Frye Arkansas Mid Lace

When I found these Frye Arkansas ankle boots on the Zappos website, I was wanting a shoe or short boot that could serve the purpose of a dress shoe, but that wouldn't be so fancy or stylish that it would look out of place worn with jeans and a t-shirt, which is more often "the norm" for me. As far as look, but also fit, since I almost always wear Vans Old Skool hi-tops, these ankle boots fit the bill perfectly. Absolutely beautiful boots. They're at once simple and rugged, yet understated in their style and versatility. These boots are very solidly crafted, quite obviously with great care and attention to detail. I've been wanting to buy a pair of Frye boots for over 15 years after really closely checking out a pair a co-worker at the time used to often wear and highly recommended. I could never "justify" the price tag, however. Well, I'm glad I finally did, because there's no justification needed. They are worth every hand-crafted penny of their totally acceptable price tag. I now see it more as an investment, and I'm glad I finally made that investment. They're extremely comfortable right out of the box, and are great for casual or even more formal uses. I'll be wearing these for years to come. Both my girlfriend and my mom got excited when I told them I bought a pair. My girl wears a pair of ancient Frye engineer boots that have absolutely been through the ringer, but are still going strong. My mom mentioned that she's never owned a pair, but has been aware of Frye, as a quality company with an excellent reputation, since she was in middle school, and she is now 74! I remember that my two older sisters also used to wear Frye boots and shoes when I was growing up in the '70s. They loved theirs as well. I'm thinking about buying another style at some point as well, as they offer lots of options and styles to choose from. Very nice boots. Highly impressed and satisfied. One thing I found odd is the sizing. I wear 9 1/2 in nearly every brand of shoe or sneaker I buy/wear (Vans, Adidas, Puma, New Balance, Timberland). However, with these boots, I ended up purchasing a size 8 1/2! I tried the 9 1/2, in which my feet were absolutely "swimming", then moved on to a 9, which were still too big as my heel kept sliding forward inside the boot. Eventually the 8 1/2 did the job. I'm just glad that Zappos offers free return shipping, or this would have been very annoying and disappointing. Thanks Frye. Thanks Zappos.

I'd also recommend: Timberland

Great boot. Classic style and looks very well constructed. Compared this head to head against the Red Wing Beckham. I did not see a price difference between boots.

Beautiful boot, classic style and nice soft leather. Feels like bison. Heavy in weight, but that makes it a better boot. I put an insole in it to make it fit and that's a good thing.

I'm a size 11 and I bought a size 11. There is the right amount of room at the toe. The leather is soft and easily broken in, yet tough. I use them for motorcycle riding, and with a pair of jeans in cooler weather. They are not too heavy, and not too light. Very casual for a boot. Very comfortable. I like them a lot.

I'd also recommend: Red Wing