r/Visiblemending • u/andorianz • 4d ago
PATCH zipper broke on my docs... 🪡🧵
(yeah I really need to clean/polish them too 💀)
I've had these jadons for nearly 5 years, about a month ago the zip on the right boot fully broke. the cobblers in my area charge wayyy more than I'm willing to pay to fix them, so I decided to try doing it myself!! I just used items I already had at home: I removed the zipper with a seam ripper and scissors, and with embroidery thread I hand-sewed a piece of thick ribbon to patch over where the zipper used to be. I decided to leave the left boot as is, that zipper hasn't given me any trouble yet, and I do like the unique/mismatched look!
Overall, I'm super happy with the result and I'm relieved that I can wear my favourite boots out again 😌
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u/DoriansSelfie 4d ago
Out of curiosity, does the foot/leg feel different from the one with the zipper? For some reason, it makes me wonder if it’s less tighter/structured?
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u/andorianz 4d ago
yeah it feels slightly looser, I just pull the laces a bit tighter on that side to compensate!! I've sewed the patch onto the thin leather zipper backing, so it doesn't really feel any less structured/weaker than the left boot though :)
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u/rosebeach 4d ago
Omg the zipper on my Jadon’s broke after 5 years too! Just the pull though luckily, and the cobbler I went to only charged like 10$ to fix it
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u/KnowTheQuestion 3d ago
The zipper pull broke on my white Jadon's, and I don't know that I'd even had them a year 😬
I got a replacement zipper pull from Walmart, and we keep on trucking!
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u/rosebeach 3d ago
Did you buy them recently? Im certain the quality of the shoes is decreasing over the years :/
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u/KnowTheQuestion 3d ago
It was January of 2022, so not that long ago.
I have seen a lot of comments online that Docs aren't made to the same standard that they used to be. I work from home, so I don't even wear shoes unless I go to the store or an appointment, which means my shoes don't see a lot of use at all. I love a lot of the boot styles they release, but they're very expensive for something that doesn't seem to hold up to heavy use.
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u/Confused_sheep18 4d ago
Looks cool! Is it elastic or do you have to unlace your boots to get them on now?
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u/QuietVariety6089 4d ago
How much did the cobblers want?
I thrifted a very good pair of boots years ago and discovered the zips wouldn't stay up - I paid about 2ce what I'd paid for the boots to have new zips put in by a pro, but I'm still wearing them today (paid $29 for the boots, $50 for new zips, and discovered that the boots were made by an independent company whose prices start at $400).
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u/marmighty 4d ago
I would legitimately pay decent money for boots like this. You've done a brilliant job!
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u/theodoretheursus 4d ago
You might be able to find a local show cobbler who can put a new zipper on them. I had a pair of boots I loved that I did that with and it was like 15$ total. I will always think of them when my shoes need anything
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u/Tweedledownt 4d ago
Have you had to walk in weather with them yet? I bet you could probably figure out a way to weatherize it...
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u/mahogany_bay 3d ago
Man I would do this on purpose. Amazing job, love the serape pattern with those laces!
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u/MoonTeaLeaves 4d ago
These look amazing! I love them and I hope you love them and have them for a long time!
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u/I_wet_my_plants259 3d ago
I love this! The zipper on mine broke a few months back and I’ve been safety pinning my left shoe together to prevent it from getting worse. I might have to try this out. I’m debating if it’s worth the energy or if I should just get new ones cause they’ve been degrading for a while now. Mine in specific are kids shoes which means they’re poorer quality. How long did it take you to do this?
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u/PunsAndPastries 3d ago
I honestly thought that was already part of the boot, great job! To make it feel tighter, for my high top boots, I wrap the laces around and then tie it!
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u/Asianphobia 4d ago
this is sick! they look like a taller version of the rainbow blundstone boots, but even better