These are the gaiters I have always wanted and no one makes.
I’m excited to announce: Zipper gaiters will debut at Way Too Cool
Zipper gaiters will be available soon on Heidi’s website and at local races, starting with Way too Cool. They feature Heidi Garner’s original artwork and include a zipper that allows you to put them on and take them off without removing your shoes.
We use the same lightweight micro nylon spandex fabric as our regular gaiters. The fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, light weight and soft. It keeps your feet and ankles comfortable on the trail. If. you love the fabric, and we do, don’t wait to get another pair. We use Deadstock fabric and supplies are limited. See blog on why we use deadstock fabric and how it reduces your environmental impact.
Features:
- Molded plastic zippers reduce the risk of dirt and debris clogging the zipper teeth.
- We added a soft fabric facing behind the zipper, so your skin never touches the zipper and your ankle stays protected.
I’ve personally trail-tested these gaiters, and they are comfortable and functional.
They come in two sizes:
- Medium / Small
- Medium / Large
The fabric is very stretchy and will fit several sizes.
For reference, I wear a women’s size 9.5 shoe and have an 8.25″ ankle. I can wear both sizes, but I prefer the Medium / Small for basic runs, if I was doing a long ultra where my ankles might swell I would prefer the Medium / lLarge.
Why don’t other companies make gaiters with zippers?
Basic gaiters cost less to make. Zipper gaiters are more expensive, time-consuming and complicated. Separating zippers are made for jackets, not shoes. They don’t come in the short lengths required for this application. So, I shorten each zipper by hand, removing individual teeth and installing new zipper stops.
It takes 5x longer to make zipper gaiters and have more than triple the component parts. But I want these, I believe you do too. They cost more, but they are worth every penny.
Why I make gaiters with zippers:
Making gaiters with zippers is a deliberate choice. where I put the trail community over profits. They cost more and take longer to make. But, the functionality and comfort are worth it. . I want zipper gaiters for myself—so I decided to make them for everyone. This put the community over profits, and it is worth it.
On a personal note:
I always forget to put my gaiters on before my shoes. The zipper design fixes that completely—no unlacing, no taking shoes off, just zip them on and go. These are the gaiters I want, and now I’m making them for you.