I have spent the last few months haphazardly searching for the perfect pair of fall boots. I had a fairly tough list of requirements – there had to be a low heel, yet they had to be comfortable enough that I could walk at least a mile in them. Also, I wanted them to be wearable for both my workplace and on the weekend. They were an item that I would occasionally think about, and root around the internet and place an order for. Then of course, the boots would arrive and something would be wrong with them (too tall, too high of a heel, looked super weird on me, had a horrid smell, and it went on). So I’d have to return them. And the cycle would begin again.
I finally am happy to report however, that I found my pair of fall boots! This revelation came as happy news I’m sure to not just myself but Mr. Feather, who had been tiring of giant boot boxes showing up at our home. They are from Frye, a brand which I’ve heard of many times but never thought to try out for myself.
The first thing that surprised me about these boots was that they didn’t have a zipper. I always thought I would need a side zipper for boots to fit comfortably, but these fit very nicely and snugly. And as a bonus, I think the absence of a zipper makes them even more comfortable.
The leather is a very soft, broken in calf – I work in a more casual environment, so these boots work very well there. However if you do work in a more formal environment like a bank, etc, then the leather plus the boot style might be too casual.
The heels are sturdy and measure about 2 inches, and the footbed is cushioned, while the sole is leather with rubber to prevent sliding (and that clackety clack clack sound you can get from boots). Very comfortable for walking, while still getting a bit of extra height.
One more thing I wanted to mention about these Frye boots – they have a fairy high shaft and I have shorter calves (long legged ladies, you can stop reading here and go back to modeling all your fabulous ankle and calf length boots), so I was initially skeptical that they would work on me. However, they actually ended up hitting at a very nice place below the knee! I think perhaps it’s because of the slight dip in front.
Overall, I would highly recommend these boots from Frye – I’ve worn them around for a few weeks now, including some very long work days, and they’ve been incredibly comfortable and easy to wear. I’ve also heard that Frye has quite good quality and I’m looking forward to taking these into the cobbler for years to come. You can find them at Nordstrom, and Zappos.
What are some of your perfect fall boots? Have you found them yet?
32 Comments
Sonya
October 31, 2013 at 8:44 amThese are great! Thank you for posting about them. If you can find a pair of low kittenish heels too, please post!
Katherine
October 31, 2013 at 5:22 pmYes I will! Have you tried the Vara? I’m also looking for a kitten heel with a less chunky heel, will post if I find.
candace
October 31, 2013 at 9:08 ami have been wanting to order those for awhile. because of your recommendation i just placed the order. i bought them in chocolate – if i love them as much as you liked yours – i will get the black and the brown next. – i live in texas – so we can never have to many pairs of boots;)
thank you and i always enjoy reading your post
candace
Katherine
October 31, 2013 at 9:45 amHi Candace – I really hope you like them! Please let us know how they work out 🙂
Prêt à Porter P
October 31, 2013 at 9:11 amThe leather looks really good on these, and I’ve heard good things about frye’s quality.
my favorite tall boots are an 8 yr old pair of black suede wedge zara boots, el cheapo black suede thigh high boots (that of course I get the most compliments on!), and then thigh high flat ld tuttle “shaper” boots that they remake every fall/winter. i love black ankle boots, but these days aside from the combat boots, I hardly wear them anymore.
Katherine
October 31, 2013 at 5:21 pmAre your cheapo black suede thigh highs by any chance from Chinese Laundry? I have the same pair!! Love them!
Khin
October 31, 2013 at 9:29 amHi Katherine,
OMG!! Like you I have been looking for the perfect FALL/WINTER Boots & Booties. I live in NYC, so I need comfortable shoes yet stylish. Also to be wearable for both my workplace and on the weekend with SKINNY PANTS, SKIRTS, and DRESSES. Last Friday, I found SHOES met ALL those criteria. I end up buying 4 pairs, all from L.K Bennett.
Booties – ‘Dionne’ Boot (in Black) made in ITALY – I have been wearing for 4 days already. I don’t remember last time I wear the same shoes for 4 consecutive days.
Tall Boots – Carole Grained Leather Knee High Riding Boot (in TAN) made in ITALY – I also wanted in BLACK
Cold Weather Boots made in Spain – Warren Mid Shaft Shearling – so comfy and warm. Waiting for COLD Days to wear.
Aleshia Printed Leather Point Pump made in Spain – just simple pump need to break in. I haven’t actually worn them out yet.
Katherine
October 31, 2013 at 5:21 pmThese all sound amazing! I’ll have to keep an eye out for them, I always admired LK Bennett shoes when I was working briefly in London and they seem to have good quality and prices as well.
