Years back I was talking with Russell and told them I really liked my tall snake boots but because of some surgery I'd had it was too difficult for me to lace them...at his suggestion I sent them in for a zipper after I got them back I put them on laced them up unzipped them and a 4 wheel drive truck could not have pulled them off my feet...I was pissed to say the least they did make me a new pair free of charge.