Zip up paddock boots

[HelenBack]

I'm looking at some zip front paddock / jodhpur boots. I've never had zippy ones before and have always gone for laces but the ones I've got my eye on are waterproof and have a bit of insulation, which seems like a good plan with the current weather!

Stupid question but are the zip front ones okay? Do they zip closed easily enough and do the zips last? I've got quite "sturdy" ankles so I've got images of the zips just refusing to do up or my calves bulging over the top of them!

 

[Abacus]

I only ever have them with zips. Usually Ariat and they have also lasted well and close easily (but have skinny ankles). At the moment I have a cheaper Shires pair (Moretta) which my son outgrew after about a week, and have been surprised that they are nearly as nice as the Ariats - and I don't feel guilt at wearing them for yard jobs and in mud when they were only about £35.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I have some Ariat zip up jodhpur boots. They are 10 years old and still going strong.

 

[MuddyMonster]

I prefer lace up personally but I've had a zip up pair or two in my time & the zips have been fine

 

[Skib]

I have zip front Ariat ankle boots bought in 2002 0r 2003. I wear them every time I ride unless the temperature is below freezing.

 

[Pippity]

I've got some Ariat Terrain boots that I love so much I immediately went and bought another pair. I wear them for pretty much everything. Unfortunately, the zips didn't quite survive force 8 winds and 5m seas when sailing in the Bass Strait, but I'm hopeful I'll be able to oil them into functioning again.

 

[gallopingby]

I’ve had 3 pairs of Ariat zip-up waterproof boots over the last 10 years. Sadly the length of time they last has decreased with each price rise. Had a look at Moretta boots this morning at less than half the price but not sure they would last?

 

[HelenBack]

Oh thanks everybody, that's all reassuring, and it was some Ariat ones I was looking at too. I've had their lace ups and long boots before but have always been a bit nervous of the zip ones. I'll go ahead and order then ans hopefully they'll be okay.

 

[HelenBack]

I’ve had 3 pairs of Ariat zip-up waterproof boots over the last 10 years. Sadly the length of time they last has decreased with each price rise. Had a look at Moretta boots this morning at less than half the price but not sure they would last?

Which are the Moretta ones that you're looking at? I do like Shires stuff but I know what you mean about being unsure how long they would last.

 

[Abacus]

The Shires Morettas I mentioned above have lasted a good 18 months, being worn every day, for yard work as well as riding. I started wearing them as we had them anyway and I'm too mean to waste them - but expected they would be somewhat disposable, which for £35 is ok (ignoring environmental and sustainability considerations). I have been surprised by how well they have lasted - they are still in good condition with only occasional cleaning and conditioning, and clean up nicely still. I don't know if they are meant to be waterproof but I walk in shallow puddles up to the zip with no problems, obvs not waterproof above that.

EDITED: they do a leather version and a fake leather one... mine are the former, as far as I can see the same as these:

Moretta Rosetta Paddock Boots | Shires Equestrian

Zipper front openings and polished leather, ideal for everyday riding or competitions. Rosetta paddock boots offer the rider a sleek look with supportive insoles and shock absorbing soles for comfort and stability. Key features: Full grain leather. WickAw

shiresequestrian.com

 

[Tarragon]

Ariats! I love mine. They last two years (worn everyday) , then I buy a new pair which are used when I want to be smart and the older get downgraded to dry conditions only.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I too have Ariat zip one for yard, Telluride or Terrain (both!).
Just ensure that you do pull the zips up, otherwise if you are slovenly (moi?)seeds and stuff go into the bottom of the zip and can jam it. Easy to resolve with a hoof pick. A little furniture polish sprayed on the zips keeps them moving.
I wear mine out before the zips go, each pair roughly last at least 2 x spring to autumn being worn daily. Current pair are 3 yrs old and suffering with small cracks in leather by ball of foot now, so have dug out the Grasmeres this week for field and yard trudging.

 

[gallopingby]

Which are the Moretta ones that you're looking at? I do like Shires stuff but I know what you mean about being unsure how long they would last.

The Vittoria are the zip up ones, but there’s also a lace up version which is a bit cheaper called Eleonora.

 

[Dino7]

Just been passing the time browsing the forum as I often do and this thread has made me purchase some shires boots! Not sure how that just happened! LOL

 

[Horseysheepy]

Ariat zip up paddock boots are brilliant.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I’ve got Ariat short boots in various flavours. Though both types are very comfortable to wear both on and off the horse my zip front Tellurides are a much neater fit and less bulky under 1/2 chaps than my lace up Tellurides.

I’ve also got zip front Devon nitros which are neater and smarter again, and I keep those for best .

 

[Dontforgetaboutme]

I have some h20 bromont ariat zip up short boots. Despite going half size bigger I find them super tight to zip up. They restrict my upper foot. I had really painful feet for ages, coming downstairs in the morning was super painful & then I stopped wearing them as started wearing long boots and the pain went. I had thought was arthritis! Shame as they are super warm. I do have wide, flat feet. Never had problem with Devon Pros etc

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

I had some shires ones recently and the heel split within a month!

 

[teapot]

I have some h20 bromont ariat zip up short boots. Despite going half size bigger I find them super tight to zip up. They restrict my upper foot. I had really painful feet for ages, coming downstairs in the morning was super painful & then I stopped wearing them as started wearing long boots and the pain went. I had thought was arthritis! Shame as they are super warm. I do have wide, flat feet. Never had problem with Devon Pros etc

I always found the Devon Pros fitted a bit wider than their normal boots. I've got a pair of the lace up short boots and they're a far snugger fit than my Devon Pros ever were!