Help! Can't unzip my boot! Update: foot is free!

First, let me say I think this is sort of hilarious so it's perfectly okay to laugh.

I thought I'd see if these Docs would work as part of a costume. Apparently as I was zipping up the first boot, some of this liner strip got eaten up by the zipper. I'm trying to work it both up and down but it won't budge. It's zipped up just high enough that I can't pull the boot off my high-arched, high-volume foot.

They are nice, rare and expensive Docs so I'd rather not break the zipper. Do I put butter in the zipperhead? Ugh. I have no idea what else would work. I will keep fiddling around with it in the meantime...

Thanks in advance. Party is in 3 hours (had already told the host I wouldn't have a costume--probably should have stuck with that).

UPDATE: I managed to force the zipper open just enough, I mean one or two millimeters (and without breaking the zipper, but probably stretched the leather a bit) to be able to wriggle my foot out of the boot. The zipper is still pretty jammed with this synthetic fluff, but I have a good cobbler who might be able to fix it. Thanks for your ideas!

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

7 years ago

Mauvish

Active Member

Uh... hate that when it happens.
Have you tried rubbing candle wax? It helped me once.

But if there is some sort of inner fabric/thread/liner stuck, try picking it up from the inside of your shoe. Slight pulling on liner.
Not on zipper.
After every few pulling, try jiggling the zipper SLOWLY and GENTLY.
Then try to go up.. pull on more liner and then repeat the process.

It's all about patience.
Take deep breaths.

Let us know.

Mochi

Veteran

Thank you, Mauvish. I think that's the way to go. First suggestions I was just trying were to use bar soap or a pencil as a lubricant...but I think there's too much chewed-up liner in there for that to be of any use.

I will certainly update in the header when I get it fixed.

You mean a lead pencil?
Never heard that trick before.

Good luck! Hope you get it fixed soon so you can enjoy the pary.

bj1111

The zipper won't slide because there is too much material stuck in the zipper head. Try picking out the extra. The push the liner ahead of the zipper aside so the zipper head can slide off the liner

Still at it. Promise to update as soon as I fix the problem.

The thing is, the liner strip is composed of some material that disintegrates into fluff when I try and pull it from the zipper head. So not much is coming out. And it looks like zipper ate quite a lot.

Grrr, my husband just asked why I didn't notice right away. I have another pair of these Docs and the zipper is just a little tight and needs some finessing, so that's what I thought was going on.

Elle

How maddening since it sounds like you can't move the lining material.. Have you tried other softer lubricants - vaseline or lip balm - and on both sides of the zipper?

catgirl

I had to get rid of two pairs of boots that did that all the time!

abc

So glad you got your foot out! What a doozie that was.

I've since forced the zipper head all the way down. But it won't go back up one iota. It's totally stuffed with this fluff that had been that synthetic panel. It breaks down when I try to pull it out with a safety pin. I'm half hoping the shoe repair guy can fix it, but it may be a very expensive fix. Sigh.

deb

Too bad, Nancy.

LaPed

Hah, this is one of the reasons I mostly avoid zippered boots. I have terrible zipper luck. Give me tedious laces any day. I hope the boots survive!

TraceyLiz65

(website)

So glad you were able to get your foot out. Fingers crossed your cobbler can salvage the boot!

kkards

ok i'll admit to laughing....expect this has happened to me with my llbean puffer....and at work!

JAileen

When I saw this earlier I was holding my breath (for awhile, anyway). I'm glad you've been freed. I've been stuck at times, usually by a jacket. I hope your boots can be salvaged. I'd be afraid to put them on again.

harmonica

Glad you managed to escape the boots prison. Hopefully your cobbler will permanently solve the zipper problem!

Anonymous

Late to this, but I'm so glad you got free. I hope the zipper can be in jammed.

Category