My Torrid combat boots are falling apart, so I’m in the market for a new pair that are specifically platform boots that come in black.
Unfortunately, the pair from Solovair (pictured) that I’ve had my eye on for a while (their 8-eye derby platforms) is no longer being sold, and it was replaced with a visually worse alternative where the zippers face outward.
I’ve never owned Martens before, but knowing that Martens aren’t what they used to be, how much do I have to lose by picking up a pair of Jadon III’s instead? If anyone knows any alternatives in the same style that are also Goodyear Welt, that could also be an option.
Why is the stretchy bits of the Chelsea boot better than the zip?
I’d imagine the stretchy bits and the the zipper both require binding to the leather.
I’m not a fan of any stretchy fabric from a bifl perspective since it wears out. Depending on design it can be replaced if it needs to be.
The main problem with zippers is that they aren’t really made to be load bearing the way they are when used as a boot closure. It’s an automatic weak spot. It probably doesn’t matter for a fashion boot, but the good designs I’ve seen don’t just have a zipper to the top, they have some kind of additional support to prevent the zipper from being pulled apart.
OP, look up paratrooper boots (aka jump boots). I think they fit the look you want, and it seems like there’s plenty of brands that make them with good materials.
It’s not that it’s better by itself. It’s that zippers don’t exist on good boots.
Can’t really tell you why.
Nicks and Russel Mocs both have models with zippers and they are about as quality as they come.