New zips in long comp boots (rider's!), recommendations pls

kerilli

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Unfortunately there was a serious casualty at yesterday's xc clinic: my lovely, faithful, and VERY comfy Sarm Hippiques. The zip on one went in the first 5 mins, luckily I had the loudest stripiest socks on (not embarrassing at all to have that showing, oh no) and spurs to hold the boot on for the rest of the clinic, so it managed to keep doing its job - luckily, as alternative footwear on lorry was bright pink Barbour wellies, or plimsolls. Oopsy.
So, I've emailed Sarm Hippique to find out if they'll have them back to put new zips in, and to get a price, but as new ones are only £220 on ebay at the moment I'm going to be sensible about it- postage costs alone might be prohibitive.
Any recommendations for saddlers who will do a VERY tidy job of putting new zips in both boots, please? Have already been slightly put off after a Fb friend said she had new zips put in hers and they were a bit of a mess afterwards... :( :( :(
Oh, and everything else went brilliantly, Daisy was a superstar and didn't put a toe wrong, so chuffed with her. Report to follow if anyone wants to hear it, but it's prob quite boring as we didn't have any problems! ;) ;) It's all stuff for me to work on (core strength, lower leg etc) all winter. :) :) :)
Edited to add: in defence of my Sarms, I've counted back and they were bought in 1995, so they don't exactly owe me anything! ;) ;)
 
Might be worth talking to the Newmarket cobbler http://www.busybeenewmarket.co.uk/ They put a pair of heavy duty zips in a pair of Regents that'd never had zips for me and made a nice job of it (they didn't break in a month, as predicted in some quarters!), though I imagine you'll want something a little more refined!
 
It comes down to viability I think. A's Borginis are nothing like the quality of the first pair he had and the zips have gone on this pair. I was quoted £102 for two new zips plus extra to replace the burst fake lacing at the front. Instead we're going to go for gaiters and jod boots for good. Not what I would prefer but off the peg boots are hard to find for him and I'm put off Broginis.
 
thanks so much Burnttoast, someone on fb said the same place, but I'd never heard of them... from the website, they specialise in riding boots, so that should be perfect! Much appreciated! I can now feel a shopping trip to Newmarket coming on... ;) ;)
 
Try your local motorbike shop - I got mine done in there after being quoted ridiculous prices for new zips. They maybe a little chunkier than the originals but I think it would take a nuclear bomb to get the stiching off of them :D
 
thanks so much Burnttoast, someone on fb said the same place, but I'd never heard of them... from the website, they specialise in riding boots, so that should be perfect! Much appreciated! I can now feel a shopping trip to Newmarket coming on... ;) ;)

Enjoy! I don't live so locally now but I love going back and poking round the recesses of Gibsons and Horse Requisites (and seeing the odd horse...!)
 
I send my Parlantis back to Parlanti as for €100 they will do a full refurbishment on there own boots and do new heels, soles, leather work if necessary and zips. Basically whatever needs done they will do! I think they will do other brands too but not sure. I know OH sent his race exercise boots back to Newmarket for a refurb and they did a great job!
 
I would think any decent cobbler would mend them. My friend's dad does this kind of work, and would probably do a decent job with it, however he's in Retford, which isn't so local for you!
 
Gibsons in Newmarket did an amazing job on a decrepit pair of polo boots for me and not very expensive either. Just beware, if you go in that shop, you will not leave without buying something else!!!
 
Might be worth talking to the Newmarket cobbler http://www.busybeenewmarket.co.uk/ They put a pair of heavy duty zips in a pair of Regents that'd never had zips for me and made a nice job of it (they didn't break in a month, as predicted in some quarters!), though I imagine you'll want something a little more refined!

I'll be taking this website too! As I have some lovely boots from HOYS but don't have make on and terrified the zip will go!

(chunky calfs don't normally fit into any!)
 
poor boots !! I got my local cobbler to put a new zip in my long Mountain Horse riding boots - they had only been worn once but zip in one was dodgy from the off (got them at reduced price when realised after buying on ebay) - he did a great job - you cant even tell its been changed - have ridden in them and washed them down and they are great. I would def. go with good local cobbler rather than saddler.
 
http://www.fcrepairs.co.uk/
I used these people earlier this year, was quick and reasonable price. I will be honest and say I have not used the boots much since though as them breaking forced me to break in my new konigs which I have pretty much used since, so can't comment on durability of the repair !
 
I had new zips put into the back of my sergios by a local cobbler, only cost me about £20 after being quoted around £150 by Sergio! The zips themselves are very sturdy, much better than the nice fine, but kinda useless zips that were in them originally but not quite so pretty!
 
K I also recommend busybees in Newmarket :)

Gibsons also are very good for leather but haven't had them do a pair of boots for me. I do need to take in a saddle for new girth straps though. Thanks for reminding me :)
 
I have used Feet First in Chesterfield who will do new zips by post or repair the existing zip.

I have also had zips repaired or replaced at an independant cobbler in Derby, not all cobblers will do it but this one is really good. I can't remember the cost but I had one replacement zip and three pairs of shoes reheeled and toe tips done for about £50. I only get them done one at a time as and when they fail and they match the zips to the existing ones.
 
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