Failing Footwear

11/28/2016

I finally had to bid a sad farewell to my beloved Volants last week. You can see why.

Zipper Blowout

I'll admit that I am probably a little tough on my tall boots. I wear them seven days a week in a dusty environment. While I don't usually clean paddocks or stalls while wearing them, I do other messy barn chores.

Foot Blowout

For the first year or so that I owned them, I was careful about brushing them off each day when I took them off. After a while though, I quit doing that, but I did condition them every once in while.

Toe Blowout

For the price (around $500), I expected them to last at least a little bit longer than two years and nine months. I bought them in February of 2014; they didn't last long. Last Christmas, I bought a pair of Tuffrider Baroque tall boots from the Riding Warehouse because I knew my Volants were falling apart.

Freshly conditioned!

I've worn the Tuffriders a few times, but this weekend they got called up officially. Each time I put them on, I am reminded of how unbelievably comfortable they are. They're better than my muck boots. The Riding Warehouse has them listed at $161.95, but if you buy them today with the 25% discount, they're only $122! I am thinking of ordering a new back up pair (size 8, regular width).

My Ariat Maestros are still my go to show boots, but I am having a problem with a sticky zipper. Does anyone know of a good lubricating product that I can use? Please share a link, and I will be forever grateful.

jenj

11/28/2016 06:46:53 am

Ugh, it sucks that expensive boots don't last longer. My Ariat paddock boots need replacing, and they're just 18 months old. Grrr.

Bakersfield Dressage link

11/29/2016 05:18:43 am

I hear people say that, but my paddock boots have lasted for YEARS and so have several other pairs of Ariat boots. Maybe I've been lucky with the others?

Jamie

11/28/2016 07:44:29 am

If your zipper is sticking, you can squirt a little WD-40 onto a plate or dish, then take a little paintbrush & brush it into the teeth of the zipper. :)

11/29/2016 05:19:10 am

Good idea!

Tracy link

11/28/2016 07:46:56 am

I hate tall boots because I never seem to find a pair that I'm happy with both the fit, quality and durability. And I'm like you -- I wear mine day in and day out.

11/29/2016 05:20:26 am

I like tall boots, but I do wish these would have lasted a bit longer. At $122, I can afford to just replace them every year which is better than $500 for less than three years!

Amanda Chance link

11/28/2016 08:08:37 am

I too have had issues with my last couple pairs of Ariats not lasting very long. I won't be buying any more of them, they just aren't made well enough to justify the price. But I have a pair of TuffRider's as well (the Sport boots that I got when Dover was clearing them out for $99) and while a) they're too short - sadly everything TuffRider makes is too short for me, b) they're starting to look haggard, they are still SO comfortable. By far the most comfortable boots I've ever had. I wish they made them taller, I'd keep buying them.

11/29/2016 05:23:14 am

Mine are very comfortable for sure. Ordering custom is probably expensive, especially when it's just for height. While the Baroque's aren't particularly pretty, they work great for daily schooling. I didn't pick up a back up pair on this sale, but I hope to after Christmas.

Hillary link

11/28/2016 12:48:34 pm

ZIPPER-EASE Pencil Type Zipper Wax Lubricant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GJRBH0U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FFjpybE8Q30GK

This stuff is supposed to be good.

11/29/2016 05:24:07 am

I sent the link to my husband who orders from Amazon almost daily (Prime account). Hopefully he tosses them it in in his next order.

SarahO link

11/28/2016 01:14:10 pm

Ditto to above, though also available at Dover for cheaper:
http://www.doversaddlery.com/zipper-ease/p/X1-37017/

11/29/2016 05:24:44 am

I have a Dover gift card. My next order will have that thing in it!

Comments are closed.

Not-So-Speedy Dressage