I've always loved this kind of lace-up, mid-height "paddock" boot, and actually stopped someone walking down the street to ask where she got hers--found them, bought them, love them! Very sleek, very comfy, apparently pretty waterproof, since I did some slogging thru marshy trails today and came home with dry socks--delightfully surprised! I think they do run a bit small/ narrow-- this is the first shoe I've ever bought in wide width, but I'm glad I did, as any narrower would leave no room for socks. I like the fact that the laces allow a custom fit. Not sure about zippers-- I usually avoid them-- but I think they'd be easy to replace if they do wear out. I'm ordering another pair, on the grounds that I don't often find the perfect boot.