Of Dressage Boots and Zippers…Advice Please

[jengersnap]

I’m tickled pink this weekend after scoring a gorgeous pair of dressage boots in a yard sale. I just started dressage lessons with my mare this year and we’re really enjoying the challenge. Anyway, the boots were the older lady’s and she said she use to show her dressage horse but when the mare passed and her ankle went she stopped riding. They haven’t been in use for around 10 years, but they are in immaculate condition, with brand new soles added in and shined to show. I don’t know much about English boots in general, but they certainly seemed classy like my husband’s Kroops. She told me they are Cavallos, and she paid $700 for them, and they were my size. But I can’t bend my bad ankles enough to get down into them. The thighs and whatnot are on par with my good fitting winter tall boots, but those have fasteners that let me get my ankle in right.

I feel I’m going to have to have a zipper added. I’ve never done this before, and would hate to ruin a pair of gorgeous boots, so I’m looking for advice. Are zippers frowned on? Do they seriously devalue a boot, in case even post zipper for some reason I can’t get into them or wear them? And where is the best place to put one, down the back or on the inside? I just am terrified of ruining a great pair of boots. Thanks!

[Gloria]

For the life of me I can't put my feet into a pair of tall boots that don't have zippers. As to whether zippers will devalue the boots, it's fair to say that some people love them some hate them.

However, my understanding is that you cannot put zippers on used boots pass the ankles where you need them the most. You can put zippers on above the ankles but that won't help you. Your best bet is probably to somehow stretch the ankle.

[Foxhound]

You can have zippers installed that will go from the calf all the way down to the foot area. You just need to send the boots to a good place that specializes in installing zippers. I would recommend sending them off to Euro-American Saddlery: http://www.eurosaddlery.com/index.cfm
Or The Paddock Saddlery: http://www.paddocksaddlery.com/

Don't take them to your local shoe repair place, as this is something that needs to be done by a specialist. I have also heard good things about Woody's in Florida, but I don't know their contact information.

Edited to add that well-done zippers do not devalue the boots. If anything, they add value. The zippers should be done to the inside of the front of the boot. They will not show up when you are riding.

[xQHDQ]

Just wanted to add my vote for adding zippers. Just carry black electrical tape in your show stuff on the off chance a zipper fails (after many years of use).

[jengersnap]

So practical, QHDQ! If I ever make it to a ring, I will definately toss a roll in the tack bag. Thanks for the feedback everyone :) I hadn't thought of stretching the boots, so I think I'm going to look into that first, as once I start modifying them with zippers or gussets I can't have the original boot back. If that doesn't work then we'll go the zippered way. I feel like I've been given treasures and just want to take care of them as best I can.

[patch work farm]

I second sending them to Woody THROUGH Euro Saddlery, he actually does their work. He has put zippers in 2 sets of different warn boots for me without a problem, just put zippers in a new pair with no problem. It is WELL worth it, I too have such a high arch that I cannot get my foot into a boot without zippers (although I did it for 20 years, guess I knew I had no choice?) but I have sworn NEVER to wear a pair without zippers again.

[Somantu]

Nick's Custom Boots in Toronto have put zippers in Cavallos for me.
Definitely worth the effort, the boots turned out great.

The same shoemaker has just completed a pair of custom boots - in burgundy leather! I get them this weekend :)

[jengersnap]

Thanks Somantu! TO is close enough that I'm up that way on occassion.

Patchwork, my sympathies. I bet you hate flat soles like I do too!

[Puddin Pie]

Woody's of Wellington! He put in zippers in my Konigs after I wore them prior to pregnancy and then could not get them on afterwards. He did a great job. Google him and you will find it.

[Moogles]

Nick's Custom Boots in Toronto have put zippers in Cavallos for me.
Definitely worth the effort, the boots turned out great.

The same shoemaker has just completed a pair of custom boots - in burgundy leather! I get them this weekend :)

Can you post pictures? I loff coloured boots!

[Somantu]

Moogles,
They're very dark burgundy – not very obvious.
As soon as I get them I'll post a pic!
:)

[cyndi]

You most certainly CAN have zippers put in used boots - all the way down to the ankles. I had a pair of boots 10+ years old and Woody's did mine. Have been wearing them at least 5 years now since that!! (Love my ancient Marlboroughs!)

[titansrunfarm]

'nother plug for Woody's: Just had some zippers installed in my super tight Petrie's by Woody's of Wellington, excellent service and surprisingly quick turnaround.