Zipper Boots

[nordicstyle]

What are people's opinions on zipper boots vs. pull-on boots (lace-ups and Chelsea boots not included)?

I'm in the market for a pair of western style cowboy boots, but I'm not sure if I should go for the classical pull-on or the lower zipper style.

Here are two examples to illustrate:

I can imagine the zipper boots being more comfortable to wear--not to mention easier to put on and take off--and also be more suitable for warmer weather/indoor wear, since the pull-ups cover more of your leg. I will never wear the boots with pants tucked in, so the stitching pattern will never be visiable anyway.

I'm leaning towards the zipper boots for comfort and price (apparently, some zipper boots are cheaper than pull-on boots with similar construction quality), but I am also fascinated by the clean cut look of the pull-on boots (i.e. no zipper to mess up the aesthetics).

 

[emmanuel]

The pull on looks better but if you wont be showing the side...

 

[bigbjorn]

For cowboy boots? Unquestionably pull on.

 

[nordicstyle]

Originally Posted by emmanuel

The pull on looks better but if you wont be showing the side...

The sides don't normally show, but I already own a pair of (cheap) zipper western style boots, and whenever I sit down and cross my legs or put one leg on top of the other, I see the zipper and it kind of annoys me.. (Probably I'm the only one noticing, but...)

I agree the pull-ons look better, but are they as comfortable to wear? Most sites I've seen that sell zipper boots describe them as a more comfortable alternative to pull-ons. Anyone with experience wearing both styles who can share their experience with this?

 

[Tarmac]

Zipper boots would seem to make sense because it eliminates unecessary stretch, blown gore panels, tedious buckles, etc, but I still haven't seen one executed well. Any one have any that they like?

 

[teddieriley]

Back in the early 80s, I remember my dad had boots that zip up on the side, akin to the look of Chelseas.

Anyone know who makes those sort of boots now? I really like the look.

 

[nordicstyle]

Originally Posted by teddieriley

Back in the early 80s, I remember my dad had boots that zip up on the side, akin to the look of Chelseas.

Anyone know who makes those sort of boots now? I really like the look.

There's a ton of them around, just do a Google search for "zipper boots".

 

[JayJay]

I'm not a fan of zippers on boots.

 

[greyinla]

I agree the pull-ons look better, but are they as comfortable to wear?

For cowboy boots, pull on is the way to go; a well-fitting pair should be as comfortable (or more so) than a pair of lace-up shoes. The main points of contact are the forefoot and the ankle; your leg isn't really supported by the shaft, and the ankle offers a bit of slip so they shouldn't be that difficult to get on or off.

 

[teddieriley]

Originally Posted by nordicstyle

There's a ton of them around, just do a Google search for "zipper boots".

I would prefer if someone on the forum can make specific recommendations on esteemed brands, such as "JM Weston makes this model XX" or "I believe Corthay makes something like that." I know how to use google. Thanks, though.

 

[nordicstyle]

Originally Posted by teddieriley

I would prefer if someone on the forum can make specific recommendations on esteemed brands, such as "JM Weston makes this model XX" or "I believe Corthay makes something like that." I know how to use google. Thanks, though.

I think it would be easier to provide names of brands and makers if you specified what kind of boots you were looking for, stylewise (i.e. dressy, casual, western, rural, military, etc..). Zipper boots is just a construction method/a way of solving a practical problem, there are so many varities in styles.

The one I posted is made by Lucchese (hand-crafted at $499 or so).

 

[nordicstyle]

By the way, does anyone know if the zippers are (easily) replacable on boots like these? If I'm putting down half a k on a pair of boots I would like them to last (in experience, zippers typically is the first thing to go).

 

[teddieriley]

Originally Posted by nordicstyle

I think it would be easier to provide names of brands and makers if you specified what kind of boots you were looking for, stylewise (i.e. dressy, casual, western, rural, military, etc..). Zipper boots is just a construction method/a way of solving a practical problem, there are so many varities in styles.

The one I posted is made by Lucchese (hand-crafted at $499 or so).

I was probably unclear with my prior post. I would be interested in chelsea-type boots with the side zipper rather than the elastic on both sides. But no intentions to hijack your thread.

 

[crazyquik]

Originally Posted by teddieriley

Back in the early 80s, I remember my dad had boots that zip up on the side, akin to the look of Chelseas.

Mine too!

 

[coverto]

Zippered cowboy boots would be considered in poor taste in most cowboy-boot-wearing circles, to put it nicely. To my eyes, that pair of zippered cowboy boots is jarring at best. For a female, maybe it's a forgivable offense. But in Texas, men have been hanged for less. Although you'd probably get away with it in Norway without a problem, you can no longer claim blissful ignorance as of reading this thread. So if you don't feel you're ready for the real thing, I'd advise you to get a pair of zipper boots that aren't cowboy boots. This is not a time to *****foot around.

And to answer your question, cowboy boots are as comfortable as hell - every bit as, if not more than, zipper boots. Depends on the pair, really. I wear cowboy boots most days. If you've never experienced them, you owe it to yourself. Sure, my pair of zippered disco boots is easier to get on and off, but that's what the ladies are for, right?