08/10/2025
2025! WHAT DOES IT COST, CAN IT BE DONE & HOW,
PLEASE READ BEFORE SENDING US YOUR REPAIRS.
Please message us before sending your boots in so we can discuss your needs. If possible please include photos of the affected areas on the boot. Please read all the below fully prior so sending us your repair
There are many different types of construction styles in equestrian boot, and with a zip replacement this can affect the price a little and the outcome of the repair. This is a guide to help you understand the processes, pricing, what we can offer and how shipping works.
To do the job the correct way, the way the boot was designed; we would look to fully remove the old/damaged zip from between the layers, glue a new one in, before stitching it in place using highly trained staff and top of the range long arm stitching machines that reach deep inside a boot. For this we charge approximately £45.00 for one boot or £85 a pair, (Cheaper options may be available - please read on)
There are sometimes cheaper ways to replace zips, and sometimes this is the only way. If the lining of the boot is a thin fabric (like J-Cloth materials which are normally glued) damage is likely to happen if we attempt the above procedure. When faced with this or a request for the cheapest way or the lining is glued, then we cut away the old zip teeth flush with the boot leaving the zip ribbon behind. We then stitch the new zip over the top of the lining, from the outside of the boot the appearance will almost be the same when zipped up but the ribbon would now be seen on the inside. We charge approximately £35.00 for one boot or £65.00 for a pair if done using this method. With all repairs, small extra charges may apply for example, if heavier zips are needed, if poppers, flaps or tabs need to be removed & replaced to complete zip repair. This will all be discussed before work starts.
Our team also offers other high quality leather repairs including new soles and heel replacement, new elastic laces (£12.50 each fitted), boot alterations (smaller or bigger), and adding zips to boots that have not got them. A common request is to add elasticated panels to the inner leg of boot - as you ride the bigger the gastrocnemius and soleus (calf) muscles become, this puts more pressure on your boots and in turn the zips. Adding elasticated panels in will make your boot feel less tight and can help prevent the zips from breaking, from around £25-£45 per boot, with many examples are shown on are feed.
A zip replacement is not always needed - we stock a range of zip runners and zip pulls costing from £4.00 to £20.00. So be sure to send us a few photos so that we can advise you on the best option.
We always aim to deliver the best job possible.
Meeting expectations - We like to be clear with what is possible with repairs or alterations as it may differ from the original, (please keep this in mind if only one boot is sent in). It's good for us to outline the work we do as once we start we can not always fully gauge the level of outcome until "surgery" is under way. Extra stitching or gluing may be needed as many manufactures leave very little material for us to carry out repairs due to their methods of construction, after all they would rather you buy a new pair from them.
Stitching, Threads and Alterations - We strive to give a straight stitch but this is not always possible in all cases as now your boot may not be the smooth flat pattern it once was in the boot factory, being stitched together on high end specialised machines. Fitting a zip to a boot made of many layers with added creases and changes in shape from wear, all add to the complexity of stitching a boot on a long arm sewing machine - which may lead to some of the new finished stitching to run off line at times. However it is important to consider the area the work will be done in and in some cases we may need to add in the extra lines of stitching as its not always possible to use the existing stitch lines. An extra line of stitching can sometimes be required to give strength or to pick up layers in the boot not reachable with the first pass or to fix in new or replacement martials (please ask or see examples on our page feed to help you to understand the above to show you possible outcomes or you can send us example photos of what you are trying to achieve prior to sending them in). With old stitching we look to remove old thread where possible, but in some cases/areas, this may be left behind so as not to leave open stitch holes. It may also be that the type of stitch does not allow easy removal, but in the unlikely event of any old stitches left over time these can easily be snipped off without affecting our repair. All new thread used is a very strong nylon that will not rot or fade. Whilst it is not always possible to match your existing thread we will endeavour to use a similar colour to the overall boot colour.
SHIPPING:
Return shipping;
Single boot (up to 1kg) - from £9.99
Pair of boots (up to 2kg) - from £12.99
These will be returned via Royal Mail special delivery with an insurance value of upto £750 (proof of boots value will be required in the unlikely event of having to make a claim)
For heavier boots or multiple pairs, please contact us before sending to discuss costs.
Cheaper postage options may be available however these would not have the full insurance value and the customer accepts liability of using a cheaper service
We aim to turn most work around in 5-7 days. In peak times 10-12 days.
WHERE TO SHIP TO
When shipping your boots to us please include you return address and phone number, with what work is required. Please clean and dry your boots but do not treat with any greasy product. (please phone us first before shipping if you have not made contact on messenger) you may send them to us in a box or wrap in a bin liners (well taped) and ship to:
Zip Repair Dept
11 Borehamgate Precinct
Cobblers & Keys LTD
Kings Street
Sudbury,
Suffolk
CO10 2EG
We recommend sending tracked by Royal mail or a little slower but still traced and cheaper is myhermies
www..royalmail.com/price-finder
www.myhermes.co.uk/send-a-parcel.html #/price
If sending via Royal Mail, this can be booked in here;
https://send.royalmail.com/?cid=RP_FY2223_SB_27637449_525993384_63978391
(an average pair of boots weighs about 2kg when in a box)
Please be aware when sending boots into us that standard insurance cover provided by the couriers may not cover the value of your boots. Please check this before sending and be aware that they will require proof of value in the unlikely event that a claim has to be made
We offer a 3 months guarantee on all boot zip stitching and offer a 10 day guarantee on zips. Due to the nature of the sport, zips were not invented nor designed for such rigorous use and to be put under such strain. Although they do a great job, we ask that if your boots have become too tight or not lasted long, that you let us know and we can leave more zip ribbon showing to give a little extra space for muscle growth.
Where possible, we will polish pairs of boots (we don't polish single boots as they then don't match the other boot) to try and get them looking like new as an added free bonus. So ask around the stables, your friends may need our services as well.
We ask that you have read all the above fully prior so sending us your repair but do feel free to message or phone us on 01787 883883 and speak with Simon If you have any questions or have a desired outcome as we understand that everyone's expectations differ and we can price accordingly to tailor for this.