Jean, have you tried having them stretched in the area they are rubbing? I have had this same problem with shoes--rubbing in just one spot, otherwise they are comfortable, and the stretching really helped. I know you love these boots, so I would try that first and see if it does the trick.

I believe Nordstom's will give you plenty of time to break the boots in. Their customer service is so good, I'm quite sure you could wear the boots for several months or longer, and if still not satisfied, take them back for a refund.
As far as bunions, I thought they were caused from pointy shoes squeezing the toes together. I could be wriong though.
Maybe you should try the men's size boots for a little extra width. We used to wear men's shoes all the time back in the day. Or possibly have Nordstom's put the boots on the stretcher for the toe area.
I like the Frye style on you and hope you can find a solution to the problem.

Bunions aren't caused by shoes. You need a pre-existing mechanical defect in your feet. Bad shoes just speed up the process if you already have such a defect. You guys all know I don't wear pointy toes and high heels, and I have worn sneakers most of my life, up until I was about 19 or 20. Yet I still have bunions on both feet (I got them removed on one though), because I overpronate a lot. I guess if you wear 4" heels and pointy toes every day, even with perfect feet, it can cause some disfigurement...but most women I know of alternate between flats, low heels, high heels, and different toe shapes. Anyway, I would not worry about bunions, especially if there is enough room in the toe box.

I agree with Ana that stretching is the way to go. Nordies can probably even stretch them for you, and yes, it can be done in just one spot.

Jean, I agree that maybe you need to have them stretched. I do have these boots and they are super comfortable. I know Nordies will do the right thing by you and I would bet that if they still don't work after being stretched, they'll take them back if you need to.

I agree with San -- Nordstrom is awesome and if you try to wear the boots and you absolutely can't make them work, Nordstrom will take them back. I've done it before, and it's embarrassing, but the managers at Nordies are really understanding. Even if the shoes look a little worn, and you explain your predicament, Nordstrom will take care of you.

So I think stretching and trying to break them in are your best bet. If that doesn't work, you can take them back!

Sorry the Target ones didn't work out for you! But don't give up on the Fryes quite yet, Jean. Many types of Frye boots take awhile to break in, and that break-in period can be painful, but once they're broken in the boots will be comfy.

Jean, I just want to echo the other comments saying to get them stretched! I've done this with several shoes now and it works like a charm.

I tried on the Target copies too. WOW. I am truly impressed that there are lasses on this forum who can wear shoes at that level of comfort. That really opens up your shoe possibilities. I must have really, REALLY fussy feet. It’s not a blessing :0(.

Jean, have you tried going up a size and popping in insets to cushion the extra room? Boots do need to be worn in a little more than shoes in my experience.

Also, everything about Nordies is 100% true. I have a client road testing 6 pairs of their expensive shoes and boots as she walks to the bus stop each day. If they don’t work , she can return them no problem. It does not get any better than that as far as customer service on footwear goes.

Thanks everyone.
An update- They seem better.
Angie, I did go up a size already when I ordered them the first and have popped in my inserts. I wore them all day yesterday and they were not bad, not perfect but did not rub anything too much. I love them and hope that they will get more comfortable as I wear them. Maya, thanks for the bunion info, I was concerned but from what you say I shouldn't.
I am amazed that Nordstrom will do that, I do not know any store that will let you take back boots after wearing. I think I will wear them more and see how it goes. They are such a statement boot and work with so much of my wardrobe, I am thinking of keeping and hoping for more comfort as I wear therm.

Aha! Good news, Jean. Feel free to ask Nordies to soften them up for you too.