Adele
October 31, 2013 at 9:39 amOooh they look fabulous on!
Happy Halloween Katherine xoxo
http://www.intotheblonde.com/
Kathryn
October 31, 2013 at 9:40 amI completely agree! I bought these same boots last year and they are the BEST!!! Now you are making me think I need them in another color as well. Congrats!
Katherine
October 31, 2013 at 10:47 amSo glad to hear that you also love these! They are soo comfy! I’m thinking about the tannish color.
Julie
October 31, 2013 at 3:34 pmI was considering the Frye Veronica Back Zip but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. The leather felt great and the back zip made them fit very close to the leg, which I thought was flattering. I, too, am a shortie and I really liked the 15″ shaft of the Veronica. I’ve also heard the Melissa Button has a lower shaft. Did you try either of these on your search? I may have to try the Jackie next and compare, though, because the extra 1-1/4″ heel height would be great!
Katherine
October 31, 2013 at 5:22 pmI think I tried the Melissa which was also quite nice, I liked the heel though on the Jackie. Try it – it’s a super comfortable height, you can walk all day in them.
Cassie
October 31, 2013 at 4:45 pmYes actually! I located my perfect pair of fall boots 2 weeks ago when I bought a pair of black Frye Jane boots 🙂 My boots don’t have the padded insole, but even without it they’ve been great. I normally have a terrible time breaking in new footwear, but these have been awesome.
Katherine
October 31, 2013 at 5:21 pmAnother Frye fan! Yes no break in time at all 🙂
Trang
November 1, 2013 at 7:03 amThanks for the suggestion Kat. I am looking for a boot with a shorter heel, so this led me to the Melissa Button boots. I’ll be off to the stores to hunt down a pair next weekend.
Katherine
November 1, 2013 at 7:16 amLet me know how you like them! 🙂
Lucy
November 1, 2013 at 8:12 amThese boots look great on you!! Can you share if you had any issues breaking them in? I have a pair of Frye Engineer 12R boots that I bought years ago and I’ve never been able to break them in. I’d wear the thickest socks and always end up with horrible blisters just after a short while. Its so sad because I love the way they look. Any tips on breaking in boots??
Katherine
November 1, 2013 at 11:18 amNo issues on these boots yet! No tips to break in boots, I always have just worn thick socks but I agree that doesn’t work for boots so well 🙁
Blythediva
November 2, 2013 at 1:00 amMine too! I have a pair of Harness and I ended up with blisters too.
Katherine
November 3, 2013 at 5:08 pmAhh I’m sorry to hear that! I haven’t had any blistering so far, crossing fingers!
Naaj Rona
November 1, 2013 at 8:29 amI am fussy when it comes to if ding the perfect pair. My list is exactly like yours. It was like reading my checklist. They look good, I mean the heel is not too high and the quality looks good as well
Naaj Ronas Lifestyle
ammu
November 1, 2013 at 9:33 amGorgeous! I have heard so many good things about Frye – didn’t realise they did such sleek boots, in addition to their more rugged models.
Belen
November 1, 2013 at 1:53 pmI loooove black boots. But I have too many pairs now, so I have to look the other way when I see something I like. Trying to keep my closet edited.
Would love to see a full body pic!
Katherine
November 1, 2013 at 5:41 pmHi Belen! I’ll try to include more of those, I’ve been quite lazy lately with the outfit posts and plus it’s hard to angle the camera myself to get the full outfit (even as short as I am!) 🙂 I love black boots too.
Michelle
November 2, 2013 at 10:11 amLove these on you Kathyn. Frye boots are great. Greeting from NZ.
Mrs C
November 3, 2013 at 1:44 pmStunning pair! I love the vintage look of the leather and the heels are of perfect height too. Enjoy your boots Kat! I am contemplating on getting a pair of Pedro Garcia booties for this fall.. trying hard to justify another pair of shoes here..
GREETINGS FROM DUBAI!
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/2013/11/simple-white-and-cocktail-ring.html
Vivian
November 4, 2013 at 8:37 pmThank you for the recommendation. Checking these out right now.
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Jennifer
January 3, 2014 at 4:50 pmThank you so much for recommending this booth to us short petite girls. Mines just arrived and it fit me perfectly. Just like you I was not able to find the right booth for my 14 1/2″ shaft. Finally my booth hunting is over for now.
Katherine
January 4, 2014 at 10:11 amHi Jennifer, woohoo! I’m so glad, I love this boot and recommend it a lot and am really glad it worked out for you!