing the zippers up all contribute to zipper fail as does lousy zippers!
By its very nature (many flexing parts) a zipper is going to be the weakest part of a boot. Use your boots at all, the zipper will give out.
I agree with the above - walking around with the zipper up only half way. Also, not cleaning zippers. Sand/dirt should be brushed out of the zipper regularly. Use an old toothbrush or nail brush.
My theory is that putting zippers in regular boots puts some sort of stress that isn’t meant to happen to zippers, on the zipper. If you have laces, there’s some built-in give to the laces, but zippers are “fixed” and when you stress them, something has to give. I wonder if boots with a non standard design have a better success rate? Elastic insets? I bought one pair of zippered paddock boots that lasted about six months and have gone back to laces.
I can’t even find boots with out zippers around here! That being said, I’ve had my tall boots for 3 years and ride in them everyday. They are my show boots and I ride in them year round. I have never had any issues with the zipper breaking.
I do not walk around in them much,I put them on right before I bridle and take them off after I untack. I never hose my horses off when I am wearing them. I avoid getting them wet at all.
Some of it may be also how tight your boots are. I hate skin-tight boots, and get them fairly loose in the calf. Wear my boots all the time (same boots for home as for showing), and have only had the zipper break once - when I gained weight and my boots got tight. (Of course, it had to happen at Regionals, and luckily I had brought my old, non-zippered boots which I usually never do!)
I have zipped boots and have had no issues. BUT I always wear them zipped up the whole way and (because I have fairly athletic calves) I got a pair with some elastic next to the zipper.
Agree with the points above: if your booth are too tight, you don’t zip them fully and you don’t clean the zipper when it is dirty, your zipper will probably break! And some are just crappy, I find Mountain horse uses some seriously heavy duty zippers.
Elastic panels and burly zippers are the way to go. Ariat finally figured that one out.
[QUOTE=pologirl27;7979138]
I have zipped boots and have had no issues. BUT I always wear them zipped up the whole way and (because I have fairly athletic calves) I got a pair with some elastic next to the zipper.
Agree with the points above: if your booth are too tight, you don’t zip them fully and you don’t clean the zipper when it is dirty, your zipper will probably break! And some are just crappy, I find Mountain horse uses some seriously heavy duty zippers.[/QUOTE]
This x2! I don’t know how many times I’ve heard of someone complaining about their zippers and I asked when they cleaned and oiled the zipper last…and they look at me like I just sprouted another head! 
My “boot guy” also said that many times the zipper isn’t broken, the pull is stretched apart and will not longer “zip” the zipper up. He has replaced my pull part twice on one custom boot–$13 each time, problem solved. So, maybe some replacements were unnecessary in the end. He said he’s saved a number of boots doing that. Definitely keeping them clean, zipped all the way up, and getting that elastic panel makes them last longer.
[QUOTE=Calvincrowe;7979385]
My “boot guy” also said that many times the zipper isn’t broken, the pull is stretched apart and will not longer “zip” the zipper up. He has replaced my pull part twice on one custom boot–$13 each time, problem solved. So, maybe some replacements were unnecessary in the end. He said he’s saved a number of boots doing that. Definitely keeping them clean, zipped all the way up, and getting that elastic panel makes them last longer.[/QUOTE]
The cobbler told me that if it’s the pull then it is a minor repair but if the actual track has been damaged such as broken teeth then it’s considered a major repair and will cost $90. However, most of the time it is the pull like your boot guy mentioned.
Hokay so, I work at a tack store and honestly for all the pairs of boots we zip up on people weekly, tight and tall, we don’t have zipper malfunctions and nor do our customers. Although, many times our new employees don’t know which boots can take more strain than others.
I have 2 pairs of Ariats and hope to get a 3rd this spring/summer when their new dressage boots are out and they are the zippers we can force up the most. My Volants are skin tight but because Ariat has re-done their zippers and put stretch panels along side them, they can take a beating. You will also notice that the materials are not the same. The leather is softer and more pliable out of the box compared to the old pull-ons.
I have a pair of pull on dress boots with boning up the back that I would love to put zippers in but it’s about placement. I would have to put it up the inside so that there is less stress put on the zipper.
I also have a pair of mountain horses that have already had to have a new slide put on because it stretched and popped right off. They are nice but not nearly as snug as my Ariats, nor do I think they could be. They make a very hearty every day boot as the leather is thick and stiff and durable. I polish them regularly and wipe them off after my rides with a damp rag and never hose my horse in them and they will last a long time.
Honestly, the worst zippers I’ve had the pleasure of working with have been the treadstep zippers. I have gotten those stuck on a customer before because the zipper blew without even trying to force it.
I also havent been impressed with der dau’s or sergio’s zippers either, for expensive custom boots the zippers look like they belong on a kids jacket.
My biggest suggestion for getting a custom or semi-custom boot is going to be make sure to get the stretch panel and gusset (the little stretchy triangle on the inside of the leg at the knee) if you’re going to get zippers.
Most of the things we use zippers for don’t take as much strain as boots and if they do, a heavy duty metal zipper is used, not a light plastic one.
The fashion for a skin tight boot makes it hard to find a balance. I see riders at shows with them 1/2 zipped and that stresses the zipper. Clean the zipper when you clean the boots. Look for boots with extra elastic (like the new Ariats) to take some of the stress off the zipper.
I’ve spoken to the people at Dehner’s about this. I was told that the issue beyond cleaning and oiling is that the fabric that attaches the zipper to the leather gets ‘crimped’ where the ankle folds are and that puts stress on the zipper and it eventually breaks. In addition to the cleaning and oiling the best thing you can do is use boot trees when you are not wearing them. This keeps the zipper vertical with no pinching.
Mine are at least 15 years old, used them for riding and for costume purposes, and I’ve never had a moment’s trouble. They’re Bond Boot Co., though, and very well-made (the leather and soles are still fine.)
Do we really need zippers? They are nice. but I doubt they have half the lifespan of a plain pull on boot. I personally like the pull on boot feel. To me it is a stiffer feel than a zippered boot. I guess it’s what you are used to. Did I mention I was older than dirt? 
Has anyone been in a situation where they could not have their zippered boot repaired? I have a boot that has a track that is fine but a pull that has separated. The cobbler is unable to repair it for me. It is made by Ariat and I know they offer repair service and wonder if I should send it to them.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
