These are really nice boots. I bought the Frye Engineer boots and had to have another pair of Frye boots. These are certainly less extreme in style and presentation, but there are some nice touches like the contrast stitching and different textured leathers. I have the Redwood/Dark brown pebble version of these. I was worried the pebble would look too much like alligator skin, but the effect is more like distressed leather and that’s mainly on the toe where your foot does the most bending. These boots are comfortable from the get-go, a little tight where the foot meets the ankle, but within an hour of wear, it loosens up comfortably. The leather is noticeably softer than the Engineer boots and seemingly less sturdy, but the surface is hardly altered by bumps and scuffs as opposed to the more raw surface of the engineer boots. Although I like the look of these boots, I think the heel could be taller by 1/4 inch to make the angle of ankle to the toe less acute. As is, the toe is a bit duckbill-like from the front. If the lacing were forward by a half inch, I think it would help, too. I’d set all the style-issues aside if the leather were as sturdy as the engineer boots, but I’ll hold onto these for their comfort and classic look.

One of the best bangs for the buck, incredibly comfortable - Bought this entirely for the look, and because it fits (I wear a 17) Here's a few things about it: Incredibly comfortable, maybe the best shoe I've ever owned for comfort My only negative is longevity. The stitching is white, which looks great, but is difficult to keep up. Also, the inside of the shoe is entirely leather, again difficult to maintain. Granted, I am in an extreme Northeastern climate, and have probably worn the shoes when I shouldn't. Nevertheless, I wish they were a tad more durable. Otherwise, one of the best fitting, most comfortable, and nice looking shoes I've owned....and I hate wearing shoes!!!!!!

For the largest sizes, try one size down - My brother normally wears about size 17 for Steve Madden shoes and other brands (Adidas, etc.). For this pair of Steve Madden shoes, the 17 was too large but the 16 fit perfectly.

Best service out there! I ordered my Novo's on a tuesday afternoon and they were on my doorstep friday morning, I had ordered the Novo from eastbay in July, I DID NOT RECIEVE the shoes until the first part of september. I usually go through eastbay for the larger sizes (I wear a 16), now that I've been turned on to Zappos I'll do 100% of my shoe shopping through them.