Are Frye Melissa laceups considered riding boots? (problem solved)

I wore my tall black riding boots only once or twice last winter. They are close to being dead anyway (probably 5 years old) and are no longer super comfortable, which contributed to the non-wearing, but I did not really miss them. I'm not sure I'm going to replace them at all. They're a bit too classic for me. I personally can't imagine an outfit that would go with riding boots but not the Melissas, but I guess it depends on what type of look you are going for.

For other knee-high boots, I have: cognac Miz mooz laceups, flat black UWP-ish laceups (definitely NOT classic riding boots), tall gunmetal grey patent heeled boots with some straps and subtle studs, and really weird silver/black giraffe-ish print flat boots. I also have a bunch of mid-calf boots, including 3 black pairs, so it's not like I have no black boots. =P Anyway, these pretty much covered all my bases last winter.

ETA: Oops, I didn't actually answer your question. I would say no, they're not riding boots, but I don't think you need riding boots.

13 years ago

jayne

Veteran

some riding boots do have laces although the lace starts higher on the shoe near the ankle and not so far down as these. I would take them if you love them...unless you must have a riding boot a gorgeous laced tall black boot should do in most situations.

13 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I wouldn't consider them riding boots. But they may also fill the same hole.

13 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

Hmm, thanks for the verdict. Laceups != riding boots.

I think there is no outfit where I can wear laceups that couldn't be replaced by riding boots. The real issue as Diana mentioned is whether there would ever be an outfit where I couldn't wear laceups because I need the sleeker look of a riding boot.

Or rather, new question: Are the Melissa's polished? I have RATE knee high flat boots. But I don't have a pair of black or black substitute polished knee high flat boots.

Also, it is entirely possible I will never find a tall flat black riding boot that fits my ankles and my calves and goes over jeans and over bare legs. Lace up boots take care of all those fitting issues.

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

My flat lace-ups filly my "riding boot" hole as well. I had exactly your same issues - calf, ankle, the whole shebang. I tried on sooooo many boots, and the laces were the only answer in my case.

I think the Melissas are definitely polished in black. Natalie has them and wears them to the office. Mine are RATE, but only because they're super beat up.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....this-style

13 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Yes! Like Rae I have narrow calves and ankles. And my Melissa lace-ups ARE my flat riding boots. All of the other ones I tried without laces were too wide. You are right, the lace-ups are so versatile because you get a custom fit over bare legs, jeans, etc. I bought them in black and brown, but I'd say the black ones look slightly more polished. I don't have a speck of RATE in my style so I'd say, yes the Melissa lace-ups are definitely polished. I wear mine to work all the time! Go for it, you won't regret it!

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

13 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

Thank you Diana, Jayne, Anna, Rae and Natalie!

The decision is clear. The Melissas are staying.

I'm never going to do better than this in terms of lower leg fit and quality. Plus, I've already had a moment where I didn't wear an outfit because it needed a polished knee high boot to finish it off!

13 years ago

Category