Our SIDE ZIP boots make life a little easier by reducing the time it takes to get in and out of your boots and onto the next thing. To keep them operating at their best, follow these steps: The first time you put on your boots, leave the zipper up and lace up as if it were a normal boot. Make sure not to over tighten your laces, as this can cause undue strain on the lacing system and make the boot harder to zip. Always completely lower your zipper and remove the boot with your hands when you take them off. It’s tempting to want to push your boots off with your foot on the heel or side wall. However, your boots were built to hold to your foot and move with you, so any forced pressure opposite to that use will eventually cause damage. Keep your boots clean. The other care tips on this page can help you with this part. Keeping your boots clean ensures that the materials aren’t being overly hardened or dried out over time by mud.